11/07/2006
Vitoria-Gasteiz, 11 July 2006.
After the highly successful concerts featuring the Gregorian Chant
Choir and Canadian ethnomusicologist, Judith Cohen, the Santa Maria
Cathedral is opening its doors to music once again to host the
Cathedral of Toulouse Boy´s Choir (France). The concert,
which is part of the “Encuentros con la Catedral”
series, will be held next Monday, 17 May, at 8:00pm.
The Cathedral of Toulouse Boy´s Choir concert will be divided
into two parts: one featuring sacred music by Mozart, Kodaly,
Duruflé and Bruckner, and the other including secular songs
that explore different styles of music from various countries all over
the world, such as the Philippines, the Czech Republic, Indonesia, etc.
Those interested in
attending the concert may pick up their invitation at the Santa Maria
Cathedral Visitor´s Centre in the Plaza de la
Burullería beginning tomorrow, Wednesday, from 10:30am to
2:00pm and 4:30pm to 8:00pm.
Founded in 1936 by the abbot Georges Rey, the Cathedral of Toulouse
Boy´s Choir is celebrating its 70th anniversary this year.
Following in the tradition of the Saint Etienne Cathedral of Toulouse
choirs, it is comprised solely by boys and young men between the ages
of 8 and 20. Today, its repertoire features motets and sacred works
spanning all eras, in addition to secular pieces from all over the
globe.
The Cathedral of Toulouse Boy´s Choir has presented concerts
worldwide, with destinations including Canada, the United States, West
Indies, Poland, Ukraine, Jordan, Lebanon, amongst others. They have
also performed in a wide variety of auditoriums, from prestigious
concert halls to small parishes.
The choir school associated with the cathedrals has participated in
Toulouse´s most poignant moments, during solemn occasions
(mass for the victims of the AZF chemical factory, mass in memory of
French singer Claude Nogaro, etc) as well as during more festive
celebrations (the Queen of England´s visit, the opening of
Space City in France, etc.)
In addition, the Boy´s Choir often participates in musical
productions at the Capitole de Toulouse opera theatre. Past
performances include Jeanne au bûcher, directed by G.
Prêtre, and Requiem de Fauré, with Michel Plasson.
The next opportunity to enjoy them in concert will take place in
November, when they perform with the Toulouse Chamber Orchestra.
The Cathedral of Toulouse Boy´s Choir has released several
records featuring sacred music, including Motets du XVI au XX (Motets
from the 16th to the 20th centuries) and Chants sacrés
(Sacred Songs) with Roberto Alagna. They have also recorded secular
music, such as Carnet de route (Road Map) as well as Christmas songs,
Noël Baroque (Baroque Christmas).
Various directors have succeeded the abbot Rey as the head of the
group, amongst them David Godfroid, the current director of the
Capitole Children´s Choir, Wilfried Busaal, and Victoria
Digon, who held the position two years ago.