The Groton-Dunstable Regional High School’s choir tour of France was nothing short of extraordinary. Over the course of eight days, the voices of these young singers filled historic cathedrals, bustling restaurants, and sunny plazas around Paris and the French Riviera.
From day one, the performances were met with welcoming, enthusiastic audiences. During several outdoor performances in Nice, people eating at surrounding cafes stood and watched the choir while others flung open their shutters and listened from their balconies.
One evening in Avignon
As the group settled in for dinner, the restaurant owner discovered they were a choir. She asked if they might sing just one song. The singers obliged and selected a stunning piece from their repertoire that left the staff and fellow diners with tears in their eyes.
After such an incredible moment at the restaurant, the choir decided to visit the Palais des Papes (Palace of the Popes) that evening instead of waiting for the next day’s official tour. As the ancient structure came into view, gasps of awe filled the air. “Oooohs” and “Aaahhs” echoed as the students took in the size and majesty of the former papal residence. And then, without microphones or a stage, the choir lined up and sang to the square in front of the palace.
Their voices rose into the square, bouncing off the stone walls behind them, wrapping the crowd in sound. It was ethereal. That morning, the world had learned of Pope Francis’s passing, and the moment felt like a balm for collective grief. There were tears in the eyes of parents, staff, and strangers alike.
The director, Tim Savoy, later reflected on what was the highlight of the tour: seeing his students’ faces as they heard their voices echo at this historic place during a historic time.
Emotions in every measure
Each performance on the tour was a gift to a different corner of France, a demonstration of the students’ immense talent, and a testament to their director’s vision. The singers shared joy, sparked tears, and offered comfort, which reminded everyone involved of the transformative power of music.
If you’re interested in visiting France or bringing your musicians on the adventure of a lifetime, contact us today to start planning your next international choir tour.
