At the Grandval salon

Born into the aristocracy, Clémence de Grandval first made a name for herself in the Parisian salons, which attracted high society and the intellectual elite. A singer and pianist, she would perform her own compositions at these gatherings, including her mélodies and piano pieces, as well as works such as her Violin Sonata, Op. 8, premiered at the home of Achille Gouffé in spring 1852. She was also able to capitalise on the reputation of her parents’ stately home. Although we tend to associate the salons with the Ancien Régime, they continued to flourish until the early twentieth century. Reynaldo Hahn followed a similar path to Clémence de Grandval: his success in the salons subsequently gained him access to the opera stage.

Concert followed by a cocktail.