In a style reminiscent of European salons of the Romantic Era, La Mansión del Rio Hotel hosts a festival celebrating classical music in an intimate setting, along with art, literature, wine and fine cuisine this February 14-16.

Presented in collaboration with Musical Bridges, a nonprofit organization of music lovers, and the highly acclaimed Floraisons Musicales, one of Europe`s leading music festivals, the French Music Festival interweaves the romance of classical music with the ambience of the most romantic hotel on the San Antonio River Walk Valentine`s Day weekend. Floraisons Musicales` home is in the south of France inside the 13th-century Chateauneuf-du-Pape castle, where one of the world`s most famous wines is produced.

The French Music Festival is a collaboration between two talented creative directors—French violinist, Pierre Hommage, artistic director of Floraisons Musicales, and internationally known pianist, Anya Grokhovski, Ph.D., artistic director of Musical Bridges. The two met in 2001 in France, where they performed together. Their complementary musical styles led them to plan many concerts, including the series to be presented during the festival. Guests will enjoy the works of Chausson, Polenc, Debussy and Faure and original compositions from French composer Françoise Choveaux, one of the guest artists. But the music is just one part of the world-class international music, food, wine and cultural arts festival:

- American-born, French-trained Executive Chef Scott Cohen of La Mansión`s AAA Four Diamond restaurant will prepare appetizers, a three-course dinner, desserts and a brunch to complement an impressive selection of wines of the Provence region and champagnes.

- Under Dunis`s direction, a gallery will be open in the reception areas of the concert halls during the festival, presenting original works of San Antonio artists including Bettie Ward, Penelope Speier, Louis Treviño, Ginny Garcia, Zinnia Dunis, Patrice Johnson, Claudia Reese, Dunis and others. Guests will view paintings, glasswork and ceramic paintings created especially for the festival.

- Gemini Ink, a nonprofit, independent literary art center in San Antonio and festival partner, will feature some of the city`s best writers, who will share their literary creations throughout the festival.

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