A Concert in our Village Church

Last night, Laura, and I, waited until we heard the ringing of the church bells from the little church in our village. Upon hearing them, we started the ten minute walk down the road to the center of the village. We walked toward the church, with others to hear a beautiful Christmas concert. We did not know anyone there and did not understand much of the French, but we were able to greet others in simple French and feel a little more part of community.

The orchestra had seven members. Many instruments we recognized and a few that appeared quite old and unfamiliar to us. Later, I learned that the instruments were like those that would have been played in the kings courts during the 1600-1800. The choir was made up of 22 singers, from age 15-19 from the Conservatoire popular de Geneve. This is a very prestigious school to attend. Their voices were breath-taking. Three of the numbers sung were Gregorian chants, with blends and levels that sounded perfect in the acoustics of the church.I would have paid to see this magnificent concert, but in our village, most of these programs are provide by the Commune de Genthod,free of charge.


We didn't want the night to end, but eventually it did. We said our "au revoir, Bonsoir!" to those around us and then started our walk back home. The Christmas lights of the village had come on and umbrellas were needed, as we were greeted by a little rain. Good thing we know to carry umbrellas all of the time now. We walked with others from the village, hearing French and British English chattered along the way. We took the time to turn around to see the small snowflake lights on each of the light poles and see a lighted sleigh and tree in the park. What a perfect start to December and a wonderful Christmas gift from our village leaders.