- April 30, 2024
- Theatre in Paris exclusives
- Clara Palas and Niamh Daly
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Translated by Niamh Daly
An Introduction to the Candlelight Concerts at the Saint-Ephrem Church in Paris
Tucked way amidst the quaint and crooked roads of Paris’s charming Latin Quarter, the Saint-Ephrem Church, home to a candlelight concert series in Paris, is a little-known gem of the French capital. Its rich history and awe-inspiring architecture have rendered it a cult favourite amongst Parisians and tourists alike, but foremost it remains a sacred space that is perfectly conducive to inward reflection and contemplation. Since its creation in the 17th century, the walls of the Saint-Ephrem Church have bore witness to a host of iconic historical events across the ages, all whilst preserving its unique character and deep spiritual energy. Is your interest piqued? Read on to discover how you, too, can be privy to this sacred space at its most intimate…!
The Saint-Ephrem Church in Paris — A Brief History
Today, the Saint-Ephrem Church stands on the site of the old “Collège des Lombards”, founded in 1334 before becoming the “Collège des Irlandais” in 1677. Its original purpose was to train missionaries for the French conversion of England, but was closed during the 1789 Revolution, and was given to the Irish in 1815. It was subsequently purchased by the Paris Mairie, and since 1925 has been attributed to the Syriac Catholic Mission, making it the church we know and love today.
The liturgy celebrated in this church is that of Jerusalem-Antioch, established at the beginning of the 6th century in the Aramaic-Syriac language. This has directly influenced the layout of the Saint-Ephrem Church, wherein the nave and choir are separated by a carved wooden chancel and closed by a curtain. Its design is indicative of exemplar architectural skills, and truly set the Saint-Ephrem apart from the other churches on offer throughout Paris.
What kind of music is played during the Candlelight Concert Series?
Playing year-round, listen to the most beloved scores of Beethoven, Bach, Chopin, Liszt, or Rachmaninoff as played by the talented fingers of young pianists from the Conservatoire National Supérieur de Musique de Paris – an internationally acclaimed institution in the field of music. This unmissable experience is only elevated by the intimacy of its setting, burrowed silently within the beating heart of Paris, in a historically rich venue that glows with candlelight. Experience the beauty of some of the greatest composers' scores in the glorious hall of the Saint-Ephrem Church, accompanied by the dancing glow of candles, creating a transcendent atmosphere not to be missed!
See the programme for each concert of the Candlelight Concert Series on our show page by clicking the button below!
How do I get to the Saint-Ephrem Church in Paris?
The Saint-Ephrem has myriad secrets in store for you, including a stunning series of classical concerts played by candlelight… you won’t want to miss out on this one-of-a-kind experience, tucked away within Paris’ beating heart! For your convenience, below you will find some travel options to ensure you find the Candlelight Concerts at Saint-Ephrem Church with ease.
The Saint-Ephrem Church in Paris is accessible by: Metro lines: The Saint-Ephrem Church is accessible by the Metro line 10 and 7, until the stations Maubert-Mutualité or Jussieu. RER: The Saint-Ephrem Church is accessible by the RER B until the station Luxembourg. Bus lines:The Saint-Ephrem Church is accessible by bus lines 38, 47, 63, 72, 84, and 86, until the following stops: Collège de France, Maubert-Mutualité, Panthéon, and Lycée Henri IV.
Similar shows that might interest you
Paris, the realm of opera and dance, is far from being a recent development. Instead, it boasts a rich and storied history that endures to this day. From intimate classical recitals celebrating Chopin’s impeccable corpus, to vast and awe-inspiring orchestras covering entire centuries of musical greatness, Paris takes immense pride in its ongoing celebration of both classical and contemporary live music.
- • Sainte-Chapelle Concert Series — stunning classical concerts in Paris’s grand yet intimate Sainte-Chapelle, close to Île-de-la-Cité, an island in the centre of Paris. (All year round)
- • La Madeleine Church Concert Series — classical concerts at La Madeleine Church, a sacred space imbued with musical history. (All year round)
- • Piano Passion Concerts — classical piano concerts at Saint-Julien-le-Pauvre Church, a Greek-Melkite-Catholic church abundant in medieval history. (All year round)
- • Grand Concert by Radio Classique — for two exceptional dates at the Théâtre des Champs-Élysées in Paris. (July 4th and 5th exclusively, 2024)
CLASSICAL CONCERTS
JAZZ CONCERTS
No matter if you choose to see a candlelight concert in Paris or some other genre of show, you’re sure to make memories! If you didn’t find exactly what you were looking for, be sure to check out our website to see all the genres of shows that are accessible to English speakers and more!
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