Itinerary
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Thursday,
June 12
Friday,
June 13
Saturday,
June 14
Sunday,
June 15
Monday,
June 16
Tuesday,
June 17
Wednesday,
June 18
Thursday,
June 19
Friday,
June 20
Saturday,
June 21
Sunday,
June 22
Monday,
June 23
Tuesday,
June 24 |
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Sunday, June 15
After breakfast, we boarded the coach for Charolles.
As we traveled through rolling hills of white cows
grazing, we were once again treated to morning devotions
by Art Hill. We arrived at the Eglise Sacre Coeur
in Charolles, the sight of tonight's concert.
The Madrigals warmed up inside the church which
is a beautiful neo-gothic style church. Built in
the nineteenth century, the tall gothic ceilings
combined with the length of the church offered the
perfect acoustic environment for the Madrigals.
The Madrigals offered two pieces for the Sunday
morning Mass.
After the Mass, our group split up into four sub
groups each to be treated to lunch at four different
households. This was a great time to experience
French culture and great French food. Our hosts
were very gracious and generous. We tried to have
at least one french speaking person from our group
at each of the lunches. However, many of our hosts
could speak or understand English.
After we returned from lunch, each madrigal got
to choose a Farari to take for a spin around town...
just kidding! You don't see seven Fararis parked
in front of a church very often. I just had to take
the shot!
The Madrigals gave their first concert of the tour
in the Eglise Sacre Coeur the proceeds of which
are for the church's pipe organ fund. The Madrigal's
performance was absolutely beautiful, inspiring,
and moving. Their sound was pure, and the evening
was truly blessed--even thunder accompanied the
Barocha. It was amazing.
Hear the Madrigal's performance of Jesus
Christ the Apple Tree ! You will need the Real
Audio player to listen. Click here
to download the player.
The Madrigals were well received by their gracious
audience.
After the concert, the Madrigals were given a reception.
Cindy presented Madam Du Lucena with a gift--a pewter
cup with the Maryland insignia.
After the reception, we boarded the coach for a
wonderful dinner in Roanne.
Happy Father's Day to all the Dads out there!
Some synopsis of the day... more to come
later
Julie Coleman
Our group of 12 was whisked away to a quaint farmhouse
and its surrounding buildings. The farmhouse dated
back to the 1600’s, but had been recently
renovated. Our hosts had taken over the farm from
his parents, and had a sizable vegetable garden
with an incredible view of the surrounding valley.
After a large garden salad, pizza, cous-cous, and
bread, we decided to help the hostess out by stacking
the plates. As she came out of the kitchen, she
gasped in dismay at our neat little pile. She had
yet another plate, the main course of beef and chicken
in her hands! Embarrassed, we apologized profusely.
We thought the meal was over! In actuality, we had
three courses to go.
As we ate, I asked one of our French hosts if this
part of France was occupied during World War II
by the Germans. He explained to me that the northern
half of France was occupied, but the southern part,
Vichy France, was not. In fact, the border between
the two sides of France was about 3 km from the
farmhouse. It was in a forest which the Germans
guarded intensely, allowing no one to cross from
one side to the other. They would shoot on sight.
Our host also told us of a young girl of 18 years
in Charolles who risked her life to help the Jews
escape the Nazi soldiers. She led over 100 children
and adults sneak across the border into Vichy France.
She died recently, and to the town’s surprise,
many children and grandchildren came back to Charolles
to attend her funeral. It was a touching and memorable
event.
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Today's
Agenda |
9:00
am |
Transfer
by coach to Charolles |
10:00
am |
Warm
up in the church |
11:00
am |
Mass
participation in the
Eglise Sacre Coeur |
12:15
pm |
Lunch
in the homes of the members
of the host Association
"Les Amis de l'Orgue
de Charolles" |
3:00
pm |
Rehearsal |
4:30
pm |
Concert
in the Eglise Sacre Coeur,
Charolles |
6:00
pm |
Reception |
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Return
by coach to Roanne |
8:30 pm |
Dinner in restaurant |
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