Singing at the St Julien du Sault Festival had been one of the aims of our tour, ever since we had made contact with Les Fontenottes, the choir in the town.

The village seemed very small and quiet, but we were amazed at the size of the beautiful church of St Pierre!

It was wonderful to see that large church full for our concert! We sang a range of sacred music, French music, and arrangements of folk songs from home. 

Sarah Ann Cromwell dazzled with Mozart’s Exsultate Jubilate and Alleluja, and Patrick Larley improvised on the rare renaissance organ in the church. Kevin Gill was versatile as ever, playing organ/piano, or conducting as required.

Members of the audience instantly rose to their feet as we finished, and soon they were slow handclapping for more! (French audiences don’t say ‘Encore’!). They were rewarded with the full blast of the Hallelujah Chorus!

From the moment we arrived, to the wonderful reception at the Fontenotte School after the concert, we were treated to wonderful French hospitality and friendship.

We presented a cheque to the Special School, from money raised at the ‘Taste of Vienna’ concert in Birmingham.