Early Music and Oral Traditions
La Nef explores the synthesis of Early music repertoire and the music of oral traditions. Our works unite musicians working across these two fields. By combining their styles and the sounds of their instruments, they seek the full range of these musical worlds that intermingle throughout their histories. Thus, La Nef proposes a renewed expression of these repertoires and invites the audience to discover them through new arrangements and improvisation. These concerts prize interpreters’ virtuosity and feature several renowned guest soloists.
New Works and World Music
La Nef creates original music that is inspired by diverse traditions.
Musicians from a range of practices are invited to share and integrate their influences. They offer many creative modes that generate uncommon artistic proposals, with the common thread being the composition of original music. These projects are presented in theatrical contexts, with suitable lighting, amplification, and real-time sound processing. Several are subject to subsequent release on both physical and digital albums.
With a dreamlike theme as a point of departure, the composer-interpreters give free rein to their inspiration, creativity, and imagination. The resulting music reflects their respective influences, unknown artistic territories, and personal feelings.
Such atmospheric voyages offer a veritable sonic cinematography, where composed and improvised music complement each other. La Nef Artistic Director Claire Gignac is the instigator and director of this stream of activity.
Youth
La Nef allows children from the age of three as well as their families to discover music.
Multidisciplinary musical storytelling
The ancient art of storytelling fused with original music encourages a playful approach that creates a wonderful atmosphere conducive to the active discovery of music. Our fantastical and dynamic approach showcases Early music and traditional instruments from diverse cultures. Their rich and contrasting sonic palette, their uncommon visual presence, and the integration of other disciplines (origami, puppetry, sand-drawing, shadow plays, theatre etc.) allow children and their families to discover marvellous new worlds.
Outreach activities and workshops
La Nef Musical Company 