“It’s all of our dreams to leave, we can’t wait to be there!” The singers of the Mastery of Notre-Dame de Reims Cathedral already have stars in their eyes. 43 singers from 3rd and 4th grade, educated at Notre-Dame college, accompanied by nine accompanists are preparing a major tour in Japan from January 30 to February 16, 2025. Around ten concerts are planned in total and rehearsals continue for the middle school students.
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The idea of such a trip dates back a few months when the Reims choir sings at the town hall of Reims for the renewal of twinning vows between the Cité des Sacres and Nagoya: “The contact went well with the mayor of Nagoyasays Sandrine Lebec, musical director of the Maîtrise and choir director. He suggested that we sing in his town…. And here we go!”
A Salve Regina in world premiere
The young choristers will therefore perform in Nagoya, but not only. Their voices will also resonate in cathedrals in Tokyo and Kyotoin French high schools, in performances with other Japanese choirs and at Studios Ghiblicreated by famous directors Hayao Miyazaki and Isao Takahata. “French culture attracts the Japanesespecifies Sandrine Lebec. They love the organ, French composers and they travel to hear children sing.”
La Maîtrise refines its repertoire before the big leap to Japan. The choir mixes Japanese songs (learned phonetics), secular songs as Tenderness of Bourvil and sacred songs like a Hail Mary or the Hail Regina of a French composer living in Japan: “His name is Yannick Pagetadds Sandrine Lebec. And this piece has never been performed in Japan and never with an organ, it is a world first. We sing it in Tokyo and Kyoto. It’s a challenge for the choir because it’s difficult, but we’re looking forward to it.”
“By singing, we will understand each other” – Sandrine Lebec
The Reims choir has never gone this far: “It’s going to be tiring, they’re going to come back flataccording to Sandrine Lebec. But we are going to experience incredible moments, with the concerts and all the visits. They will experience Japanese culture and they will understand that it is different from ours. They will have a lot to tell. And even if there is a language barrier, by singing we will understand each other.”
This trip is notably financed by actions carried out by a group of parents, such as the sale of cakes or handbags. The city of Reims also helps financially via Reims Rayonnement International as well as the association supporting the Masters, the Voices of the Cathedral. The rest, between 1,500 and 2,000 euros per child, will be borne by the families.
Between now and this great journey to the other side of the world, the voices of the Maîtrise de Reims can be heard on an album to be released in a few days, around December 6 and available in particular on the Reims Christmas market.
