The Thionville choir L’Allégrette has gone through several eras and played different styles. Between performances and rehearsals, it’s a lot of work that is done throughout the year. A look back at nearly 60 years of songs and joy.
Jean Martini – Today at 11:00
L’Allégrette is always looking for the best score. Founded in 1964, the choir brings together 45 volunteers. During concerts, this number increases. Members of smaller choirs in terms of numbers join their ranks. “We especially lack tenors, timbres of voice of the men understaffed at home”, declares Marie Odile, president of the choir.
Concerts
“I can’t choose my favorite thematic concert between Carmina Burana or The Requiem of Mozart”, expresses Yvette, vice-president and member of the choir since 1994. She also remembers a particular experience during periods of confinement, when rehearsals were done by videoconference. “It allowed us not to lose the link, it was really good to be able to meet and practice,” she adds. Training, more archaic than usual, but which has borne fruit. When it was again possible to go out, the choristers represented themselves in front of the public to play this same concert which they had practiced by videoconference. Normally, it takes about a year of rehearsals at L’Allégrette to prepare for a concert. With the exception of their performance in Contz-les-Bains in December 2022 where only four months were needed, “it was a challenge, we gave it our all”, adds the president.
The choir of L’Allégrette always organizes a concert for May 8, on the occasion of the anniversary of the Armistice. She also sings sometimes for the Kem hospital or for the inauguration of a fresco. “We want to show the joy that it gives to sing. And if it allows the city to live at the same time, then we are happy, ”rejoices Marie Odile.
Grant application
This day, five members of the choir were gathered to discuss a request for a grant from the town hall and the department. They do it every year. This budget allows them to finance their musical projects, in particular their concerts. “We need to hire reinforcements. Most are volunteers, but the soloists must be compensated, ”explains the president of the choir. To this must be added the piano rental as well as the auditorium. “The ticket office does not allow us to be beneficiaries”, adds Josiane, the treasurer. This grant will be used in particular to set up their concert on May 8, focused on French varieties, as well as two other concerts during the year.
The choir will perform on December 2 at the Saint-Pierre church in Thionville to play Miss Dolorosa of Caldera.
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