Ode A La Connexion Francaise

There were murm’rings in the choir, for a rumour had been heard

That a change of some import was in the air

A language change this season, ‘French and Latin’ was the word.

Not a word of English. How could that be fair?

Well, confirmation of the rumour wasn’t long in coming through

And reactions were predictable enough

On all sides, concern and worry, “woe is me!” and “what to do?”

And “how will the punters understand the stuff?”

The tenors were in tatters, the altos all at sea

The basses had their hearts down in their boots.

And as for the sopranos, oh my, dearie, dearie me

You should have heard their hollers, howls and hoots!

All the choristers were worried, would they say the words just right?

Would the emphasis be put in the right place?

‘Twas Oriana, and they simply must be “alright on the night.”

Or else-wise, run the risk of losing face!

But eventually, reason reared its not-so-ugly head

And then, into perspective, things were put

“We’ve sung a lot in Latin, that’s no problem,” someone said

“And French? For sure, it won’t bring us caput!”

As weeks rolled by the choir with its mission came to grips

To sing sweetly, in the language of love

There were those with knowledge close at hand, with many helpful tips

And direction, firm but gentle, from above.

The music upon which the French and Latin lyrics glide

Is so lovely, it’s become a joy to sing

Bizet, Faure, Debussy, Edith Piaf; what a ride!

And it’s sure to make your heart and soul take wing!

The Choir’s ready, hearts are eager, and all voices are in trim

Just eight more sleeps, then up the curtain rings

On a concert that is well and truly full, up to the brim.

You’ll marvel at the wonderment it brings.

So go put on your beret, maybe bring your opera glass

You could even practise up your “parlez vous”.

Your Choir awaits to bring you all some genuine French class

An afternoon’s delight awaits for you.

The French Connection

Saturday, 26 July 2025, 2:00pm – St Patrick's Catholic Church, Gympie

Sunday, 27 July 2025, 2:00pm - Stella Maris Performance Centre, Maroochydore

For bookings and information, go to www.oriana.org.au 

Ian Rix

July 18, 2025. 

Oriana Choir

Oriana is proudly supported by

Storage Direct Sippy Downs