Let’s save the house of Georges Bizet in Bougival!

The French composer Georges Bizet was most famously known for Carmen in 1874, a work that is one of today’s most famous operas performed around the world. The European Centre of Music (CEM), a project designed by Jorge Chaminé has set up a fundraising scheme, to raise money for the buying and restoration of his house in Bougival, just outside Paris.

Close to the previous home of Georges Bizet, are those of the famous singer Pauline Viardot (1821-1910), Russian writer Ivan Turgenev (1818-1883) and painter Berthe Morisot (1841-1895). It is set in the beautiful countryside, an area greatly explored by the Impressionists.

After the conservation of these grounds, the aim is to create a new space for a visitor center and a multifunction concert hall. The aim of the project is to conserve the homes and grounds of well-known 19^th century romanticists in Bougival and retain the cultural and historical importance of the site. Furthermore, CEM is also a musical academy welcoming young artists therefore within their new space they will offer concerts, public master classes and conferences.

Also involved is Placido Domingo is the president of Europe Nostra association which is a citizen movement created to safeguard Europe’s cultural and natural heritage and whom will be working within this project. Working alongside him is the mayor of Bougival, Luc Wattelle, who is committed to defending the towns ‘treasure’ and Teresa Berganza the president of Les Amis de Georges Bizet association founded in 2000, dedicated to preserving the memory of Georges Bizet and to the promotion of his little-known works.

Their online platform for donations is open to public and those who donate will be offered privileges and surprises in addition to having their name engraved on one of the walls of the house.