The choir’s performance at Notre Dame de Riche in Tours was a truly memorable experience. This historic church, with its warm and inviting atmosphere, is home to a multi-generational congregation. I was pleasantly surprised to see families arriving on bicycles and children exploring the church aisles, a far cry from the more formal and traditional Catholic services I’m used to.
Despite the language barrier, the choir was warmly welcomed by the church’s musicians and priests. The parishioners’ enthusiastic applause at the end of our performance made us feel right at home. It was a heartwarming reminder that even as Protestants singing for a Catholic mass, we felt right at home with the universal bond of Christian community.
Elizabeth Virkler
Rancho Bernardo Community Presbyterian Church Choir
The tour concluded in Paris, where we joined 330 other singers in a festival choir. You never know what to expect at mass choir events, but thankfully everyone was prepared musically, which made rehearsals a delightful experience for the singers and conductor. I am so proud of our choir for learning the challenging repertoire. All the hours of rehearsal, including Saturday mornings and practice tracks at home, paid off.