More numerous than in the film The Choirs500 people sang on Sunday January 12, 2025 at the exhibition center in Tours for the third concert of the 15,000 voices tour for the most beautiful French songs. Friends, family, fans of French hits… 2,700 people came to attend this unique concert.
This show designed to promote the choristers began in Nantes (Loire-Atlantique) before heading to Rennes (Ille-et-Vilaine) then, after Tours, to twenty-eight other Zéniths, each time with different voices, those of the choristers of the city or surrounding areas. Most belong to a choir. Even if the setlist doesn’t change, no two concerts are the same. Everyone has their own sensitivity, linked largely to the personality or training of the speakers.
Already choir directors last year with the 500 voices for Queen concert, Anne-Claire Adèle and Chloé Cadeau-Barbe led this exceptional ensemble made up of 68 choirs, plus solo singers eager to participate in a great collective adventure.
Backing singers often from gospel
Five rehearsals took place, but in smaller locations (at Monnaie and Marmoutier) than the exhibition center. For the big day, volunteers arrived at 11:30 a.m., then the singers at 1 p.m. – all dressed in white – to rehearse before the curtain goes up at 6 p.m.
Five soloists and four musicians accompany the 500 choristers.
© (Photo Alain Denis)
From the outset, they are given water bottles to keep them well hydrated. Then the warm-ups began, for the body and the voice with vocalizations. “We give some advice on posture, smiling, breathing. For those who know how to read the scores, we tell them to reread them carefully and others to listen to the pieces carefully. The ensemble includes around fifteen choir directors, singing professionals »explains Chloé Cadeau-Barbe, music teacher and gospel choir director.
Since last year and the concert with 500 voices for Queen, the stage has been enlarged.
© (Photo Alain Denis)
The choristers warmed up with the five soloists and the four musicians, took a few photos together. A short break punctuated mid-afternoon. Enough to increase the excitement. The singers are then divided by voice tone.
Teacher, Olivier Renault is one of the tenors. He belongs to the Tours gospel choir. “I always loved singing, he shares. I did it as a student and then afterward, I didn’t really have the time. But I got back to it. Gospel appeals to me because of its joy, its emotions, its beauty even in sadness. Last year, the concert with Queen titles was very moving. I love being on the other side, on stage, sharing this intense moment with lots of other enthusiasts. I have chills! »
Two thousand seven hundred people came to attend this very moving concert.
© (Photo Alain Denis)
The public also enjoys listening to songs by Piaf, Brel, Goldman, Balavoine… The show ends with a song by Rick Allison, one of Lara Fabian’s composers, With open choir. Everyone put their hearts into it. The tour will return next year with Les Légendes du rock. The setlist remains open. Everyone can come and sing. Tempting, right?
