A concert evening in L’Eglise St. Christophe, Margon

The village of Margon, surrounded by vineyards

As I often say, there is always something to do, something to see or somewhere to visit in the region. This makes the area so much more exciting and interesting for holidaymakers, and of course, people who live here – like me.

Unfortunately however, unlike those on holiday here, I am working here. That means I cannot do or see everything I want to. But, when you are on holiday you should read all the local publicity flyers, posters, or brochures to find out 'What's On'. Then, if the event appeals, just go there and join in, whether it's a local fete, a concert (most of them free in the summer), a parade, or any other 'happening'.

This week, having seen a flyer advertising an unusual concert evening, it was a visit to Margon, a beautiful village with a picturesque Disney-type chateau. The concert evening, organised by a village association (C.A.L.M.) was held in the small and charming village church, L’Eglise St. Christophe. The date over the door as you enter gives a sense of history - built 1652!

The concert was given by Pete Churchill and his London Vocal Project and advertised on the flyer as an evening of "...hand-clapping choral arrangements of popular soul, gospel and jazz, from Stevie Wonder to Carole King, sung by a marvellous choir of young vocalists."

The concert in L’Eglise St. Christophe, Margon

The singers who make up the London Vocal Project are drawn from the students and alumni of the leading London music colleges. They were in the area that week as the whole ensemble were taking a working holiday at a nearby hotel, La Maison Verte, in Roujan. This hotel regularly organises working weeks, each with a different theme - a week of learning how to paint, or play a musical instrument, or even a 'writer's week'. People who arrive for these events are usually accomplished in their skills in some way and the week is to add a little more professionalism. Like the young students this week, all accomplished vocalists, brought together so they could learn even more.

Pete Churchill, enthusiastically leading the young students

This impressive array of vocal talent was led by pianist Pete Churchill, whose arrangements of traditional and contemporary Gospel music, South African protest songs and classics by Labi Siffre, James Taylor, Paul Simon and Carole King provided an uplifting repertoire for an engaging choral performance.

As expected, the tiny church was packed, with lots of people from the village obviously, but also many people who are in the area on holiday, and the audience made the young singers feel completely at home, right from the word go. Pete Churchill introduced both himself and all the young people. What followed was singing that can only be described as enchanting and captivating, as the group worked their way through a repertoire that included soul, jazz, and many very familiar songs. This was more than songs from the 60’s and 70’s, this was real music and a show presented with true professionalism and great enthusiasm.

The evening ended with three "encores", which the group willingly gave, ending the concert by walking in file, singing as they left the church onto the small street outside.

Absolutely wonderful - an evening not to be missed, whether as a local resident or holidaymaker.