The ensemble
Over 90 concerts in 6 years and numerous outreach activities (about 70 choral workshops, school interventions, summer courses…), this is the young yet dynamic journey of Ensemble La Sportelle.
Many prestigious institutions and renowned artists have already placed their trust in the ensemble, such as the Cité de la Voix in Vézelay, the Flâneries musicales de Reims, the Saintes Festival, Via Aeterna at Mont-Saint-Michel, the Théâtre Impérial de Compiègne, the Chambord Festival, the Sommets Musicaux de Gstaad, Sacrée Musique!, the Palazzetto Bru Zane, Thierry Escaich, Thomas Ospital…
› A vocal ensemble ranging from 4 to 32 singers, performing a cappella or Oratorio repertoire.
› Rocamadour, an inspiring home base.
› Francis Poulenc, a meaningful story
› The sacred repertoire, a vast territory to explore, spanning 10 centuries of music history.
› An artistic leadership team consisting of an artistic director, Emmeran Rollin, a musical director, Alix Dumon-Debaecker, and three guest conductors: Loïc Pierre, Owain Park, and Nigel Short.
› A group of singers adept at performing the diverse eras of sacred repertoire: both soloists and choristers, they combine the listening and expressive qualities of chamber musicians.
› A renewed concert experience: sound immersion, spatialisation, staging, and lighting are integral to the ensemble’s work.
› A pursuit of sensitivity and beauty to create emotion and connection with all audiences.
La Sportelle is the almond-shaped medallion that symbolises the pilgrims’ stay in Rocamadour. A symbol of a journey and a trace of an experience, it is now the name of the vocal ensemble attached to Rocamadour – Sacred Music. The approach behind the ensemble’s existence is unique: created in 2017, it serves as the ambassador of the distinctive spirit of Rocamadour, dedicated to performing sacred music.
The ensemble freely explores centuries of choral repertoire, from 4 to 32 singers, with the possibility of adding an organ or other instruments. The concerts offer a renewed experience, integrating sound immersion, spatialization, scenography, and lighting – fundamental elements of the ensemble’s artistic approach. Their work is rooted in the pursuit of sensitivity and beauty, aiming to evoke emotion and create meaningful connections with all audiences.
Ensemble la Sportelle brings forth the calling of Rocamadour, where music is experienced as a visual and sound journey that speaks to our entire being.
Though the ensemble has only a few years of existence, it has already performed at the Cité de la Voix in Vézelay, the Flâneries musicales de Reims, the Saintes Festival, Via Aeterna at Mont-Saint-Michel, the Théâtre Impérial de Compiègne, the Chambord Festival, the Sommets Musicaux de Gstaad, and Sacrée Musique! It has also recorded a work by composer Matthieu Stefanelli, as well as three albums for the Rocamadour Label: Ave Maria, oui… mais lequel ?, Lux, and Le Grand Mystère. The musicians of Ensemble la Sportelle are also involved locally, organizing workshops, courses, and masterclasses – a way to share with all audiences a passion for an art that elevates us.
