It was in front of a large audience that Anne-Marie Brunie, maire-ajointe, welcomed the thirty or so choristers under the leadership of their musical director Björn. During a concert of a little over an hour, they transported their audience into a festive and joyful atmosphere, always marked by generosity and warmth. Certainly, the lyrics contributed to this, going from traditional songs in big-band style, such as Winter Wonderland, White Christmas and Jingle Bells, the programme offered gave off a lot of enthusiasm and a beautiful generosity.  There were songs of hope speaking of the day when men will stop playing with bombs and all men will be free in the world (Someday at Christmas), to more religious songs like Come All ye Faithful. The concert rang a note of peace and hope, because this Christmas spirit was intended to be a moment of sharing between choir members and the public, a hand extended to those who feel alone. 

Presented alternately in English and French, the chosen pieces enthused the people present in the room. The songs were accompanied by a video-projection of the lyrics, behind the choir, allowing everyone to join in as they wished.

This choir of friends gave a concert of great artistic and human quality.  The mayor, Yves Porteix, unexpectedly able to attend from part-way through, underlined the “balm to the heart and optimism” brought during this late afternoon, while wishing season’s greetings to all.

The choir remains open to all those who would like to join it, and offers the possibility of giving it a try at the start of the next rehearsals term. They begin on Saturday March 1st at 14h30 in the Salle du Foyer Communal in Montesquieu-des-Albères.

Jean-Louis Gary