Concert
Rachmaninoff's All-Night Vigil
by the Chœur de Grenelle
On Friday, March 14, 2025 at 8 pmThe Chœur de Grenelle returns to the a cappella repertoire by tackling one of the greatest masterpieces of sacred music: the All-Night Vigil by Russian composer Sergei Rachmaninoff.
The program
Sergei Rachmaninoff - All-Night Vigil, Op. 37
Rachmaninoff - All-Night Vigil: a plunge into Russian spirituality. Sergei Rachmaninoff's All-Night Vigil is a major work of sacred music, the fruit of a deep immersion in the Russian Orthodox musical tradition. This composition, which sets to music part of the liturgy of the hours, transports the listener to the heart of Russian spirituality.
A work deeply rooted in tradition. Rachmaninoff, influenced by his childhood spent in the churches of St. Petersburg, drew his inspiration from traditional liturgical chants. The Vigils reflect a deep respect for Orthodox musical tradition, while adding a personal and innovative dimension. The work is built around a rich, complex polyphony that highlights the beauty of the voices and creates an atmosphere that is both solemn and intimate.
A demanding, spellbinding masterpiece. The All-Night Vigil is renowned for its difficulty of execution, not least because of the very low tessituras required of the bass voices. The work demands exceptional technical mastery and artistic sensitivity on the part of the performers. Despite these demands, the Vigiles remain a deeply moving work that continues to fascinate music lovers the world over.
A journey to the heart of Russia. The All-Night Vigil is much more than just a musical work. It's a true journey to the heart of Russia, to the discovery of a rich and complex culture. Through this music, we feel the full force of Russian spirituality, history and traditions.
In short, Rachmaninoff's All-Night Vigil is an essential part of the choral repertoire. This masterly work, at once deeply rooted in tradition and resolutely modern, offers an unforgettable musical experience.
The performers
Grenelle Choir
Alix Dumon-Debaecker, direction
Sarah Morisot, alto
Côme Chatelus, tenor
Bertrand Bontoux, bass
Alix Dumon-Debaecker
Born in 1986, Alix Dumon-Debaecker joined the Maîtrise de Radio-France at the age of eleven. During this seven-year course, she learns singing, piano, analysis, composition and choral conducting with Toni Ramon. From 2005 to 2008, she furthered her training in choral conducting at the CRR de Boulogne-Billancourt with Marianne Guengard, before joining CEFEDEM, where she obtained her State Diploma in Choral Conducting in 2010. In 2007, she founded the Chœur de Grenelle, studying singing with Gisèle Fixe, professor at the Conservatoire du VIIe arrondissement de Paris, while perfecting her choral conducting skills with conductors such as Didier Louis (Lumen de Lumine), Denis Rouger (Chœur Figure Humaine) and Claire Marchand (Ensemble vocal Intermezzo). In 2010, she became assistant choral conductor at the Maîtrise des Hauts-de-Seine, where she trains the children's choir of the Opéra National de Paris. In 2014, she obtained her Bachelor of Arts degree, and in 2015 founded the Saint Jean-Paul II Children's Choir. In 2016, she founded the Maîtrise de filles du collège Stanislas. In 2017, she co-directs the Maîtrise de Saint-Christophe-de-Javel with Louis Gal. In 2022, she took over the PREFO student choir (IPC/Apprentis d'Auteuil). Since the start of the 2023 academic year, she has been teaching choral conducting at Paris 8 University. In 2024, she became musical director of Ensemble La Sportelle, with whom she recorded a new Christmas album, “Le grand mystère”, released in November 2024 on the Rocamadour label.
Choeur de Grenelle
Founded in 2007 by Alix Dumon-Debaecker, the Chœur de Grenelle has rapidly established itself on the Paris music scene. Renowned for its varied repertoire and the quality of its interpretations, it has collaborated with prestigious institutions and recorded several albums. Composed of singers from the finest choir schools, the choir's rich, chiselled sound appeals to a wide audience.