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More than 3,000 singers from across the canton gathered in Wünnewil this weekend for the 3rd edition of Tutticanti. The finalists of the May 1st competition performed in front of a large audience.
Like Clément and Nohan, children from all over the canton took part in the May 1st singing competition. © Charly Rappo
Published on 02.06.2024
Estimated reading time: 4 minutes
An atmosphere that was both musical and inspired reigned in the streets of Wünnewil this weekend. The Singapore village hosted the 3e edition of Tutticanti, the Friborg singing festival. More than 3,000 singers flocked from all over the canton. “The singers and choristers really enjoy coming together and singing together,” explains Bruno Boschung, president of the organizing committee.
Saturday was an important day with the presence of around fifty choirs. But another event, with a significantly younger audience, brought together several hundred people early in the afternoon. The cantonal final of the singing competition from 1er May, organized by the Friborg Federation of Choirs, brought together twenty-two children, selected by local juries throughout the canton.
“When they know they are selected, they give their all to win”
Anne Steulet Brown
In front of the aula, excitement was at its peak. Some children dressed up to the nines, with shirts or gala dresses. Others preferred business attire and the last ones wore bredzon and dzaquillon. “There is a loyal audience of parents and friends,” underlines Anne Steulet Brown, member of the organizing committee for the competition on 1er may. There are perhaps more people today compared to the finals usually organized, but the public is always very warm.
The show begins with a voiceover. The candidates shyly go on stage to perform different exercises under the guidance of one of the members of the jury. Then the winners of the previous year offer a first performance. Like the 2024 winners, they won four singing lessons that they can put into practice during the next competition.
A little nervousness
After this introduction, it is the candidates’ turn to take the stage. The competition starts very strong with a brother and a sister singing in two voices. A girl arrives who performs alone on stage. We feel the jitters from the first notes, then it’s liberation. Two young boys, dressed in bredzon, then intone the Cow Rank in a pure and clear voice.
“There is a great level this year,” underlines Joelle Delley Zhao, professional soprano and member of the jury. Faced with a very large audience, the children do not let themselves be discouraged. Some voices falter under stress, some notes have difficulty coming through. But everyone hangs on and reaches the end of their song. They respect the basic criteria: singing a cappella and by heart. “They prepared well,” emphasizes Anne Steulet Brown. When they know they are selected, they give their all to win.” Some services are reminiscent The Voice. Some children have imagined a choreography, others remain motionless, it must be so impressive to sing in such a large room. A few budding artists offer a bow to the audience who are not short of applause. The most impressed quickly slip away without a glance behind them.
The jury is made up of singers, singing or music teachers and children’s choir directors. A political guest is also present, State Councilor Sylvie Bonvin-Sansonnens. The criteria are multiple: “There is stage presence, accuracy, the intention they put into their interpretation and also sometimes a crush,” relates Anne Steulet Brown.
Pure joy
Rani and Garance, who sang individually, are among the winners and let their joy burst forth. “It was really unexpected,” says the first. “I didn’t think I would get on the podium,” confides the second. They are friends, who are part of the Annonciade de Romont, a choir that already won an award last year. Have they prepared? “Not too much,” says Rani. I rehearsed yesterday and this morning. I tried several tones. But I had already sung this song for Swiss Voice Tour.” Same thing for Garance: “I rehearsed three times. I just did it like that.” One of her friends from Annonciade comes to clarify: “It’s Garance, she’s too strong.”
“Very clearly, it’s a way of encouraging the next generation,” reports Carl-Alex Ridoré, president of the Friborg Choir Federation. This concern for the next generation is also reflected in the composition of the organizing committee for the competition on 1er May, which has been rejuvenated with the arrival of former winners. “One of Tutticanti’s priorities was to make room for young people. We had three concert workshops on Friday with the possibility of welcoming between 150 and 200 children,” adds Bruno Boschung.
