“A touch of the Orient right here in the heart of Paris?” you might ask, eyebrows raised in disbelief. But it’s true! Avenue de Villiers, a street steeped in history and elegance, holds a secret tucked away at number 53. This grand mansion once belonged to the celebrated Hungarian painter Mihály Munkácsy and his wife, Baroness Anne-Marie Cécile Papier de Marches. Now, here’s where the “Orient” comes in. The Munkácsys were known for their lavish gatherings, frequented by a who’s who of the Parisian elite, including a certain Hungarian composer by the name of Franz Liszt. Liszt, a musical virtuoso with a penchant for exotic melodies, found himself drawn to the rhythmic allure of Roma music. It’s not a stretch to imagine strains of this vibrant music, infused with Hungarian folk traditions, echoing through the elegant salons of number 53, captivating the Parisian elite gathered there on Avenue de Villiers.
Центральный дом работников искусств
Step through the grand wooden doors of the Central House of the Workers of Art, and you’ll be transported to