The twinning committees of the two towns of St Rémy and Ottweiler as well as the two harmonies of St Rémy/les Charreaux and Niederlinxweiler intend to make Franco-German friendship last for a Europe united and open in its cultures and ideas.
It was in front of a packed house that musicians from both countries performed with this concert which promised to be of a high level.
Sébastien Martin, president of the St Rémy twinning committee, opened these festivities with his speech in French and German.
After having thanked for their presence Sébastien Martin president of Grand Chalon, Florence Plissonnier mayor of St Rémy, Holger Schaeffer mayor of Ottweiler, the former presidents of the twinning committees on both sides of the Rhine, Doris last president and André Lickes the new president of Ottweiler committee, he clarified: “ This year, we wanted to change the format of the WE and for this I would like to thank Laurent Bonnin, president of Harmonie St Rémy-Les Charreaux as well as the members of their office for the construction of this WE. Indeed, grouping two Franco-German exchanges within the framework of the same event seemed more than obvious to us… The exchange through music between Saint Rémy/Les Charreaux and Niederlinxweiler also contributes to perpetuating the strong links between our two countries… “.
The two presidents of the twinning committees Sébastien Martin and André Lickes exchanged gifts, then André Lickes expressed on behalf of his compatriots his thanks to all those who contributed to perpetuating this friendship and the twinning. “ It is a beautiful foundation that was built by our predecessors. We have lost many members over the years on both sides, we must make efforts to regain citizens. We are all volunteers, it’s not easy… “.
Laurent Bonnin, president of the St Rémy/Les Charreaux Harmony Orchestra, made a short speech before giving way to music with the San Rémois orchestra in the first part: “ We are delighted to see you again for this spring concert in a new format this evening, since you will have the pleasure of attending an international show! A big thank you to all those who made this reunion possible, the municipalities of Ottweiler and Niederlinxweiler, those of Saint Rémy, Chalon sur Saône and Grand Chalon as well, the 2 twinning committees and especially our musician friends from Musikverein “Harmonie” Niederlinxweiler, Thank you André for your unwavering commitment. Special thanks to Ms. Mayor Florence Plissonnier and the elected officials of St Rémy present, Mr. Mayor Gilles Platret excused and represented by Ms. Rougeron and finally unfailing support also from the Grand Chalon with the presence of Sébastien Martin president of the Grand Chalon accompanied by his marry.
A big thank you also to Sébastien Martin, the other, president of the St Rémy twinning committee, for the co-organization and management of this weekend, which allowed us to get to know each other better and to share the organization of this twinning in music… This evening this first part of the concert, with 44 musicians present, will be conducted by Emilie Desbrières and Denis Desbrières, I warmly thank them for their excellent work… “.
The St Rémy/Les Charreaux Harmony Orchestra performed 4 works taken from their repertoire which reflects the level and performance demonstrated by the musicians under the batons of Emilie and Denis Desbrières.
An ascent to the top of the roof of Europe with “Mont Blanc“what could be better for an anniversary of Franco-German twinning, it was without counting the journey to the ends of the earth with the lyrical song of the Ocean and the cry of the seagulls…
Under loud applause, the musicians left the stage to make way for an intermission, time to change the arrangement of the chairs to make room for the Niederlinxweiler Orchestra and the “Musiklabor”.
The two German groups, bringing together the orchestra under the direction of conductor Simon Maurer and an ensemble of young musicians, alternately performed their rich repertoire of around eight pieces. The well-known orchestra of San Reims musicians once again showed its high level of quality and precision in the musical execution of themes like “Juliska aus Maske in blue“by Fred Raymond or by”A Morricone Portrait“…
The young people of “Musiklabor”, very promising for the future of the orchestra, won over the public, among other things, with the voice of the very young singer Isaac, 11 years old.
An evening of music could not end without the performance of one or two pieces together.
