Partners in Praise Prepares for Concerts in France
Members of the Partners in Praise choir performed a Bon Voyage concert at Peace Lutheran Church in Robbinsdale on Thursday night. This year they will sing at a wreath-laying ceremony in Normandy as well as in Paris.
“We are going to France,” said Allison Fiala, who is a vocalist with Partners in Praise. She was an original member of the group 25 years ago. “We are celebrating the 75th Anniversary of D-Day and we are celebrating our 25th Anniversary with the Partners in Praise Choir.”
In France, Partners in Praise will participate in a wreath-laying ceremony at the American cemetery in Normandy on July 4. Following the ceremony, they will perform a recital there as part of the 75th Anniversary of D-Day. Founder and Artistic Director Julia Fahey says the choir was invited to perform last summer.
The opportunity to sing in Normandy has served as a catalyst for many of the singers to connect with veterans who are family members.
“My grandfather is a veteran of World War II, so it will be cool to represent him in Normandy,” said Carley Clover, a choir member. “It’s really special to be in Normandy on the Fourth of July.”
“I have a lot of veterans in my family,” said Abby Feuer, another choir member. “My great-grandpa fought in World War II, so I think it will get really emotional.”
After the Normandy performance, the choir will sing in the Gala Choral Festival in Paris on July 8.
“There are 350 singers from all over the USA joining together in this festival,” said Fahey. “All choirs have been working on the same powerful repertoire for the gala concert.”
Partners in Praise will depart on July 1 and be in France through July 10. Auditions for the 2019-2020 season begin in August.
