Role

:

Ensemble

Country

:

France

 

Les Petits Chanteurs à la Croix de Bois, also known as the Little Singers of the Wooden Cross, is a French classical music ensemble that has been captivating audiences around the world for over a century. Founded in 1907 by Father Paul Berthier, the ensemble is made up of young boys aged between 9 and 14 years old who are selected for their exceptional vocal abilities and musical talent. The ensemble's name, Les Petits Chanteurs à la Croix de Bois, is derived from the wooden cross that each member wears around their neck as a symbol of their faith and commitment to their music. The ensemble's mission is to promote the beauty and power of choral music, while also instilling in its members a sense of discipline, teamwork, and respect for tradition. Over the years, Les Petits Chanteurs à la Croix de Bois has become one of the most renowned and respected choral ensembles in the world, performing in some of the most prestigious venues and events across Europe, Asia, and the Americas. The ensemble has also won numerous awards and accolades for its exceptional performances and recordings. One of the highlights of Les Petits Chanteurs à la Croix de Bois' history was their performance at the coronation of Pope Pius X in 1908. The ensemble's beautiful singing and solemn demeanor impressed the Pope so much that he invited them to perform at the Vatican on several occasions. This marked the beginning of the ensemble's long and illustrious relationship with the Catholic Church, which has continued to this day. Another significant moment in the ensemble's history was their performance at the 1937 World's Fair in Paris. The ensemble's stirring rendition of the French national anthem, "La Marseillaise," brought tears to the eyes of many in the audience and earned them widespread acclaim. This performance helped to cement the ensemble's reputation as one of the finest choral groups in the world. Throughout the years, Les Petits Chanteurs à la Croix de Bois has continued to perform at some of the most prestigious events and venues in the world. They have performed for heads of state, royalty, and other dignitaries, including Pope John Paul II, Queen Elizabeth II, and President François Mitterrand. They have also performed at major music festivals, such as the Salzburg Festival and the Edinburgh International Festival. In addition to their live performances, Les Petits Chanteurs à la Croix de Bois has also recorded numerous albums, many of which have received critical acclaim and commercial success. Some of their most popular recordings include "Noël," "Ave Maria," and "Chants Sacrés." Despite their many achievements, Les Petits Chanteurs à la Croix de Bois has also faced their fair share of challenges over the years. In 2002, the ensemble was rocked by a scandal when it was revealed that some members had been sexually abused by former choir directors. The scandal led to the resignation of the ensemble's director and a period of soul-searching for the group as a whole. However, the ensemble has since taken steps to address the issue and has implemented new policies and procedures to ensure the safety and well-being of its members. Today, Les Petits Chanteurs à la Croix de Bois continues to inspire audiences around the world with their beautiful singing and commitment to excellence. The ensemble's members are carefully selected and trained to ensure that they are not only exceptional musicians but also responsible and respectful young men.

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