Clair-obscur
Between sea and mountains, between eastern modes and polyphony — Clair-obscur is born of the desire for deeper dialogue on the part both of the musicians of Constantinople and the singers of A Filetta, the preeminent ensemble of Corsican polyphony. They have created a poetic and musical suite, mixing polyphonies and songs rooted in their traditions and repertoires.
This alliance has roots in two lands, two vital sources of contrasting geographies. On the one hand, the insular beauty of Corsica, between land, sky and sea, austere and powerful, embodied in these polyphonic vocals in turn melancholic and festive; on the other, the refinement of the musical and poetic traditions of Persia, which dictated its magical laws to the East.
The common denominator here is certainly their early and modal form of expression, but even more it is their contemporary language that both ensembles wished to see converge. “To avoid the traps of juxtaposition (…), to go elsewhere by listening to and understanding the Other (…), to create a fresco that can be viewed as a unique work” (Kiya Tabassian): such is the goal of these exploratory artists, who share an unquestionable sense of harmony.
The musical understanding they developed over the years has here given rise to magnificently accompanied sacred and profane songs, revived lamentes and folias, as well as new co-creations. Deep and vibrant, the music seems to arise from the bowels of the earth…
“A Filetta’s voices speak as much to the skin as to the ear… The vocal group A Filetta sings the soul of its island with universal artistry.” — L’Express
On stage
Clair-obscur in concerts
August 2026
15aug19 h 30 minClair ObscurWhereTatihou, France
Event Details
Between sea and mountains, between modes and polyphony — Clair-obscur is born of the desire for deeper dialogue on the part both of the musicians of Constantinople and the singers of A Filetta, the preeminent
Event Details
Between sea and mountains, between modes and polyphony — Clair-obscur is born of the desire for deeper dialogue on the part both of the musicians of Constantinople and the singers of A Filetta, the preeminent ensemble of Corsican polyphony. They have created a poetic and musical suite, mixing polyphonies created by the well-versed singers of A Filetta with songs and tunes composed and arranged by Kiya Tabassian. A profoundly touching concert.
Buy your tickets
On stage
- Kiya Tabassian, setar
- A Filetta, corsican polyphony
- Didem Basar, kanun
- Patrick Graham, percussions
- Tanya LaPerrière, baroque violin & viola d’amore
Time
Where
Tatihou, France
Archives
August 2021
06aug19 h 00 min23 h 50 minClair-obscurWhereConques, France
Event Details
Between sea and mountains, between modes and polyphony — Clair-obscur is born of the desire for deeper dialogue on the part both of the musicians of Constantinople
Event Details
Between sea and mountains, between modes and polyphony — Clair-obscur is born of the desire for deeper dialogue on the part both of the musicians of Constantinople and the singers of A Filetta, the preeminent ensemble of Corsican polyphony. They have created a poetic and musical suite, mixing polyphonies created by the well-versed singers of A Filetta with songs and tunes composed and arranged by Kiya Tabassian. A profoundly touching concert.
Buy your tickets
On stage
- Kiya Tabassian, setar
- A Filetta, corsican polyphony
- Didem Basar, kanun
- Patrick Graham, percussions
- Tanya LaPerrière, baroque violin & viola d’amore
Time
Location
Abbaye de Loc-Dieu
Abbaye de Loc Dieu
Where
Conques, France
December 2021
03dec19 h 30 min23 h 50 minClair-obscurWhereVancouver, Canada
Event Details
Between sea and mountains, between modes and polyphony — Clair-obscur is born of the desire for deeper dialogue on the part both of the musicians of Constantinople
Event Details
Between sea and mountains, between modes and polyphony — Clair-obscur is born of the desire for deeper dialogue on the part both of the musicians of Constantinople and the singers of A Filetta, the preeminent ensemble of Corsican polyphony. They have created a poetic and musical suite, mixing polyphonies created by the well-versed singers of A Filetta with songs and tunes composed and arranged by Kiya Tabassian. A profoundly touching concert.
Buy your tickets
Tickets available for a second concert at 5:30pm. 50% discount for 35 and younger. More info here.
On stage
- Kiya Tabassian, setar
- A Filetta, corsican polyphony
- Didem Basar, kanun
- Patrick Graham, percussions
- Jennifer Thiessen, baroque violin & viola d’amore
Time
Location
Pacific Spirit United Church
2195 W 45th Ave
Where
Vancouver, Canada
Organizer
04dec15 h 00 min23 h 50 minClair-obscurWhereMaple Ridge, Canada
Event Details
Between sea and mountains, between modes and polyphony — Clair-obscur is born of the desire for deeper dialogue on the part both of the musicians of Constantinople
Event Details
Between sea and mountains, between modes and polyphony — Clair-obscur is born of the desire for deeper dialogue on the part both of the musicians of Constantinople and the singers of A Filetta, the preeminent ensemble of Corsican polyphony. They have created a poetic and musical suite, mixing polyphonies created by the well-versed singers of A Filetta with songs and tunes composed and arranged by Kiya Tabassian. A profoundly touching concert.
Buy your tickets
On stage
- Kiya Tabassian, setar
- A Filetta, corsican polyphony
- Didem Basar, kanun
- Patrick Graham, percussions
- Jennifer Thiessen, baroque violin & viola d’amore
Time
Location
The ACT Arts Centre
11944 Haney Pl
Where
Maple Ridge, Canada
Organizer
05dec19 h 30 min23 h 50 minClair-obscurWhereVictoria, Canada
Event Details
Between sea and mountains, between modes and polyphony — Clair-obscur is born of the desire for deeper dialogue on the part both of the musicians of Constantinople
Event Details
Between sea and mountains, between modes and polyphony — Clair-obscur is born of the desire for deeper dialogue on the part both of the musicians of Constantinople and the singers of A Filetta, the preeminent ensemble of Corsican polyphony. They have created a poetic and musical suite, mixing polyphonies created by the well-versed singers of A Filetta with songs and tunes composed and arranged by Kiya Tabassian. A profoundly touching concert.
Buy your tickets
On stage
- Kiya Tabassian, setar
- A Filetta, corsican polyphony
- Didem Basar, kanun
- Patrick Graham, percussions
- Jennifer Thiessen, baroque violin & viola d’amore
Time
Location
ChristChurch Cathedral
930 Burdett Ave
Where
Victoria, Canada
Organizer
10dec20 h 30 min23 h 50 minClair-obscurWhereToronto, Canada
Event Details
Between sea and mountains, between modes and polyphony — Clair-obscur is born of the desire for deeper dialogue on the part both of the musicians of Constantinople
Event Details
Between sea and mountains, between modes and polyphony — Clair-obscur is born of the desire for deeper dialogue on the part both of the musicians of Constantinople and the singers of A Filetta, the preeminent ensemble of Corsican polyphony. They have created a poetic and musical suite, mixing polyphonies created by the well-versed singers of A Filetta with songs and tunes composed and arranged by Kiya Tabassian. A profoundly touching concert.
Buy your tickets
On stage
- Kiya Tabassian, setar, voice and direction
- A Filetta, corsican polyphony
- Didem Basar, kanun
- Patrick Graham, percussions
- Tanya LaPerrière, baroque violin & viola d’amore
Time
Location
Aga Khan Museum
77 Wynford Dr, North York, ON M3C 1K1, Canada
Where
Toronto, Canada
11dec20 h 00 min23 h 50 minClair-obscurWhereMontreal, Canada
Event Details
Between sea and mountains, between modes and polyphony — Clair-obscur is born of the desire for deeper dialogue on the part both of the musicians of
Event Details
Between sea and mountains, between modes and polyphony — Clair-obscur is born of the desire for deeper dialogue on the part both of the musicians of Constantinople and the singers of A Filetta, the preeminent ensemble of Corsican polyphony. They have created a poetic and musical suite, mixing polyphonies created by the well-versed singers of A Filetta with songs and tunes composed and arranged by Kiya Tabassian. A profoundly touching concert.
Buy your tickets
Buy your tickets here. 44$ for general public, 38$ for museum members, and 23$ for 34 years old and under.
On stage
- Kiya Tabassian, setar, voice & artistic direction
- A Filetta, corsican polyphony
- Didem Basar, kanun
- Patrick Graham, percussions
- Tanya LaPerrière, baroque violin & viola d’amore
Time
Location
Salle Bourgie, Musée des Beaux Arts de Montréal
1339 Rue Sherbrooke Ouest H3G 1G2
Where
Montreal, Canada
13dec20 h 00 min23 h 50 minClair-obscurWhereQuebec, Canada
Event Details
Between sea and mountains, between modes and polyphony — Clair-obscur is born of the desire for deeper dialogue on the part both of the musicians of Constantinople
Event Details
Between sea and mountains, between modes and polyphony — Clair-obscur is born of the desire for deeper dialogue on the part both of the musicians of Constantinople and the singers of A Filetta, the preeminent ensemble of Corsican polyphony. They have created a poetic and musical suite, mixing polyphonies created by the well-versed singers of A Filetta with songs and tunes composed and arranged by Kiya Tabassian. A profoundly touching concert.
Buy your tickets
On stage
- Kiya Tabassian, setar
- A Filetta, corsican polyphony
- Didem Basar, kanun
- Patrick Graham, percussions
- Tanya LaPerrière, baroque violin & viola d’amore
Time
Where
Quebec, Canada
July 2022
25jul20 h 00 min23 h 50 minClair-obscurWhereLimoges, France
Event Details
Between sea and mountains, between modes and polyphony — Clair-obscur is born of the desire for deeper dialogue on the part both of the musicians of Constantinople
Event Details
Between sea and mountains, between modes and polyphony — Clair-obscur is born of the desire for deeper dialogue on the part both of the musicians of Constantinople and the singers of A Filetta, the preeminent ensemble of Corsican polyphony. They have created a poetic and musical suite, mixing polyphonies created by the well-versed singers of A Filetta with songs and tunes composed and arranged by Kiya Tabassian. A profoundly touching concert.
Buy your tickets
24€ General Public, 15€ for under 23yo.
On stage
- Kiya Tabassian, setar, voice and direction
- A Filetta, corsican polyphony
- Didem Basar, kanun
- Patrick Graham, percussions
- Tanya LaPerrière, baroque violin & viola d’amore
Time
Location
Espace Simone Veil
rue de la providence
Where
Limoges, France
26jul20 h 00 min23 h 50 minClair-obscurWhereBastia, France
Event Details
Between sea and mountains, between modes and polyphony — Clair-obscur is born of the desire for deeper dialogue on the part both of the musicians of Constantinople
Event Details
Between sea and mountains, between modes and polyphony — Clair-obscur is born of the desire for deeper dialogue on the part both of the musicians of Constantinople and the singers of A Filetta, the preeminent ensemble of Corsican polyphony. They have created a poetic and musical suite, mixing polyphonies created by the well-versed singers of A Filetta with songs and tunes composed and arranged by Kiya Tabassian. A profoundly touching concert.
Buy your tickets
Information coming soon.
On stage
- Kiya Tabassian, setar, voice and direction
- A Filetta, corsican polyphony
- Didem Basar, kanun
- Patrick Graham, percussions
- Tanya LaPerrière, baroque violin & viola d’amore
Time
Location
Bastia
Where
Bastia, France
February 2023
10feb20 h 30 min23 h 50 minClair-obscurWhereParis, France
Event Details
Between sea and mountains, between modes and polyphony — Clair-obscur is born of the desire for deeper dialogue on the part both of the musicians of Constantinople
Event Details
Between sea and mountains, between modes and polyphony — Clair-obscur is born of the desire for deeper dialogue on the part both of the musicians of Constantinople and the singers of A Filetta, the preeminent ensemble of Corsican polyphony. They have created a poetic and musical suite, mixing polyphonies created by the well-versed singers of A Filetta with songs and tunes composed and arranged by Kiya Tabassian. A profoundly touching concert.
Buy your tickets
25, 40 and 60€.
20% off for 3 concerts, 25% for the 4 concerts of the Season in Paris.
On stage
A Filetta
Jean-Claude Acquaviva
François Aragni
Jean-Do Bianco
Petr’Antò Casta
Paul Giansily
Maxime Vuillamier
Constantinople
Kiya Tabassian, setar, voice & direction
Didem Basar, kanun
Patrick Graham, percussions
Tanya Laperrière, baroque violin & viola d’Amore
Time
Location
Salle Gaveau
45 rue La Boétie, 75008 Paris, France
Where
Paris, France
July 2024
16jul19 h 30 minClair ObscurWhereOttawa, Canada
Event Details
Between sea and mountains, between modes and polyphony — Clair-obscur is born of the desire for deeper dialogue on the part both of the musicians of Constantinople and the singers of A Filetta, the preeminent
Event Details
Between sea and mountains, between modes and polyphony — Clair-obscur is born of the desire for deeper dialogue on the part both of the musicians of Constantinople and the singers of A Filetta, the preeminent ensemble of Corsican polyphony. They have created a poetic and musical suite, mixing polyphonies created by the well-versed singers of A Filetta with songs and tunes composed and arranged by Kiya Tabassian. A profoundly touching concert.
Buy your tickets
On stage
- Kiya Tabassian, setar
- A Filetta, corsican polyphony
- Didem Basar, kanun
- Patrick Graham, percussions
- Tanya LaPerrière, baroque violin & viola d’amore
Time
Where
Ottawa, Canada
17jul20 h 00 minClair ObscurWhereMontréal, Canada
Event Details
Between sea and mountains, between modes and polyphony — Clair-obscur is born of the desire for deeper dialogue on the part both of the musicians of Constantinople and the singers of A Filetta, the preeminent
Event Details
Between sea and mountains, between modes and polyphony — Clair-obscur is born of the desire for deeper dialogue on the part both of the musicians of Constantinople and the singers of A Filetta, the preeminent ensemble of Corsican polyphony. They have created a poetic and musical suite, mixing polyphonies created by the well-versed singers of A Filetta with songs and tunes composed and arranged by Kiya Tabassian. A profoundly touching concert.
Buy your tickets
On stage
- Kiya Tabassian, setar
- A Filetta, corsican polyphony
- Didem Basar, kanun
- Patrick Graham, percussions
- Tanya LaPerrière, baroque violin & viola d’amore
Time
Location
Église Saint-Enfant Jésus du Mile End
Where
Montréal, Canada
19jul19 h 30 minClair ObscurWhereElora, Canada
Event Details
Constantinople returns following last year’s sold-out performance at the Elora Festival! Between sea and mountains, between modes and polyphony — Clair-obscur is born of the desire for deeper dialogue on the part both of
Event Details
Constantinople returns following last year’s sold-out performance at the Elora Festival!
Between sea and mountains, between modes and polyphony — Clair-obscur is born of the desire for deeper dialogue on the part both of the musicians of Constantinople and the singers of A Filetta, the preeminent ensemble of Corsican polyphony. They have created a poetic and musical suite, mixing polyphonies created by the well-versed singers of A Filetta with songs and tunes composed and arranged by Kiya Tabassian. A profoundly touching concert.
Buy your tickets
On stage
- Kiya Tabassian, setar
- A Filetta, corsican polyphony
- Didem Basar, kanun
- Patrick Graham, percussions
- Tanya LaPerrière, baroque violin & viola d’amore
Time
Location
Gambrel Barn
Where
Elora, Canada
20jul16 h 30 minClair ObscurWhereOrford, Canada
Event Details
Between sea and mountains, between modes and polyphony — Clair-obscur is born of the desire for deeper dialogue on the part both of the musicians of Constantinople and the singers of A Filetta, the preeminent
Event Details
Between sea and mountains, between modes and polyphony — Clair-obscur is born of the desire for deeper dialogue on the part both of the musicians of Constantinople and the singers of A Filetta, the preeminent ensemble of Corsican polyphony. They have created a poetic and musical suite, mixing polyphonies created by the well-versed singers of A Filetta with songs and tunes composed and arranged by Kiya Tabassian. A profoundly touching concert.
Buy your tickets
On stage
- Kiya Tabassian, setar
- A Filetta, corsican polyphony
- Didem Basar, kanun
- Patrick Graham, percussions
- Tanya LaPerrière, baroque violin & viola d’amore
Time
Location
Orford Musique
Where
Orford, Canada
Organizer
September 2025
05sep21 h 15 minClair ObscurWhereMarseille, France
Event Details
Between sea and mountains, between modes and polyphony — Clair-obscur is born of the desire for deeper dialogue on the part both of the musicians of Constantinople and the singers of A Filetta, the preeminent
Event Details
Between sea and mountains, between modes and polyphony — Clair-obscur is born of the desire for deeper dialogue on the part both of the musicians of Constantinople and the singers of A Filetta, the preeminent ensemble of Corsican polyphony. They have created a poetic and musical suite, mixing polyphonies created by the well-versed singers of A Filetta with songs and tunes composed and arranged by Kiya Tabassian. A profoundly touching concert.
Buy your tickets
On stage
- Kiya Tabassian, setar
- A Filetta, corsican polyphony
- Didem Basar, kanun
- Patrick Graham, percussions
- Tanya LaPerrière, baroque violin & viola d’amore
Time
Location
Conservatoire de Marseille
Where
Marseille, France
19sep21 h 15 minClair ObscurWhereCalvi, Corse
Event Details
Between sea and mountains, between modes and polyphony — Clair-obscur is born of the desire for deeper dialogue on the part both of the musicians of Constantinople and the singers of A Filetta, the preeminent
Event Details
Between sea and mountains, between modes and polyphony — Clair-obscur is born of the desire for deeper dialogue on the part both of the musicians of Constantinople and the singers of A Filetta, the preeminent ensemble of Corsican polyphony. They have created a poetic and musical suite, mixing polyphonies created by the well-versed singers of A Filetta with songs and tunes composed and arranged by Kiya Tabassian. A profoundly touching concert.
Buy your tickets
On stage
- Kiya Tabassian, setar
- A Filetta, corsican polyphony
- Didem Basar, kanun
- Patrick Graham, percussions
- Tanya LaPerrière, baroque violin & viola d’amore
Time
Where
Calvi, Corse
26sep20 h 00 minClair ObscurWhereArgentan, France
Event Details
Between sea and mountains, between modes and polyphony — Clair-obscur is born of the desire for deeper dialogue on the part both of the musicians of Constantinople and the singers of A Filetta, the preeminent
Event Details
Between sea and mountains, between modes and polyphony — Clair-obscur is born of the desire for deeper dialogue on the part both of the musicians of Constantinople and the singers of A Filetta, the preeminent ensemble of Corsican polyphony. They have created a poetic and musical suite, mixing polyphonies created by the well-versed singers of A Filetta with songs and tunes composed and arranged by Kiya Tabassian. A profoundly touching concert.
Buy your tickets
On stage
- Kiya Tabassian, setar
- A Filetta, corsican polyphony
- Didem Basar, kanun
- Patrick Graham, percussions
- Tanya LaPerrière, baroque violin & viola d’amore
Time
Where
Argentan, France
January 2026
17jan20 h 00 minClair Obscur | SOLD OUT!WhereBudapest, Hungary
Event Details
Between sea and mountains, between modes and polyphony — Clair-obscur is born of the desire for deeper dialogue on the part both of the musicians of Constantinople and the singers of A Filetta, the preeminent
Event Details
Between sea and mountains, between modes and polyphony — Clair-obscur is born of the desire for deeper dialogue on the part both of the musicians of Constantinople and the singers of A Filetta, the preeminent ensemble of Corsican polyphony. They have created a poetic and musical suite, mixing polyphonies created by the well-versed singers of A Filetta with songs and tunes composed and arranged by Kiya Tabassian. A profoundly touching concert.
Buy your tickets
On stage
- Kiya Tabassian, setar
- A Filetta, corsican polyphony
- Didem Basar, kanun
- Patrick Graham, percussions
- Tanya LaPerrière, baroque violin & viola d’amore
Time
Location
Müpa Budapest
Where
Budapest, Hungary
