Mission & Vision
Founded in 2010 at the instigation of the French conductor Léo Warynski, Les Métaboles brings together a group of professional singers committed to the repertoire of a cappella choir. Their name, inspired by a piece by Henri Dutilleux (1916-2013), based on the idea of metamorphosis, evokes the choir’s ability to transform itself according to the repertoire, while emphasizing its roots in the music of today.
Les Métaboles devotes itself to the entire spectrum of the choral repertoire and performs it to a wide assortment of audiences. While a large part of Les Métaboles’ activity is devoted to the a cappella repertoire, collaborations with orchestras and instrumental ensembles also form part of its musical season.
Actions Led
Les Métaboles performs mostly a cappella music works from 20th and 21st centuries and aims to discover the hidden jewels of choral music, rarely performed. Les Métaboles collaborates with current composers and commissions new works. In each concert program, at least one living composer’s work is represented.
Les Métaboles sets itself a new ambitious challenge to produce musical shows involving choreographers, visual artists, lighting designers and costume designers.
Les Métaboles is also committed to training professionals through its composition academy ARCO which aims to grow the interest of young composers for vocal music, and to training courses for young choral conductors through the International Academy of Conducting in Vézelay- Cité de la Voix.
Projects that US donors can support
Les Métaboles invites US donors to help bring extraordinary choral experiences to life through the following projects:
- Another Look – A captivating musical production featuring 18 singers, an organ, and innovative scenography, centered on Philip Glass’s Another Look at Harmony Part IV.
- Singing Ravel – An a cappella concert for 24 singers that reimagines Maurice Ravel’s works, including a unique choral adaptation of his iconic Boléro.
- Après un rêve – An intimate a cappella journey with six singers exploring French vocal music from the 15th to the 21st century, including compositions by Ravel, Debussy, Saint-Saëns, and Elise Bertrand.
- Educational Program – An engaging initiative in French schools introducing students to the minimalist masterpieces of John Cage, Philip Glass, Steve Reich, and Terry Riley.
Your support enables these innovative projects to flourish, inspiring audiences and cultivating a new generation’s passion for choral music.