Kinderchor «La Cigale de Lyon», France
“La Cigale de Lyon” was founded by Christian Wagner as part of France’s post-war Reconstruction in 1947. That seven years later its first international tour would take it to Germany, of all places, is thus truly remarkable. The choir’s role in the reconciliation of the former adversaries was foundational to its values, as evidenced by the work of Anne-Marie Cabut, who took over as its second artistic director in 1995. During her time at the helm, “La Cigale” has built up an eclectic repertoire spanning several centuries and continents, has recorded a diverse discography and commissioned many new works. To maintain the choir’s distinctive sound, Cabut has older members mentor younger ones and provides coaching in non-verbal expression and stage presence. The choir’s extraordinary performance at the Sydney Opera House in 2019 remains one of its most cherished memories, as does its intergenerational recording of “Brume” to send a message of hope and solidarity during the pandemic, in which 240 of its current and former members took part.