Vol. 13.01 News From January 2013 A free monthly review of French news & trends French, German Embassies Celebrate EU Milestone

The French embassy in Washington, Youth Office and the creation of Franco- D.C., played host on January 10 to over German high schools on each side of the 160 employees from the city’s French and two nations’ common border. The docu- German diplomatic offices to celebrate the ment would pave the way to the unprec- 50th anniversary of a milestone in the his- edented era of European peace. tory of modern Europe. In 2012, the European Union, of which The Elysée Treaty, signed 50 years ago France and Germany play founding and last month by the French and German central roles, was recognized with the No- heads of state, provided a crucial burst of bel Prize for Peace. momentum to the nascent political com- The shift toward friendly relations has munity in Europe that would become to- been a dramatic one, something that Hol- day’s European Union. The year 2013 has ger Ziegeler, Director of the German Infor- been designated the “Franco-German Year” mation Center operated by the German in light of the anniversary and more than embassy, wished to emphasize. six decades of peace since World War II. “The mutual appreciation is impressive,” On January 22, 1963, French President he said. “A recent poll shows that 85 per- Charles de Gaulle and German Chancellor cent of French and 87 percent of Germans Konrad Adenauer signed a history-mak- hold a positive image of their respective ing agreement of good faith. The treaty’s neighbors.” goal was to render bilateral cooperation The extent of Franco-German solidarity among officials of both countries a matter is tangible on a personal level, as indicated of course. by staff from each country’s D.C. offices. A second, far more expansive goal “I studied in Germany and lived there for sought to change attitudes within broader several years,” said Aude Rabault, a French © Zacarias Garcia French and German public opinion. Youth embassy press attaché and a French citi- French and German diplomatic staff celebrated the start of the “Franco-Ger- programs took shape to promote cultural zen. She called the occasion “a great sign of man Year” 2013 with a human “50,” inspired by the Elysée Treaty anniversary. exchange, namely the Franco-German Franco-German partnership.”

From the Ambassador’s Desk: A Message From François Delattre

With 2012 at an end and 2013 underway, let me start by wishing all News From France readers the very best in this new year. Here at the embassy, we’re planning a full inside slate of activities. I’ll be continuing to criss-cross your great

country, assuring France’s partnership in business, cultural, de Gelder © Sylvain Current Events 2 education, and research activities. Boston Consulate Holds Photo Exhibit In politics this month, we watched the inauguration of Interview With the Expert 3 U.S. President Barack Obama on January 21. With the new Thierry Buttin, Development Attaché administration, we will work to keep French-American rela- tions as strong as ever. Special Report: Culture 4 Toward this end, we are happy and proud to welcome Marseille-Provence, Culture Capital U.S. Vice President Joseph Biden to on February 4. His Business & Tech 6 meeting with President Hollande and other senior French Truffles With Attitude officials will be an opportunity to discuss bilateral issues such as common security challenges that France and the Culture & Society 7 U.S. are facing in Syria, Iran, and, of course, Mali, where French Cadet at USAF Academy French and African troops have been deployed since mid- France & America 8 January at the request of the Malian authorities. On this French Economist to Advise Obama subject, I would like to praise the support provided by the U.S. government. We’ve been conducting diplomacy with Europe as well. January 22 marked the 50th anniversary of the signing of the Elysée Treaty, an agreement between France and Ger- News From France many that helped establish what would become the Eu- A free monthly review of French news & trends ropean Union. France will maintain and develop its role as one of the leaders of a peaceful modern Europe. In all of these goals, France is committed to teamwork NFF is also available online at: www.ambafrance-us.org and robust engagement with our American partners and “From the Ambassador’s Desk” appears each month. www.facebook.com/FranceInTheUS friends in 2013. Your comments and questions are welcome (see p. 8). @franceintheus Bonne et heureuse année à tous! NFF current events en bref

European Science Café French Caucus Meets With Ambassador, Elected Official Returns to Atlanta Consulate French and American leaders from government and After his opening remarks on France’s current military January 29 marked the return of the business met in the U.S. Capitol on January 22, using a ses- intervention in Mali, François Delattre, Ambassador of highly anticipated scientific discus- sion of the Congressional French Caucus to appraise bilat- France to the United States, cited the numerous partner- sion series hosted by the French eral progress across multiple sectors, with a special focus ships now animating French-American ties. The present and British Consulates General in on the countries’ mutual economic interests. relationship is “a real success story,” he said. Atlanta. The Ambassador was joined by Corinne Narassiguin, The European Science Café consists elected in June 2012 to represent French citizens living of a lecture followed by a discussion in Canada and the United States. She serves as a member with the public. The participating con- of the National Assembly, France’s lower parliamentary sulates invite a European scientist to chamber. Though now a resident of Paris, she lived in New

present different topics during each de Gelder © Sylvain York City for nearly 14 years, an experience she considers a installment of the series. “strong asset” as she begins her term. The topic of the first lecture of 2013 The event, the French Caucus’s first in 2013, garnered a was “Highly Advanced Mining Tech- strong showing from members. All six of its Co-Chairs at- niques in 16th-century Europe.” Nico- tended, namely Reps. Bob Latta (OH), Mike Michaud (ME), las Florsch, professor at the Université John Campbell (CA), and Adam Schiff (CA), and Sens. Mary Pierre et Marie Curie (UPMC-Sorbonne Landrieu (LA) and John Boozman (AR). Other members Universités), presented last month. present included Reps. Joe Wilson (SC), Tom Petri (WI), A topic rarely addressed by histori- William Keating (MA), and Charlie Dent (PA), as well as ans due to its very technical nature, Dr. former Representative and founding French Caucus Co- Florsch drew little-known parallels be- Chair, James Oberstar (MN). Senior leaders from several tween the wealth of the state and min- large French businesses also attended. eral extraction. He discussed how the Amb. Delattre, left, convened with Sen. Mary Landrieu Founded in 2003, the Congressional French Caucus is a extraction and transformation of pre- (LA), Corinne Narassiguin, and Sen. John Boozman (AR). bicameral, bipartisan organization, dedicated to enhanc- cious metals allowed central bankers ing French-U.S. relations in all fields. to produce coins, which in turn con- tributed to the wealth of the Habsburg dynasty as well as the Holy Roman Em- Parade Enters Fifth Year in New Orleans pire in the sixteenth century through- out central and eastern Europe. The fifth annual Joan of Arc Parade enlivened the WDSU News. As with past years, a local high school stu- streets of the French Quarter of New Orleans on January dent—this year, Gretchen Neuenhaus of Mount Carmel French-Born Musician 6 to celebrate the 601st birthday of the fifteenth-century Academy—was chosen to represent the Maid of Orléans Plays Obama Inauguration French heroine. Organized by the Krewe de Jeanne d’Arc, alongside local business leaders portraying King Charles the parade aims to celebrate a woman whose life mirrors VII and Queen Yolande of Aragon. Among the many members of “The that of the city itself in its “loyalty, faith, courage, and de- The parade began at the statue of Jean-Baptiste le President’s Own” United States Marine termination,” according to the Krewe’s official website. Moyne de Bienville, the founding father of New Orleans, Band is Gunnery Sergeant Bernard Joan’s birthday coincides with the Twelfth Night of and worked its way through the streets of the French Kolle, who played the bassoon at his Christmas and thus with the opening of the Carnival Quarter before ending at a gilded statue of Joan of Arc fifth presidential inauguration on Janu- season, which culminates in February on Mardi Gras. In given to the city in 1958 by the people of France, a replica ary 21. Gunnery Sgt. Kolle is unlike the keeping with the season’s tradition of festivities, the Joan of the original located at the Place des Pyramides in Paris. other players, though, in that he comes of Arc celebration takes the form of a parade featuring As a final token of the city’s longstanding tradition of from France. walkers of all ages clothed in historical garb as well as French culture, participants and spectators alike were Born and raised in Paris, Gunnery Sgt. fire dancers, stilt walkers, dance troupes, and handmade able to share in King’s Cake after hearing speeches by Kolle immigrated to the United States goodies commemorating the life of Joan, according to the three guests of honor. in 1989. He became an American citizen in 1995, at which point he joined the United States Marine Corps. A musician Exhibit Honors War Photographer Killed on Assignment for many years, he was thrilled about his acceptance into the United States Ma- From the Haiti riots in 2004 to the war in the Congo rine Band as a bassoonist the same year. in 2008, French photojournalist Rémi Ochlik was deter- “There is a lot of variety involved with mined to show the world the reality of global conflicts. Mr. Ochlik was killed while reporting in Syria in February

being in the band,” said Gunnery Sgt. Dolega © Lucas Kolle. “We go on tour every fall to play 2012 at age 28, but his legacy lives on. concerts, and I enjoy going to all of the The Consulate General of France in Boston and The Art different states and regions in America.” Institute of Boston at Lesley University are co-sponsor- Everywhere he performs, Gunnery Sgt. ing “Revolutions: Photographs of the Arab Spring.” The Kolle thinks the audience’s excitement exhibition will feature Mr. Ochlik’s prize-winning collec- is the most rewarding part of the job. tion of Arab Spring photographs from 2011 and 2012. “I remember four years ago, [dur- Mr. Ochlik’s photographs were taken in Egypt, Libya, ing] my fourth inauguration, watching Syria, and Tunisia, and each shows a different facet of life the city of Washington from the Capi- during the Arab Spring. The rebels, protesters, wounded tol,” said Gunnery Sgt. Kolle. He saw an civilians, and mourners that the photographs portray will “overflowing crowd that was full of en- deepen viewers’ understanding of the conflict. thusiasm.... It was a historic moment,” In addition to the showcase, a “Photojournalism and he said, and the 2013 inauguration was The Arab Spring” panel discussion took place on January Killed at 28, Rémi Ochlik ‘s widely published photos much the same. 30 with a French-American panel of experts. The exhibi- helped put a human face on conflicts in Africa and Syria. tion runs through February 22.

2 interview with the expert NFF en bref

Thierry Buttin, Counselor, French Authors Set to Undertake U.S. Tour Sustainable Development and Transportation This spring marks an opportunity for Heading the French embassy’s development and Parlier© Romain Americans to enjoy French literature, transportation policies since 2009, Thierry Buttin when authors Bernard Stiegler, Ol- is no stranger to leadership. He handled the same dos- ivier Tallec, Gilles Roussel (who goes siers at France’s diplomatic mission to the European by Boulet), and Arno Bertina will tour Union, worked for the Aéroports de Paris, and even the United States. The program is sup- oversaw Charles de Gaulle airport. News From France ported and organized by the cultural caught up with the expert for a few questions. services of the French embassy. Mr. Tallec specializes in illustrations What are the missions of the Embassy’s Department for children’s literature and will be on of Sustainable Development and Transportation? tour in April and May. He has provided We represent France’s Ministry for Ecology, Sustain- illustrations for a handful of children’s able Development, and Energy. This ministry oversees books and has even written a wordless transportation, and we also represent the Ministry for book, which is titled Waterloo and Tra- Housing. We monitor what happens in each of these falgar. fields in the U.S. at the federal and local levels. We also Like Mr. Tallec, Boulet also focuses do outreach with think tanks, the Administration, and on illustrations. Having drawn thou- Congress. Our last main focus is to organize coopera- sands of pages of comics, he will surely tion between France and the U.S. appeal to the younger crowd this April. The Solar Decathlon is a great idea. We were very Mr. Stiegler, a philosopher, will tour The National Climatic Data Center calls 2012 the happy that we agreed with the [organizers] U.S. De- the East Coast in April. His latest non- warmest year on record in the U.S. President Obama partment of Energy that the 2014 edition could be in fiction books join his other works in has reaffirmed the fight against global warming as a France. examining human society and eco- priority for his second term. What is your opinion on In 2014, we hope to focus on collective buildings. nomics. current U.S. environmental policy? The tendency here in the U.S. is more for individual Among other topics, Mr. Bertina is It’s a much-debated question. I would focus on cli- housing. In Europe, it is more collective housing, in offering to speak about French con- mate change, because that’s something we focus on particular in France. So that will be our first focus. The temporary literature, French novel- in Europe and we are interested in the U.S.’s position. second focus we want to have is to include mobility. ist Claude Simon, and his own works. You can see both sides, the plus and the minus side. The Because when you look at the house, it’s important to He will be on tour from February 27 plus is that, in the end, the U.S. will respect its commit- plan for the transportation aspects of getting home, through March 12. ments in terms of reduction of greenhouse gas, as they getting to work, commuting... We want very much to For more information, please visit agreed on in Copenhagen, Cancun, and Durban [global integrate mobility into the overall evaluation of a proj- www.frenchculture.org. environmental summits in 2009, 2010, 2011]. ect. And hosting the competition in Versailles—it’s At the same time, everyone knows that the level of an image of tradition and modernity, of architectural Gilded Treasures on ambition that was decided in those conferences was achievement. Display in the Golden State too low, and that we would not be able to limit global warming by two or three degrees in the coming years. The French aircraft company Airbus announced its The has made its One of the main tools from our perspective is to set decision last summer to open an assembly line in way to the United States, and its deco- a price on carbon, whether with cap-and-trade like in Mobile, Alabama. Is this a sign of cooperation be- rative vases and jeweled trinkets are as Europe or California, or a carbon tax, or other economic tween France and the U.S. in the field of industrial lavish as ever. tools. But it’s vital to give a price to carbon in order to aeronautics? In collaboration with France’s Mu- affect the strategies of companies in the future. For us, France and the U.S. are really the two main aeronau- sée du , the Fine Arts Museums it’s a key issue. tic states in the world in terms of expertise. From the of San Francisco are paying homage to very beginning of aviation, those were the two coun- French royalty with its Royal Treasures How are France and the Embassy trying to raise tries. Airbus’s decision to open an assembly line in Ala- from the Louvre: Louis XIV to Marie- awareness of global warming in the U.S.? bama is very positive, because it’s a very proactive poli- Antoinette exhibit. Coming from Europe, it’s very surprising how things cy. It will create many jobs in France, and in the U.S., too. Displaying the extravagant life and are seen in black-and-white [there]. In the U.S., the de- luxuries of French monarchs, items bate is more nuanced. One aspect of our strategy is to There is a big debate on high-speed trains in the U.S. in the exhibit show the critical 150 work on very practical subjects, like energy efficiency How do you see modern train capacity developing years of French history beginning with in buildings, for instance. The U.S. has huge potential in in the U.S., and what would France have to offer? Louis XIV’s reign and leading up to the this. What we did in France on cars, for instance, is to We see the priority as more to modernize the net- French Revolution. Showcased items persuade people to buy cars that produce less CO2 with work, to get to what we call medium-speed—it’s called include Louis XIV’s extensive collection a system of fiscal incentives and disincentives for buy- high-speed here—that is, around 110 miles per hour. of vases, a golden coffee grinder that ing cars, according to that car’s carbon output. It’s not high-speed rail as we conceive it in France. Our belonged to Madame de Pompadour Offshore wind is another area we’re developing vig- real expertise is in real high-speed, over 200 miles per (a contemporary of Louis XV), and orously in France today, and there are many develop- hour. That’s where one sees a real shift from car or plane even a recreation of Marie-Antoinette’s ments that will emerge here in the U.S. We’ll have a to rail. As for the future, I’m confident that something bedroom. team next February that will go to the East Coast and will happen [in the U.S.], for example in the northeast The exhibit, which runs through the Gulf of Mexico, where there are projects in off- corridor, meaning Boston to Washington. Even Texas, March 17, is hosted by the Legion of shore wind. with the triangle between Dallas, San Antonio, and Honor Fine Arts Museum in San Fran- Houston, is a great candidate for high-speed rail. It’s cisco. It also marks the beginning of The French town of Versailles is hosting the Solar got the right distances, lots of potential, and could be a five-year partnership in which the Decathlon 2014, an international contest for sus- an affordable project. I’m optimistic that these projects two museums will exchange artworks tainable architecture. What does hosting the event will happen—but it will take time, and we hope that it and collaborate on exhibits. mean for French environmental interests? won’t take too much time.

3 special report: culture

Marseille, Provence Kick Off 2013 as Culture Capital

France’s southern metropolis, Marseille, and the surrounding Provence region have jointly begun 2013 as a European Capital of Culture. Along with Koŝice, Slovakia, the two destina- tions will roll out a full year of culture and arts programming—and a vast urban re-vamp while they’re at it. Chosen through an international jury appointed by several national and collective institu- tions of the European Union, the series, now in its 28th year, serves to highlight regional and urban heritage that lack international renown, or perhaps that deserve the chance to update the world on how dynamic they really are. This year’s events in Marseille and Provence offer a closer look at the region’s role in history, modern culture, and the future. © Public domain © Public

A Mediterranean Hub for Millennia train route from Paris, a selling point that greases the wheels of southern France’s economy. Marseille’s history spans 2,600 years of seafaring, trade, and cultural mixing. Euroméditerranée, a development drive separate from the European Capital Founded by Greek mariners, the trading post, then called Massilia, grew to of Culture program, has become the “largest urban renewal project in southern become a vital commercial meeting point for the Roman Empire, beckoning Europe,” according to its website. On January 12, the new Museum of Civilizations merchants and hired hands from Europe, Asia Minor, and North Africa. from Europe and the Mediterranean, or MuCEM, opened to the public, with Mar- The region experienced a renaissance beginning in the early 10th century, ini- seille mayor Jean-Claude Gaudin presiding. He called the events a “new show- tiated by the counts of Provence. France annexed Marseille in 1481, though some case” for the area. © Ingo Mehling

Provençal cities, like Avignon, remained under control of the Catholic church. Building the Future When revolution broke out three centuries later, 500 local militia men march- ing north to Paris, singing as they traveled, brought with them a song that would True to the stipulations of the European Capitals of Culture jury, 2013 will pro- become the country’s post-revolutionary national anthem: La Marseillaise. The vide visitors in the Marseille-Provence region a “high-quality artistic program, city and surrounding region boomed during increased trade with France’s colo- which remains accessible to the widest possible audience.” With over 400 re- nies. Though it was bombed multiple times during World War II, the city rebuilt lated events, the year promises a full menu of activities celebrating both fa- and added a modern touch among its historical buildings. mous and little-known features of local heritage across a broad spectrum of With a population of 860,000 today, Marseille maintains its leading place as disciplines and fields. one of Europe’s most important seaports, while Provence hosts scores of tourists And the festive mood of the Capital of Culture’s opening programs should and sun-seekers each year. extend well beyond the next calendar year. The Villa Méditerranée, a boldly de- signed conference facility for the societies around the Mediterranean rim, will Renewing an Image open on March 15 of this year. Its existence is “dedicated to the construction of tomorrow’s Mediterranean,” according to its website. If Provence is known for sigh-inducing landscapes, inspiring great art, and the That’s a big job, given issues like immigration and the recent Arab Spring good life after retirement, Marseille is emerging from a grittier reputation. Poverty turmoil in several North African states. Whatever the future may bring, the and crime once defined some neighborhoods, but life in Marseille, it seems, has Marseille-Provence region will play an instrumental role in the Mediterranean’s taken a turn for the better. The city acts as one end of a three-hour high-speed activities. It’s got 2,600 of years of experience doing just that.

4 NFF © Xavier de Jauréguiberry © SPublic domain © SPublic © Xavier de Jauréguiberry ©Xavier de Jauréguiberry ©Xavier © Jialiang Gao © Greg_e

Clockwise, opposite left: An antique postcard of Marseille’s Vieux Port. Mont Sainte-Victoire, by famous painter Paul Cézanne. The Museum of Civilizations from Europe and the Mediterranean (MuCEM). The MuCEM’s interior. A lavender landscape in Provence. Country living in Provence. The Euroméditerranée center. A Vieux Port panorama.

5 NFF en bref business & technology

French Biotech Company Truffles With Attitude: French Supplier Thrives in U.S. Picks Newark for U.S. Base When Céline Labaune arrived in the U.S. to com- After searching throughout the U.S. for plete an MBA, she might not have imagined the suc- a business location in close proximity cess she now enjoys selling French truffles to the to medical research and transporta- American gourmet food market. The founder and tion centers, Biotrial Research S.A.S., a owner of Gourmet Attitude, which imports what has French provider of pharmalogical ser- been dubbed the “black diamond” of the food world, vices centering on contract research, offers an upscale product to a demanding clientele. has decided on Newark, N.J., as the The New York-based brand does not operate headquarters for its North American without competition, however. While Ms. Labaune operations, according to the news or- trades in the famous black truffle of Périgord, grown ganization NJBIZ. in France’s fertile southwest, other producers, based The site that will house the com- throughout southern Europe and Australia, seek pany’s future lab and office space as shares of the truffle market as well. Some grow the early as 2014 is located in University same species of Périgord black truffle (Tuber mela- Heights Science Park, a research park nosporum, for the scientifically minded), or different

bordering on the Newark campus of varieties of the prized fungus altogether. Attitude© Gourmet Rutgers University and the Univer- The businesswoman felt the strain of a French- sity of Medicine and Dentistry of New products surtax, which was eventually lifted in 2011. Jersey. With the levy’s disappearance came stiffer compe- Partnership between the new tition, a reality for which Gourmet Attitude com- branch of the Rennes-based French pensates by emphasizing Périgord truffles’ unique company and the surrounding science qualities and the advantage of offering them follow- The company Gourmet Attitude specializes in import- community is expected to be robust, ing the December-through-March growing season. ing French delicacies like the Périgord black truffle. with Biotrial already having received In Australia, by contrast, truffles grow from June a Business Employment Incentive Pro- through August. gram grant of nearly $700,000 from Ms. Labaune made her start as a business owner received in the American market,” she told News From the New Jersey Economic Develop- when, after several years in the food business follow- France. ment Authority for the purpose of cre- ing her studies, she launched her own outfit. “I had a An evolution in knowledge and taste has made for ating some 60 jobs for local Newark Green Card” and a network of French and U.S. part- a more sophisticated customer base—a challenge residents. ners, she explained in an interview with News From Ms. Labaune has more than adapted to handle. “I ex- France. Gourmet Attitude opened in April 2003 and amine every truffle one by one, which we have flown French Jeweler Opens now services a select group of high-end establish- in, before delivering them to restaurants.” New Boutique in Manhattan ments from New York City to California. Her combination of passion and commitment With nine years on the books, the business has would seem to be paying off. In addition to a loyal set January saw the opening of the first U.S. established itself as both a purveyor of a fine prod- of clients, the company has expanded into the online showroom for French jeweler Marie- uct and the ambassador of a French culinary classic. sales market, notably through the luxury product site Hélène de Taillac. With locations already The owner describes part of her initial business idea Gilt.com. And with truffle prices having surged in the in Tokyo and Paris, the entrepreneurial as “wanting to represent a very French product,” ac- past year from $500 to $750 per pound, Gourmet At- bijoutière is now tempting customers cording to the website French Morning. She chose titude is reaping the benefits of brisk business with a from the shop’s upscale spot in Manhat- well: the black Périgord truffle has “always been well- French touch. tan’s Upper East Side. The company’s new Manhattan pres- ence is no accident. After strong sales Embassy Gathers Elite Group of Space Policy Experts through partnerships with New York luxury department store, Barney’s, and In a multi-session conference on January 9, Fran- research to make the goal a reality. In large part be- other U.S. entities, the brand felt a need çois Delattre, Ambassador of France to the United cause of France’s early leadership role in space activ- to increase visibility in the Big Apple, and States, hosted “French Space Policy: Providing In- ity, Europe now enjoys its own means of launching hope to satisfy growing American de- sights on European Space Challenges and Opportu- spacecraft and monitoring weather. mand from those who live in the same nities.” Mr. Duquesne underscored the importance of neighborhood as the new store. Gathering experts from multiple fields that includ- matching business interests to state-funded re- “When our biggest fans are at the end ed government, science, and the aeronautics indus- search. The next generation of French rockets and of the street, it’s our hope that they come try, the event, held at the French embassy, shed light satellites “depends on the commercial market,” he [shop] more often,” explained Thierry on the current state of Europe-based space activity. said. Sectors related to the space industry include Struvay, the location’s manager, in an in- Ambassador Delattre provided introductory re- a broad range of scientific and business areas, from terview with News From France. marks, highlighting France’s long dedication to space climate research and weather surveillance to tele- Ms. de Taillac has shown a knack for research and public policy “in the service of Europe” communications and military intelligence. both design and business, too. Besides and in conjunction with the EU-administered Euro- The CNES operated a total budget of $2.6 billion Barney’s, the label is carried by Browns in pean Space Agency (ESA). in 2012. London and Colette in Paris, as well as a Among the expert speakers, Thierry Duquesne, Also among the expert speakers was Sean O’Keefe, clutch of discriminating online shops. Director of Strategy, Programs, and International Re- CEO and Chairman of the Board of EADS North A veteran of the London jewelry de- lations at France’s National Space Agency (CNES), de- America, a multinational aerospace and defense sign scene, she spent some 15 years with scribed France’s unique history and role in European conglomerate. He served as NASA Administrator, the likes of Victor Edelstein, Dinny Hall, space capacity. the U.S. space agency’s top position, from 2001 to and Philip Treacy. Seventeen years later, When Charles de Gaulle was President (1959- 2005. her New York opening would suggest 1969), his conviction that France should possess Other presenters included senior representatives better business than ever. autonomous access to space, Mr. Duquesne said, is from Arianespace, Astrium Americas, CLS America, what provided the initial political will, funding, and Safran, and ThalesAlenia-Space.

6 culture & society en bref NFF

French Pilot Continues Tradition at U.S. Air Force Academy French Baroque Music Fea- tured in Washington Concert Second Lieutenant Nicolas Portrait has just complet- © Faire Face ed a five-month stint at the U.S. Air Force Academy—an On January 11 and 12, a Washington- exchange, along with seven other French aspirants, or based early music ensemble performed cadets, that forms the latest chapter of a long tradition some of the era-defining works of the between the French and American aerial militaries. French Baroque period. Called the Faire Face program, which translates to Over 300 years ago, Louis XIV fos- “Stand Tall,” the bilateral exchange sponsors French and tered a group of musical masters at his U.S. military pilots for short-term stays in the opposite royal court, including the composers country. From July through December 2012, 2nd. Lt. Por- Jean-Baptiste Lully and Marc-Antoine trait shared courses and training with American airmen Charpentier, whose lofty pieces were at the Colorado Springs, Colo., facility. American partici- heard earlier this month at Washing- pants spend time at the Ecole de l’Air de Salon de Provence, ton’s National Cathedral. The cathedral’s in France’s southeast. own chamber vocal ensemble joined an An intensive academic and training regimen, punctu- orchestra led by concertmaster Julien ated by trips around the U.S. to cities like Chicago, San Chauvin to perform stately Baroque mo- Francisco, and Washington, provided an experience the tets written by the two composers. young French pilot calls “rich in exchanges and learning.” Second Lt. Nicolas Portrait spent time at the U.S. Air Mr. Chauvin, the 2003 laureate of The opportunity to train in the U.S. proved “an occasion Force Academy. U.S. cadets can do the same in France. the Concours International de musique to create strong friendships with my American classmates, ancienne de Bruges and co-director of bonds that I’m sure will allow me to better know and un- the acclaimed Cercle de l’Harmonie en- derstand” future American partners, 2nd Lt. Portrait said. in the inaugural 1969 exchange, served as Major Chief semble, headed the orchestra composed Faire Face traces its roots back to 1968. Robert Sar- of the French Air Force, the body’s top post, from 2002 of period strings and organ. gent Shriver, then the American ambassador to France, to 2006. Three American participants have gone on to The ensemble was also joined by Rob- perceived a need for greater cooperation between the become astronauts. Stéphane Abrial, the former French ert Eisenstein and Christopher Kendall, countries. The following year, with the support of Gen- Air Force chief (2006-2009) and the first non-American both founding members of the much- eral Thomas Moorman, Superintendent of the U.S. Air to assume leadership of NATO’s Allied Transformation admired Folger Consort, the chamber Force, and General Claude Grigaut, the head of the Command (ACT), based in Norfolk, Va. (2009-2012), went music ensemble of the Folger Shake- equivalent French Air Force school, the first participants through the program in 1974. speare Library, also in Washington. packed their bags for their host country. Now back in France, 2nd Lt. Portrait will carry with Judging by its 400 alumni, the program is a spring- him a tradition of French-American air training now in Soccer Pro Joins Ranks board for success. Richard Wolsztynski, who took part its sixth decade. of French Playing in MLS

When French soccer pro Peter Luccin French Partners Add World Flavor to U.S. Music Festival announced in December 2012 that he would be playing in Dallas, Texas, some When the 10th edition of an annual world music balFEST Touring Fund. The account is divided among were surprised by his decision. But he festival took to New York City’s Webster Hall in January, applicant artists and groups, who benefit from a sup- joins a growing number of French play- few might have grasped the extent to which French or- port stream that allows them to launch concert tours, ers to make the move to the U.S., where ganizers played a role—or rather, continued a French record albums, or finance other necessities of creative Major League Soccer (MLS) has taken on tradition in global sounds. production. 20 French pros since 2005. The 2013 globalFEST, a concert that promotes world This year’s globalFEST featured 12 groups on three “He’s going to add value to our team,” music in the North American market, rolled out at stages, and sought, as every year, to “bring global said Schellas Hyndman, head coach of Webster Hall from January 3 through 13 to a positive sounds from the margins to center stage.” In continu- FC Dallas, on the French Morning web- response from critics and attendees alike. ation of the organization’s support for music makers site. “His résumé speaks for itself.” The event grew from the collaboration of three based in New Orleans who were affected by Hurricane Mr. Luccin is not the first Frenchman New York-based music curators, with whom several Katrina, the 2013 show included The Stooges Brass to pull up stakes for U.S. soccer. Thierry French organizers have partnered to bring a diverse Band, christened “Best Contemporary Brass Band” at the Henry, a former captain of the French palette of music to an equally international city. The 2011 Big Easy Music Awards. national team and part of the squad that Higher Education, Arts & French Language division of won the FIFA World Cup in 1998, cur- the French embassy has assisted since the series first rently plays for the New York Red Bulls. began in 2003. Though the sports scene is decidedly “GlobalFEST has found new ways to connect people,” different in the U.S., where soccer com- says Emmanuel Morlet, who directs the music division petes with basketball and football, play- of the French embassy’s cultural services. “It has been ers sometimes see a chance to develop. thrilling to help this event grow and reinforce [...] the “I accepted a small salary, but I want- cultural exchange between America and the rich musi- ed to play and things went very quickly,” cal communities of the Francophone world.” said Sébastien Le Toux, of the Philadel- Mr. Morlet added that his team tries to emphasize phia Union, according to FIFA.com. He the position Paris enjoys as a world music hub. Scores of has made the U.S. home since 2009. international artists travel there to perform, record, and Didier Domi, who since 2011 has conduct business with their France-based stakeholders. played for the New England Revolu- A 501(c)3 organization, globalFEST also innovates tion, said he “can feel the enthusiasm with funding through traditional and cutting-edge among the other French players. When methods. With support drawn from the Ford Founda- © French Embassy Cultural Services you see that Thierry [Henry] is here... it tion, which is an American philanthropic group, the The organizers of the annual globalFEST use innovative makes other players want to come and French Music Export Office, and the crowd-funding ways to boost creativity and commerce in world music. give it a try.” web platform, Kickstarter, the group manages the glo-

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FEATURE WRITER FEATURE of die-hard fans. fans. die-hard of

would give rise to an annual race and a vibrant subculture subculture vibrant a and race annual an to rise give would

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of the , through northern and western Africa Africa western and northern through Tower, Eiffel the of Marcus Dominick, Dominick, Marcus

PHOTO EDITOR PHOTO 6,200-mile trek from the Paris’s Place Trocadéro, at the foot foot the at Trocadéro, Place Paris’s the from trek 6,200-mile

draws its name from the first of its kind staged in 1979: a a 1979: in staged kind its of first the from name its draws

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MANAGING EDITOR MANAGING America called the Dakar 2013. 2013. Dakar the called America

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