What Is the Grand Orchestre du Splendid Doing Today?

The Grand Orchestre du Splendid, formed in 1977 by a group of friends, is still active today. Thanks to its blend of music and humor, the group enjoyed great success with hits such as “La Salsa du démon” and “Macao.” After a 40-year career and several albums, the group’s zany, iconoclastic style, combining jazz, swing and parody, remains intact. Its members have performed in numerous theaters in France and across Europe, and celebrated the group’s 40th anniversary in 2017 with a concert at the Olympia. In this article, discover all the latest news about the Grand Orchestre du Splendid.

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The History of the Grand Orchestre du Splendid

Since its creation in 1977, the Grand Orchestre du Splendid has left its mark on the 1980s with its unique blend of music and humor. The group was founded by a circle of friends who decided to combine their passion for music with their sense of humor. Together, they created the zany, iconoclastic style that would make them famous.

Their first notable appearance was on the France Inter program “Saltimbanque,” where they humorously reinterpreted the repertoires of popular music stars. Audiences were immediately won over by their spontaneity, talent and humor. Their success was such that the group went on to release albums, create successful musicals and tour France, Europe and Canada.

Current Members of the Grand Orchestre du Splendid

The current members of the Grand Orchestre du Splendid continue to thrill crowds with their boundless energy. The ensemble has nearly eighteen members, including Xavier Thibault (writer, composer and singer), Frédéric Thibault (composer), Alice Prévost (singer), Paul Maucourt (trumpeter and singer), Michel Winogradoff (singer), Frédo Westrich (bassist), Rudy Muller (guitarist), Bernard Balestier (trumpeter), Vincent Turquoize (saxophonist), Lou Volt (singer), Damien Verherve (trombonist), Yvano Latucca (drummer), Claude Egéa and Jean Gobinet (trumpeters), Alain Hatot, Philippe Duchesne and Gilles Miton (saxophonists), as well as Julie Saury and Véronique Bossa (percussionists and singers).

This current lineup has remained almost unchanged over the years, demonstrating the group’s cohesion and stability. Each member brings a personal touch to the music of the Grand Orchestre du Splendid, creating a unique and instantly recognizable sound.

Albums and Hits by the Grand Orchestre du Splendid

The Grand Orchestre du Splendid has released several successful albums during its career, getting entire generations onto the dance floor.

Their self-titled debut album was released in 1979 and was followed by six more successful albums, including “Macaille,” “Tout va très bien…,” “Amour, danse et violons n° 23,” “La P’tite Valse,” “La Salsa du démon” and “Le Swing me soigne.” The album “Macaille,” released in 1983, was a major commercial success, selling more than 400,000 copies. “La Salsa du démon” became a true summer hit in 1984, with more than 800,000 singles sold. Their latest album, “Le Swing me soigne,” released in 2019, marks a return to the group’s roots, featuring covers of major swing and jazz hits.

Their unique style, blending jazz, reggae and swing, has won over a loyal audience that continues to dance during their tours and concerts. The Grand Orchestre du Splendid has also appeared on popular French television and radio programs. The group was invited onto the variety show “Champs-Élysées” many times and also appeared on “La Classe” and “Le Grand Échiquier.”

Tours and Concerts by the Grand Orchestre du Splendid

The Grand Orchestre du Splendid continues to tour in France and abroad, offering unforgettable shows to its loyal audience. Since their beginnings in 1977, the group’s members have accumulated thousands of hours on stage and performed at prestigious venues such as the Olympia in Paris, La Cigale, the Zénith and the Palais des Congrès. Concerts by the Grand Orchestre du Splendid are always eagerly anticipated, and audience members are guaranteed a festive evening filled with humor.

The group has also completed many international tours, particularly in Canada, Belgium, Switzerland and Germany. Its music and humor have crossed borders and won over an ever-growing audience. The members of the Grand Orchestre du Splendid are truly passionate about music, and that can be felt at every concert.

Their setlist includes their greatest hits, such as “La Salsa du démon,” “Macao,” “Radio Pirate” and “La Machine à danser.” Audiences are also delighted to discover new songs from their latest album, “40 ans de folie.” Concerts by the Grand Orchestre du Splendid are full-fledged shows combining music, dance and humor. The musicians are joined by exuberant dancers who add a touch of sensuality to the whole performance.

The Grand Orchestre du Splendid is a group with infectious energy that knows how to create a lively atmosphere at every concert. The group’s fans always turn out, while new generations of audience members come to discover its offbeat, festive world. If you have the chance to see the group in concert, do not miss the opportunity to spend an unforgettable evening in its company.

Musicals by the Grand Orchestre du Splendid

In addition to its music, the Grand Orchestre du Splendid has also created two successful musicals. “Tam Tam au pays des noirs-blancs” and “Couac” triumphed on stage, with runs lasting longer than one season. These two musicals are renowned for their unique blend of music and humor.

The musical style of the Grand Orchestre du Splendid has always blended influences such as jazz, reggae, swing and salsa, enhanced by its own original touch. In its musicals, the group successfully adapted its unique musical style to a theatrical format, adding hilarious lyrics, energetic choreography and original staging.

“Tam Tam au pays des noirs-blancs” tells the story of two African tribes fighting for power, while “Couac” is a parody of Broadway musicals about a movie star who must save a struggling radio station. Both musicals received critical acclaim and attracted large audiences, proving that the Grand Orchestre du Splendid could succeed in a format other than recordings or live concerts.

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The Grand Orchestre du Splendid has also incorporated excerpts from its musicals into its live shows, demonstrating that its talent is not limited to records and major stages.

The Latest News About the Grand Orchestre du Splendid

Discover the latest news and exciting projects from the Grand Orchestre du Splendid. After a 40-year career, the French group continues to make a lasting impression on a large and diverse audience. Still true to its unconventional style, the Grand Orchestre du Splendid remains active on the French music scene.

Recently, a Grand Orchestre du Splendid show was canceled because of transportation problems caused by ongoing strike action. However, the group recently performed at the Olympia to celebrate its 40-year career and is planning a tour of France.

As zany and iconoclastic as ever, the Grand Orchestre du Splendid continues to offer its audience essential hits from the 1980s and covers of jazz and swing standards.

The Grand Orchestre du Splendid has also created outrageous musicals and released several successful albums. After achieving immediate success with reinterpretations of Ray Ventura and Duke Ellington, the ensemble appeared on the France Inter program “Saltimbanque,” accompanying renowned guests.

With its inexhaustible creativity, the Grand Orchestre du Splendid continues to make a lasting impression and thrill fans of all ages. Keep up with its latest news on its official website, and do not miss its next tour of France.

Conclusion

After a 40-year career, the Grand Orchestre du Splendid remains devoted to its diverse audience and is ready to party just as it did on the first day. Its unique style, blending jazz, reggae and swing, continues to delight fans around the world.

With seven albums to its name, the group has enjoyed many successes on stage and continues to perform on tours in France, Europe and Canada. Its repertoire remains popular with audiences, while its humor and iconoclastic style have earned it a special place in the world of French music.

The Grand Orchestre du Splendid recently announced the postponement of a show because of travel difficulties related to strike action. However, its members continue to perform on stage and recently released a new album in which they return to their earliest influences with a classic big-band style.

With its concert at the Olympia and a tour across France, the Grand Orchestre du Splendid is celebrating its 40-year career with energy and enthusiasm. This legendary French music group continues to inspire a new generation of artists through its unique style and unrivaled musical talent.

Find Out What the Grand Orchestre du Splendid Is Doing Today