Youth Music Tours

Being teachers ourselves at several of the music schools in the region (namely the Conservatoire de Lisieux, Ecole de Musique d’Honfleur, Conservatoire de Pont Audemer, and Ecole de Musique de Pont L’Evêque), we are always keen to involve visiting groups in shared concerts with our local ensembles.

The usual sort of format is that we all choose together some shared items to prepare in advance. This is all very flexible, some groups will just choose one shared piece (and this could be one of the pieces of your own repertoire that we simply ‘add on’ the French students to), and therefore the concert will feature performances from both ensembles, solos and small ensemble items too, then finish with the collaborative item. Other groups choose several joint items, and some groups even join forces for a completely joint programme.

We are lucky to have some very beautiful performance venues, here are three examples but there are many more depending on the time of year of your tour.

Basilica Saint Therese

As well as visiting this spectacular site (the second-most visited religious site in all of France after Lourdes), we can organise performances here too.

We have developed a very close friendship with the basilica, and can involve visiting choirs to accompany a Mass service, with four musical slots for the Entrée / Offertoire / Communion / Sortie. This can either be a less formal Afternoon Mass during the week, taking place in the beautiful crypt, or the more prestigious Sunday Mass service, taking place in the main basilica.

We also frequently hold concerts in the crypt, and this can be for all sorts of ensembles with a broad mix of repertoire.

Eglise de Fervaques & Chateau Kinnor

We often hold ‘Soiree Musicales’ using a combination of the pretty village church of Fervaques and the lovely Chateau Kinnor situated next door. Large ensembles can perform in the church, and there is always a good audience from the village. We then move into the chateau for the second half, when smaller groups and solos can take place whilst drinks are served. A tried-and-tested format that works well.

Chateau Canon

The Salle de Rosieres at Château Canon is a beautiful hall with seating for around two hundred people. It is based in the heart of the Chateau Canon, a popular heritage attraction that the students can enjoy visiting too.

We have a close relationship with them for the month of July in particular, when we can involve visiting ensembles in their ‘Soiree Illuminee’ events. These evenings are widely advertised in the region, the public bring picnics to enjoy on the lawn whilst listening to the musical performances, then as night falls the chateau and gardens are lit up and everyone enjoys some marshmallow roasting!