Travelogue: "Rencontres Poétiques" Concert week in Saint-Cyr-Loire, France (March 2024)

April 15, 2024

(Above: Salons Ronsard, the beautiful concert venue for "Rencontres Poétiques".)

From March 24th-30th 2024, Mary was delighted to visit the city of Saint-Cyr-sur-Loire, France to perform with composer Christina Goh in the third edition of their poetry inspired concert series, "Rencontres Poétiques". While in Saint-Cyr-sur-Loire, Mary was also honored to meet with the wonderful offices and organizations that made the concert possible, as well as perform in a children's edition of the concert for a local elementary school group. Here are some memories and photos from the week!:

An adorable spring-themed pastry enjoyed upon arrival. 🐣💕 (03/24/24)

Visiting the French countryside. (03/25/24)

Honored to have received such a warm welcome from the amazing offices and organizations responsible for the concert: La Ville de Saint-Cyr-Sur-Loire, Salons Ronsard, France/États-Unis Touraine, Art et Poésie de Touraine, and Hommes et Patrimoines Saint-Cyr-sur-Loire. It was so nice to meet everyone! (03/26/24)

Lovely and thoughtful souvenirs of welcome from the concert's partnering organizations. (03/26/24)

A group photo with Christina, Mary, and representatives from La Ville de Saint-Cyr-Sur-Loire, Salons Ronsard, France/États-Unis Touraine, Art et Poésie de Touraine, and Hommes et Patrimoines Saint-Cyr-sur-Loire. (03/26/24)

Posing with representatives from France/États-Unis Touraine, who very kindly named Mary and Christina honorary members! (03/26/24)

A rehearsal day at the very cool Playtime37 Studio in Tours, France. (3/26/24)

The concert is featured in the print edition of La Nouvelle République Tours! (3/26/24)

A beautiful French tea service prepared by a thoughtful friend. (3/27/24)

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A children's edition of the concert was held during the afternoon on Thursday, March 28th. Mary and Christina performed a truncated version of the concert, while also explaining their musical styles and composing practices, and answering audience questions. Thank you to the wonderful students and teachers who joined us for the concert! (03/28/24)

A photo from the full concert, on the eve of March 28th. Thank you to all the partnering organizations, and to everyone who joined us for the performance! (3/28/24)

Mary and Christina after the concert, posing with a copy of the book "Marcotone" by Edward Maryon, a treatise published in 1919 on the subject of associating musical notes with color in a very synesthetic way. The author also spent portions of his life living in both Saint-Cyr-sur-Loire and Boston, adding another layer of connection with the "Rencontres Poétiques" concert series. Thank you to Hommes et Patrimoines Saint-Cyr-sur-Loire for allowing us to peruse their copy of this book! (3/28/24)

Before heading home, a poetic pilgrimage was made to the exquisite Prieruré St. Cosme / Demeure de Ronsard in La Riche, France; home of the famed 16th-century French poet Pierre de Ronsard (the concert venue's namesake!). (3/29/24)

A final image: some peaceful flowers in the courtyard of le Prieruré St. Cosme / Demeure de Ronsard, to welcome in spring. (3/29/24)

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What a amazing trip and an incredible experience ! Many thanks to Christina Goh, La Ville de Saint-Cyr-Sur-Loire, Salons Ronsard, France/États-Unis Touraine, Art et Poésie de Touraine, Hommes et Patrimoines Saint-Cyr-sur-Loire, and all of the fantastic people and organizations that brought this collaboration to life.

Next up in the Travelogue for May: a voyage to Greece, to serve as composer-in-residence at the breathtaking Vasilicos on the isle of Santorini. Wishing everyone a magical spring until then!