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Experimental Music

Question
I started subscribing to Francofile when I found out due to my wife´s work, we are going to re-locate to le Mans France. Quite a move from the North of England. My wife is French, so it is not the greatest of upheaval for her ( although she has lived in England with me for the last 10 years). Me on the other hand, cannot speak a great deal of French and I am completely petrified! I am an artist and a musician and realize that France is so rich in art and culture, but where can I fit in to that system? Do you know of anyone in the area I am going to move to, that wouldn´t mind a chat so I could find out a little of the area and perhaps guide me in the right direction ( some do´s and don´ts?) I know that Le Mans is only 1 hour away from Paris on the T.G.V. and realize that maybe some of the opportunities workwise for me could be in Paris. Do you know anyone that is interested in experimental/improvised music? Paul

Answer
Dear Paul,

Moving to Le Mans? Start crying... Naw, just kidding. I think you´ll enjoy being in a smaller French city, where people may have more time for you and the pace comes closer to the one you´re used to. If you were a Londoner and freaked out when removed from an environment that didn´t enjoy 700 persons per square meter, I´d be worried. But Le Mans has enough. Regarding experimental music, though, I´d get myself acquainted with IRCAM in Paris, one of the world´s most progressive research institutes for contemporary experimental music. Located right next to the Pompidou Center. 1 Place Igor Stravinsky 75004 PARIS. TEL: 01.44.78.12.33. (Love that address!).

Treat yourself to a monthly pilgrimage from Le Mans to Paris with a concert at IRCAM, and you´ll end up loving both cities. I hope.

DA