live off The voice have a special touch this season, because none other than Serge Denoncourt was brought in to stage the various numbers. Its purpose is mainly to stimulate and enrich the stage presence of the participants and guests during the last four live broadcasts.
“I’m not here to add nonsense,” he explained in an interview. I try to accompany the artists in their artistic approach and to stage the atmosphere, the emotion and the visual of their song. I don’t add too much stuff, I focus more on the light, the environment and the direction of the performers.”
All this staging work is of course prepared together with director Jill Niquet-Joyal. “The guiding principle is to generate emotion, not necessarily the ‘wow’.”
Last year, Serge Denoncourt presented a carte blanche number at a Star Académie gala. His work is completely different this time. “For Carte Blanche I had fun with a repertoire that I like. At La Voix, I accompany the candidates and stage their universe, not mine. Arriving at the direct, we know that they have beautiful voices, this topic is settled. Now how do I get the visual, the coating, and the interpretation to take it further? It’s the musical director that comes into play.”
Rely on the narration
Denoncourt first looked at what is being done everywhere else, whether at the Grammys, the Victoires de la Musique or in England, to develop the trends for the season. “Everything becomes clearer on television. Filling in the frame is no longer necessary, we focus more on what we put in the frame. There was a whole reflection, but we must not dream either, we must remain within the codes of the show, which nonetheless have the right to evolve. It’s really exciting.”
And since he works with up-and-coming artists, advice and exchange are essential. “I’m not trying to erase the candidates’ personalities, we’re working together. I don’t want to unify the numbers. We saw it last Sunday, we travel from one universe to another all evening. Participants were allowed to say if they hate it, but they seem pretty happy.”
stay relevant
Serge Denoncourt has been working with young artists for years to push them to surpass themselves. “I also give them little lessons in interpretation, intensity, presence and charisma. I think that’s why the production called me. I like a bit of extra coaching. At 20 they don’t necessarily know their limits, I challenge them to surpass themselves.
If the director loves contact with the younger generation, it’s because they give him a freshness that keeps him from aging. “I am 60 years old and there I have contact with young people who are 18-20 years old, am I still relevant, do I understand them, can I highlight them? It seems so. It’s easy for a man my age to keep up with the times by hanging out with younger people. If I was doing my uncle’s business, they would tell me right away.”
A busy schedule
In addition to broadcasting live from La Voix, Serge Denoncourt works on a variety of projects around the world. “I have a show in France, another project is in development there. I also have a project for Rome and another for Broadway.
He also directs the musical Hair, performing at Montreal’s Just for Laughs Festival this summer.
“I’m really excited to put this show together. I find it interesting to see young people who are almost going to play their grandparents and ask themselves: did this revolution work? And the answer is no. But it’s interesting to see what’s left of it. Also, the music is good, we will stumble throughout the show.
The quarter-finals of La Voix continue this Sunday at 7:30 p.m. on TVA.