Listening differently: How was it received?

As part of our cultural initiatives with our resident theater, the Théâtre du Jeu de Paume in Aix-en-Provence, we met with a class of deaf children for the second year in a row to introduce them to music.

After preparatory sessions in the classroom with an expert in music for the deaf, followed by a training session for the musicians led by the same artist, the children joined the musicians on the stage of the Théâtre du Jeu de Paume for a workshop focused on interaction and exploring Baroque instruments.

“It was a really wonderful experience, both human and sensory. It allowed me to ‘shift my focus’ away from hearing alone, even though that sense wasn’t the only channel through which I approach my musical practice. The time with the children was very touching; that freshness and lovely chaos were inspiring!” Gaëlle Vitureau, flutist

While the experience was intended to be intimate, the theater nevertheless opened its doors to a small audience at the end of the workshop to share the experience and encourage reflection. For this occasion, vibrational equipment was set up in the theater’s stalls and made freely available to the public, allowing everyone to physically feel the music and fully immerse themselves in this sensory approach.

This opening allowed diverse audiences to discover and experience this artistic project in its entirety. Among them was the Odyssens association:

“This experience was profoundly meaningful: a human, sensitive, and inclusive adventure, where we were able to engage with deaf individuals, question our own way of ‘listening,’ and open up new possibilities regarding sensory accessibility.” Virginie & Jean-Philippe

Listening differently is more than just an encounter; it is a true shared artistic and human experience.