La Volière is a renowned creative collective that blends music, circus arts, and innovative engineering to create unforgettable outdoor performances. Best known for their poetic interventions in natural landscapes, this group transforms public spaces into magical stages. Whether it is a piano floating on a tranquil lake or a musician suspended high in the air, their work focuses on bringing art directly to the people in unexpected ways.
What Is the La Volière Collective?
At its core, La Volière is an artistic laboratory founded by creator Voël Martin. The group consists of musicians, technicians, and performers who share a vision of making high-quality art accessible outside of traditional theater walls. The name itself, which translates to “The Aviary,” reflects a sense of freedom, flight, and the organic connection between sound and the environment.
The collective is famous for designing its own mobile stages and mechanical instruments. These inventions allow them to perform in locations that would typically be impossible for a concert, such as the middle of a forest, a city square, or the surface of a river. By removing the barriers of a formal concert hall, they create an intimate and inclusive atmosphere for audiences of all ages.
The Famous Floating Piano: Le PianO du Lac
Perhaps the most iconic project associated with the collective is Le PianO du Lac. This traveling show features a specially designed piano mounted on a floating platform. As the sun sets, the audience gathers on the banks of a lake or river to watch a performance that blends classical, jazz, and contemporary music with the natural sounds of water and wildlife.
How the Floating Performance Works
The logistics of a floating concert are complex but handled with precision by the crew. The piano is balanced on a catamaran-style raft that is stable enough for the pianist to play while moving across the water. Performers often include singers, dancers, or even synchronized swimmers who interact with the floating stage.
- Natural Acoustics: The water acts as a natural amplifier, carrying the sound clearly to the shore.
- Visual Storytelling: The reflection of the lights on the water adds a cinematic quality to the evening.
- Environmental Respect: The shows are designed to have a minimal footprint, respecting the natural beauty of the performance site.
Innovative Musical Inventions
Beyond the floating piano, the collective is known for several other unique mechanical creations that challenge how we perceive musical instruments. These inventions are often interactive, allowing the audience to engage with the art on a physical level.
The Piano-Manège
The Piano-Manège is a musical merry-go-round. In this setup, the piano provides the central movement for a carousel. As the musician plays, the entire structure rotates, creating a whimsical experience that appeals to both children and adults. It combines the nostalgia of a fairground with the sophistication of a live recital.
The Piano-Massage
One of their more experimental concepts is the Piano-Massage. In this intimate performance, a listener lies down on a specialized platform connected to the piano. As the artist plays, the vibrations of the strings are felt directly through the body of the listener. This creates a multi-sensory experience where music is not just heard, but felt physically.
The Suspended Piano
Pushing the boundaries of gravity, the collective also performs with a piano suspendu. Using cranes or specialized rigging, the piano and the performer are lifted into the air. This aerial performance creates a breathtaking visual where the music seems to fall from the sky, often performed against the backdrop of historic architecture or towering trees.
Where to Find a Performance
The collective is primarily based in France but tours extensively throughout Europe, including Spain, Belgium, and Switzerland. Because their shows are mobile, they do not have a single permanent theater location. Instead, they follow a seasonal touring schedule, often performing daily in different locations during the summer months.
To find a show near you, it is best to look for local arts festival listings or check regional cultural calendars. Their tours often follow natural waterways, moving from one lake or river to the next over several weeks. Most performances are held in the late afternoon or evening to take advantage of natural lighting and the cooling air.
What to Expect When Attending
Attending a performance by this collective is a casual and community-focused event. Unlike a traditional theater, there are rarely assigned seats. Here are a few tips to ensure you have the best experience:
- Bring Your Own Seating: Most venues are natural shorelines or parks. It is highly recommended to bring a folding chair, a picnic blanket, or a cushion.
- Dress for the Weather: Since the shows are outdoors and often near water, it can get chilly once the sun goes down. Bring an extra layer or a light jacket.
- Arrive Early: The unique nature of these shows often attracts large crowds. Arriving 30 to 45 minutes early allows you to find a good spot with a clear view of the water or stage.
- Check the Ticketing Policy: Some shows operate on a “voluntary contribution” basis (pay-what-you-can), while others require a pre-purchased ticket. Always check the specific event details beforehand.
The Philosophy of Accessible Art
The success of these projects stems from a simple philosophy: art should be a part of everyday life. By taking the piano—an instrument often associated with elite concert halls—and placing it in the mud, on the water, or in the air, the collective breaks down social barriers. They invite the audience to reconnect with nature and their neighbors through the shared experience of music and wonder.
Their work also emphasizes sustainability and local engagement. The crew often lives and travels together in a convoy of vans and trucks, embodying a nomadic lifestyle that mirrors the traveling troupes of the past. This dedication to a “living art” ensures that every performance is unique to its time and place.
Conclusion
La Volière and its associated projects like Le PianO du Lac offer a refreshing alternative to traditional entertainment. By blending mechanical ingenuity with poetic performance, they create moments of genuine magic in the modern world. If you have the opportunity to witness one of their shows, it is an experience that will likely stay with you long after the final note has faded across the water. To learn more about unique cultural events and creative living, explore our other articles on local arts and outdoor activities.