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The Wire - Press Releases

Christmas Magic Unfolds: Julien Cohen, Violin Phonix, Comité du Faubourg Saint-Honoré and Devialet Imagine an Unforgettable Musical Experience

Devialet launched the festive season with a spectacular event, marking a unique moment in the history of Christmas illuminations – a grandiose concert co-directed by the violinist duo Violin Phonix (Christopher Cohen and Maxime Morise) and pianist Julien Cohen, who are musician content creators followed by over 40 million subscribers.

Paris, France – December 23, 2025 — On November 9, 2025, the Comité du Faubourg Saint-Honoré, chaired by Benjamin Cymerman, launched the festive season with a spectacular event, marking a unique moment in the history of Christmas illuminations – a grandiose concert co-directed by the violinist duo Violin Phonix (Christopher Cohen and Maxime Morise) and pianist Julien Cohen, who are musician content creators followed by over 40 million subscribers.

An Exceptional Spectacle in the Streets of Paris
For this memorable evening, the streets of Faubourg Saint-Honoré, located between the Madeleine and the Place de la Concorde, were transformed into a veritable open-air theatre, where the    traditional Christmas illuminations gave way to a magical spectacle blending music and light. Haussmannian facades, enhanced by light projections, welcomed thousands of spectators who came to experience an unforgettable moment. This magnificent event was amplified by the pedestrianization of the streets, allowing the 8,000 people present to wander freely and enjoy the show in a festive and warm atmosphere. The large audience was immersed in an experience where music and light perfectly combined to create a unique moment in the heart of Paris.

A Unique Partnership with the Comité du Faubourg Saint-Honoré
This major event was also supported by partner boutiques of the Comité du Faubourg Saint-Honoré, which actively participated in the magic of the evening. Their magnificently staged window displays lent the entire spectacle its elegance. Devialet, a jewel of French acoustic engineering known for its technological excellence, deployed its expertise to enhance the performance, enveloping the audience in an immersive experience of rare intensity. Together, these participants, true symbols of Parisian expertise and refinement, contributed to a perfect synergy between music, light, and prestige.

A Collective Performance in the Heart of the Faubourg
Julien Cohen and Violin Phonix created a 25-minute show composed of five emblematic pieces played by over 300 artists:

  • Believer by Imagine Dragons – Symphonic version arranged by Bastien Dollinger. Participants included Julien Cohen and Violin Phonix, soloists Viola Marie, Tim and Lou Deleuze, the Republican Guard, the Badauê association (batucada), the Kids Harmony choir, and the Kids Dancers.
  • Concerto N° 1 Op. 23 by Tchaikovsky, performed by Julien Cohen, with the participation of dancers Victoria Dauberville and Mathieu Forget.
  • Carol of the Bells with the participation of Julien Cohen and Violin Phonix, the Petits Chanteurs à la Croix de Bois (Little Singers of the Wooden Cross), and the Republican Guard.
  • Silence, an original composition by Violin Phonix, with the participation of Violin Phonix, pianist Maya, l’association des Chœurs et Orchestres Coge, the Petits Chanteurs à la Croix de Bois, and dancer Brigita Krašovec.
  • Bohemian Rhapsody by Queen, with the participation of singers Mickey Callisto, the Soeurs DDKN, Sonya McGaffey, Coline Sicre, and guitarist Olly Pearson.

The pianist Julien Cohen, deeply attached to this neighborhood where he grew up, was eager to share this moment with his brother Chris Cohen, a violinist, and their childhood friend Maxime Morise, who together form Violin Phonix. This harmonious trio thrilled the audience through spectacular staging, symbolizing French art de vivre that continues to inspire the entire world.

An Evening Driven by Music

“The Comité du Faubourg Saint-Honoré is proud to have offered the public a unique experience, celebrating the beauty and energy of this iconic district, a showcase of Parisian luxury and elegance.” – Benjamin Cymerman, President of the Comité du Faubourg Saint-Honoré

“Placing a grand piano in the middle of rue Royale—what a symbol! A slightly crazy dream that I had the immense pleasure of sharing with 300 talented artists. To live one’s passion this way and share it with thousands of people is an incredible opportunity.” – Julien Cohen

“It was an immense honor to play here, in the streets where we grew up, and to have our violins resonate in the heart of a majestic neighborhood that represents French beauty, culture, and creativity for us.” – Chris & Max of Violin Phonix

A Tribute to Creativity
Behind this exceptional event are passionate musicians and a neighborhood vibrant with culture and history. Through this initiative, the Comité du Faubourg Saint-Honoré continues its mission to promote creativity in all its forms and celebrate the living heritage of an infinitely inspiring Paris.

About the Comité du Faubourg Saint-Honoré
Founded in 1902, the Comité du Faubourg Saint-Honoré, chaired by Benjamin Cymerman, brings together the most emblematic luxury players from the worlds of jewelry, fashion, beauty, hospitality, art, and watchmaking. With over 120 members located on rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré, rue Saint-Honoré, rue Royale, and rue Boissy d’Anglas, the Committee works to promote the district, both in France and internationally, and its development, notably through prestigious and original events. As part of its missions, the Committee also represents its members to public authorities to defend and preserve the heritage of this essential district, a symbol of luxury and elegance.

About Violin Phonix
With over 2 billion streams and 9 million subscribers, Violin Phonix is the most-followed violinist duo of their generation. Trained at the Royal College of Music in London, Christopher Cohen and Maxime Morise enjoy creating bridges between worlds: from classical heritage to pop, and from major repertoire works to film music. By playing in the streets among the public, in train stations, or on stage, they introduce the sound of the violin far beyond concert halls. The duo is currently working on their next album, a cross between cinema, classical, and pop.

About Julien Cohen
Julien Cohen is a professional pianist trained at the conservatory and holds a degree in mathematics from Cambridge University. At 30, he discovered the pleasure of playing in the street to share classical music closer to the public. His videos are now followed by over 30 million people on his social networks. Through spectacular musical flashmobs, he transforms public space into an ephemeral stage and brings music to life where it is least expected.

About Devialet
A jewel of acoustic engineering, Devialet was born from a conviction: the transformative power of sound must be accessible to everyone. The House’s mission is to create deep, physical, and authentic audio experiences, creating listening moments that intrinsically connect one to sound—and to others. Driven by continuous innovation, Devialet engineers constantly push the limits of acoustic excellence by combining uncompromising sound quality with elegant and functional design. Devialet’s success is based on 250 patents, as well as revolutionary proprietary technologies. From the Devialet Astra integrated amplifier to the Devialet Phantom speakers, including the Devialet Gemini II wireless earbuds, the Devialet Dione all-in-one soundbar, or the Devialet Mania portable speaker, these iconic products have already received over 100 international awards. Driven by the desire to promote French excellence worldwide, Devialet continuously shapes the sound of tomorrow.

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