Remembrance in Rainy Paris

100 years after the Armistice took effect at the end of the First World War, it was a privilege and a joy to participate at Notre-Dame de Paris in the traditional Remembrance Service held at the Cathedral each year since 1924.

RSCM European Cathedral Singers were guests of RSCM France for this event – coming together to form a choir of 64 singers supported by a brass ensemble and percussion.

There were many poignant moments in the special service – we sang the same Te Deum sung by the cathedral choir on Armistice Day 1918 and the bugle used to sound the Last Post and Reveille was used in 1918 on the western front to announce the end of hostilities.

The Tributes to incredibly brave forces members from a number of wars were told by serving officers and reminded us of the importance of remembering.

Among all of this, we found room for two world premieres – an atmospheric flute solo and a newly-commissioned anthem by Malcom Archer.