Aimeriez-vous Nous Ententre Chanter en Francais?

Oriana Choir
7 days ago
2 min read

“Qu'est-ce que vous avez dit?” I hear you cry. “What did you say?”

No, I haven’t suddenly gone all Gallic. And I haven’t been over-doing it on the escargots or the absinthe. I’m just doing a bit of ‘getting in character’ for Oriana’s next venture. And the heading of this piece is simply asking the question, “Would you like to hear us singing in French?” – which is exactly what THE FRENCH CONNECTION is all about.

For quite a few weeks now, Oriana Choir has been preparing, for your delectation and delight, a programme of beautiful music by French composers across the centuries. From fourteenth century composer Guillaume de Machaut, to a song by Edith Piaf, taking in offerings by Bizet, Debussy, Faure and more along the way, The French Connection is a decidedly different offering from the acclaimed Oriana Choir. As a follow-on from the runaway success of The Piano Men: The Music of Billy Joel and Elton John, there could hardly be more of a contrast than that presented by The French Connection.

The language of France has distinct musical qualities. It is a lovely language to speak, and even more delightful to sing. That doesn’t mean that it’s easy – some pronunciations present quite a challenge to non-native speakers. But, within the Choir we have people whose knowledge of the language, and how to speak it, are enabling and preparing all our choristers to bring you a properly pronounced and, just as essentially, superbly sung selection of French music, ancient and modern. Music that is uplifting, lovely to listen to, and fun!

From the sublime beauty of Faure’s “Cantique de Jean Racine” to the playfulness of Piaf’s “Padam Padam” and the ironic humour of “Il Est Bel et Bon”, you will find this programme truly, refreshingly enjoyable.

So...

“vous aimeriez ecouter de la belle musique francaise? Mais bien sur que vous le ferais!” *

With Bastille Day only a fortnight away, what could be more appropriate? Je ne sais quoi!

You can see and hear The French Connection at St. Patrick’s Church, Gympie, at 2:00pm on Saturday, July 26th, and at Stella Maris Performance Centre, Maroochydore, at 2:00pm on Sunday, July 27th.

For booking details, go to our website, www.oriana.org.au.

Ian Rix

July 5, 2025.

* “Would you like to hear some beautiful French music? Of course you would!"