The venerable Cigale, the dean of the choirs of Bagnols-sur-Cèze, invites singing lovers to join her

Unite your voice with that of others, for benefits beyond well-being and joy, as Huguette indicates.

Les chants sélectionnés sont accessibles à tous. C. C. – Midi Libre

The vocal ensemble was born in 1964. Over the decades, it has covered a wide variety of repertoires, offering high-quality concerts in and around Bagnols. 

They now cymbal under the direction of Christel Lindstat, lyrical artist for thirty-five years, singing teacher, choir director, endowed with a heroic contralto voice… The La Cigale choir was born in 1964. The oldest vocal ensemble in Bagnols has a long and beautiful history. He tackled eclectic repertoires, led over time by different choir directors, such as Henri Soulier, Georges Ciontu… Didier Cavard, president of the La Cigale association – A joy since 1989, a chorister for forty years, evokes the extent of this collective adventure, all this music which has nourished and transported dozens of choristers (the choir had up to 45 members), including the concert posters in Bagnols and its surroundings remain witnesses: "Under the direction of Henri Soulier for example, we played ambitious programs like the Carmina Burana." Over the years, La Cigale has explored many genres: religious or secular music, classical or popular, offering the public of Bagnols and surrounding areas rich and complete shows. Let us cite a program around Mozart for the 50th anniversary of La Cigale, programs around world music, around gypsy music, around sacred music, a year was devoted to the little-known works of Mendelssohn, and also Celtic music, jazz and pop music in recent times.

Choral singing, "a school of life"

Between the departure of Georges Ciontu and the Covid period, the number of choristers fell to around ten, which makes the future of La Cigale uncertain. This is without taking into account the will of its passionate members who want to continue this unparalleled sharing and are looking to recruit, you just need to want to sing! "I choose songs accessible to all. We work on different aesthetics. A little sacred music, a little Celtic music, jazz,” says Christel Lindstat. Newcomers are welcomed with kindness, good humor and mutual aid reign among the choristers. Florence has just joined them: "It’s a lot of pleasure to share." "It relaxes and feels good”, says Fabienne. Huguette has always been singing: "It maintains the neurons, helps with concentration", singing contributes to "a healthy lifestyle". The La Cigale presentation leaflet summarizes all the benefits of this practice (fight against stress, improve posture, strengthen the immune system, increase respiratory capacity…). It’is also "a school of humility. “Everyone makes mistakes,” says Didier. And even "a school of life!”, adds the head of heart. "The choir suggested that we join the Monticant de Chusclan vocal ensemble which I also direct for a common repertoire with a view to the Christmas concert." This alliance is continues at the start of the year: La Cigale and the Ensemble Monticant will sing together during a concert around the organ with Michel Chanard and pianist Renaud Gigord. Meet on January 21 at 5 p.m., at the Chusclan church.

Rehearsals for the La Cigale choir take place in Bagnols on Mondays from 8 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., in a spacious prefab loaned by the conservatory. Resumption Monday January 8 (first rehearsals free and without obligation).
Contact:  choralelacigale.wordpress.com ; such. 06 79 95 91 64 or 06 16 17 27 82.

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