A Dream Realized: Restoring Ernemont Castle

Ten years ago, Odile and Olivier Ehret, leaving behind their Parisian lives, acquired the sprawling 1.4-hectare Ernemont-sur-Buchy domain. This included a walled estate, barn, stables, a substantial orchard, a cider press, and a deep well with a charming half-timbered shelter. The centerpiece of this acquisition was the castle itself, initially built in April 1775 for François Barthelemy de Saint-Ouen, a King’s squire.

Despite the building’s disrepair, the Ehrets embarked on a years-long restoration project, transforming it into their year-round residence and fulfilling a long-held dream.”We all live there as in a phalanstery dedicated to art. This castle is a case,” explains Odile, referencing the utopian communities envisioned by Jean-Jacques Rousseau.

A Festivity of History: The 250th Anniversary Events

In collaboration with the association Les Amis d’Ernemont, chaired by Édith Léon, the Ehrets are commemorating the castle’s 250th anniversary with a series of historically themed performances. Two events are already planned, promising a vibrant glimpse into the past.

Sophie Arnould: A vocal Performance

The celebrations begin on Sunday, April 27th, at 5:30 PM with a vocal performance titled Sophie Arnould, the greatest singer of her time. The performance is by a company specializing in past shows, and will be staged with a harpsichord.

Sophie arnould’s story is one of remarkable ascent. Discovered in a convent,she rose to become a star performer for Marie Antoinette at Versailles. Born into a bourgeois family, she defied convention, living as a free woman and narrowly escaping the guillotine during the French Revolution.Her life mirrors the turbulent times of 18th-century France, a period marked by both opulence and upheaval. Today, historical dramas and documentaries continue to captivate audiences, reflecting a growing interest in understanding the complexities of this era. Such as, the popularity of shows like Versailles on streaming platforms demonstrates the enduring appeal of stories set against the backdrop of French royalty and revolution.

Actress and singer Malvina Verschaeve will immerse the audience in the 18th century, performing opera tunes and popular songs, many of which have evolved into well-known nursery rhymes. Between each piece, myself and the actor Gilbert Pérez will interpret sketches on the word games whose singer was very fond of, explains Dominique Pérez, actress and artistic director, adding an element of wit and humor to the performance.

Chopin‘s Echoes: A Piano Concert with Roustem Savokovlov

Odile Ehret, a lifelong admirer of Chopin, has invited the acclaimed pianist Roustem Savokovlov to perform on Saturday, May 24th, at 5:30 PM. Savokovlov, a Russian prodigy who has been residing in France since 1994, will present a unique concert featuring the twenty-four Opus 28 and four ballads. Ehret expresses her profound admiration for the pianist, stating, In my life, there was before and after Roustem [rires].

Classical music concerts continue to draw significant audiences worldwide.According to a recent report by the League of American Orchestras, attendance at classical music performances has seen a steady increase in recent years, particularly among younger demographics. This suggests a renewed appreciation for the timeless beauty and emotional depth of classical compositions.

Event Details

Sophie Arnould, the greatest singer of her time: Sunday, April 27th, at 5:30 PM, at the Château d’Ernemont-sur-Buchy. Tickets: 15 euros / 12 euros (members of the association Les Amis d’Ernemont). Reservations: [email protected] – 06 08 55 86 49.

Roustem Savokovlov Concert: Saturday,May 24th,at 5:30 PM,at the Château d’ernemont-sur-Buchy. Tickets: 25 euros / 15 euros (members of the association Les Amis d’Ernemont). Reservations: [email protected] – 06 08 55 86 49.