Last September 11th, the bay of Pipady in Toulon was the scene of a unique experience: an underwater concert imagined by actor Jean-Marc Barr and composer Michel Redolfi. The idea to test was immediate, especially after hearing Michel Redolfi talk about his recordings of whales in Moorea.
A Maritime Event for a Special Anniversary
Saturday, September 11, 2021, at the foot of the majestic Royal Tower of Toulon, the Châteauvallon-Liberté theater was celebrating its tenth anniversary with a program dedicated to the sea. Meeting with Bernard Abeille and his double bass, then heading to the beach of Pipady, where Michel Redolfi, in a black suit, enthusiastically welcomed: “It’s going to start, final adjustments in the water!”. He was seen advancing on the sand, amid the umbrellas, towards calm waters. Composer and sound designer, Michel Redolfi is a pioneer. As early as the 80s in California, he experimented with underwater lutherie, creating “Sonic Waters” in the bay of San Diego. His studio designed notable soundscapes, including that of Nausicaa.
A Sophisticated Aquatic Scene
On the Toulon beach, black tents sheltered computers and a control room. Underwater, cables powered three Lubell speakers, installed by divers. This setup broadcasted the music of Michel Redolfi and the voice of Jean-Marc Barr. Their collaboration began after they met on the set of Luc Besson’s “The Big Blue”. Since 2018 in Villefranche-sur-Mer, they have been organizing underwater concerts in pools: one recites texts, the other composes the music. The spectators, floating on the surface, were lulled by the sounds.
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