Similar Jean‑Pierre Canihac, Les Sacqueboutiers, François Ménissier, Jean Dekyndt, Yves Rechsteiner | ||
Noe l franc ais la mai trise de toulouse
The Maîtrise de Toulouse was created in 2006 within the Toulouse Conservatoire, becoming the first choir school structure in South-West France. The Maîtrise is a specialised musical education giving life to an acclaimed vocal ensemble.
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Pour la sauvegarde de la ma trise de toulouse et les classes ha musique et danse
Presentation
The choir has quickly established itself as one of the leading maîtrises in France. Its first CD, ‘Missa Brevis’ (Regent Records 340), recorded in 2010 was praised unanimously in the international musical press, including in France (5 Diapasons) and the UK. The CD was chosen as an editor’s choice amongst the CDs reviewed in 2012 by the American Record Guide, whose reviewer stated that “there is probably nothing this choir couldn’t sing, and spectacularly well”. In 2013 the choir released its second CD, ‘Motets français’ (Regent 420) which received similar international praise.
The Maîtrise gives around ten concerts a year in Toulouse (principally at the Auditorium Saint Pierre des Cuisines, Basilica of St. Sernin, Toulouse and the Temple du Salin). The choir participates regularly in local festivals such as Toulouse les Orgues, Musiques des Lumières (Sorèze), Musiques au Pays de Gabriel Fauré (Pamiers), Les Rencontres de Musiques Anciennes (Toulouse, Odyssud) and also gives concerts throughout France, including venues such as the Chapelle Royale at Versailles, and abroad (Spain, Germany, Italy, UK).
The choir’s repertoire is extremely rich and varied, both sacred and secular from all periods as well as first performances of new works. Particular attention is paid to French repertoire, especially neglected works of composers such as Boni and Bouzignac. The Maîtrise regularly collaborates with other ensembles. The choristers recorded a CD of French fauxbourdon, ‘Polyphonies oubliées’ (Aparté label) with the Ensemble Gilles Binchois directed by Dominique Vellard, released in November 2014. The choir has also performed with the Toulouse Chamber Orchestra and the Passions Orchestra (Montauban). Choristers have also performed solo roles in operatic productions at the Théâtre du Capitole of Toulouse.
The choristers (aged eleven to fifteen) are educated at the Collège Michelet in specialist classes made up also of instrumentalists and dancers, who are taught in an annexe of the Collège within the buildings of the Conservatoire. They benefit from adapted timetables, allowing them to devote more time to their artistic studies. The choristers rehearse four times a week in the Conservatoire. In addition they receive lessons in vocal technique and theory. All study an instrument and some also play in instrumental ensembles at the Conservatoire.
The choristers perform alone (upper voice repertoire) or with the other elements of the Maîtrise: the ‘juniors’ (soprano and alto) and the lower voices (tenors, baritones and basses who are principally pupils of the conservatoire singing classes and ex choristers, with some professional support).
The Maîtrise is directed by its founder, Mark Opstad.