Chapel Choir performs in prestigious venues on ‘wonderful’ tour to Paris
Tonbridge School Chapel Choir spent the start of half-term on a tour to Paris.
Boys performed concerts at two of the best-known churches in the centre of the city: St Sulpice and St Etienne-du-Mont, singing an hour-long programme of choral music by composers including Mendelssohn, Bruckner, Guerrero, Parry and Mozart.
The Choir was also invited to lead the main Sunday morning Mass at Eglise de la Madeleine, singing movements from Haydn’s Little Organ Mass and Grieg’s Ave Maris stella.
Julian Thomas, Choirmaster, said: “It was wonderful to be singing in such prestigious venues. The opportunity to spend time together on tour is invaluable for the boys, and the quality of musicianship moves to a whole new level when they are working so intensively. Performing familiar music in three very different buildings, adjusting to the acoustics and layout of each church, is a key part of why we go on tour, and the boys rose to the challenge superbly.”
The trip also gave some time for sightseeing, including a cruise along the River Seine, time exploring Montmatre and Sacre-Coeur, and a stop at the town of Arras on the return journey.
Previous tours have seen the Choir singing in Belgium (2019), Paris (2016) and Holland (2014). Its members also regularly sing services in English cathedrals, recently including St Paul’s Cathedral, St Alban’s Abbey and Salisbury Cathedral.
The Sunday service at Eglise de la Madeleine was live streamed on YouTube and can be viewed via the link.
A number of enthusiastic comments were sent to the School following the Choir’s appearances in Paris, including the following.
“I watched last Sunday’s Mass from la Madeleine, Paris, and I would like to compliment you and your choir on the high standard of singing that was achieved. It looked as if they had been singing Mass all their lives. M. Francois-Henri Houbart, the organist, is a friend of mine, and he has told me that he was very impressed with the singing, and that Monseigneur Chauvet, the Curé, wishes he could have your choir every Sunday.”
“I stumbled upon the Chapel Choir at Saint-Etienne-du-Mont this weekend as they were rehearsing for their performance on Sunday. I wanted to write to express how impressed I was by the Choir, and also their patience and professionalism during rehearsal was so impressive. We spent a good half hour listening … it was an unforgettable moment.”
“Monseigneur Chauvet, the Madeleine priest, has been delighted by your participation and would be glad to welcome you again for another service and a concert.”
