POLIFONIA ELIANE LAVAIL

What POLIFONIA ELIANE LAVAIL does

Polifonia Éliane Lavail is a French non-profit choral and orchestral association (association loi 1901) headquartered at 38 rue Pasteur in Cenon, near Bordeaux, France. Founded in 1998 to consolidate the ensembles created by conductor Éliane Lavail, the organization manages four core artistic units: the Ensemble Vocal d'Aquitaine (60-80 selected amateur choristers, established 1971), the Madrigal de Bordeaux (professional vocal ensemble, established 1981), the Chœur Symphonique Polifonia (open amateur choir, established 2004), and the Orchestre Aquitaine-Hauts de Garonne with its baroque section (professional regional orchestra, established 1991). It also operates the Chœur de femmes Eurydice, a women's choir led by current Musical Director Damien Sardet, who succeeded founder Éliane Lavail in 2022.

The association runs three pre-announced concert seasons (2024-25, 2025-26, 2026-27) across multiple venues in the Bordeaux metropolitan area, including the Grand Théâtre de Bordeaux, the Auditorium de Bordeaux, and churches in Cenon, Caudéran, Mérignac, and Lormont. Beyond live performance, it sells a catalog of 27+ CD/DVD recordings through an online boutique and on-site sales, runs the short-format 'Concerts tôt' introductory series, and participates in external festivals including the Cap Ferret Music Festival and the Eufonia international choral festival. Distribution channels include Weezevent online ticketing, on-site box office, Pass Culture and Carte jeune Bordeaux Métropole subsidized youth access, and an e-commerce store for physical media.

Revenue is generated through ticket sales (multi-tier pricing: Carré Or, Normal, Réduit, Carte jeune 50%+, Gratuit under-12), annual association membership (€30), atelier chant workshop fees (€215-€275/year), CD/DVD unit sales (€10-€21), and tax-deductible donations (€50-€200). The organization has received industry awards including 5 Diapasons, CHOC du Monde de la Musique, Orphée d'Or, and the Grand Prix du Disque Charles Cros for its recordings. It is governed by a volunteer board of directors under President Bernard Simon, operates with a small core team, and is hosted by the municipality of Cenon.

Name

POLIFONIA ELIANE LAVAIL

Legal name

Association POLIFONIA ÉLIANE LAVAIL

Website

https://polifoniael.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1998

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Polifonia Éliane Lavail is a French non-profit choral and orchestral association in Cenon, near Bordeaux, managing four ensembles from amateur to professional level under Musical Director Damien Sardet, producing seasonal concerts and a catalog of 27+ CD/DVD recordings.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Performing Arts / Choral Music Services

NAICS

Musical Groups and Artists (71113), Performing Arts Companies (7111), Business Associations (813910)

SIC

Services-Membership Organizations (8600), Services-Amusement & Recreation Services (7900)

akta.pro primary industry

Trade Shows & Industry Expos (B2B) (MPAGAHAB)

akta.pro secondary industries

Group Music Classes & Ensembles (Band, Orchestra, Choir) (EDAMANAC), Cultural Festivals & Events Organizations (BPAGAHAG), Vocal Production & Coaching (in-studio) (MPAIAHAI)

Keywords

• Choral music performances
• Vocal ensemble services
• Symphonic choral concerts
• Amateur choir workshops
• Classical music recordings

Headquarters

HQ city

Cenon

HQ country

France

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Others, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Concert ticket sales: Revenue from ticket sales for concerts across multiple venues in the Bordeaux metropolitan area. Ticketing is managed via the Weezevent platform. Multiple pricing tiers apply including Carré Or (reserved), Normal, Réduit (youth, job seekers, PMR), Carte jeune (50%+ discount), and free for under-12s.
2. CD and DVD sales: Sale of recorded music productions (CDs and DVDs) from the organization's discography, including works such as Requiem de Verdi, Messe en si de Bach, Carmina Burana, and others. Products are sold through the on-site boutique and online store.
3. Choral workshop and membership fees: Annual association membership fee of €30 plus additional workshop fees: Ensemble Vocal d'Aquitaine atelier chant at €275 (€138 for students/job seekers); Chœur Symphonique atelier chant at €215 (€108 for students/job seekers). These represent recurring subscription-like charges for participation in ensembles.
4. Donations: Tax-deductible donations to the association via the boutique, with suggested amounts of €50, €100, €150, or €200.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels9 records

Core offering

Polifonia Éliane Lavail is a non-profit choral music association that manages and performs with multiple vocal and orchestral ensembles (Ensemble Vocal d'Aquitaine, Chœur Symphonique Polifonia, Madrigal de Bordeaux, Orchestre Aquitaine-Hauts de Garonne, Orchestre Baroque d'Aquitaine, Chœur de femmes Eurydice). The association delivers seasonal concert programming, vocal workshops ("atelier chant") for amateur participation, recordings (CD/DVD catalogue), and accepts donations to support its choral mission in the Bordeaux metropolitan area.

Product overview

Polifonia Éliane Lavail is a choral music association based in Cenon, Bordeaux, offering a portfolio of vocal and orchestral ensembles: the Ensemble Vocal d'Aquitaine (60-80 amateur choristers, founded 1971), Chœur Symphonique Polifonia (open amateur choir, founded 2004), Madrigal de Bordeaux (professional vocal ensemble, founded 1981), Orchestre Aquitaine-Hauts de Garonne (professional regional orchestra, founded 1991), and Orchestre Baroque d'Aquitaine (baroque period ensemble). The association also offers the Chœur de femmes Eurydice, concert ticketing via Weezevent and Pass Culture, a catalog of 27 CD/DVD recordings, short-format 'Concerts tôt...' performances, and participation in the Cap Ferret Music Festival. Services include donations, vocal training workshops, and seasonal concert programs.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Ensemble Vocal d'Aquitaine: Regional choir of 60-80 selected amateur choristers founded in 1971, performing a cappella works, lyric, and symphonic repertoire.
• Chœur Symphonique Polifonia
• Madrigal de Bordeaux
• Orchestre Aquitaine-Hauts de Garonne
• Orchestre Baroque d'Aquitaine

Products and services

• Ensemble Vocal d'Aquitaine Regional choir of 60-80 selected amateur choristers performing a cappella works, lyric repertoire, and symphonic choral works including major oratorio repertoire. Performances take place at venues including Grand Théâtre de Bordeaux, cathedrals, and international festivals.
• Chœur Symphonique Polifonia Open choir for all adults (no audition required) performing major symphonic choral works with orchestral accompaniment, rehearsing monthly on Sundays. Designed for amateur singers seeking to perform large-scale repertoire including Rossini, Dvořák, and others.
• Madrigal de Bordeaux Professional vocal ensemble created in 1981, specializing in a cappella performances and works with instrumental ensembles using professional singers from the Aquitaine region. Recorded award-winning works including Poulenc's Intégrale des œuvres vocales sacrées (CHOC du Monde de la Musique 1996) and Milhaud's Ani Maamin (Grand Prix du Disque 1995).
• Orchestre Aquitaine-Hauts de Garonne Professional regional orchestra composed of musicians from the Gironde region who teach at music schools. Serves regional choirs in symphonic and oratorio repertoire.
• Orchestre Baroque d'Aquitaine Baroque section of the Orchestre Aquitaine-Hauts de Garonne, specializing in period instrument performance accompanying vocal ensembles for works by Bach, Handel, Vivaldi, and others.
• Chœur de femmes Eurydice Women's choir directed by Damien Sardet since 2007, performing contemporary music programs with daring repertoire.
• CD & DVD Discography Catalogue of 27 CD/DVD recordings of choral and orchestral performances by the association's ensembles, featuring works by Bach, Mozart, Verdi, Berlioz, Dvořák, Brahms, and others. Prices range from €10 to €21 per CD and €17-€20 per DVD. Shipping at €3 for 1-2 CDs, €5 for 5 CDs; free pickup available locally.
• Concerts tôt... short-format series One-hour short-format concerts held at the beginning of evening or afternoon, designed to introduce instruments, voices, or composers to audiences. Sold via Weezevent ticketing.
• Atelier chant (vocal workshop) - Ensemble Vocal d'Aquitaine Annual vocal workshop (atelier chant) for the Ensemble Vocal d'Aquitaine at €275/year (€138 for students/job seekers), in addition to the €30 annual association membership. Includes weekly rehearsals and vocal coaching.
• Atelier chant (vocal workshop) - Chœur Symphonique Annual vocal workshop (atelier chant) for the Chœur Symphonique at €215/year (€108 for students/job seekers), in addition to the €30 annual association membership. Includes monthly Sunday rehearsals and vocal coaching.

Quantifiable outcome

• 5 Diapasons from Diapason (2001) for Messe pour un siècle nouveau de Ledroit
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers6 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

Nine partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Carte jeune Bordeaux MétropolecoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 5 March 2023Polifonia Eliane Lavail is a partner of the Carte jeune Bordeaux Métropole government program, providing at least 50% discount on all concerts for card holders aged 12-25. This partnership expands access to classical music for young audiences in the Bordeaux metropolitan area.
• WeezeventcoreTechnology or IntegrationWeezevent is the ticketing platform used by Polifonia for all concert ticket sales. The platform provides online ticketing widget integration and barcode-based admission control for all performances across venues.
• Pass CultureminorGTM or Marketing PartnerConcert tickets are also available through the French government Pass Culture program, enabling subsidized access for young people to attend performances.
• Opéra national de BordeauxcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerRegular collaboration with the Opéra national de Bordeaux for choral education projects, formations for teachers, and joint performances including Brahms Requiem Allemand (January 2025) and Messe en si de Bach (January 2025) at the Auditorium de Bordeaux.
• Cap Ferret Music FestivalminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerEnsemble Vocal d'Aquitaine performs at the Cap Ferret Music Festival (July 5, 2026) in Laurent Couson's new work 'The Book of Life' under the composer's direction. The festival provides a prestigious platform for the ensemble.
• Festival international de chant choral EufoniacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerEufonia is an international choral festival in Bordeaux co-founded/recommended by the organization. Polifonia performs at and collaborates with the festival, which also hosts the 'Chœurs Croisés' program featuring multiple choirs including the Ensemble Vocal d'Aquitaine.
• AMIDEL (Association des Amis d'Eliane Lavail)minorOthersAMIDEL federates supporters of Eliane Lavail's artistic action for choral singing across Nouvelle Aquitaine. It serves as a community advocacy and support group for the organization's mission.
• Ecole de Musique et de Danse de TalenceminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerDamien Sardet serves as head of the voice department at the Talence music school where he created a complete vocal curriculum, with choristers starting from age 7. This partnership supports youth choral education pipeline.
• Berliner Bach GesellschaftcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFranco-German exchange program around the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings and Liberation (2024-2025), with joint preparation of J.S. Bach's Mass in B minor performed in both Berlin and Bordeaux, continuing a collaboration established during the WWI centenary.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves9 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Accentus: Paris-based professional vocal ensemble founded in 1991 by Laurence Equilbey, performing a cappella and symphonic-choral repertoire across France and internationally. Closely comparable to Polifonia's Madrigal de Bordeaux and EVA in mission, repertoire, and operational model (professional core + auditioned ensemble structure).
• Spirito: French vocal ensemble focused on romantic-to-contemporary choral repertoire founded in 2016. Comparable to Polifonia's Madrigal de Bordeaux on a cappella and contemporary choral programming and on serving similar French audiences for live vocal performance.
• Le Concert Spirituel: Paris-based early-music vocal and instrumental ensemble performing sacred repertoire from the baroque period. Closely comparable to Polifonia's Orchestre Baroque d'Aquitaine on repertoire focus (Bach, Handel, Vivaldi) and professional-vocalist-plus-instrumentalists operating model.
• Pygmalion (ensemble): French vocal and instrumental ensemble directed by Raphaël Pichon, performing symphonic-choral and operatic repertoire. Comparable to Polifonia's combined orchestra-choir productions and direct competition for the same French symphonic choral talent pool and audience segment.
• Choeur de chambre Accentus: Sibling chamber choir within Accentus's institutional family, performing virtuosic a cappella and chamber-choral music. Comparable to Polifonia's Madrigal de Bordeaux on small-ensemble professional choral work and modern-French composer programming.
• Les Arts Florissants: French period-instrument and vocal ensemble founded by William Christie in 1979. Comparable to Polifonia as a French-based ensemble combining professional vocalists and instrumentalists across baroque-to-contemporary repertoire with international touring reach.
• Ensemble Organum: French early-music vocal ensemble directed by Marcel Pérès, specializing in medieval and Renaissance polyphony. Comparable to Polifonia on the vocal-ensemble axis and the shared Franco-centric articulation of classical-choral repertoire.
• Insula Orchestra: French period orchestra founded by Laurence Equilbey that works extensively with vocal soloists and choirs on Haydn, Mozart, and Beethoven repertoire. Comparable to Polifonia's Orchestre Aquitaine-Hauts de Garonne as a French professional ensemble pairing instrumentalists with choral singing.

Broad incumbents

• Opéra National de Bordeaux: The regional opera house in Bordeaux with which Polifonia has a core strategic partnership for joint choral productions (Brahms Requiem Allemand 2025, Messe en si de Bach 2025). Comparable as a Bordeaux-based producer of choral and operatic performances but operating at significantly larger institutional scale.
• Chœur de Radio France: Institutional professional choir of Radio France, performing symphonic-choral and a cappella repertoire at large scale in Paris. Comparable to Polifonia's professional vocal ensembles but operating as part of a much larger national broadcaster with a broader institutional mandate.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/user/polifoniael
• Facebookfacebook.com/polifonia.elianelavail
• Instagraminstagram.com/polifonia_el
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/polifonia-eliane-lavail

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles12 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about POLIFONIA ELIANE LAVAIL