On Tuesday, 2 November, choirs from Lithuania and Normandy performed in Sint Nikolaaskerk at the invitation of the Sint-Niklaas city council and tourism department. This event took place within the framework of the World Choir Games 2021. Consequently, these choirs belong to the world top.
After a varied and spectacular performance of particularly high quality, the young choir members of the Normandy Maîtrise de Seine Maritime visited the Grote Markt in Sint-Niklaas.
A lot of attention went to Frans Heirbaut's statue of the Countesses Johanna and Margaretha. The choir members received expert explanations in their own language from two city guides.
Afterwards, they visited the city park, which was decorated in the most beautiful autumn colours. On the kiosk, they spontaneously gave the best of themselves again with classical religious songs from France.
All in all, this was a top-level cultural and tourist event.
Robert De Bock
Information about the choir:
Maîtrise de Seine-Maritime traines nearly 200 young singers each year from the schools Albert Camus College and Lycée Raymond Queneau in Yvetot Seine-Maritime. After a 9-year training course, the best elements are gathered in the youth choir Maîtrise de Seine-Maritime. The choir consists of forty singers aged 15 to 25 years and it aims to promote a high-quality choral training throughout the region of Normandy. Bringing culture and music to the heart of rural areas of the region, the choir’s repertoire is mostly sung a cappella. Singing works from the Renaissance to contemporary music, the choir is committed to supporting contemporary art. They pursue a comprehensive music education (choral singing, vocal technique, musical culture, music theory, works analysis) and many singers are preparing to become professional musicians. Through a demanding practice and international influence, the choir Maîtrise de Seine-Maritime offers singers a unique pre-professional experience.
Recent diplomas:
2017: Gold medal and 2nd Prize Claudio Monteverdi Choral Competition Venise (Italia)
2018: 1st Prize cum Laude European Music Festival in Neerpelt (Belgium)
2018: Silver medal Rimini International Choral Competition
2019: Winner of the Grand Prix of Nations Gothenburg 2019 category GP7 Gospel, Spiritual, Music of Spirit and Faith
