Some enchanted evening

For the past 6 years, Pézenas has hosted a festival that celebrates singing, Pézenas Enchantée. For a fortnight, there are daily concerts, and each year a well-known singer comes to pass on his knowledge by way of master classes for young singers. You can watch their progress in daily sessions. I've managed to miss it every year until now. I discovered early on, for the first time, they were offering a choral masterclass. Rossini's Petite Messe Solennelle, neither particularly small nor solemn, conducted by Michel Piquemal, renown in these parts.

Rehearsals began in late June. There were about 60 singers drawn from surrounding areas, but mostly made up of a Béziers-based choir. It was their conductor who whipped us into shape before the maestro came for two weekend rehearsal sessions earlier this month. Due to my house move, I'd missed 8 rehearsals. I wasn't sure I could show my face on masterclass weekend, but I went anyway. Glad I did. It was a worthwhile experience. I met some nice people, it was great to sing again, good for my French (and Latin), and slightly nerve-wracking. The two fugues are taken at a fair lick. 'Amens' for page upon page, but fun to sing once you learn it. The piece was originally scored for two pianos and a harmonium. Ali said, I wasn't expecting the accordion, the modern-day harmonium stand-in. It's a bit of a bonkers piece, really.

There were three performances, Pézenas, Ballaruc-les-Bains, and even the cathedral in Montpellier. We weren't recorded, but to give you an idea, here's the Cum Sanctu Spiritu conducted by M Piquemal with the same accordionist, sung by a different choir. The photo is of us. Spot my little white head.

Our Local

Our favourite café is in the next village 4 kms away. We eat there at least once a week and I always look forward to it. The food's good and so is the welcome. The other night, Nilda and José had a BBQ for their neighbours and regular customers. We were honoured to be invited. I've never had a local before, and well, now I get it.

Today we met up for lunch with our mates, Erica, John and Pudsey, possibly the world's most laid back Chow Chow.  John took the photo. A stunning October day. Another great lunch.

Double Rainbow

There was a double rainbow the other day. From the tower, we could see the glorious arc from start to finish. The colours at the end seemed to wash down close to our friends Hans and Christa at Domaine Bourdic. They were hunting wild mushrooms after the rain, but I'd also be keeping an eye out for that pot of gold.