At last–you might be muttering–something has happened in that intriguing interior.
Yes–it has been three years since we gained access to the old church and started seriously to think about what how we might engage its 160-year-old deconsecrated space.
It was carte blanche for our friends, with a sense of humour.
A nightclub?
An indoor swimming pool, a discotheque–some of the ideas floated.
So helpful, thanks.
We came to the tamer, but more reasonable conclusion that to kick off its new life as a deconsecrated piece of local history, a concert of a classical nature would be appropriate.
Spin forward to last Thursday evening and the sight of 80-odd people from up and down and roundabout moving slowly towards the doors, rubbing their hands with expectation (and disinfectant!) and donning masks.
What greeted them inside was l’ancienne église bursting with pride and light– having found a purpose again.
Has to be said: The pride and light was down to some hard-grind cleaning by the initiator and prime mover of the occasion: Monsieur Jean Michel Vinay, art dealer and master of the evening’s revels.
A recent arrival in Lautrec (he bought the beautiful property where I did the cooking classes), he had heard about the church in the middle of nowhere and–looking for an exhibition space to show the work of his painter friends–was keen to see the space.
He liked what he saw and on Thursday the former parishioners found unfamiliar images looking down on them, temporarily covering the simple murals that had overseen their Sunday worship for the past 100 years.
Jean Michel had other friends. One is renowned bass-baritone opera singer, Vincent Le Texier, who reacted favourably when Jean Mich suggested he might enjoy a busman’s holiday–stay with Jean Mich, bring the three kids, and try out the promising acoustic of this unlikely setting, with a view to a summer concert, sharing the platform with his wife, Gabriela Enderlova–a talented mezzo-soprano–and the brilliant pianist, Jean-François Ballèvre, making up the trio.
That was last year–but Covid 19 restrictions forced a postponement, and the concert happened elsewhere.
They’d rehearsed in the empty church though, and fallen for its natural ambient charms and extraordinary acoustic.
The same trio of musicians showed up again this year.
So, soon after 7pm, I walked up the side aisle and opened the proceedings with a little speech—in French.
I hadn’t been so nervous since first nights in Stratford in 1976.
For nearly two hours we sat transfixed by a programme of French solos and duets; music a touch too esoteric for my taste, but brilliantly performed. The hypnotic sonority of the voices bouncing off the walls, and down our backs, pinning us to our seats!
It seemed no-one left after the short interval.
Then pot luck supper in the garden under the setting August light.
The buzz was joyful and infectious–and the church, presiding, fairly beamed with delight.
“You’ll be back for more….”
Je n’en doute pas–à la prochaine fois, alors!
Close to midnight, when most of the revellers had dispersed to their homes, the irrepressible Jean-François fulfilled his promise to Meredith to play Scenes from Childhood by Schumann.
An impromptu recital–and the second recognisable tune of the evening!*
It was a joy–and played with such respect and love for the music–it felt a privilege to be listening.
*The first was a lovely waltz–an encore–caught here during a rehearsal.
The wheels are turning to fulfill the church’s prophecy. A clarinettist is coming this week to try out the space.
The next day, young Shadow inspected the art–a private view!
,
.
Robin Ellis 
Thank you very much for your lovely newsletter. The evening sounds divine.
Wonderful blog conveying something of the remarkable effort and then its culmination in an evening of beautiful music.
Wonderful post, and I loved listening to Songs from Childhood.
What a beautiful church, nice to see people enjoying some freedom again. Sorry you were a little nervous but I bet it was great feeling once you had delivered your lines. The photo with the cat made me laugh. Cats are such free spirits!
Ciao Robin! Rosaria and Giuseppe here from Cremona! We are so glad your dreams have come true!!! We have been following the restoration of the chapel so our compliments to you, Meredith, the staff and the musicians, of course! You had a great day! So, have a nice and… Hot .. August. See you soon! Hugs and kisses from Italy!
How wonderful! As a musician, this brings great joy to my heart!
It’s great that the church has such fine acoustics.
You and Meredith deserve a bravo! for bringing beautiful music to your space, and for bringing the community together.
If I lived closer, I would wish to come by with my string quartet…….
This is a wonderful idea and the church looks so beautiful.
What a joyful story of renewal at this challenging time. My husband and I would give anything to be there enjoying the music and the magnificent surroundings in your peaceful village. Meanwhile, the pandemic of the unvaccinated rages on here in the US and he as an ICU physician keeps soldiering on. How we miss traveling, especially to France.
May you continue to enjoy good health, Robin. You remain an inspiration for folks in the diabetic community, both type 1s like my son, and type 2s.
Oh Cap’n Poldark, you are still so lovely! Age has not withered you. xx
It looks fabulous Robin. Glad it went well G and Wx
How absolutely wonderful. I would have so loved to have been there.
Hilary
Oh Robin and Meredith how absolutely perfect!! What a gorgeous send off for this lovely venue. I so wish I could have been there. Many congratulations to you for picking exactly the right purpose for this historic site.
Oh Robin It is so good to see you online once again. The description of your evening concert 🎶 followed by an late night garden supper sounded heavenly. I am so please for both of you to have found a proper use for such a lovely old church. Bravo XxNorma
Sent from my iPhone
>
The subtle beauty of the church pulls gently in my heart
Thank you. Merci Gracias Speceebo Danke Shukkrah
What a lovely space you have all created. Wish I lived closer so I could experience it for myself.
How wonderful! I love it when old and sacred buildings can get a new lease of life in the community. Our ancient church has just had the bell and belfry renovated – ringing again this week, first time for nearly 2 years, albeit at 7 am!
Your Church – magnifique!
Bravo!! It sounds “heavenly”!! What a wonderful rebirth of the old church.
How absolutely lovely.
The church is simply stunning and the acoustics must be wonderful.
We are in Brittany at the moment and the musical side of life is very much less than usual.
There are still a few impromptu performances in Dinan but concerts are rewarded and dar between.
Perhaps on another, less stressful trip over to our Brittany home can visit the church when a concert is on. Is there a website or have I missed something?
Thank you for a little bit of sunshine although in the literal sense, it’s a lovely evening here in Plenee Jugon.
Hello everyone and bon soir!
What an absolutely lovely evening in such a stunningly beautiful setting.
Hope Shadow had a Cat alogue for his/her private viewing !!!
How wonderful, a new life for a beautiful church!
It looks fabulous
What a lovely night!
So lovely. We did the same thing in an ancient church in Albufeira, Portugal. It is an enchanting atmosphere
Thank you for sharing this wonderful evening with your readers. You evoke the atmosphere so well, and it’s lovely to be able to hear the soloists too. Congratulations to you both. I hope this is the first of many concerts in your church, and maybe even an annual festival; Lautrec’s Sunflower Festival 🌻
Encore !!!!!!!
It is wonderful to see the beautiful chapel come to life!
Hi Janet–it was crazy!
I am so very happy for both Meredith and you! The church is beautiful! May it be filled with art, music, healthy happy voices and an occasional cat!
Love, Colleen 🙃
What a joyous occasion and probably very emotional too! You’ve brought the beautiful church back to life for the whole community especially needed even more now since the pandemic. Such a beautiful atmospheric church rescued!
The church looks so wonderful and now to be filled with music and art, it is reincarnated. Congratulations on your vision and hard work. I hope one day to come and listen, look and experience some of the joy.
Love to you both
Arlene
Life does go on, and in what better way than artwork and music. “There are two means of refuge from the miseries of life: music and cats” (Albert Schweitzer)
Always good to see you, Robin.
Dear Mr. Ellis: Thank you for bringing to your readers the news of the re-purposing of the old church. I’m flying to Barcelona Monday, then driving to my house in the Minervois next week after 18 months away. Your post was a reminder of what I’ve been missing! With every best wish, Marta Varela
Sent from my iPad
>
I love the blue ceiling, so much like the sky! And please send a video with sound next time.
Love,
Marilyn
There is sound!
Gorgeous! Bravo and wishing you many more concerts and artistic gatherings.
Hi, Rosemary.
What a lovely venue. Its a pity more churches can’t be used this way. The large St Georges, Park Street, Bristol, has made a brilliant concert venue. The accoustics in churches is amazing.