Biography
Giulia Sophia Young
As daughter of a Ballerina and an Opera Singer, Giulia grew up in Augsburg, Germany surrounded by art. Involving herself in multiple creative genres from the beginning, Singing soon presents itself as the most important.
While becoming a Musical Theater Performer by profession, Giulia's childhood fascination for the otherworldly flair, different forms of Performance and Music, found in medieval Festivals stayed ever present throughout the years. So much so, that Stilt Walk Acts, a traditional Schwedisch Music instrument and learning old and foreign voice techniques first made their way in the "special skill"- column and then turned into Engagements.
2022, working at the annual "Kaltenberger Ritterturnier" with the Berlin-based "Die Musen" Giulia meets her colleagues of "Kervan Cie" from France and their Accordionist and Tarota player Julien.
Julien Bravy
It was at the age of 7, while attending a few village dances, that Julien discovered a passion for the popular instrument with such a special reputation; the accordion. After years of dedicated practice, a conservatory diploma, internships and competitions; At only 15 years old, his first stage project - the “Duo Valentino”- was born.
At 18, he became the accordionist of the group "La Ruelle En Chantier”, which repertoire, -very inspired by the "festive French street song”- opened a whole new range of possibilities for him.
It would take a few more years and many musical experiences to meet the team of “Kervan Cie”, a multidisciplinary street performance company, which would allow him to travel the roads of France and Europe, and to confront the music of Eastern Europe, Sephardic, Medieval, and many others.
2022 would be the year of meeting a talented singer named Giulia, at Bavaria's medieval festival: "Das Kaltenberger Ritterturnier”. This is where our story begins...
STORY TIME
Knights, Nights and Phrases
The after-show at the "Kaltenberger Ritterturnier" in Bavaria, Germany belongs to the ever-growing Cast of Europe's greatest medieval tournament. It's the final evening of the spectacle of July 2022 when the visitors are leaving and a stilt walker sits down with musicians from France.
"Every year somebody says: Hey, we should do something together! But given the distance and just life, it has become more of a nice phrase."
So the conversation with the accordionist about performing a French chanson for next year's Artist-Fest together could have been just that.
What are the odds?
After 6 weeks of working on FaceTime, sending recordings back and forth, and learning French lyrics, the chance to meet again in person arises and a rehearsal turns into the opportunity to perform together on stage.
Then it's clear to both of us: We want, we need to do something with this.
2023
During the following months, we continue our established online work and manage to meet up halfway for rehearsal weeks.
New ideas for covers are coming up quickly, trying out different genres and languages brings on writing our first own song.
2024 - 2025
As our program expands and concerts line up, we decide to make France "Marsandelle's" permanent Home base. Along the way, we meet old and new colleagues and friends, whose support is as heartwarming as it is essential.
We begin collaborating with other bands, create our first official teaser, and are invited to perform a series of concerts for a German cruise company — the perfect test for our language-switching show. We’re happy to report: it works. :-)