At the end of the two-hour concert, performed this Sunday, November 3, 2024 at the Mazures convention center, many had the feeling of having experienced something special.exceptional.
« It was the Republican Guard », We heard among the 600 listeners leaving the room. As if to better convince oneself that yes, the score of the 50 musicians, under the baton of assistant conductor Éric Lemonnier, was without false notes.
“Squared”
In fact, this enthusiasm did not surprise the organizer, Hubert Destenay, also president of the Cheveuges football club. “ It is eight months work to bring in the Republican Guard, before they are propelled with the Olympics (on July 26, these musicians were alongside Aya Nakamura on the Pont des Arts, during the opening ceremony Editor’s note). There, I feel a little bit of everything: stress, excitement. It’s the culmination so I’m happy with this concert, squared away. »
Because the bus full of musicians, due to arrive from Paris in the morning at 10 a.m., was punctual. Same respect for time during the sound check done at 11 a.m. Without forgetting the start of the songs, at 2 p.m. sharp.
“With the Republican Guard, we have high quality music”
Before going up to sit in the stands, Jacqueline and Sylvianne, from Rocroi, measure “ the chance to see the Republican Guard again. We have already heard it in Paris and near Metz. It’s always spectacular ».
Also seated in the gallery, a retired Republican guard, having officiated at the Élysée for more than thirty years, had “ loved the mix of genres even if among my former colleagues, the reception is mixed », about the famous performance of July 26. The fact remains that this former soldier underlines it: “ With the Republican Guard, we have high quality music. »
Luc celebrates his 83rd birthday during this event. Arriving from Charleville-Mézières, this former soldier notably played in 1962 in front of General de Gaulle, in Stuttgart, during a tour aimed at Franco-German reconciliation. The octogenarian was appreciated for his talents on the hunting horn, trumpet and bugle. “ I’m lucky to be here, it’ll remind me of my young age », he smiles.
A Marseillaise as a final bouquet
As for the performance, in front of an audience with a high average age, it alternated between Arabic tunes, several symphonic movements including Les Miserables or even The Phantom of the Operabut also a medley by Claude Nougaro and the Lorraine military march. Before the final bouquet: the Marseillaise.
Previously, during the intermission, Patrick, Nadine and Monique, a couple and their friend, indicated that they liked “ the catchy pieces but also the sweetness, thanks to the transverse flute. You had to be there. Because when you see them on television, it’s different ».
And Sébastien and Régis, two saxophonists from the Republican Guard, confided: “ We are sharing with the population. Colleagues also see their loved ones. » A nice break because yes, the dates follow one another. “ There really was an Olympics effect because there were more and more refusals. » The price of deserved success.
