Project
What's ARFI ?
The Association à la Recherche d’un Folklore Imaginaire (ARFI) is a collective founded in 1978 through the union of two orchestras: the Marvelous Band and the Workshop de Lyon. At the same time, its flagship ensemble, La Marmite Infernale, was born—a ship still sailing strong, with all the artists aboard.
ARFI has fostered a multitude of bands, performances, and events both in France and abroad, always with the aim of reaching beyond the circle of connoisseurs.
Artistic approach
While ARFI first gained international recognition through free jazz and cine-concerts, its aesthetic has gradually evolved, shaped by the personalities that have passed through it. Over several decades, as members have come and gone, the artistic direction has been enriched by new influences—continuing forward, but without being bound to the imagined folklore of previous generations.
ARFI’s music is the unique blend of the sensitivities of the artists who create and compose it.
Despite the diversity of its members and their distinct identities, ARFI’s sound takes a step to the side, offering a style and tone that are immediately recognizable.
It also embraces collaboration with numerous associate artists and their worlds, exploring connections between music and all forms of performing arts—along with poetry, video, and visual arts.
Above all, ARFI crosses aesthetic boundaries, embodying a spirit of freedom in both creation and experimentation.
Collective approach
ARFI’s shows and concerts are developed collectively, reflecting a way of being and acting together based on equality. All composers are performers, and all performers are composers.
From duos to large ensembles, this collaborative approach defines ARFI’s unique expertise and identity.
Cultural initiatives
The cultural initiatives developed by ARFI are intrinsically linked to its creative and musical research activities. Always striving to create new connections with audiences, ARFI is involved in numerous cultural actions, reaching both urban and rural areas. With artists possessing diverse skills and interests, these initiatives take on various forms, employing inventive and creative processes tailored to the most diverse audiences and locations.
Label
Jealous of its freedom, ARFI quickly established its own label. A true archive of the collective's achievements, the audiotheque is updated annually with two to three new releases (CDs, DVDs, or vinyl). Most of these reflect the current concerts and performances, but not exclusively. Each musician can also give in to the compelling need to create, freely and without constraints, and record anything that comes to mind for the parallel collection "circuit-court."