Laurent Bán returns with 'L'Envol' solo concert

Acclaimed French musical theater actor Laurent Bán will return to the Chinese stage with his latest solo concert “L’Envol” (“Setting Sail”), showcasing the distinctive charm of French musicals through his rich vocals and immersive storytelling.

A poster for the “L’Envol” concert. File photo

Affectionately known as “Old Flight” by Chinese audiences, Bán will greet Shenzhen at the Guangming Culture and Art Center on April 20, aiming to spark renewed enthusiasm for French musicals through classic revivals and innovative arrangements.

The French musical actor has spent two decades fostering artistic exchange between China and France. Since his first visit to China in 2005 with the musical “Notre Dame de Paris,” Bán has made a lasting impression on local audiences. His roles have spanned from the rebellious Salieri in “Mozart: The Rock Opera” to the carefree Don Carlos in “Don Juan.” He has brought iconic characters from “The Little Prince,” “The 10 Commandments,” and “Les Misérables” to life with remarkable stage presence and emotional depth.

The “L’Envol” concert will feature beloved songs from works like “Notre Dame de Paris” and “Don Juan,” along with Bán’s much-anticipated Chinese-language performances. Music director Christophe Houssin will lead the live band in crafting new arrangements, complemented by innovative lighting and stage designs to create an immersive experience described as “soaring amidst musical clouds.”

This solo concert will also showcase a star-studded lineup, including special guest Maëva Méline, an original cast member of “Mozart: The Rock Opera.” Méline will perform classic duets, while Yanis Richard, who portrayed Mozart in the Chinese tour of “Mozart: The Rock Opera,” will grace the stage with his dynamic vocals.

Bán will push artistic boundaries by integrating visual art into his performance during this concert, presenting a “symphony of music and color” using a multi-media format. An interactive segment is planned for both Chinese and French audiences, aligning with his vision of “connecting the world through music.”

In recent years, Bán not only participated in the original Chinese musical “24 Hours of Chang’an” but has also shared glimpses of his life on his social media accounts.

Time: 3 p.m., April 20

Venue: Guangming Culture and Art Center, Guangming District (光明文化艺术中心)

Metro: Line 6 to Fenghuang Town Station (凤凰城站), Exit B; then walk around 800 meters