It is the title of the magnificent concert created and prepared especially for the bicentenary of Jeanne Antide’s death, the result of a wonderful collaboration between the Besançon-based author and narrator Madame Agnès Henry and the Franche-Comté vocal ensemble ‘Contraste’, conducted by Madame Brigitte Rose, a leading figure in the French choral singing scene.
For the text, Madame Henry drew her inspiration entirely from the biography of our Saint written by Father Reymermet. Fascinated by the life of Jeanne Antide, she has compiled a careful selection of quotations that highlight, at every stage of her life, her character, her faith, her search for God’s will, her fortitude in the face of trials, and her work.
The text is recited by the choristers and accompanied by selected musical pieces. The conductor, Brigitte Rose, has created bold arrangements that blend traditional songs, classical and modern composers, revolutionary and liturgical chants.
A beautiful and moving work that left the audience breathless. More than a magnificent concert, it was for us a great joy, a revelation of our Foundress, a ‘celebration’ of our charism. But for the choristers and the audience who filled our chapel, believers and non-believers alike, no one left as they had entered. Jeanne Antide touched everyone’s hearts.
This is demonstrated by the sense of fellowship that developed during the exchanges at the end of the concert and during the buffet that followed.
This concert was a preview of the one to be held on 30 May in Sancey, on the eve of the great celebration.
Are you looking forward to it?
