The "La Girafe lyrique" association is organizing the sixth edition of its Venite Cantemus initiative, which will see 700 singers performing en masse at a concert in aid of the Institut Pasteur, held at the Théâtre des Champs-Elysées in Paris on June 21, 2026.

This year, La Girafe lyrique, an association that funds medical and participatory research on mental illness, has decided to support the CONTEXT project led by Thomas Bourgeron and his team. The aim of the project is to bring together people affected by neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) and scientists from various disciplines, in France and in other countries. Together, they will develop a comprehensive, accessible knowledge base on the genetic components of NDDs, situating them within the broader context of human neurodiversity. The project will promote multidisciplinary, translational and participatory research, embracing collaborative methods to drive progress in the field of NDDs. In practical terms, CONTEXT will develop resources containing information about the genetics of NDDs, especially those for which there is still little information about the genetic component (including AD(H)D, autism without intellectual disability and dyspraxia).  

This concert organized by La Girafe lyrique is based on the tradition in English-speaking countries of "Scratch Messiah" concerts, in which singers pay a small fee for the opportunity to get together and sing Handel's Messiah while raising money for charity.

Institut Pasteur staff members who enjoy singing are welcome to join this massed choir!

•    Singers with a good level and extensive experience in choral singing and performing are invited to take part in the concert on June 21, 2026 and the two rehearsals in May and June (dates to be confirmed later).

•    Keen singers with less experience are also welcome. It goes without saying that if you intend to sing in the concert you should learn your part before the concert weekend – both to make sure the concert goes as well as possible and out of respect for your neighbors in the choir! The best way to do this is to get together with your fellow choristers – there's nothing like a group rehearsal to check whether you really know the score as well as you think you do... You should ideally be able to sing your part while watching the conductor – in other words you shouldn't need to have your eyes glued to the music.

Rehearsals for Institut Pasteur staff at all levels will be organized by event partner BNP Paribas in May and June 2026. The newsletter team will bring you all the details about the venue, dates and times of these sessions.

A survey has been (or will shortly be) circulated among the members of La Pasteurale and the Institut Pasteur choir, two cultural associations on campus, to see who wants to take part.

But if you are interested in singing and are not yet a member of La Pasteurale or the Institut Pasteur choir, you are most welcome to take part in the event. 

To register

Further information   

If you have any questions, please email cominterne@pasteur.fr