Beyond Performance: Discover Les Métaboles and Their Commitment to Choral Excellence
On the occasion of Les Métaboles‘ performances in Asia this month, Fondation de France Asia would like to highlight the ensemble’s impactful work in choral music and education.
Founded in 2010 under the vision of French conductor Léo Warynski, Les Métaboles is a distinguished ensemble of professional singers dedicated to the rich and diverse world of a cappella choral music. Their very name, inspired by Henri Dutilleux’s evocative work exploring metamorphosis, reflects the choir’s remarkable ability to adapt and transform its sound across a vast repertoire, with a particular focus on the compelling voices of contemporary composers.
Showcasing French Choral Music in Asia
Les Métaboles’ ability to metamorphose allows them to embrace a wide range of vocal music, from early to contemporary repertoire. Their tour in China (Spring and Autumn 2026) will highlight three distinct programs, showcasing the richness of French choral music.
The first program features Le Papillon Noir by contemporary composer Yann Robin, a striking work for voices, instrumentalists, and a soprano soloist, based on a libretto by Yannick Haenel. The piece explores the journey of a soul from the world of the living to that of the dead, offering a deeply expressive and immersive experience.
A second program celebrates the lyrical beauty of 19th- and 20th-century French composers, including Claude Debussy, Francis Poulenc, Gabriel Fauré, and the Renaissance master Josquin des Prez.
Finally, Maurice Ravel’s music will take center stage in a dedicated program, featuring exquisite choral transcriptions of his works—including the iconic Boléro.
Through these performances, Chinese and Hong Kong audiences will experience the depth and diversity of French choral writing, as well as the refined vocal artistry of Les Métaboles.
Nurturing the Future of Choral Music
Beyond their performances, Les Métaboles are deeply committed to nurturing the next generation of musicians, both composers and conductors, through two key educational initiatives.
Founded in 2019 by Les Métaboles and Ensemble Multilatérale, the ARCO Composition Academy provides young composers with hands-on experience writing for the voice. Working closely with experienced singers and instrumentalists, participants gain essential skills—mastering the relationship between music and text, adapting to vocal registers, and understanding the singer’s body as an instrument. The ability to write effectively for the voice is crucial for choral music’s future, and ARCO helps bridge the gap between composers and performers.
In parallel, Les Métaboles play a central role in training the next generation of choral conductors. Léo Warynski, the ensemble’s founder and conductor, is also the artistic director of the Vézelay Conducting Academy, where he provides invaluable mentorship. Every two years, the choir collaborates with young conductors, offering them the opportunity to lead professional singers and refine their craft under expert guidance. This immersive experience helps shape the future of choral leadership.
Their outreach also extends to bringing French choral music to international audiences through concert tours in Asia and nurturing local talent via masterclasses in Hong Kong. Furthermore, they support educational programmes in French schools to cultivate a love for choral singing in young people, demonstrating a comprehensive commitment to the art form’s growth and accessibility across all levels.
To learn more about Les Métaboles‘ initiatives and upcoming performances, please visit their website: https://lesmetaboles.fr/en.
If you are passionate about supporting the future of choral music and the development of young artists, please consider making a donation to their impactful programmes.
