Canticum Novum has a passion for the rediscovery, the interpretation and the transmission of the most beautiful repertoires of early music, especially those that link the music of western Europe (Spain, France, Italy etc.) with that of the Mediterranean basin. The latter being enriched with the influence of both the Christian world and the Orient (which has been moulded by a Jewish and Moorish heredity).

Canticum Novum was created by Emmanuel Bardon in 1996. The ensemble was in residence at the Opéra Théâtre of Saint-Étienne from 2008 to 2012. It was invited to the Festivals of Radio France, Ambronay, Sylvanès, la Chaise-Dieu, Tarentaise, Labeaume en Musiques, Fontmorigny, la Folle journée de Nantes, l’Estival de la Bâtie d’Urfé, Musiques d’Ici et d’Ailleurs, l’Arsenal de Metz, La Mégisserie, etc. It was also invited to such Scènes Nationales as le Théâtre du Chatelet in Paris, Melun Sénart, La Roche-sur-Yon, Montélimar, the Opéra de Lille, and the Cultural Encounter Centre of Noirlac. Besides, the ensemble often plays abroad (Albania, Armenia, Belgium, Japan, Luxembourg, Switzerland etc.)

Through the pieces interpreted by Canticum Novum (from 5 to 15 musicians),  the public rediscovers the musics (Mediterranean, Afghan, Turkish, Persian, Arab, Sephardic, Armenian or Cypriot) which range from the XIIIth century to the XVIIth. As they belong to different cultures and artistic expressions, these musics are extremely vivacious, all the more as they have been enriched by 800 years of shared experience. Their stimulating energy is a token of diversity, respect and tolerance.

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