Overview
Orphé’um offers you a repertoire of songs of sailors, sailors, songs of trades and laughter …
In September 2005, there was no male chamber vocal ensemble in the Poitou-Charentes region. It was then that, on the initiative of Aurélien Poyant, ORPHÉ’UM, a male vocal ensemble, came to bring a new colour to the vocal ensembles of the region.
The project was initially to interpret sacred songs. But, at the incitement of the public, the repertoire evolved and the marine register took over. Today, they entertain all over France but almost always on the water. “We sing what the sailors sang to work in a synchronised way, so they are above all trade songs.” To best fit with and appreciate these vintage airs, the members went to do internships on old ships, including the Hermione.
The group’s eight members draw their repertoire from original songs but also from texts that they write themselves, dressing in period costume to entertain their audiences.
Harmony and good humour abound and even If everyone has the same texts, they do not sing at the same level. Everyone has to find their own modulation, which makes the polyphonic performance very harmonious. But, beyond the voices, it is the staging that gives this group all its originality. “We like to involve the public and share this moment with them in a good mood,” says Aurélien Poyant, who leads the troupe.
Come and sing or hum with them the choruses of the most beautiful sailors’ songs. Their energy and good communicative humour encourage the audience to sing with them!
Membership is open to any chorister who has acquired a solid experience in choral singing and/or is autonomous in front of a score. Rehearsals take place on Fridays from 8:15 pm to 9:45 pm at Châtellerault conservatory.