The choir was invited to sing at the Cracker Fair in this beautiful chateau. The ancient Priory was hugely successful as the dramatic 11th century chapel attest - it was consercrated in the presence of 2 Archbishops and 16 Bishops!.The magnificant chateau is 17th century and is said to have been built for the mistress of Prince Conti, but the Revolution put paid to such splendour. Over the years various owners including the French State have done little to preserve the building and much to damage it.
Ten years ago it was brought by a Paris property company who have slowly started to restore the building. The present plan is to turn it into a Corporate Wellness Cantre with accommodation in a new hotel to be built close by.
The choir sang a collection of Carols and Benjamin Britten's "Ceremony of Carols" in the splendid music room.
There were some amazing stalls filled with wonderful Christmas gifts which were all, sadly, too much for my pocket! Outside, although it was very cold, there were cafes serving hot and cold drinks and a great variety of food. It was a very interesting day out and a good "rehearsal" for the choir. We have two more concerts next week-end and then the choir party which should be another enjoyable occasion. Lets hope I can get all the right notes in the right order! C'est la vie.
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