Over the time we have been here we have attended many concerts in churches, mainly to raise money for restoration or upkeep of the church. Such concerts have been of Occitan or Basque songs, of tango on accordion, of baroque amorous dialogues, of folk music, of gospel or glorious sacred music. In fact pretty much everything but pop music. Naturally such concerts have to be approved by the mairie, who are responsible for the building and by the curé who is responsible for the use of the church. But as an addition to our cultural life and a valuable source of revenue to those trying to restore the fabric of the buildings (or indeed the organs in some cases) these concerts have always been very popular and well supported.
We were hearing of a new curé who has ruffled a few feathers by insisting apparently that only sacred music should be played in churches. There is a wealth of wonderful music that would fit the bill, but I for one would miss the superb piano, flute, accordion (and one surprisingly moving harp concert) performances from musicians who come from all over Europe to entertain us and preserve the churches that are part of the region's heritage.
Malcolm
Val says I thoroughly enjoyed " Gigspanner in the church at Najac"
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