Francis Poulenc was a man of character, anything but lukewarm. Intense and vivid, his music has a highly visual quality, almost cinematic. It is particularly his vocal music that establishes him as one of the most significant French composers of the 20th century. In this repertoire, he showcases his mastery of prosody and his unmistakable sense of harmony. His music is rich in contrasts, moving between fervent purity and raw verticality, warm lyricism, and stark, thunderous choral clashes like storm clouds colliding. This expressive power shaped the 20th century and influenced many composers.

Ensemble la Sportelle, deeply rooted in Rocamadour and Poulenc’s musical heritage, invites you to (re)discover Poulenc’s sacred vocal works, alongside contemporary composers who have been inspired, influenced, or even transformed by his music.

The alternation of pieces throughout the concert reveals their shared characteristics and unique features, creating a family portrait in sound. This approach vividly demonstrates how French music is profoundly human and alive—far from the dusty image often associated with sacred music and equally distant from the fear of unapproachable contemporary compositions.

With works featuring diverse arrangements, the concerts will be spatialized, immersing the audience in the very core of the sound and its harmonic depth.