It’s a rare treat for Sudbury audiences to hear a French choir, accompanied by a real accordionist, performing in the town centre. The concert given jointly by Sudbury’s own Choral Society and singers from their French Twin Town of Clermont was not the first to take place, but a great success.

Each choir sang traditional songs from their respective country. Sudbury, conducted by David Butcher, performed John Rutter’s The Sprig of Thyme, giving all voices a chance to show their skills. The Miller of Dee was especially enjoyable.

The French singers, conducted by Katherine Forestier, chose a variety of music, and gave delightfully confident performances of both well-known and less familiar composers. The accordionist Patricia Cazier was a great success with the audience. The two choirs also sang some lively numbers together.

The concert was part of a special weekend celebration bringing together friends old and new from both towns, who have been twinned since 1985. Hosts and guests not only enjoyed the pleasures of music making, but a there was time for a hog-roast party and a day trip to Cambridge. What a wonderful atmosphere for the international language of music to thrive!


For more information, go to www.sudburytowntwinning.co.uk and www.sudburychoralsociety.co.uk respectively.

©Mary Dunk, 2009.


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