The suburbs of Paris was the unlikely setting for neighborhood international fervor but when the members of the Springfield Chorale were contacted by their musical acquaintances from France with phrases like "Destruction of the Pentagon and Twin Towers in New York is unbelievable. We hope you, your family and friends are safe," or "I hope none of your family members were personally touched. I think a lot about you," via emails, chorale members were equally touched.
Chorale member Clydette Lobred was one of the correspondents in Springfield. The Springfield singers had formed a bond with the Clay Souilly choir in France.
"They worried because they knew some of us were in the military. This was a personal level, a fear for us and a lot of compassion," she said.
Fairfax resident Margaret Becking wasn't as surprised at the global compassion.
"I kind of expected it. I think it's international because it's human," she said.
One letter mailed Sept. 20 reflected the same.
"Of those tragic days we stand together. They tried to kill tolerance and freedom," it stated.
Another dated Sept. 30 was the same in nature. It was from a husband and wife.
"We're very sorry for all of America," it said.
The bond formed between these two singing entities years before and grew into a part of all their lives. The Springfield members have traveled over as well as hosted the French group in their homes. Sylvia Will, a Fairfax resident of 30 years, had the couple who wrote the letter Sept. 30 in her home.
"They stayed with me at my house, I got to know them well," she said.
When the Springfield group traveled to France in 1999, pre-terrorist strike, the French singers put on an impromptu concert that turned into a singing duel late in the evening. The French singers would sing a song, sometimes a patriotic piece, and the Americans would sing one in return. Many of the songs were religious or Russian songs. Judy Koucky is a translator for the group because many of them do not speak French. She noted the connection with many in the group who have roots in Europe.
"For classical pieces we all have the same western heritage," she said.
IN THEIR 28TH SEASON, the 80-voice chorale plays concerts throughout the year. On May 18, the chorale is performing their annual dessert concert at St. Mark's, which is its home base. It is an annual event consisting of show tunes, gospel and patriotic music in a family atmosphere. Homecooked finger-foods will be served as well.
"This is a family concert, this year's emphasis is patriotic," Koucky said.
Proceeds from the concert will go in the chorale fund when they incorporate soloists and instruments in their shows.
Then on June 20, some of the chorale will be traveling overseas to be with their French counterparts again. They don't think the Sept. 11 incidents will be on many minds but the feeling of camaraderie will be there.
"It's a more meaningful trip," Lobred said.
Will was looking forward to the trip as well.
"I'm looking forward to seeing my friends again, we're joining an Italian group too," she said.
Lobred put herself in their place.
"I thought in my mind what if I'd seen that happen to the Eiffel Tower, I'd think of the young lady that stayed with us," she said.