Artistic vision
In 2023, the Chœur d'Oratorio de Lyon opens a new chapter in its history by choosing Philippe Forget, choirmaster, conductor and composer, as its new artistic director.
Thanks to his skills and his expertise in the amateur and professional fields, Philippe Forget has been working for many years to bring amateur musical practices closer to professional structures, particularly in the field of voice and choirs.
Under his direction, the Chœur d'Oratorio de Lyon is pursuing its primary vocation as the "voice of orchestras", which means that it regularly takes part in symphonic programmes alongside professional orchestras and singers. It also works with smaller instrumental ensembles, either experienced or in the process of becoming professional.
Often invited to perform at festivals (Berlioz Festival, Labeaume en Musiques, Cordes en Ballade, Saoû chante Mozart, etc.), it also performs an a cappella repertoire ranging from the Renaissance to the 21st century, light concert forms that enable it to reach out to audiences far from the big cities.
The Chœur d'Oratorio de Lyon is also committed to promoting contemporary music and helping to enrich the contemporary repertoire for amateur choirs by commissioning works from composers. In a desire for variety and openness, it also seeks to combine choral singing with other artistic forms, notably dance and theatre. Finally, it aims to bring together vocal ensembles and choirmasters to develop projects that will appeal to audiences.
Artistic director Philippe Forget
"For over 40 years, the Chœur d'Oratorio de Lyon has fulfilled the exciting mission of bringing symphonic repertoires to life throughout the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. However, while the choir's primary vocation is to be a constant artistic partner to the orchestral world, it also knows how to develop and highlight its own expressive resources.
The choir's constant focus on flexibility, balance and homogeneity enables to tackle all repertoires, always with a desire for meticulousness and unfailing commitment.
The choir's sound represents its identity. The harmony that reigns within the choir makes it possible to work in great depth. The choir's work is demanding but exhilarating, with no complacency about the works it is asked to perform, but always in goodwill.
Our aim is to make the choir a marvellous body of sound, a transmitter of emotions, capable of continually welcoming new voices and new talents into its midst and encouraging new ways of sharing. For 40 years, the Chœur d'Oratorio de Lyon has been one of the key players in live choral music in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, with a commitment acknowledged by numerous orchestras, theatres and festivals, guaranteeing and bearing witness to an uninterrupted tradition of transmission.
A happy transmission, both artistic and human, in the service of live music and all audiences.
It is keeping that in mind that I wish to inscribe my own approach. I'm looking forward to great joys, a wide range of encounters and the awareness that the Choeur d'Oratorio de Lyon's artistic presence is both useful and enthusiastic."
-- Philippe Forget
To carry out its projects, the Choeur d'Oratorio de Lyon needs your support.