A unique festival in France
Although there are many festivals centered around the voice, most are accompanied by musical instruments. The idea for an a cappella singing festival emerged in 2021 from a simple observation: France lacked such an event. At the time of its creation, the association EnVoix set out to organize a festival centered solely on the voice.
The first edition of the international a cappella singing festival, Bar’EnVoix, began in Bar-le-Duc in June 2023.
We hope this festival will contribute to the development of a cappella singing and introduce a musical style that is largely unknown in France.
EnVoix ASSOCIATION
Genesis
Bar-le-Duc, labeled a “City of Art and History,” conceals precious 16th-century Renaissance architectural testimonies that remind us of the area’s prestigious past! It was during the Renaissance that a cappella singing was born. What could be more fitting than combining Barisian heritage with modern a cappella music? The use of only the human voice, without musical instruments, is what gives our festival project its demanding and original character.
Eager to promote a cappella, singing enthusiasts and heritage lovers created the “EnVoix” association under the 1901 law, with the purpose of “organizing cultural events around the voice.” Its members have asked themselves many questions:
- How can heritage be enhanced?
- What unique cultural events should be developed?
- How can we attract a large audience to Bar-le-Duc?
- Why an a cappella festival?
- Why should it be international?
The members of the association decided to answer all these questions during a concert with the group OPUS JAM at Les Fuseaux in Saint-Dizier (52). They were so surprised to hear “modern” a cappella singing, which uses only voices to create incredible music in infinite ways.
- Educational Aspect: A cappella singing has been developed to a high degree worldwide, but not as much in France. Our project aims to introduce this style of music to a wide audience, especially young people, through educational and cultural activities, such as “master classes.” We will invite a cappella groups to perform for high school, middle school, and elementary school students and teach them vocal techniques, especially imitating musical instruments.
- International aspect: The festival aims to explore different cultures and languages to increase its appeal.
- Marketing aspect: We want to make Bar-le-Duc the essential city for a cappella singing in France.
- Attractiveness aspect: Utilize all possible heritage sites in Bar-le-Duc for all musical styles (classical, jazz, rock, pop, rap, etc.).
- Benefits of singing: Ask groups to perform for small audiences in hospitals, nursing homes, and clinics. The health benefits of singing are well-documented.
Culture is not what divides but what unites!
Board members
Virginie GONZALEZ
President
EnVoix is an extraordinary and incredibly enriching human adventure.
It's a place of hard work and cohesion in a friendly atmosphere.
Céline SOSSI
Secretary
Séverine KUBANI
Treasurer
Mohamed FAHEM
Vice President
Myriam MANSEUR
Deputy Secretary
Jean-Pierre SALZARD
Deputy Treasurer
Fati EL HAOUTI
Board member
"For me, the association EnVoix and all its members are synonymous with passion and energy, which suits me perfectly! Not to mention our artistic director, Manu Cappelaere, and his sometimes crazy projects. It is all of this that pushed me to join the association."
Véronique SALZARD
Board member
François GODINOT
Board member
Discover the association
The EnVoix association is much more than just a commitment, it’s a true human and artistic adventure.
Whether or not you are a singer, EnVoix is for everyone eager to share their passion for the voice and exchange ideas with artists from all walks of life.
Here are some reasons why EnVoix is an essential choice.
EnVoix is open to everyone! Whether you’re a singer, a music enthusiast, or just curious, every voice matters. Our diverse membership fosters enriching exchanges and innovative ideas.
This creates a warm, supportive atmosphere where everyone can progress at their own pace.
One of EnVoix’s strengths lies in the richness of its committees. They enable everyone to actively participate in the life of the association. No matter what your interests are—event organization, communication, or logistics—each committee offers the opportunity to contribute according to your skills. Collaborating on shared projects fosters interaction and strengthens the connections among members.
It’s an excellent way to get involved and add your personal touch!
One of the most exciting aspects of our association is having the opportunity to meet talented artists.
One of EnVoix’s flagship objectives is to bring our Renaissance heritage to life through concerts and exceptional lighting. EnVoix contributes to the enhancement of our heritage while making it accessible to the broadest possible audience.
In short, joining the EnVoix association means becoming part of a collaborative community where everyone has their place. Whether you want to serve on festival setup committees, meet exceptional artists, share your passion for the voice arts, or simply support us, EnVoix is for you.
Be part of a vibrant and determined association! Together, let’s bring a cappella singing to life!
The Off-Festival Activities
The EnVoix association organizes activities and concerts outside of the festival to promote a cappella singing. We are a new organization, so the list is not very long yet, but it will grow over time.
- April 9, 2025 – Concert by the group ClimaX at the Saint-Mansuy church in Culey
If you’d like to get involved in organizing these activities or host an event at your place, don’t hesitate to reach out.
Join the association
There are several ways to join the association.
The first option is to become an online member by filling out the form below. You will have the opportunity to become a member and, if you wish, a benefactor member by adding a donation. Payment will be made online by credit card.
If you prefer not to use online payments, you can still sign up by clicking the button below and completing the membership form directly online.
You can complete the membership form online. No information is recorded; it is only used to fill out the form.
Once you have completed the form, save it and sign two copies. Send one copy to us via our contact page by selecting the option “Send my membership form.”
For payments other than bank transfers, send your checks to Association EnVoix, 6 Espace Theuriet, 55000 Bar-le-Duc.
You can make payments in cash or by credit card by appointment or during meetings. We will contact you to schedule an appointment.
Make a donation to the association
Another way to support the association and help organize a quality festival is to make a donation.
It’s easy!
Download the donation form below, complete it, and send it back to us using our contact page or to the association’s postal address.
Donors are entitled to a tax reduction of up to 66%.
Thank you in advance to all our generous donors!