The public turned out in full force on Wednesday, March 18th, to welcome the 90 children who performed “La guerre de quatre n’aura pas lieu”, a work by Julien Joubert under the direction of his brother Clément.
For the second consecutive year, a music and integration project brought together the efforts of five associations: AJLA (Association des Jeunes du Laos et leurs Amis), UPA (Union Pétanque Argonne), La Musique de Léonie (particularly the Maîtrise de Léonard), the orchestra l’Inattendu, and Atelier-Opera (formerly Fabrique Opéra).
Operating on the principle that access to culture remains unequal, Opér’Argonne aims to democratize cultural access, strengthen social diversity, promote equality of opportunities, and elevate opera by allowing children distanced from culture to experience an ambitious collective creation.
And the bet paid off as demonstrated by the enthusiastic 90 children on the stage of the Zénith, with about 1,500 people in attendance to applaud them.
Over the course of more than an hour, the songs flowed with a text centered around Helen, Hector, Cassandre, and Ulysse, the four camp buddies who reunite for a theater piece filled with adventures. The story may be a bit scandalous (considering it’s an opera!), but Julien Joubert’s music is beautiful, perfectly suited to children’s voices. The staging by Mathilde Clozier exudes festivity and pleasure, allowing the children to express their spontaneity. Clément Joubert leads this whole group with precision, supported by a chamber ensemble from l’Inattendu, performing and balanced with the voices.
Cheers to the work of Corinne Barrère, the choir leader who prepared the children during a workshop in the February holidays, resulting in a successful meeting between the Maîtrise de Léonard and the children of Argonne. This ambitious project demonstrates that music knows no boundaries and opera can break free from seriousness or dark theaters to reach all audiences, regardless of age or background.
This humorous and spirited show is one to admire, resonating with the real Belle Hélène, presented by Atelier Opéra this weekend.
For more information: www.lafabriqueopera-valdeloire.com
Uncover more insights here: Composer Julien Joubert reveals his “Pandora’s Box”.
