live from the voice This season has a special flavor as the production calls upon none other than Serge Tenoncourt to stage the various numbers. The aim is to stimulate and enrich the stage presence of contestants and guests during the last four live telecasts.
“I’m not here to add bullshit,” he explained in an interview. I accompany artists in their artistic approach and try to stage the atmosphere, emotion and scene of their song. I don’t add too much stuff, I pay more attention to the light, the environment and the direction of the artists.”
All of these stagings are co-produced by director Jill Niquet-Joel. “The guiding idea is to create emotion, not necessarily ‘wow’.”
Last year, Serge Tenoncourt presented a carte blanche number at an exhibition Star Academy. This time his work was completely different. “For Carte Blanche, I had fun with a talent I love. AT voice, I go with the candidates, I stage their universe, not mine. Come live, we know they have beautiful voices, and the matter is settled. Now, how can I display, finish and describe them further? It is the composer who comes to play.”
Believe the story
To create trends for the season, Tenoncourt first looks at what’s being done at the Grammys, the Victoires de la Musique or just about everywhere else in England. “Everything gets graphic on TV. Filling the frame is no longer necessary, we are more focused on putting in the frame. There was a full reflection, but we must not dream, we must stay within the codes of the show, although it has the right to evolve. It’s very exciting.
And since he works with up-and-coming artists, consultation and exchange are essential. “I am not trying to destroy the personalities of the candidates, we are working together. I don’t want to integrate the numbers. We watched it last Sunday, traveling from one universe to another throughout the evening. The contestants were allowed to say whether they hated it, but they seemed to have a lot of fun.”
Be relevant
Working with young artists is what Serge Tenoncourt has been doing for years. “I give them little lessons in interpretation, intensity, presence and charisma. I think that’s why the production called me. I play a bit like Practice Additional. At 20, they don’t necessarily know their limits and I push them to push themselves.
If the director likes to be in touch with the younger generation, it keeps him from getting old as he gets a refresher from them. “I am 60 years old and there, I am in touch with 18-20-year-olds, am I still relevant, do I understand them, can I lead them? It seems so. A boy of my age, it is easy to pass his time by hanging out with younger people. I am doing my uncle’s business. If so, they will tell me right away.
A busy schedule
In addition to living from voice, Serge Denoncourt works on many projects around the world. “I have a show in France, another project in development there. I have a project for Rome and Broadway.
He also directs the music HatredIt will be presented this summer in Montreal during the Just for Laughs festival.
“I am very excited to host this event. I’m curious to see young people who are almost going to play their grandparents: has this revolution worked? And the answer is no. But it’s interesting to see what’s in it. Plus, the music is great and we travel throughout the show.
Quarter Finals the voice Tune in this Sunday at 7:30pm on TVA.
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