Direction

The festival is staged by L’Association Musique Cordiale, which is a French organization (loi 1901), whose object is to encourage cultural exchange within Europe and internationally for the promotion of the study and performance of music and song. Its elected Conseil d’Administration is responsible for its management and strategy. The association is to be supported by a UK non-profit body, The Musique-Cordiale Trust, which will promote  high quality music and arts performances and the education of talented musicians from all over Europe. The English Trust is to be managed by its own Trustees.

The Artistic Director of the International Festival is Pippa Pawlik , who studied the violin at the Royal College of Music in London and played professionally in London and Switzerland.  She then became involved in the promoting of music, working with record companies, international orchestras, festivals and artists from all over the world.

Pippa now mainly lives in London, keeping strong ties with Zurich for her work with the Tonhalle Orchestra Zurich and the conductor, David Zinman.  She spends as much time as possible in France, where Musique Cordiale has become one of the significant events in the life of Seillans and its neighbouring towns and villages.

She has a daughter, a son and a grand-daughter.  Aside from international media relations, she also offers musicians career guidance and inspiration, brainstorming strategies. She sees music as a means of bringing people together -  ‘Bringing music to life’.

Pippa is supported by members of the Conseil d’administration, including its Treasurer & Secretary (who also sings in the choir), and by many other people who give their time or money to make the festival a success. A vital element in this has been generous support from the Mayor & Municipality of Seillans. The quality of the programme of music is ensured by the two conductors, Graham Ross and David Bates, this year and by the professional musicians who contribute their time and commitment.