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> Congress / Advance Programme / Social events
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Social events |
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Welcome to Toulouse! Welcome to France! Four evenings to be spent in a very different atmosphere each time. Share L'Esprit de Toulouse with us!
 Sunday 22 August
Welcome reception
La Médiathèque
Where?
In the heart of the town, at the top of the monumental arch of the Toulouse municipal Media Library housing that houses some 150,000 documents.
The modern building combines wood and fired clay, which is so very typical of the Pink Town. At the top a panoramic viewpoint straddles the two pillars of the arch. From the terrace you can enjoy a view of the whole town in the much-appreciated mild evening air.
What?
For this first meeting you have the opportunity to taste champagne and wine over a cocktail-dinner - a foretaste of the variety and subtlety of French gastronomy.
To ease pressure at the congress itself, a pre-reception check-in desk is being set up at the Media Library where folders and name badges can be picked up.
Monday 23 August
City reception
Le Capitole 
Where?
The Capitole building is one of the most familiar of the Toulouse sights Toulouse's most famous sights. The Capitole is the seat of the municipal authorities and has been so for over eight centuries. The present Capitol building is a mix of styles dating from the 16th to the 19th centuries. The magnificent neo-classical façade is the best-known part of the Capitole.
What?
The City of Toulouse, delighted and proud to welcome the 2004 WCC, has brought together considerable assistance for organising the event. To thank the participants for coming, the City Hall Mayor is offering a reception at the Capitole.
Tuesday 24 August
Ballet
La Halle aux Grains
Where?
The Halle aux Grains, litteraly "Grain Market", with the Capitole theatre, is the a high point of culture in Toulouse. The Capitole National Orchestra and National Ballet Company perform here. The old covered market was built in 1861 for trading in cereals transported along the Canal du Midi. In 1974, Michel Plasson, leader of the Capitole National Orchestra discovered the original appearance and the acoustic virtues of this superb hexagonal structure in the town centre. The Halle aux Grains is now the orchestra's formal residence.
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What?
The dance tradition at Toulouse dates back over nearly three centuries. Today led by Nanette Glushak, who previously danced with the New York City Ballet and the American Ballet Theatre, the Ballet du Capitol is one of the best classical and neo-classical companies in France. A private programme has been designed prepared for you by the soloists of the Ballet du Capitole with choreography by Georges Balanchine to music by Stravinsky and Guershwin. |
Wednesday 25 August
Banquet
Château de Pibrac
Where?
Built in the pink brick of Toulouse in the 16th century for Guy du Faur de Pibrac, a magistrate judge and a moralist poet, the Château de Pibrac is a gorgeous Renaissance building still lived in by the de Pibrac family.
Special buses will take you to the Château from several pick-up points in the town Toulouse and take you back later.
What?
In the sumptuous setting of the Château Park, a French style banquet, a real celebration for the senses in the most pure tradition bringing together gastronomy and festival! On the programme for the evening: an introduction to the decor, a courteous Renaissance welcome, titillating cocktails attractive appetizers, an animated dinner with a show and some surprises too as well as some discoveries.
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