Le Choeur Battant

Two years ago, the future conductor of Le Chœur Battant, together with his wife, Karine, and their friend Brigitte, realised that they were seeing their friends only a few times a year, usually over dinner—and that something precious was being lost. Out of that awareness came an unexpected idea: to create a choir that would become a shared adventure for their circle of friends, even though none of them had ever sung in a choir before.

The idea grew bolder. What if the music they performed were to be composed and conducted by him—despite the fact that he had never written choral music or conducted a choir? The concept was so delightfully improbable that it demanded to be attempted. Their friends were called, and to their astonishment, everyone said yes.

That is how Le Chœur Battant (“The Beating Heart”) was born: a group of people who had never sung, guided by someone who had never conducted, coming together to perform music he had never before composed—all in the spirit of exploring the depth, joy, and vulnerability of true friendship.

Over time, watching the singers discover one another—and themselves—through this shared musical journey has been profoundly moving and endlessly inspiring.

Years earlier, the conductor had lived in Ireland while working for Irish Distillers. A friend from Cork teasingly asked whether this beginner choir could ever hope to be selected for the Cork International Choral Festival. Though meant as a joke, the challenge was accepted. The choir worked with determination, heart, and a sense of playfulness rooted in their origins.

Today, that dream has become reality: a milestone far beyond anything imagined at the beginning. Their adventure continues—proof that friendship, courage, and curiosity can lead to extraordinary places.