"Originally, we were a group of fellow choristers who wanted to make music in a slightly different way". ARCANA is a lyric choir born nine years ago. Each year, they perform in a church to interpret classical music combined with other senses. Whether through sight, taste or smell, each concert aims to create sensory links with the music. So, after several collaborations, Pierre Aulas suggested we take the experiment a step further: organize our first olfactory concert!
Warmth, incense and music
We are greeted by the Arcana choir in the church entrance. A hubbub breaks out as the scent of impatience intensifies. Pierre Aulas, wearing a red bow tie, distributes perfumed gift bags to his audience. The perfumer tries to hide his nervousness, a few minutes before delivering the first of two performances of his olfactory concert.
It's nearly 9:30pm. The serious business is about to begin. Accompanied by the scent of incense, we make our way to the heart of the nave to find our seats. All the chairs are filled. Equipped with a fan, our Bon Parfumeur pouch and the program, we get ready for this unique experience!
An olfactory symphony
Pierre Aulas, microphone in hand, takes the stage and speaks. Behind him, Arcana's backing singers come on stage, silent for the moment. "There are many links between music and perfume," confides the perfumer.
The first act, entitled "celeste", is a first illustration of this. Music and fragrance evoke lightness and serenity: we feel transported to heaven. The chorus is illuminated by a cloud of bluish smoke. Her magnificent singing gently fills the nave, while the incense scent that used to perfume the church gives way to 702 fragrance. Its woody notes of incense, lavender and cashmere wood enchant our nostrils. The whole audience is surprised by a pleasant sensation of serenity. This first act is a resounding success.
"Women have a close relationship with perfume". With these words, Pierre Aulas, more confident than at the start of the concert, introduces the second act, "a tribute to women". Quoting Coco Chanel ("A woman without perfume is a woman without future"), he introduces us to the floral eau de parfum 101, with rose, sweet pea and white cedar. As the fragrant scents reach us, the choir begins Salve regina, a composition paying homage to the Virgin Mary. Like statues, the choristers stand still, giving way to soprano Ludmilla BOUAKKAZ. Her movements illustrate Haï Luli, an intense and striking composition: "I was breathless, she has such a beautiful voice! And the tone! What's more, the perfume helps set the mood," says Chloé, a woman in her thirties.
In the final act, the chorus is surrounded by a reddish cloud, transporting us to the Orient. Inspired by djinns, oriental demons, this act is influenced by the oriental imaginary, cultivated by France during the 19th century. We are all held in suspense, as if drawn in by the chorus that fully captures our attention. Bewitched by the 301 amber and spicy fragrance, our souls are transcended by the majestic voices of the choristers. "It was intense! I felt like I was facing terror. Their eyes were so expressive!" says Mélusine, an audience member. Squeezed into our chairs, we witness a gripping finale. The last notes of the piano echo through the church.
At that moment...
A brief but profound silence follows. It is then broken by a round of applause. The audience is won over, and Pierre Aulas is all smiles. The tension finally eases. With a smile on her face, Pauline, an Instagram and TikTok influencer, confides: "I loved the concert! It was very original to mix our senses. The perfumes had a unique scent, which reflected the music". At 10:30 pm, the church gradually empties, with some spectators and family members staying to chat with the choristers. Pierre, his bow tie undone, laughs, saying that it is necessary for him to find "the next means of expression to make classical music captivating".
Article written by Aurélie Gonneau and Romain Brizay on June 27, 2023
Photos by Pauline GrosJean @pauline_photos
