The colour and vibrance of Kolkata is going to stay with me: Didier

As Didier Talpain, the Consul General of France in Kolkata prepares to bid farewell to the city after an impactful tenure of nearly four-years, we look back at him as not just a diplomat, but a passionate advocate of cultural exchange through music. In a city where conversations often begin with a melody, his dedication to bridging cultures has painted a vibrant picture of his time here and his hopes for Kolkata’s musical future. Now as he heads back to Paris, he leaves behind a legacy rooted in both diplomacy and music. Ahead of his final concert in the city as a conductor, we caught up with him on Wednesday to talk about his musical journey, and the lasting memories of the city he takes with him.

Music is a genuine catalyst in starting cross-cultural dialogue
Music transcends languages and borders and if you are in Kolkata, you know it is easier to start a conversation over music than anything else. Calling music a means and a catalyst in bridging cultures, the consul general said, “Music is the only art form where the emotions directly hit the brain. When you appreciate architecture, you do it after seeing and analysing it-you put a lot of filter, but music reaches the brain directly from the ears. If you like it, you like it, no matter if you understand the language or not.”

Finding an audience for what he loves the most
While Kolkata’s love for music is profound, the Western classical genre is still a niche. “We have done more over 15 concerts in the city in a span of three years, in collaboration with Alliance Francaise Du Bengale. Kolkata has a niche for Western Classical music. Maybe there aren’t many who understand and like this genre but music is a lot like grammar, if you know the grammar once, you know all languages,” said Didier who has conducted concerts globally, including Jordan and Kazakhstan.

On a parting note
The Consul General has grown fond of the culture and colour of the city. “Kolkata is a melting pot of cultures and colours which looks great to a musician and a diplomat’s eye,” said Didier. When asked about his vision for the city, the musician in him took over and said, “I wish the city continues to love and appreciate Western Classical music.
You never know, Kolkata might host its own Opera someday.”

I’ve conducted concerts globally and would characterise the local talent here as curious. They study music, understand its nuances. It is a two-way learning process

Remembering the first time he saw Durga Puja pandals in the city, he said, “When I explain to people in Europe, I tell them that Durga Puja is a mix of Christmas and Rio Carnival.”