Performing Tours - Participants In Culture

For performing groups, the concerts are certainly the focal point—or at least the building block of the tour. One of the most unique and special aspects of a concert tour is that you and your group become true participants in the culture of the countries you visit. This past season, one of the most misunderstood countries in Europe was certainly France. Four of our twenty-three performing tours included France in their 2003 concert tours. Each group had very positive experiences. In date order of their visits, here are a few comments about some of their experiences:

Both of the French concerts by the South Dakota State University Concert Choir were sponsored by the organization, France Etats-Unis, which was found-ed in France after World War II to promote friendship and cultural ex-changes between the French and Americans. Local French organizers and the choir reported that there was a good interaction between the performers and audience. The choir's final performance took place at the historic church of La Madeleine in Paris. Almost unprecedented for a late afternoon concert, the choir performed to an audience of 300 – 400 people. In a review of this concert, it was reported that "the choir truly charmed the French audience, not only because of the high quality of their performance but also because they were so genuinely nice."

The Lake Highlands United Methodist Church Youth Choir also traveled to France in March. Through their own contacts, they set up several performances in the Strasbourg area. Dale Daniels, the director of the group said that "the people of France had many kind words and were deeply touched and impressed by the Lake Highlands group." At their final concert in Paris, they had a responsive audience of about 250 people who were so enthusiastic that it was hard for the choir to leave!

The Santa Barbara High School Madrigal participants were equally enthus-iastic about their experiences. Pam McLendon, tour coordinator said, "All of our concerts were well attended, with the one in Gien at 600 + !!!!! The local organizer poured out his heart and soul welcom-ing us and telling us how much he appreciates us and that his city (Orléans) is the sister city of Wichita, Kansas because of the WW II connection. Then, the people and ESPECIALLY the mayor of Gien were sooo excited that we were in their town. The mayor was very charismatic and so warm and talked to the choir about how the governments were one thing and the people were another and we were all one people connected by the music . . ."

Our final performing group of the season was the Grand Rapids Symphonic Chorus which toured in July. Our French concert organizer, Mr. Daziano, had these words to say about their performances in Nice and Grasse: "The concert in Nice was a big success in a well filled church and in spite of the HEAT! The parish priest is a charming man and a tenor himself! This brought an immediate affinity with the choir who were of excellent quality. Also successful was the concert in Grasse. The local organizer was amazed at the quality of the choir. She greeted them in English and introduced the whole concert for which the choir received a standing ovation."

Clearly, the high quality of each group's performances played a major role in having a positive experience. Whenever you bring your group to another country, always remember you are their guest. Here are a few suggestions before taking your choir on tour to France:

1. Language is one of the most important aspects of French culture. Please have a French speaker teach your group members some of the basic greetings—bonjour, bonsoir, s'il vous plait, merci and au revoir. Remind them to use these words appropriately at the hotels, restaurants, shops, concert sites, etc.
2. The French are very proud of their culinary traditions. Be sure to show your appreciation at meals and any type of reception.

Jane Larson is the Manager of the Performance Tour Division of Witte Travel & Tours. She has traveled extensively in France. For more information regarding Performing Arts Tours, click here