La Vie Musicale

It appears the passage of time speeds up with age. The year reaches the half-way point at a frightening pace. Once May arrives, it’s September before you know it.

The summer solstice always seems to come round too early. My favourite season is on the way out before I know it.

Midsummer’s night in France also coincides with the National Day of Music. It’s commemorated at The Organisation with two days of events, including a performance by the melodious in-house choir. I am however unaware of the extent of the celebrations in Strasbourg town centre; multiple stages catering for nearly every musical palate. My supervisor Sophie performs with her Latin band. Alas, I hear of it second hand from colleagues. I’ve had a fairly hectic week and a busy weekend ahead. I opt for a quiet night in. If I’d known how much fun and frolics there was to be had elsewhere, I’d have happily forsaken my evening rest. Next year, inshallah.

My weekend activities provide consolation. A Latin flavoured worship group are the guests of honour at church. Muriel invites me to a free Gospel performance at the Cité de la Musique et Danse by the High Rock Gospel Singers in which a couple of her chums are performing. The concert marks HRGS’ 20^th anniversary. 

Inspired by the cult classic Sister Act sequel, the choir was founded in Hautepierre (literally “high rock”) to help dispel some of the negative stereotypes associated with that locality. Being a Community choir, my expectations of quality aren’t especially high. It’s a bit of a lottery with these motley chorale outfits. HRGS swiftly quell my concerns. For the best part of two hours, this disciplined, ethnically-diverse outfit entertain a packed auditorium with soulful acapella interpretations of Gospel standards, Negro Spirituals and praise choruses from across the African continent. The latter is accompanied by choreography so nifty, it’s all I can do not to jump on stage myself. Muriel and her guests watch bemused, as I sing and dance along with enthusiasm.

As well as being blessed with strong soloists (including the choir director himself), the overall vocal blend is delicious. Unusually for a Gospel choir (and many others for that matter) the Sopranos aren’t always stuck with the melody and there’s a bass section. A couple more feathers in the HRGS cap. The very few male singers really hold their own.

Of course, being a live event anything can happen. There are a few pitching issues. A cheeky tyke who has been pulling faces at us in the crowd, wanders on stage mid-routine, eyeing the choir as if they're the ones out of place. It's an unexpected addition to our enjoyment. 

Giddy with goodwill after an uplifting show, I hop and skip to Les Pelouses Sonores music festival near the German border. An Internations member has organised a picnic at the event. I let her know I might be running late. They’ve long gone before I arrive. Never mind. The Fat Badgers keep me and hundreds of other revellers cheerily entertained with their serious grooves. They dress Glam Rock but play stone-cold funk of the George Clinton variety.

Soundtrack of the Week: Timsters