the french festival of music and merry-making is now firm on the annual social calender
France’s biggest street music party has arrived at the Sofitel Kuala Lumpur in Damansara. Started in 1982 and celebrated on 21 June annually in France, Sofitel KL hosted its inaugural Fête de la Musique together with its sister properties worldwide, celebrating the summer solstice event with music and merry-making accompanied by champagnes, wines, cheeses and all the rest and best of France.
A tradition of Sofitel, the fête was held at French-Mediterranean restaurant Nizza overlooking Damansara City in a semi-alfresco setting. The evening began with cello and violin repertoires as well as soulful opera performances of Claude Debussy’s libretto, performed by music students from the Malaysian Institute of Art who wowed the crowd with their powerful renditions.
All the while, guests mingle amidst a soiree of stations serving freshly shucked oysters, bouillabaisse with lobster ravioli, barboton d’agneau lamb shoulder stew and truffle risotto. Fromage specially selected by cheese craftsman Jean-Yves Bordier like Comté, Reblochon, Timanoix, Livarot and Tome de Rhuys were on display next to a charcuterie board, freshly-baked artisan breads, and a delectable dessert spread crowned at the centre with a macaron tower.
As the night fell, DJ French Chris who opened for David Guetta and Bob Sinclar in the past, kicked the atmosphere up a notch with his mix of electro-house. The contrast of Veuve Clicquot flutes against blue Mediterranean tiles and curved terracota ceilings lend the fête an Ibiza party feel, while cocktails, beers and wines like Les Templiers Chardonnay and Château Pey La Tour Bordeaux were served toute la nuit. The Fête de la Musique promises to be bigger and better next year, so mark your calendars for June 2019, because it’s going to be nothing short of magnifique.
