Wednesday, July 29 – 9:00 p.m. / Valloire Church
The Great Prophecy of the Sibyls
by La Camerata Chromatica, conducted by Benjamin Delale
By entering a mystical trance, the Sibyls, the famous Greek priestesses, were able to converse with the gods and predict the future. This ancient myth was reinterpreted in the Middle Ages and the Renaissance as a prophecy of the coming of Christ.
Orlando di Lasso, the “prince of musicians,” offered his own interpretation. Composed in 1555 by Lassus for the Duke of Bavaria, his *Prophetiae Sybillarum* were already regarded during his lifetime—and particularly by the highest ranks of the aristocracy—as
throughout Europe, as his greatest masterpiece. These visionary works, among the most striking of their time, take us into new musical and poetic realms, just as did other highly experimental composers of the era, such as Nicola Vicentino and Giuseppe Caimo.
Especially for this program, La Camerata Chromatica has added a seventh member, Olivier Bizot, a bass singer with a deep voice who rounds out the vocal lineup and allows the ensemble to explore new sonic territories.
Programme
Works by Athenaeus, Orlando di Lasso, Nicola Vicentino, Giuseppe Caimo, and Benjamin Delale.
Cast
Gabrielle Varbetian – soprano
Nicolas Kuntzelmann – countertenor
Olivier Bizot – bass
Victoire Fellonneau – recorder
Bérénice Brejon de Lavergnée – recorder
Pauline Chiama – viola da gamba
Benjamin Delale – organ
The Camerata Chromatica
Camerata Chromatica is a vocal and instrumental ensemble dedicated to rediscovering and promoting the chromatic music of the 16th and 17th centuries, a repertoire that is often overlooked. Its dynamic, passionate, and innovative approach aims to make these works accessible to as wide an audience as possible.
The ensemble combines voices, period instruments (recorders, violas da gamba), and a historic pipe organ. Through this variety of timbres and extensive research, the musicians bring out the poetic power of this repertoire, immersing the listener in a vibrant, mysterious, virtuosic, and sensual world.
La Camerata Chromatica’s programs explore a variety of ensemble configurations: full ensemble, small vocal or instrumental groups, solo voice with accompaniment, and polyphonic music for keyboard. This diversity offers a fresh sonic experience, where each concert becomes a unique journey.
Chromatic music, inspired by poetry, emphasizes a clear and natural pronunciation of the text, as well as fidelity to the language’s stress patterns and rhythm. By imitating spoken language, the instrumentalists create a captivating illusion in which voices and instruments become the interpreters of the same poem.
Gabrielle Varbetian – soprano
For Gabrielle, singing is the most natural way to express herself, and she knows better than anyone how to convey her radiant energy to the audience. Her voice, full of finesse and richness, transports us to an ethereal and captivating world. She always has a smile on her face and proudly embraces her Marseille roots.
Nicolas Kuntzelmann – countertenor
A promising young singer with a subtle, light voice, Nicolas has built his career as a performer while remaining true to his musical passions. His musical insights are measured and thoughtful. With great generosity, he uses his voice to create unforgettable aesthetic experiences.