Home - Tolosa International Choral Competition

22 October - 2 November, 2011 Convivium Singers have recently reutned from their first International Choral Competition in Tolosa, Spain. On 27th October, Convivium Singers left London's Heathrow airport to undertake their first international choral competition.  Arriving at the comfortable Hotel Txartal in Lasarte-Oria (just outside San Sebastian), we were met by our guide for the week, Ainara Golzarri de Diego.  Being in a foreign country is always a daunting experience, particularly when the new-comers to a festival with such a excellent reputation as Tolosa.  We were so grateful, therefore, that Ainara was able to guide us through the week calmly, efficiently and with much humour.  On our first full day, after a lie-in (of sorts...) and some rehearsal, we were taken to our first concert, in Artica (outside Pamplona).  Though acoustically the theatre in which we performed was not ideal, it proved valuable preparation for our competition performance the next day (also in a theatre).  We were met by an enthusiastic audience and treated to a wonderful post-concert dinner in Pamplona.  Saturday dawned, as did the realisation that by the evening we would have completed half of the competition.  The afternoon saw our first visit to Tolosa and our rehearsals in the performance spaces for the two halves of the competition.  Competing as a vocal ensemble (numbering between 4 and 16 singers), Convivium Singers were required to perform two separate programmes: one of secular music and one of sacred music.  In the evening, as we anxiously waited to give our secular programme in the Leidor Theatre, Adrian went through some meditative mental exercises with the singers.  It was inspiring to be a part of this, and the feeling of calm focus which Adrian's routine brought about was palpable.  Sometimes when one has rehearsed a programme in such detail, a different approach is needed just to add the final 'polish' and channel people's nerves and energy positively!  After giving performances of Vaughan Williams, Saint-Saens, Monteverdi and others, we headed back, much relieved, to the hotel for some well-earned food and wine.  It is amusing to reflect that whilst our time before the competition was spent in focused rehearsal and quiet concentration, our time after consisted of loud post-meal party games, with most of us collapsing in fits of laughter more than once.  Grateful that we hadn't missed 'changing the clocks', Sunday afforded us a lie-in, some rehearsal and a trip to the beautiful coastal city of San Sebastian.  This oasis has an almost Parisian atmosphere, many exquisite churches, and some lovely cafes and patisseries.  After looking around, we made our way to the Parroquia de San Luis (San Sebastián) for our second solo concert.  Unfortunately, I felt very ill before first half and was very grateful that Myriam Toumi (one of our altos, but also a fantastic conductor) was able to step in to conduct, at about ten minutes notice!  It is noticeable (at least from my experience) that on the continent, large audiences flock to hear any choir, regardless of how well-known they are.  The audience at the Parroquia de San Luis was no exception, and Convivium Singers enjoyed the attention of a full church. Throughout our stay in Spain, I was struck by how much the local concert-goers valued the music they turned out to hear.  The concert was followed by another sumptuous dinner, complete with singing waiters and chefs! On Monday, after an early breakfast and warm-up, we took the coach to Tolosa for our second competition: sacred music sung in the beautiful acoustic of the Santa Clara Church.  Our programme including music by MacMillan, Bruckner and Palestrina certainly suited the space and it was inspirational setting in which to perform some of our favourite music.  The afternoon was spent listening to choirs competing in the ‘Mixed Choirs’ category (20 – 40 singers); thrilling performances of contemporary European music were interspersed with folk-based compositions performed in traditional costumes – more theatre set-pieces than concert items; all sung from memory.  It is often said that the British have the greatest choral tradition in the world; whilst Britain does boast some excellent choirs, I would suggest that we have some tough competition across the globe! Following a choral dinner in the Municipal Marketplace in Tolosa, Adrian, myself and Myriam (our guest, in thanks for her conducting tour de force earlier in the week!) attended an official reception, held by the Mayor of Tolosa (who gave his speech in Basque, Spanish and English!) where we were introduced to several prominent choral conductors, and managed to talk at length with members of the ensembles competing in our category. Perhaps the most unusual experience of the week followed, when we re-joined the choir in the Beotibar Pelota Court for the ‘Choral Dance du Ring’ (that’s how it’s named in the festival guide anyway….).  Here, members of the competing choirs were invited to join a circle of traditional Basque dancers, accompanied by the haunting music of pipe and drum.  I was proud to note that one of our sopranos was the first to be selected by the lead male dancer….whether she was quite so pleased is another matter!  Not to be out-done, Adrian joined in and proved himself a master of the skips and twirls of this dance; somehow I managed to avoid any involvement, beyond the role of a supportive spectator.  Finally, the time came for the results to be announced, and I can speak for everyone in the choir by saying how thrilled I was that Convivium Singers were awarded 3rd prize in both the sacred and secular competitions.  Congratulations to the winners The Gentleman Singers (Czech Republic), and the second-prize winners The Songmen (also from the UK).  Our last full day in Tolosa began with the Closing Ceremony in the Leidor Theatre, where we performed ‘You are the new day’ and ‘Exultate Deo’ and received our trophies.  Whilst waiting to attend the Choral Lunch in the Municipal Marketplace, some of us were fortunate enough to hear a Latvian children’s choir performing spontaneously in a little square.  They were directed by one of their number, and sang without music and with flawless ensemble and tuning.  Their teacher told us that every school in Latvia has a choir: surely an inspiration (and perhaps a wake-up call) to schools in England.  Our final concert was one of the most memorable events of the trip: given in the vacuous acoustic of San Francisco Church (Tolosa), this was attended by many officials and guests of the festival.  Although we were all by then very tired, it was a truly uplifting concert, and ranks amongst the most captivating performances I have had the privilege to be part of.  I am extremely grateful to all our singers for the dedication and hard work they put into the Tolosa Choral Contest and I hope that this will be the first of many excursions to Europe for the choir.  The Basque hospitality was truly wonderful: what made Tolosa such a memorable experience for me was its unique blend of international status and consummate professionalism with down-to-earth provincial charm and friendly and welcoming atmosphere.  It is hard to describe the buzz around the Tolosa Choral Contest, but it certainly seemed as if the whole of Tolosa was out to support this excellent festival.  Long may it continue to host choirs from around the world, and thus provide a meeting place for different musical cultures to gain much insight and inspiration from one another.