By Canon James Mustard, Canon Precentor
The Cathedral Choir has returned from a successful tour to Normandy and Paris. 17 Choristers from Years 7 & 8 joined twelve choir adults and our organists and pastoral staff on a six-day tour to our link diocese of Bayeux-Lisieux, and Paris.
The Choir gave concerts in Douvres-la-Deliverande, Bayeux Cathedral and Rouen Cathedral, and Saint Sulpice and La Madeleine in Paris. The choir presented mixed programmes of anthems to large and appreciative audiences.
The acoustics in the churches were a revelation to many of our young singers, who revelled in hearing their voices resonate for many seconds, in contrast to Exeter’s drier ambience. But of course, the social aspect of the tour was as important as the music-making. There were trips to the Bayeux Tapestry, the new British Normandy Memorial, the Musee d’Orsay, the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame and a river cruise on a bateau-mouche. In addition, there were some super meals, and choristers were impressively adventurous in trying new foods: moules frites Normandaise (in cider) was a firm favourite!
Thank you to all who hosted us, to Rayburn Tours and Blakes Coaches who arranged the trip and transported us, to the choir for such excellent company and singing, and to the Choir Association and all who raised funds for the Tour. It was hugely appreciated, and many happy memories were made!
