DUO AETHER

The two artists had known each other for a long time in Paris, without realising that one day they would combine their respective passions for music. Brought together by a series of happy coincidences in the Lot, and inspired by their individual spiritualities, it was there that the musicians spent several months searching together for their musical identity: Raphaël, coming from the world of jazz, and Anna, from the classical music scene.

They finally gave their first concert in August 2024, and were immediately praised by the local press.

The French translation of ‘Aether’ is ‘éther’, which, until 1905, was considered to be the substance that filled space, enabling various interactions between bodies.

A concert with the Aether duo is a rich and hybrid musical experience. The two musicians’ aim is to build bridges between different musical genres, bringing together listeners from cultures that are sometimes worlds apart. To introduce classical music in a unique light (pieces from the great repertoire, sometimes sung intimately into a microphone, or a cappella whilst moving around the space to bring the voice directly to the listener). Incorporating jazz harmonies to enrich the simple, traditional melodies of children’s songs such as ‘Colchiques dans les prés’ or ‘A la claire fontaine’.

Occasionally, Aether also invites the audience to sing along to these familiar melodies, to experience the unique sensation of being part of a vocal ensemble.

Since their early days, Anna and Raphaël have been writing their own works, with the spiritual and idealistic aim of healing, soothing and nurturing the soul. He is responsible for the romantically influenced piano arrangements, whilst she contributes a refined melodic line. They draw inspiration from sacred texts (Salve Regina) or literary works (Russe et bleu, based on a poem by Pushkin), as well as from their own lyrics, all revolving around the same themes: immensity, divinity, our relationship with the living world, and with the invisible.