Photo : Presse
Sound poetry, so what?
At the stirring intersection of text and sound, sound poetry grows in the margins. Committed to the originality and vitality of literary creation, the Centre Pompidou has dedicated its Extra! festival to it since 2017. A brief overview and award ceremony.
Philharmonie de Paris (Paris 19th)
About
Through a tumultuous and little-known history that began in the 1950s and was consolidated by the major involvement of the Centre Pompidou, sound poetry has disrupted the poetic landscape. Inspired by its paradoxical relationship with music, musicologist and poet David Christoffel and researcher Pierre Thévenin invite you to explore its richness in a listening session fueled by sound and video archives. From O-Pus to Sainte-Phonie en R Majeur, and including Dib dib dib, they share their experiences, perspectives, and voices before giving way to the presentation of the Bernard Heidsieck-Centre Pompidou International Literature Prize.
Co-production Centre Pompidou, Philharmonie de Paris.
Program
Part 1: Sound poetry, so what?
Jean-Max Colard, Head of the Culture and Creation Department - Centre Pompidou
David Christoffel, Musicologist
Pierre Thévenin, Research Fellow at CNRS
Part 2: Bernard Heidsieck-Centre Pompidou International Literature Prize
Our take on this event
Forget traditional poetry recitals and experience the raw energy of spoken word that defies categorization. Through rare recordings and expert insight, this session maps out the chaotic beauty of sound poetry, showing you how human expression can evolve far beyond the written page.
Discover the hidden history of sound poetry during this unique session at the Philharmonie de Paris on Saturday, January 30, 2027. From 15:00 to 17:00, musicologist David Christoffel and researcher Pierre Thévenin lead an exploration of the complex relationship between music and poetry, using rare audio and video archives. This event, co-organized with the Centre Pompidou, examines landmark works like O-Pus and Dib dib dib. The afternoon concludes with the presentation of the International Bernard Heidsieck-Centre Pompidou Literature Prize. This intellectual journey is available by booking, providing a deep dive into an artistic movement that emerged in the 1950s.
The Philharmonie de Paris and the Centre Pompidou collaborate to offer a deep dive into the world of sound poetry. On Saturday, January 30, 2027, between 15:00 and 17:00, you are invited to explore how this art form has reshaped literature since the 1950s. The program begins with insights from Jean-Max Colard, followed by a discussion between musicologist David Christoffel and CNRS researcher Pierre Thévenin. Through audio and video archives, they will analyze influential works including the Sainte-Phonie en R Majeur, O-Pus, and Dib dib dib to uncover their rich cultural legacy.
The second part of the session is dedicated to the ceremony of the International Bernard Heidsieck-Centre Pompidou Literature Prize. This prestigious award recognizes significant contributions to the field of contemporary poetry. Whether you are a researcher or an art enthusiast, this event provides a comprehensive overview of sound poetry's evolution. Please ensure you make a reservation to attend this session at the Philharmonie de Paris in the 19th arrondissement.
