Ensemble vocal Utopie

The Utopie Vocal Ensemble has been perpetuating choral art since its creation in 2000. Originally centered near Romont, it currently brings together around thirty singers in Fribourg from across the canton and beyond. Under the leadership of its founding director, Gonzague Monney, the ensemble stands out for the diversity of its repertoire, the quality of its performances, and its dynamism.

It has performed extensively in French-speaking Switzerland and beyond. Each musical season is punctuated by special and major events. Utopie also regularly participates in concerts in collaboration with other choirs or orchestras (brass bands, jazz trios, chamber orchestras, etc.).

Among the great classical works performed by the Utopie Vocal Ensemble are Johannes Brahms's Ein Deutsches Requiem, Op. 45, John Rutter's Gloria, Ola Gjeilo's Sunrise Mass, Camille Saint-Saëns's Christmas Oratorio, Gonzague Monney's Stabat Mater Speciosa, Carl Orff's Carmina Burana, and Karl Jenkins's Stabat Mater.

Utopie has also given concerts in a wide variety of styles (a cappella or with accompaniment) at special events, such as the 20 Heures de Musiques de Romont, the Kiosque à Musiques, the Francomanias de Bulle, the official ceremony of the Fête Fédérale de Lutte in Estavayer-le-Lac, the Fribourg International Festival of Sacred Music, and concert performances.

The Utopie Vocal Ensemble won prizes at the Label Suisse composition competition in Lausanne in 2008, the Fribourg Choral Competition in 2009, and the Echallens Vocal Ensemble Competition in 2017.

The Utopie Vocal Ensemble's discography includes a CD recorded in 2007 entitled Utopie, as well as several concert recordings.

Utopie is recruiting! Join us every Sunday evening in Fribourg at the Collège St-Michel, from 6:45 pm to 8:45 pm. Please contact the committee for more information.