Serge Arrives in Milan
Serge Denoncourt, a renowned director, found himself at the iconic Duomo di Milano, the cathedral of Milan. Although he has lived and worked in the city, he had never visited this architectural marvel. Denoncourt expressed his admiration for the view from the terrace, noting the intricate stone spires. They ascended to the rooftop via an elevator, before descending into the nave below.
The Duomo is home to a historical artifact: a nail said to have been used in the crucifixion of Jesus, displayed 65 meters above ground. This nail is lowered once a year using a pulley system reminiscent of Leonardo da Vinci’s engineering.
Serge Denoncourt and the Olympic Opening Ceremony in Milan
Denoncourt is in Milan to provide commentary for Radio-Canada about the Olympic Games opening ceremony occurring this Friday. He joked about a lack of privacy as building owner Elon Musk privatized the bar overlooking the Duomo.
Moving on from the busy square, they visited Camparino, a historic bar famous for its bitter aperitif, which was established a century ago. Denoncourt described the upcoming ceremony as charming but understated, hinting at an absence of spectacular effects.
Feedback from the Director
After attending a press conference held by Marco Balich, the artistic director for these Olympic ceremonies, Denoncourt raised his eyebrows at the choice of Mariah Carey to perform. While Balich claimed international relevance, Denoncourt questioned the alignment between her presence and the event.
He remarked on Carey’s live performance during the rehearsal but doubted she would sing live during the actual ceremony, citing the risks posed by technical difficulties and the massive audience.
Milan’s Unique Character
The city was significantly prepared for the Olympic flame to pass through, with security diverse and extensive across Piazza del Duomo. During the interview, Denoncourt noted that Milan’s residents are distinctively unimpressed by the Olympics, maintaining an everyday atmosphere despite the event.
| Event | Attendance Estimate |
|---|---|
| Design Week | 300,000 |
| Fashion Week | 300,000 |
Denoncourt expressed fondness for Milan’s snobbish yet confident character. He appreciated that while local pride is palpable, it lacks the loud boastfulness found elsewhere, such as in the United States.
Cultural Observations
His immersion into the city included discussions about misconceptions in Italian tourism advertising, particularly concerning Lombardy’s local traits. Denoncourt took a moment to reflect on how Italy’s identity is preserved amid globalization, noting that nostalgia defines much of its culture.
The significance of heritage was echoed in the ongoing maintenance of the Duomo, which costs around one million euros monthly. Denoncourt, who has directed multiple productions in Milan, reminisced about his collaboration with designer Giorgio Armani. He applauded Armani’s contributions to men’s fashion, emphasizing the subtlety and elegance in his designs.
The Future Ahead
Denoncourt continues to thrive in his craft, actively seeking opportunities where he is valued. As he prepares for various projects including a musical tour in the United States and a production in Paris, his dream of staging Chekhov’s “The Seagull” in London lingers on his mind.
Currently, he focuses on his ongoing project, “Serge à Milan,” while eagerly anticipating the Olympic celebration, blending sport and culture in this vibrant Italian city.
