Fox Valley Festival Chorus members will give a preview concert of a summer France tour on Sunday, May 4, at 3 p.m. at Wesley United Methodist Church, 14 N. May Street in Aurora. The public is invited. Parking is free. Admission is a $10 donation. A reception will follow the concert.
Part of the 65-member nonprofit chorus, celebrating 75 years in song, will perform in Paris, Normandy, Chartres, and Tours. Dates will be announced.
Conductor Mary Beth McCarthy said on Facebook, “We are excited to celebrate the Fox Valley Festival Chorus’ 75th anniversary by visiting France and sharing our love of music at many of the country’s historic cathedrals, sites and other attractions. We have been privileged to sing at Saint Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican and Basilica, San Marco in Venice and now are eagerly looking forward to sharing our music in the magnificent cathedrals of France including Notre Dame, Chartres, and La Madeleine.
“We feel a strong connection to France, since most of our members had relatives who served in the allied forces of World War II. Of our group, eight members had family who fought on the beaches of D-Day. We humbly anticipate the honor of singing at a wreath-laying ceremony in Normandy, commemorating their brave service.
“We are excited to celebrate the Fox Valley Festival Chorus’ 75th anniversary by visiting France and sharing our love of music at many of the country’s historic cathedrals, sites and other attractions.”
For more information, email foxvalleyfc@gmail.com or visit foxvalleyfc.org.
—Al Benson