Insomnie (2026)

for soprano and ensemble

Text by Brigitte Athea (from Instants de Femmes, pub. Le bruit des autres)

Instrumentation: soprano, flute, electric guitar, percussion, accordion, violin, cello

Commissioned by Festival aux Chandelles and ensemble Cairn

Dedication to Clara Barbier Serrano, ensemble Cairn & Festival aux Chandelles

Performers: Clara Barbier Serrano, soprano

Ensemble Cairn, 

Guillaume Bourgogne, cond.

Premiere: 15 may 2026 at Festival aux Chandelles,

Sainte-Marie-aux Mines, France,

Duration aprox 16' ca.

Publisher: Lacroch'

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Insomnie plays on the unique atmosphere of the 15th- century church of Saint-Pierre-sur-l’Hâtre, a venue provided by the Festival-aux-Chandelles, as well as on the time of the concert: nightfall, that moment when our perception of time shifts as daylight gives way to nighttime darkness, as candles appear, a moment when our perception of sounds is similarly altered. Insomnia draws on the theme of the eponymous poem by author Brigitte Athéa. “He won’t come home now. Too late! Like every Friday night, Overwhelmed with work! I don’t like the night, When he’s not here, At night, I’m afraid...”.