Pierre Boulez, the late composer and conductor who ushered in a new era of classical in the latter-half of the 20th century, will receive an honorable funeral service at the Church of Saint-Sulpice in Paris. The service will be held on Thursday, Jan. 14 at 4 p.m. and will be considered a strictly private event.
While the last week has been an unfortunate moment for music, Boulez was neo-classical's shining star. The Boulez-headed Philharmonie de Paris confirmed his death with France's prime minister, Manuel Valls, commenting on Twitter, translated from French, "Audacity, innovation, creativity - that is what Pierre Boulez was for French music, which he helped shine everywhere in the world,"
In the days after the announcement hit headlines, Boulez's family and loved ones have been able to provide a statement regarding the funeral service for the late composer. The Hommage will take place later this week at the famous and mesmerizing Saint-Sulpice church in Paris, France.
The Saint-Sulpice church is a Late Baroque era parish church located in the redundantly named town of Saint-Sulpice. However, you might be more familiar with the church as it played a prominent role in the novel The Da Vinci Code.
With construction dating back as early as 1646, completion of the church happened nearly a century later in 1745, when the church was deemed mostly complete.
A fitting venue for the remains of Mr. Boulez, the family has decided that the service is strictly private.
Pierre Boulez was a figurehead in 20th century classical music and had a career that spanned from the post-World War II avant-garde movement to the computer age.
He's been reckoned as one of France's, as well as the world's, leading composers in terms of iconoclasm and influence.
Again, our condolences and thoughts are with Mr. Boulez's family and loved ones during this trying time.
