Festival de la Voix de Châteauroux

The voice in all its states

Since 2006, the Festival de la Voix de Châteauroux has established itself as one of the major vocal art events in France. Driven by the passion of its founders and the commitment of its three co-organizing structures, it celebrates the voice in all its forms every May, from classical singing to gospel, from beatboxing to traditional polyphony, from French chanson to contemporary choir.

An adventure born of passion

In 2006, Anne-Marie Delloye-Thoumyre, Deputy Mayor for Culture in Châteauroux, called upon Loïc Pierre, conductor of the chamber choir Mikrokosmos, to create a vocal festival in her city. Two years later, the CEPRAVOI (Centre de Pratiques Vocales et Instrumentales de la région Centre) joined the project to enrich the program and coordinate amateur ensembles. Since then, these three structures — the Association du Festival de la Voix, Mikrokosmos, and CEPRAVOI — have co-organized this event in partnership with Équinoxe, Scène Nationale de Châteauroux.

Concert'IN: the professional program

The Concert'IN events form the core of the official program. About ten paid concerts, spread across seven partner towns (Châteauroux, Buzançais, Valençay, Levroux, Le Blanc, Éguzon-Chantôme, Le Pêchereau), feature professional artists from France and around the world. Renowned international vocal ensembles, innovative choirs, gospel artists, beatbox performers: the diversity of artistic offerings reflects the infinite richness of the vocal instrument.

Concert'OFF: amateur voices in the spotlight

In parallel, the Concert'OFF events offer a stage to amateur vocal ensembles from all over France. Approximately 50 free concerts are scheduled in emblematic locations in Châteauroux, allowing dozens of choirs and vocal groups to perform before an enthusiastic audience. These no-booking-required concerts create a joyful and spontaneous atmosphere throughout the city.

Workshops and Grand Choral

The festival also offers about fifteen workshops open to everyone: vocal technique, improvisation, polyphony, rhythm, and movement. The highlight is the Grand Choral, a giant ephemeral choir that brings together hundreds of participants at the Scène Nationale Équinoxe to sing together in harmony, in an unforgettable moment of musical communion.