Meeting with Muriel Batbie Castell, the voice of the Toulouse metro
“Estacion venenta: Capitòli”. All Toulouse residents know his voice, but few know who is behind it. Muriel Batbie Castell incognito travel in city public transport. Yet it is his voice that retains each announcement metro station, tram and, recently, Téléo.
ORGANIC EXPRESS
Born in Toulouse in 1970, Muriel grew up in Pinsaguel, to the south of the city. She was passionate about music from an early age and began piano lessons at only eight years old. Subsequently, she studied music at Saint-Sernin high school before joining the University of Mirail in the literature, arts and Occitan sector. At the same time, she continues to learn early music at the Toulouse Conservatory. On the sidelines of her studies, Muriel displayed her CAPES d’Occitan et de Lettres, then became a teacher of Occitan and French between Toulouse and Foix in 1995. At the same time, she never stopped perfecting her talents as a soloist. soprano and perform in public regularly.
Between singing and Occitan, Muriel continues to develop her career. Gradually, the Toulousaine became a local figure in the culture of Oc. So much so that in 2011, on the advice of Convergence occitane, she was approached by the town hall of Toulouse, which was looking for a French and Occitan voiceover for public transport in the city. An event that will mark a turning point in his career. She will also make the voice of the little toulouse tourist train. After this springboard, the voice-over proposals follow one another. In addition, she continues the concerts and even begins to compose her own songs.
Muriel’s work is increasingly recognized. So much so that in 2013, it was awarded by the Académie des Jeux Florals. The same year, she was the second woman to enter the Académie Occitane. In 2022, her prize list was further extended: the Toulousaine was awarded the Déodat de Séverac music prize by the Languedoc Academy. And since you don’t change a winning team, Muriel was chosen to lend her voice to the Teleothe toulouse urban cable car explained last May. In some time, Toulouse residents could also hear it in the stations of the 3rd line of the metro.
What are your projects now?
I am working on the production of the Occitan baroque opera, Daphnis & Alcimadure, as well as on the presentation of a documentary film broadcast on September 9 at the Grand Narbonne media library and in which I participated as a linguistic advisor and singer. I will also be present during the concerts which will take place at the Théâtre du Capitole in Toulouse and Olympe de Gouges in Montauban in October. I will be in charge of surtitling in French as well as linguistic advice for the singers and the opera choir (Les Passions orchestra and Les Elements choir).
What is your favorite place in Toulouse?
I really like the historic center of Toulouse, like the Carmes district or the Royal Garden. One of the places that I find the most charming is Place Perchepinte, in the Saint-Etienne district. It’s right in the city center, but still preserved from the hustle and bustle.
Your favorite restaurant in the pink city?
This is “La famine des Haricots”, a restaurant with vegetarian tendencies. It offers friendly formulas and a creative and very original cuisine. In addition, it is at will with a good value for money.
Which movie do you never get tired of?
I would say “Howl’s Moving Castle”, I’ve seen it a dozen times. In general, I really like Miyazaki’s universe. The director systematically offers different entries, several possible readings with a certain philosophical aspect in his stories.
Your favorite fictional character?
Matilda, a young character from a novel by Roald Dahl. I appreciate his innocence and his spontaneous intelligence linked to childhood.
What superpower do you wish you had?
I wish I could go back in time. Teleport me to the 12th century, to the time of ancient music and be able to spend the day with the greatest troubadours.
What era do you wish you had lived in?
I really like ancient times, but I wouldn’t have liked to live there as a woman and the place she has in them. I prefer to imagine a future time when there is no more gender inequality and more respect for nature. I find that in the current era, there is too much overconsumption, too many natural disasters.
Your favorite singer?
It is Montserrat Figueras, a singer of early music who was also the wife of musician Jordi Savall. It is thanks to this ensemble that I became passionate about early music when I was in high school.
The drink that makes you better?
I like wine a lot, but I don’t think it makes me better. So I would say it’s sage tea, I drink a lot of it when I feel sluggish, or precisely when I’ve had too much wine!
Your favourite meal ?
Trout in the oven, I am pesco-vegetarian.
What is your favorite means of transport in Toulouse?
I would say the Téléo (urban cable car) and the vélib.
The trip you dream of?
It’s Estonia. I couldn’t do it because of the lockdown. I really like the cold, wide open spaces, the Nordic atmosphere… I find a certain romanticism there.
Your favorite animal?
I love all animals, but also insects. I’m crazy about cats, I have three at home.
Do you have a phobia?
Get stuck in the cable car! More minimal, I’m afraid of being stuck underwater, the intensity and depth terrify me.
What is the thing that frustrates you the most?
It is the relationship of power between beings, the lack of listening in human relationships.
Do you have an idea ?
This is a motto of Frédéric Mistral, in the Oc language: “Lis aubres que van fons son li que montan haut”. It means: “Trees with deep roots are those that go up high”.
What is your greatest pride?
My 22 year old son. I greatly admire the young people who evolve in such a difficult world, the hope of youth and the fact that they sometimes understand more things than their elders. Moreover, I am happy with my collaboration with Tisséo, it is gratifying to hear its voice in the city’s transport while remaining “invisible”, and to have enthusiastic feedback.
>> READ ALSO: Toulouse: meeting with the artists of the fresco of the Saint-Pierre bridge