Eight musicians, two backing vocalists, video... Vincent Niclo promises a great show at Contes

He was in Carqueiranne at the beginning of July, in Saint-Cyr-sur-Mer at the beginning of August, he will be back in the region, in Contes, on August 28, then at La Palestre in Le Cannet on February 8.

Vincent Niclo, who is still on the road, nonetheless celebrated his jubilee this year with an opus, Bel Canto, conceived as a musical mirror of his most beautiful memories. And a self-titled tour that transported audiences from here and elsewhere in a whirlwind of emotions. Confidences of the artist.

How has your tour been so far?

There were two: the one I did in the spring, with 35 dates, in France, as well as in Belgium and Switzerland. It went wonderfully, and ended beautifully at the Olympia. It was a real challenge for me, since there was a 60-person choir, video, a huge machine! A show that was all the more important to me because it told the story of my journey. And there is this summer tour, with shows scattered all over the place, often in theaters by the sea or in the middle country, as will be the case with Contes.

What will you offer to the public?

A different show, 1h30, with eight musicians, two choristers, video. A mix of the Bel Canto tour and the one I did before in churches and cathedrals, Récital . I am all the more happy to come back because I had to cancel a date in Nice after a priest was killed [during the attack on the Notre-Dame basilica, editor's note] and I was also unable to come during my Bel Canto tour , the Casino Barrière where I was supposed to perform being under construction. As a result, I know that some fans are impatient for me to come back! I have many beautiful memories linked to this geographical area, like my participation in the closing ceremony of the International Film Festival last year in Monaco.

Why this Bel Canto theme?

Bel Canto is what I've always done: it's the art of highlighting a voice in different registers. I wanted to make an album on this theme because it's like me. And to surround myself with a choir, something I hadn't experienced since the days of the Red Army choirs. With songs that have been important in my life, like Diego libre dans sa tête which made me win Mask Singer . The Prayer is a nod to Céline Dion and the Céline Symphonique show, and My Way is because I lost my dad two years ago and it was a way to pay tribute to him since it was his favorite song...

Who was in this symphonic choir?

Each show featured a local choir. Singers who wanted to work with me on the tour. Some even performed multiple times. Their presence added extra soul to the show; it was great to blend our voices together, and it enhanced the songs.

What does the voice symbolically represent for you?

Whether spoken or sung, it's a reflection of the soul. And the heart. Because it's directly linked to emotion. That's why I do this job. And to try to pass on what I've received. I've been singing since I was little because my father was a singer-musician. At 5, I entered my first competitions, and at 6, I was studying music theory. I've always been immersed in it; I did duets with my father. But no one sang opera at home.

How did you come here?

I had a revelation at 13 while listening to Pavarotti. I didn't yet know if I had the potential or the tools for it. I worked with a teacher from the Paris Opera who, after two years, confirmed that I had something and that I had to continue. There are people who have a natural voice, and others, like me, who reveal themselves through effort. We often have things inside us that we ignore, and that's what makes life worthwhile: discovering ourselves.

Even today, you who celebrated your 50th birthday this year?

And I'm taking it very well! For me, every year is a bonus. Seeing things like that is an added strength. And I continue to discover things in my voice. The voice is surprising; it's a living organ. And even if, as an artist, we don't save lives like surgeons or researchers, we try to distract people and perhaps help them sometimes get through difficult times.

Thursday, August 28, as part of the Païoun Ven festival, at the Théâtre de Verdure in Contes. Richard Gardet Orchestra at 8:15 p.m. and Vincent Niclo at 9:30 p.m. 2 or 2.50 euros. Info. 04.92.14.42.73. www.helice-contes.fr