Imagine an opera aria swelling in a stable, an Argentinian bandoneon echoing between the mountains, musicians from grand stages set up a metre from the audience, amongst the animals. This is the promise of the Concerts à la Ferme, which return for a second edition from 26 to 28 June. Haute Tarentaise.
The idea germinated in the mind of Hélène Paillette, managing and artistic director, during the 2020 lockdown. «The Ministry of Culture had launched calls for projects to get artists out of their usual concert halls. That gave me the idea to go to a farm.» she remembers.
The concept is simple: to bring professional musicians, accustomed to grand opera stages, to the heart of the agricultural world. «To build a bridge between the art world and the agricultural world, in rural areas where there isn't necessarily a local offering.»
In the midst of mountains and calves
Launched in 2023, the venture immediately found its audience, curious to cross the doors of farms they had sometimes never dared to enter. The secret? An intimacy that few venues offer. «The performers are one metre from the front row. Everyone is in the same place.» The lighting is more like decor, with the real magic coming from elsewhere. «In Savoie, we have this magnificent decor of the surrounding mountains.»
Last year, a concert was even played to an unexpected audience. «There were little calves left in the stable while the mother cows were out in the fields, and they were listening to the concert. It's something you never see.» smiled the director. Designed to be given before the massive arrival of tourists, these meetings are aimed primarily at local residents. «It's done so that the local people can benefit from it.»
Bandonéon and double bass
For this edition, four soloists are coming together for the programme: Franco-Canadian mezzo-soprano Irina de Baghy and violist Arnaud Thorette, who both performed last year, joined by two Argentinian musicians trained in France, Fabrizio Colombo on the bandoneon, «The typical instrument for playing tango, not an accordion» and Lucas Eubel Frontini on the double bass.
A particularly unique constraint remains for this touring festival. «Tuning a piano while travelling is difficult, especially in a goat or sheep pen.» glides Hélène Paillette, who is looking for flexible formats for the occasion. «The double bass player brings their own double bass, but it's still easier than a grand piano!»
Find out more
- Concert «From Tango to Opera»
- 26/06 at 7 PM – Ferme du Planay, Villaroger
- 27/06 at 7pm – Ferme de l’Adroit, Val d’Isère
- 28/06 at 11:30 AM Fya Sheepfold, Les Chapieux (Bourg Saint Maurice)
- Price : Free, free entry, free participation, booking recommended