Pianist Sung Chang and violinist Jessica Guideri sing the praises of Francois Chouchan’s concert series
At most classical concerts — even after thunderous demand for encores — the musicians go in one direction and the audience goes home.
“After the concerts, the musicians talk with the audience,” he said. “We have a glass of Champagne and talk about the music. I like it!” “The pre-concert talk is even done differently,” said Guideri, who has been Santa Barbara Symphony’s concertmaster since 2015. “The talk is part of the concert, which is an interesting distinction. Then we have the concert itself and afterwards the opportunity for musicians and audience to interact. I love that part.”
Le Salon de Musiques founder Francois Chouchan moved his concert series from Los Angeles to San Diego last year.For the past 12 years, Chouchan has relied on dedicated musicians to play at Le Salon concerts, even after the move from L.A. Pianist Chang, cofounder and codirector of the Los Angeles Ensemble, feels the same way, adding that the interaction among the musicians is another draw.