“Chantons Noël”, concert by the Cathedral Choir on December 22 at 4:00 pm

As every year, in the run-up to the festive season, the Maîtrise de la Cathédrale de Chartres will be presenting its traditional Christmas concert. This year, the focus will be on Christmas around the world.
Children and adults alike will discover masterly polyphonic works evoking the mystery of Christ’s birth. You’ll appreciate the reflective atmosphere of the songs, and share in the joy of the crib with traditional hymns.
Come and share this exceptional musical experience with your family and friends, and sing Christmas carols with the Maîtrise.

Sunday, December 22 at 4:00 pm – Free admission

Maîtrise of Chartres Cathedral – mixed choir for children & adults
Conductor: Pauline Bonneau Pfeiffer
Accompaniment: Catherine Barret

Program: Carols & Christmases from Ukraine, Austria, Catalonia, Alsace, Norway, Hungary, Germany, England, etc.

A brief history of the Maîtrise

Chartres Cathedral’s choir school is one of the oldest in the world. A text from 485 attests to the existence, under Bishop Flavius, of a choir of young clerics singing the offices. However, the essential impetus came from Saint Fulbert (960-1028). A composer himself, Fulbert became bishop in 1006. He had the cathedral rebuilt after the fire of 1020 and developed the great cathedral school.

Today, the Maîtrise de la cathédrale is a mixed ensemble. In addition to its primary role of leading celebrations and nurturing the treasure trove of sacred music, the Maîtrise enables each member to develop through singing, acquiring a broad musical culture and basic vocal technique.