Why Paris?

Over the course of the last three years, we have often been asked Why host the 11th edition of the Various Voices Festival in Paris?

Since its birth in 1985 in Cologne, Germany, the first ten editions of the Festival took place in German cities or in neighboring Northern-European Cities. The Festival has left its German roots only five times previous and has yet to be hosted by a Southern-European city.

We are also responding to European choirs' unanimous demand to organize the Festival in Paris.  This desire comes not only from the Legato Board but also from the festival participants expressing their wish to take the Festival out of Germany and to spend a weekend singing and celebrating in Paris.

As this marks the first time the Festival has been held in France, we wanted to accentuate the singularity by giving the Festival a "French Touch". Starting with their arrival at the Welcome Center and up until the Farewell Brunch, festival participants will be honorary Parisians during their stay.

We have chosen typically Parisians venues full of history and charm, to host the numerous festival events The Palais de la Mutualité for the Opening night "French Cabaret Gala, historic concert venues as La Cigale and Le Trianon, outdoor concerts in the Kiosques located throughout Paris numerous public parks and municipal gardens.

The Parisian Edition of the Festival is therefore an occasion to further develop the European and international dimensions of Various Voices. This international dimension is reflected in the organizing team which is composed of French, American, English, Dutch, German and Swiss nationals. We are especially pleased to be able to play host this year to two non-European choirs. The Canberra Gay and Lesbian Choir (Australia} and the Ensemble Vocal Extravaganza de Montreal (Canada).

We are proud to host the 11th edition of the Various Voices Paris 2005 Team. On behalf of the entire Various Voices Paris 2005 Team. I welcome you to Paris with the hope that you will take full advantage of everything this 20th anniversary "French Touch" edition of various Voices has to offer!