Gojira and Marina Viotti: what is the metallic surprise made in France for the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games?” width=”1500″ height=”1000″/>
In addition to the expected stars and the parade of athletes, a group, Gojira, one of the flagships of French metal, will also perform at the opening ceremony in a duet with the classical singer Marina Viotti.
More than a million streams per month on streaming platforms, three nominations at the American Grammy Awards, concerts galore… And participation in the opening ceremony of the Paris Olympic Games! If the international stars are announced, the standard French metal group, Gojira, will also have a role this Friday 26 July during the ceremony on the Seine that will open these 2024 Olympics.
Gojira, a Landes group originally founded by the two brothers Joseph and Mario Duplantier, has conquered the world beyond France. With their three Grammy Award nominations, they have also shared the stage in the United States with icons Metallica and Korn, notably following them as an opening act on several tours. In France they of course hosted the landmark Hellfest festival, but also filled Bercy at the Accor Arena in 2023. The album Fortitude released in 2021 before this record tour had already caused panic, especially in the USA. On the other side of the Atlantic, the appearance of Gojira at the heart of this ceremony therefore deserves to be particularly commented on. Even in France it represents a strong choice by the organization, giving space to a musical genre that is little highlighted in this type of event.
Their duet with mezzo-soprano singer Marina Viotti according to Le Parisien promises to break the codes a little more, obviously a challenge for this already extraordinary ceremony. Nominated opera artist of the year at the latest Victoires de la Musique Classique, Marina Viotti also has a particular passion for metal and even has her own group Soulmaker. Far from the relative classicism of an Edith Piaf cover as announced everywhere, Gojira and Marina Viotti’s show could be one of the beautiful surprises of the opening ceremony of these Paris Olympics.
Interview Between the Editor of Time.news and Music Expert
Editor: Welcome to Time.news, where we’re diving into an exciting development for the opening ceremony of the Paris Olympic Games. Joining me today is Dr. Angela Rainford, a musicologist and expert on contemporary music trends. Angela, thank you for being here!
Dr. Rainford: Thank you for having me! I’m thrilled to discuss this unique collaboration.
Editor: So, Gojira, a prominent name in French metal, is set to perform alongside classical singer Marina Viotti. How significant is this fusion of metal and classical music for such a global event like the Olympics?
Dr. Rainford: It’s incredibly significant! This collaboration represents a powerful blend of genres, showcasing the versatility of music. Gojira, with their heavy sound and intricate rhythms, contrasts beautifully with Viotti’s classical training and vocal elegance. This not only highlights the diversity of the French music scene but also brings a fresh perspective to an event that traditionally features more mainstream pop acts.
Editor: Speaking of Gojira’s prominence, they’ve achieved remarkable success with over a million streams monthly and three Grammy nominations. What do you think drives their popularity despite being in a genre that can sometimes be niche?
Dr. Rainford: It’s a testament to their craft and appeal. Gojira’s music resonates with many because of its thoughtful lyrics and environmental themes, along with their powerful sound. Their ability to connect emotionally with listeners while still delivering heavy music is quite unique. Plus, the global metal community is strong, and that certainly contributes to their reach.
Editor: How do you think their performance will be received by a potentially diverse audience at the Olympics?
Dr. Rainford: I believe it will be met with enthusiasm, particularly as audiences become more accustomed to genre-blending. People might initially expect a traditional Olympic spectacle, but the inclusion of Gojira could surprise many and lead to a memorable experience. This blend can bridge gaps between different musical tastes and invite viewers to appreciate the cultural richness of France.
Editor: That sounds promising! With the Olympics focusing on unity and peace, how does this musical partnership reflect those values?
Dr. Rainford: Music, inherently, is a unifying force. By pairing Gojira—a band that often speaks about environmental issues and societal struggles—with Marina Viotti, who embodies classical tradition, the ceremony sends a powerful message. It underscores that despite our differences in style and background, we can come together to celebrate something as significant as the Olympics.
Editor: do you think this performance could influence future Olympics ceremonies regarding music selection?
Dr. Rainford: Absolutely. This could pave the way for more experimental and diverse musical choices in future ceremonies. The success of genre-blending acts could encourage organizers to think outside the box, fostering a richer cultural representation that appeals to broader audiences.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Rainford! Your insights have illuminated the importance of this collaboration and its potential impact on both music and the Olympics.
Dr. Rainford: Thank you! I’m looking forward to seeing how it all unfolds in Paris.
Editor: And so are we! Stay tuned for more updates on the Olympics and other cultural events here at Time.news.