Softly… that is what google search tells us the word pianissimo means. But for the last six years, our island has known another meaning for this word: Pianissimo is a choir. Not just any choir, but one dedicated to excellence, one enamoured with intricate harmonies, accepting of newcomers, and with a penchant for performance.
Group members have been joining their voices in beautiful music for six years already, performing at venues across the island including the Classical Delight series of concerts. Now they begin their seventh season with the same fervour and dedication they have always had. The singers follow the patient and encouraging direction of Charles Vangeenderhuysen and Jean Francois Renaud.
The choir welcomes those with a similar passion for high level musical performances. Those with technical skills, such as the ability to read music, will find a happy home with the musical scores that Pianissimo typically takes on, but reading music is not a requirement. One of the most important skills, in fact, is the knack of simply listening closely. This allows the voices to blend into a singular mélange of rhythms and harmonies. Pianissimo is the right word for this choir – as the sounds produced by the singers are indeed soft, but also complex, controlled, rich and moving.
Their repertoire has a wide and international appeal – songs can be in French, English, Spanish or other languages. Many are classical pieces from the great masters, while others are renditions of folk songs or spiritual hymns. The choir itself is international, reflecting the makeup of our cosmopolitan island, and the language of rehearsals and practice sessions is French, but translations occur among the singers when needed.
Pianissimo’s meeting time is 7:30pm on Wednesdays at the music studio on Rue de la Republique in Marigot, close to the waterfront parking area. Look for the sign “Pianissimo” by a stairway on the north side of the road. All motivated and joyful singers are welcome to join the fun!
