Les Choeurs de Givors

Les Choeurs de Givors: Half a Century of Choral Singing

Created in 1975 by Pierre Vallin, a tenured music education teacher and former director of the Givors Conservatory (1979-2005), Les Choeurs de Givors is one of the oldest and most respected choral groups in the Rhône department. This secular association aims to promote musical culture through the practice of choral singing, welcoming anyone who wishes to sing, regardless of their musical background.

Complementary Formations

Les Choeurs de Givors are composed of several complementary formations: a grand choir, a women's choir, a soloists' choir, and a small choir. This diversity allows them to tackle an extremely varied repertoire, from major works for choir and orchestra to more intimate pieces. Pierre Vallin, who studied choral conducting with masters Erick Erickson and John Poole, and orchestral conducting with Ernst Schelle and Bruno Poindefert, instills a high level of artistic rigor in his choristers.

A Remarkable Track Record

Les Choeurs de Givors won 1st prize in the Craponne choral singing competition for two consecutive years and were selected for the international competitions in Tours and Jihlava (Czech Republic). These distinctions testify to the exceptional musical quality of the ensemble, the result of rigorous work carried out for over fifty years.

An Eclectic and Ambitious Repertoire

The repertoire of Les Choeurs de Givors covers a wide musical spectrum: baroque works by Handel (Dixit Dominus, Messiah), operas by Offenbach (La Vie Parisienne), committed contemporary creations such as the Opéra Babeuf, tributes to Pablo Neruda and Sergio Ortega, commemorative shows like *La Fleur au Fusil... Tu Parles!* for the centenary of the Great War. The concerts are accompanied by the Orchestre Jeu de Cordes and regularly feature the Chorale Populaire de Lyon.

Concerts in Iconic Venues

Les Choeurs de Givors perform in the most beautiful venues in the region: the Théâtre de Givors, the Église Saint-Nicolas de Givors, the Église de Bans, but also in neighboring towns such as Mornant, Ampuis, and Lyon. In 2010, a notable performance of Handel's *Dixit Dominus* toured three cities: Mornant, Vienne, and Lyon.

Cultural and Social Commitment

Beyond musical performance, Les Choeurs de Givors uphold values of openness and sharing. Notably, the association hosted the Mandela Metropolitan Choir from South Africa for a joint concert in 2004, titled *Sing for Freedom*. The Choeurs regularly participate in the Fête de la Musique and the European Heritage Days, anchoring their activities in local cultural life.