Mozart continues to rock

I did not quite know what to expect when it comes to rock concerts in France, but I was certainly interested to find out what makes French music fans tick. In fact, Mozart L'Opera Rock is a rock opera with a storyline created around the musical genius, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.

Music, love and humour are the main ingredients of this show which is played in two acts. The lavish production combines the ornate world of the late 18th century with the rock music and curious hairstyles of the modern era. Fifty or so artists, singers, dancers and musicians, all in period costume, make their entrance on the stage at the Palais Omnisport de Paris Bercy. Quite a theatrical extravaganza that sets out to dazzle.

Since Mozart L'Opera Rock premiered in 2009, its success has been phenomenal. I think much of it has to do with the effective marketing of the music, the characters and the show through facebook, twitter, and youtube, as well as the mass media like Music TV and podcast.

As one would expect, the music features a fresh updated score that is based on Mozart's thematic material from several of his more famous pieces, plus pop-rock compositions that would appeal to a young audience. The first single album, released almost one year before the show had its premiere, made it to number one on the French charts for seven weeks. Hits after hits the songs stayed in the top five positions for nine consecutive months. By making music video part of their publicity campaign, the exposure the show receives from the airtime on music TV and the internet is immeasurable. And that is clever marketing.

Of course, this is all perfectly crafted for professional entertainment and the making of a blockbuster. Personally, I was not impressed with the lack of any noteworthy vocal skills, except for the diva who was the only person with a voice in the live performance. The lighting and stage designs are glittering. The brilliant choreography is a spectacle to watch. The good-looking cast is definitely a pull.

Perhaps more amusing and thought-provoking was what happened off the stage - it was hard to miss a score of elated teenage fans dressing up in their fancy garb of the 18th-century. The fascination and identification with pop idols and celebrities all over the world are reshaping our society and values in more ways than we care to acknowledge.