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Juliette Gréco and Elene Usdin at the Dames du Panthéon

At the Dames du Panthéon, our new interior design pays tribute to the women that dared, that loved, the passionate ones, the ones who were able to take their destinies into their own hands with the passion of their feeling, free and independent women.

We wanted to pay homage to Juliette Gréco, a French legend who is still making her mark on the world and who recently (discretely) stayed at the Dames du Panthéon for the special concerts she was giving in Paris, following the release of her latest album…

© Elene Usdin

All our staff at les Dames du Panthéon was able to go and see her in concert, and all were amazed at the talent of Juliette Gréco and her new interpretation of Jacques Brel‘s songs. And of course, they were even more moved to know she was staying with us, especially as she turned out to be approachable, modest and kind to everyone.

As you know, at  HPRG we love photography, as proved by our PHPA photo project. When we renovated the Dames du Panthéon, we commissioned images from a number of photographers including Elene Usdin, who came up with her interpretation of the person who has inspired each floor.

So it seemed only logical to ask this wonderful photographer and organise a photo session with Madame Gréco so we would have a souvenir of her stay.

We got together one Sunday afternoon with Elene and her assistant Eva in one of the rooms on the floor dedicated to Juliette Gréco.

Juliette Gréco was very tired after an exhausting week. Despite this, she greeted us with a big smile and was very easy to work with, even if Elene and Eva were very obviously moved and intimidated. The room was extremely silent, but despite my nerves I dared to speak to this great artiste that I admire and have had the chance to see on stage. I’ve also listened to her latest album many times, and think it’s amazing. And so, that was what I talked to her about. What a wonderful moment!

We talked about the lyrics to Ces Gens Là, about Brel’s talent, the incredible orchestration written by Gérard Jouannest, her husband who also joins her on stage. His contribution gives new life and an incredible modernity to the songs.

I told her of one song on the album that made a particular impression on me because I didn’t know it, and found it intriguing and magnificent. It’s a very short song called “Je suis un soir d’été”. Juliette started to recite the lyrics with her warm voice. What a moment!

The time flew by!

Juliette asked Eva her name and told her “You’re young,  stand your ground!” We were all very moved…

Thank you Madame Gréco.

Elene Usdin produced a wonderful image, half photo, half illustration highlighting the nobility and class of Madame Gréco.

Thank you Elene!

The image can be seen at the Salon de la Photo where Elene Usdin has a specially-commissioned exhibition.

text – Alain Bisotti

Juliette Gréco’s album “Gréco chante Brel” is available to download here on Qobuz with a bonus digital booklet. You can choose between CD quality or Studio Masters quality (24 bits – better than CD – the same quality as in the studio).
Juliette Gréco et Elene Usdin aux Dames du Panthéon