Inclusion in artistic creation: a look back at a panel discussion evening at the Mairie de Paris Centre

Oct 5

3 min read

On Monday 28 September, the Mairie de Paris Centre hosted the concert-debate "Inclusion in culture and artistic creation". In front of a full and highly attentive audience, Talents & Violon'celles shared its vision and experience alongside engaged artists, scientists and cultural key players.

The event was warmly introduced by Benoïte Lardy, Deputy Mayor of Paris Centre with responsibility for cultural events and disability, as well as Azadeh Akrami-Castanon, Deputy Mayor of Paris in charge of accessibility, inclusion and persons with disabilities. Both recalled the importance of making culture an area that is fully accessible to all.

A top-tier recital with the Duo Kandinsky

The evening began with a suspended musical moment delivered by the Duo Kandinsky, bringing together cellist Soni Siecinski and pianist Étienne Caron. The duo performed a demanding and brilliant programme:

Gabriel Fauré — Cello Sonata No. 2 in G minor, Op. 117
Richard Strauss — Cello Sonata in F major, Op. 6
Antonín Dvořák — Silent Woods (Klid), Op. 68 No. 5
Sergei Rachmaninoff — Vocalise, Op. 34 No. 14

Soni Siecinski played on his "left-handed cello", a bespoke instrument crafted for him in 2019 at the Festival de La Grange de Meslay by a collective of five luthiers brought together at the initiative of Talents & Violon'celles.

Breaking down barriers: testimony from Talents & Violon'celles

During the panel discussion, François-Xavier Anscutter, Chairman of Talents & Violon’celles, recalled the core purpose and social mission of our endowment fund: removing the financial barrier that prevents access to fine instruments, while also lifting all other obstacles, including those related to disability.

By retracing Soni's journey — from his training at the CRR de Paris to his admission to the CNSMDP and his ongoing research projects on a new bow prosthesis with the CERAH —, François-Xavier Anscutter illustrated how tailored technical and human support can transform an artistic path.

Soni also took the floor with great dynamism and optimism to share his story and the challenges he has overcome, calling for a more structured support system for musicians with disabilities, akin to what exists in the sporting world.

Adapting movement and comprehensive accessibility

The debate was enriched by inspiring medical and institutional perspectives:

Dr Didier Pierron, a neurosurgeon specialising in the link between music and disability, gave a captivating presentation supported by a video on brain plasticity and the brain's adaptation mechanisms. He notably cited the famous example of guitarist Django Reinhardt, who reinvented his playing technique following an accident. The lingering effects of the burns to his left hand forced him to find a new technique and play in a truly distinctive style.
Sarah Ménager, Project Manager and Relations with Associative Audiences at Le Carreau du Temple, detailed the concrete measures deployed in her venue to welcome all audiences. She notably mentioned the use of haptic vests (allowing deaf or hard-of-hearing audience members to feel the music through vibrations) and the Souffleurs d'Images service to guide visually impaired spectators.

Engaging exchanges

The evening concluded with lively discussions with a deeply involved audience, rich in personal testimonies and shared experiences, before continuing over a friendly drinks reception.

For Talents & Violon'celles, this gathering confirms a fundamental conviction: by adapting tools and breaking down barriers, every talent can find their path and flourish at the highest level.