“Konbanwa”, that is to say good evening, says Eric Straumann, bowing to these evening guests, who face him in one of the reception rooms of the Colmar town hall. “Konbanwa,” he hears himself reply in unison. This is actually what it is about because the mayor receives the Alito women’s choir. They came, accompanied by their musical director, Makoto Hirata, from Takayama, in the province of Gifu, a city with which Colmar has partnership relations, reinforced during the mayor’s visit to Japan and then during Japan Week.
“We are very happy to welcome you”
And Eric Straumann acts as a guide to his city, retracing its history or recent news with the Christmas market. It also evokes the links with Japan, whether economic or gastronomic. “We are very happy to welcome you to Colmar. »
After a very formal exchange of gifts, the 22 choristers sang a traditional tune, Sakura evoking the cherry blossom, emblem of Japan, then a more modern song, Hotaru Koi about fireflies. But no songs in French, to the disappointment of the mayor. Perhaps at the conclusion of the concert which will be given this Tuesday, at 7:30 p.m., at the Salle des Catherinettes?
One thing is certain, they will sing in Latin Hail Mary during mass at Sainte-Marie church, rue Maimbourg, Wednesday at 8 a.m., presided over by Archbishop Monseigneur Pascal Delannoy.
Concert by the Alito choir this Tuesday evening at 7:30 p.m., Salle des Catherinettes. FREE ENTRANCE.
The choir will sing again on Wednesday January 8 at 8 a.m. during mass at Sainte-Marie Church.
