Artistic Direction
Artistic direction plays a crucial role in shaping the identity of our festival.
Our artistic direction team is made up of people who have traveled the world working on joint projects, and their experience is no accident.
A dynamic artistic team
Emmanuel CAPPELAERE
Artistic Director
In 1995, he founded the group “à4” and became its artistic director. With this group, he produced six albums. After meeting the American a cappella group Acappella, he decided to take vocal arrangement classes in Strasbourg, Nancy, and Reims. Passionate about computer-assisted music, he transcribed and arranged most of the group’s songs. He then signed a publishing contract with Francis Dreyfus Music, who suggested expanding the group to five singers. Thus, Opus Jam was born. He encountered the world of beatboxers, which led him to bring in a sixth singer skilled at beatboxing. Opus Jam became a sextet in 2012, with Emmanuel remaining the vocal arranger and leader.
Over 10 years ago, after performing in numerous concerts throughout France, Emmanuel, a founding member of the a cappella gospel group A4 and then OPUS JAM, was asked to organize an a cappella festival in Drusenheim, Tours, and Fréjus. “It was my group that said to me, ‘Manu, you have to do this festival in Bar-le-Duc, Meuse (55). The fact that this a cappella festival finally came to fruition is thanks to the determination of Bar-le-Duc native Emmanuel Cappelaere. It takes place in the town where he grew up and chose to return because he is deeply attached to it.
Nolwenn DEMASSARD-VIALA
Booker
For seven years, Nolwenn has promoted and organized concerts in France and around the world for passionate artists whose projects particularly resonate with her. One such artist is OPUS JAM. The key word is “human.”
She handles initial contact, negotiations, and itinerary drafting. On the day of the concert, she accompanies the artists to ensure their well-being, compliance with the contract, and meetings with programmers. Nolwenn also advises artists on communication and image.
Nolwenn is also a singer in the duo Adélie and appears as an extra in films and series.
Since the first season of Bar’EnVoix in 2023, Nolwenn and Emmanuel have been responsible for programming the a cappella groups and handling all administrative and artistic logistics, including contacts, contracts, and technical specifications.
Sound and Lighting Control
Another fundamental aspect of organizing a festival is managing sound and lighting. The technical teams must collaborate closely with the artistic director and booking team to showcase each performance to its fullest potential. Effective management guarantees clear sound and adequate lighting, creating a memorable experience for attendees.
Fred MILLOT
Lighting Control 2023...2025
Frédéric “Fred” Millot, the newly appointed Technical Director of the JMD Production group, will be based at the Théâtre Antoine in Paris. After touring with the group “à4” and the Poubelles Boys, Fred Millot spent more than thirty years on the road, providing lighting, stage management, and technical direction for numerous shows in prestigious venues. He worked behind the scenes with renowned personalities such as Alex Lutz and Edouard Baer.
His home base? The legendary Folies Bergère theater in Paris, which he calls “home,” where he has been stage manager for fourteen years.
Millot admits that he loves traveling and interacting with artists who trust him the most about his job. When asked to participate in creating the Bar’EnVoix festival, he didn’t hesitate despite his busy schedule. “I remain very attached to Bar-le-Duc; it’s my Proust’s madeleine! I am happy to help revitalize a city with such a rich heritage. It’s a dream come true to illuminate the Gilles de Trèves site. It’s so beautiful, and it appeals to the imagination because we don’t know what lies behind the large building.”
Nicolas GARDEL
Sound Engineering 2024–2025
Nicolas Gardel has been passionate about music since a young age. A former member of the Petit chanteur de Bar-le-Duc choir, he quickly turned to sound engineering, teaching himself the craft in addition to working as a pianist and composer.
His references in sound engineering, stage management, and technical direction include RenaissanceS in Bar-le-Duc, the Grand Festival in Verdun, the ChiFouMi family festival, the Compagnie l’Oublié(e) – Raphaëlle Boitel, and the group La Roulette Rustre. “I try to add my own touch to create a particular aesthetic. I have a very musical approach to sound. You have to understand what the artists are trying to express and mix with your ears, not your eyes glued to the console!” he explains.
After working with Opus Jam, Gardel will oversee the sound and stage management of the Bar’EnVoix festival in 2024. As a former singer, he is passionate about a cappella singing, which he finds magical yet challenging to manage. It will require my constant concentration, but what a pleasure it will be to showcase these voices in such exceptional venues!”
Laurent BOURQUIN
Sound Engineering 2023
As the technical manager of the Vendenheim Cultural Center, Laurent has worked with the group “à4” and OPUS JAM for over ten years. He has traveled throughout France and around the world in search of the best possible sound as sound consoles, microphones, and plug-ins have evolved. Laurent mixed OPUS JAM’s latest album, Motown and Soul, and provided technical support for groups participating in the first season of the Bar’EnVoix festival.
Élodie LABAT
Technical Assistant 2024–2025
Élodie is an experienced lighting and stage manager who excels in live performances.
Her extensive international experience, including her work at the Forest Fringe Festival in Scotland and the Kulturfabrik in Luxembourg, has given her solid skills in production logistics and artistic project management. She is recognized for her technical rigor, versatility, and artistic sensitivity.
She currently works with Compagnie l’Oublié(e) – Raphaëlle Boitel and regularly collaborates with festivals such as Bar’EnVoix and Le Grand Festival, as well as various companies. Passionate about her profession, she continuously trains to stay at the forefront of technology.
In summary, she is a dedicated and talented professional who contributes greatly to the world of live performance.