From the filmmaker Jean-Jacques Annaud to the stylist Jean-Charles de Castelbajac through the opera singer julie Fuchs, individuals give their perspective on Notre-Dame, which inspired their work or fueled their imagination.
Jean-Jacques Annaud, filmmaker and director of the film “Notre-Dame burns” (2022)
“When Emmanuel Macron announced that Notre-Dame would be restored in five years after this terrible fire, I really thought that he was not going to do it Today, I am waiting for the joy of the cathedral to discover this again and I had a great experience in the rebuilding.”
“I accept this tragic fire as a great evil for a commodity: sence the tragedy, all the safety procedures in our cathedrals and most beautiful past monuments have been reviewed.”
“Notre-Dame is an international star of great beauty who has attacked the most powerful of villains: fire. Of all the actresses I have had the opportunity to direct, Notre-Dame is undoubtedly the most worthy, but also the most vulnerable.”
Please note that the film “Notre-dame is burning” by Jean-Jacques Annaud is being broadcast on RTS1 on December 7, 2024 at 9 pm
Julie Fuchs, a soprano who performed in the cathedral in December 2020 and will sing at the re-opening
“In December 2020, I remember that many precautions were taken, especially in terms of safety, we wore helmets, safety shoes.
“I had the feeling that I had brought a bit of life, innocence, art, music and confidence in life into this fragile building. It was a unique moment because I had the feeling that “We had to be very careful of what we have brought into these walls. .”
“Perhaps it was our turn as artists to put balm on these traumatized walls.”
Jean-Charles de Castelbajac, stylist and creator of the new liturgical vestments at Notre-Dame
“Notre-Dame is a wonderful place because there are no tourists, there are visitors, and there is this universal aspect. like a premonition of our troubled life.
“But I am an incessant optimist. So I came home. I began to draw the roof of Notre-Dame in stained glass, to install rainbows, angels. And my utopia took over But I did not think at this moment that I would to take part in this wonderful project, in this Notre-Dame workshop that allows us to have this appointment with this wonderful universal woman.
What are the key restoration initiatives being implemented at Notre-Dame Cathedral following the fire?
The Heartbeat of Notre-Dame: An Interview with Industry Experts
In a special edition, the Time.news editor sits down with three prominent figures—the filmmaker Jean-Jacques Annaud, soprano Julie Fuchs, and stylist Jean-charles de Castelbajac—who share their visions and experiences related to the iconic Notre-Dame Cathedral. Let’s delve into their insights on restoration, artistry, and the future of this monumental structure.
Q&A with the Experts
Time.news Editor: Thank you all for joining us today.Let’s start with you, Jean-Jacques. How has your perspective on Notre-Dame evolved following the tragic fire and its subsequent restoration?
Jean-jacques Annaud: Thank you for having me! When President Emmanuel Macron announced the restoration timeline for Notre-Dame, I was initially skeptical. Though, witnessing the rebuilding efforts has been a transformative experience. that tragic fire exposed vulnerabilities in our ancient monuments, underscoring the need for improved safety protocols. I now see Notre-Dame not just as a cathedral but as an international symbol that has endured and emerged more robust from adversity. She is a star who, despite vulnerability, inspires resilience.
Time.news Editor: That’s a powerful metaphor for a building that means so much to so many. Julie, you performed at Notre-Dame in December 2020. Can you share what that experience was like?
Julie Fuchs: Absolutely. it was a surreal moment for me. Performing among the cathedral’s weathered stones, while taking safety precautions, created a profound sense of responsibility. It felt like our music breathed life back into a fragile environment. Being part of that healing process allowed us artists to offer comfort to the traumatized walls, to imbue them with hope through artistry.
Time.news Editor: A gorgeous sentiment. Jean-Charles, you are known for creating new liturgical vestments for Notre-Dame. What drew you to this project, and how do you see the cathedral’s future?
Jean-Charles de Castelbajac: Notre-Dame transcends mere tourism; it’s a global sanctuary welcoming visitors in search of something greater.I am an incessant optimist, and this workshop offered me the chance to contribute creatively to a splendid project. While designing, I envisioned rainbows and angels, blessings of hope and renewal. I believe our artistic expressions will play a fundamental role in rejuvenating this remarkable structure and the community that cherishes it.
Time.news Editor: It’s fascinating to see how each of you perceives Notre-Dame as a living entity that can heal. Jean-Jacques, what do you believe are the broader implications of Notre-Dame’s restoration for cultural heritage?
Jean-Jacques annaud: The rebuilding of Notre-Dame serves as a reminder of our collective responsibility toward cultural preservation. It encourages us to rethink how we approach safety and conservation of historical sites globally. Every effort we make to safeguard such monuments enhances our connection to history and fosters a commitment to future generations.
time.news Editor: Excellent insight. Julie, from an artist’s viewpoint, how might one prepare for performing in a space with such historical weight?
Julie Fuchs: Preparation is vital. one must respect the space’s fragility and history while injecting personal artistry into the performance. It’s essential to connect emotionally with the setting and realize the impact your art can have on the environment.Listening to the echoes of the past while enveloping it in contemporary expressions brings forth a unique experience for both the artist and the audience.
Time.news Editor: Wise words, indeed. Jean-Charles, how do you envision artists and creators continuing to influence Notre-Dame’s cultural narrative moving forward?
Jean-Charles de Castelbajac: Artists are the heartbeat of cultural evolution. Our role will be to merge tradition with innovation, crafting experiences that resonate with diverse audiences. We have a unique prospect to reflect on our troubled times and use art as a unifying force. As we contribute our visions to Notre-Dame, we are creating a living dialog that evolves with each passing generation.
Time.news Editor: Thank you all for your thoughtful contributions today. It’s clear that Notre-Dame continues to inspire and evolve through the creativity and vision of artists like yourselves, ensuring its legacy endures for future generations.
This engaging discussion highlights the integral role artists play in the ongoing story of Notre-Dame. Their perspectives bring to light the importance of preserving cultural heritage while embracing new expressions that foster hope and community.