The La Rochelle Gospel Choir
has been singing for ten years and is now under the direction of the multi-talented musician Patrick Papineau.
Based in La Rochelle the choir belongs to a Choral association, La Puce à L'Oreille. The two other choirs in the association, also with the same director, are 'The Buzz' (rock and soul) and 'H2O' (Chanson Francais)
The 30 to 40 strong gospel choir has five sections, altos, sopranos, mezzo-sopranos, contralto/tenors and basses each singing their own parts and producing a marvellously harmonious sound. In addition soloists from amongst the choir take the lead on most of the songs. The choir is accompanied by a four-piece band; guitar, bass, keyboard and drums.
The choir's programme, all sung in English, is a mixture of well known and not so well known gospel standards that most British and Americans would recognise; Amazing Grace, The Saints, Down By the Riverside, Swing Low Sweet Chariot etc, etc.
Of course, by their, history and original purpose, the songs have a religious content, but the choir is non-denominational and is open to singers of any faith or no faith at all. There is no affiliation to any religious organisation. Having written that, most of the concerts take place in churches usually to raise money for charitable associations.
The choir is always on the lookout for new voices and you don't have to be an Aretha Franklin or Pavarotti to join! An abilty to sing in tune and the time to rehearse is all that's needed, being an English speaker, of course, is a great bonus. Rehearsals are held on Monday nights in La Rochelle and, on average, the choir performs monthly concerts all over the region. Potential singers are always welcome to observe the Monday rehearsals.
If this sounds interesting first check out some sound clips at www.lapucealoreille.net then if you'd like more information contact the director, Patrick, at ten.ellierolaecupal|lieucca#ten.ellierolaecupal|lieucca or, if you'd prefer to do it in English, contact this website. contact us
2009 Programme
Saturday 31st January Angoulins
Saturday 14th February Salles sur Mer
Contact us for more details.
