The “Fil Rouge” of Maritima radio has settled at the Pierre Barbizet Conservatory in Marseille. Within the walls steeped in history of the Palais Carli, deaf and hearing children are preparing for an exceptional event: “La Nuit des Colibris”, scheduled for Wednesday, April 8th at the CEPAC Silo. When vibrations replace words, a report.
The sun floods the courtyard of the conservatory this morning as a few notes of a flute escape through the windows. Laurence Durandau, our reporter, immediately immerses us in the excitement. Here, they are not preparing for an ordinary concert. They are preparing for an inclusive revolution.
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The article highlights a unique musical project involving deaf and hearing children preparing for a special event in Marseille.
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A Family and Human Genesis
At the origin of this crazy project is Frédéric Isoletta, a musician and father of 14-year-old Alexandre, who is profoundly deaf. “As a musician, I made him play music despite his deafness,” he tells Maritima. What started as a personal adventure has become a unique orchestra in the world, supported by various organizations and the city of Marseille.
The concept is simple but powerful: deaf children (implanted or equipped) play alongside hearing children – their “twins” – sponsored by professional musicians from the Opera. “The goal is for them to have pride and confidence that music provides,” explains Frédéric Isoletta.
Hearing with the Body: The Pedagogy of Vibrations
How to play when you don’t hear like others? Malvina Pastor, the project’s pedagogical coordinator, provides a fascinating answer. She, born partially deaf, became a professional musician before being equipped at 26. “The deaf can perceive music through vibrations,” she explains. “We also hear through bone conduction, through the rest of the body, not just through the eardrums.”
For this concert at the Silo, an unprecedented technological device will be deployed: the Auracast system (Bluetooth return for hearing aids), vibrating vests to feel the bass, and a full translation into French Sign Language (LSF). “It’s an awakening of all senses: hearing, sight, touch,” summarizes Laurence Durandau.
Gaëa, Evan, and Alexandre: Faces of Success
In the corridors, we meet Gaëa, 7 years old, focused on her viola. By her side, her “twin” Charlie, 10, helps her navigate the score. “When there’s a problem or she gets lost, we show her with a finger on the score where we are.” The complicity is immediate, the smiles evident.
Claire Marzullo, a flute professor, guides the young Evan. “He was a little scared of the high notes because of his cochlear implant, but we’re progressing little by little.” For parents like Ferhat, Gaëa’s dad, the change is radical. “It completely changed our view of Gaëa since discovering the Colibris. We hope that it will spread everywhere one day.”
As for Alexandre, a real “headline” of the project with his “twin” cellist Gaëa, he doesn’t hide his joy. “It has changed my life a lot because I could meet other deaf children and make more friends than before.” With maturity, humility, and sensitivity, he shares his pride and gratitude towards his father without whom the adventure would not have happened.
A Solidarity Meeting at CEPAC Silo
On April 8th at 8 pm, about twenty children will be on stage, under the direction of conductor Frédéric Isoletta, surrounded by renowned artists. The program includes original creations, Aznavour’s songs, and reimagined classics like Saint-Saëns’ Carnival of the Animals.
“It’s a real harmony that we invite you to share,” concludes Laurence Durandau. A solidarity event not to be missed to support this “second family” that proves that music is, above all, a matter of heart and sharing.
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