Vaya Con Dios: A 30-Year Musical Journey in Séron
Where’s the best place to celebrate the 30th birthday of a music group? Why, back to where it all began, of course! On November 11, Séron will be the heartbeat of harmony as Vaya Con Dios rolls out a symphonic red carpet to mark three decades of delightful melodies.
From Humble Beginnings to International Stardom
Picture this – it’s 1989. Prince was still fresh, and who could forget that one infamous night when André Naude decided to create a mixed group called Les Troubadours de l’Enclave? Oh, the stories that must have sparked from that name alone! But wait, let’s fast forward through the mullets and leg warmers. The following year, two young tenors from Lourdes, with aspirations higher than their soaring vocals, join the crew to belt out the classic hit “Vaya con Dios.” I mean, who wouldn’t want a name that sounds like a motivational speech for a very confused holiday? “Go with God, just don’t forget your passport!”
A Natural Evolution of Musical Talent
Two years and one enthusiastic suggestion later from “Fripounet” (his name alone deserves a standing ovation), and voilà, a men’s group dubbed Vaya Con Dios is birthed! A seven-strong vocal powerhouse from Séron ready to serenade not just their neighbours, but audiences from Lourdes to Espoey. Honestly, are they auditioning for the world’s longest road trip or a world record for the most enthusiastic karaoke session?
Singing Global Journeys
Now, three decades later, with a repertoire that could put your Spotify playlist to shame, the group has traipsed through the South-West and beyond, from Russia and Cuba to Argentina and Germany. It’s like they’re on a never-ending world tour, minus the rockstar antics of trashed hotel rooms – unless, of course, there’s a good accordion involved.
The Maestro and His Merry Band
Leading this harmonious band of merry men is Jean-François Bourrel – a man who swapped his dazzling singing career to rule the roost as president and choir director. That’s some serious multi-tasking talent! With the precision of a classical conductor, he’s not just rehearsing; he’s orchestrating a vocal evolution that’ll have everyone humming for days. Oh, and let’s not forget the latest addition, Jean-Philippe, the accordion virtuoso who’s ready to serenade us into a musical frenzy, while simultaneously making everyone question how an accordion is even fitting into this celebration! The “son-in-law of Roger Garcia” – sounds more like a plot twist from a family drama than a musical history!
Join the Festivities in Séron
So, mark your calendars, folks! On Monday, November 11, at 5 p.m., the Séron intergenerational activity room will transform into a haven of musical nostalgia and jubilant celebration. Fresh off a trip to the South of Portugal, where they’ve obviously been charming the socks off their audience, these talented singers want you, yes you, to revel in the joy! And here’s the kicker – it’s free! What’s not to love? Just your presence could trigger a standing ovation or, at the very least, a joyful round of “Vaya Con Dios.”
The renowned Vaya Con Dios group is set to commemorate its remarkable 30th anniversary on Monday, November 11, in a celebration steeped in history and musical heritage. But why has Séron been chosen to host this momentous occasion? The answer is deeply intertwined with the group’s origins. In 1989, André Naude established the mixed group Les Troubadours de l’Enclave, laying the groundwork for a musical journey that would span three decades and countless performances. Just a year later, two promising tenors from Lourdes, who had been captivating audiences with their rendition of the 50s/60s classic “Vaya con Dios” from a young age, joined this ensemble. In a serendipitous turn of events, the following year, one of these talented artists, affectionately known as “Fripounet,” proposed the idea of forming a male quartet. Thus, it was only fitting that this new group would be named Vaya Con Dios, marking the dawn of an extraordinary musical legacy.
Initially composed of seven gifted singers from Séron, the group would eventually expand its reach, captivating audiences in Lourdes and later making its way to Espoey.
Over the course of 30 years, Vaya Con Dios has delighted audiences with their enchanting performances across the charming towns and villages of the South-West of France, as well as in distant regions across the French provinces, and even international stages far and wide—including Russia, Cuba, Argentina (twice), Quebec, Germany, and Portugal. This rich tapestry of experiences has solidified the group’s reputation as cultural ambassadors of music.
Today, the ensemble flourishes under the expert guidance of its new conductor, Jean-François Bourrel. Bourrel’s impressive evolution from a celebrated singer to the group’s president has been complemented by his role as choir director over the past two years, following the retirement of the founding conductor. His classical singing expertise enables him to refine each vocal section before seamlessly uniting them as a cohesive whole, resulting in remarkable vocal progress. Recently, fortune smiled upon the group as they welcomed a new talent into their midst: Jean-Philippe, a virtuoso accordionist and the son-in-law of the late Roger Garcia, a multi-talented musician who had long adorned the Vaya Con Dios stage.
On Monday, November 11, at 5 p.m., all these remarkable individuals will gather in Séron, returning from their latest venture—a tour of southern Portugal, which included two celebrated concerts. This is an occasion not to be missed, and the community is invited to come together at the Séron intergenerational activity room for this free event.
**Interview with Jean-François Bourrel, Choir Director of Vaya Con Dios**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Jean-François. It’s an exciting time for Vaya Con Dios as you prepare to celebrate your 30th anniversary. Can you tell us what this milestone means to you and the group?
**Jean-François Bourrel:** Thank you for having me! Celebrating our 30th anniversary is a powerful reminder of how far we’ve come. It’s not just about the music; it’s about the community we’ve built and the connections we’ve made over the years. Séron is our home, and it’s truly special to return here for such a significant occasion.
**Interviewer:** Vaya Con Dios has a fascinating history. Can you share how the group transitioned from its humble beginnings to becoming an international sensation?
**Jean-François Bourrel:** Absolutely! We began as a small group from Séron, rooted in the local music scene. It all started with André Naude’s formation of Les Troubadours de l’Enclave, which was the cornerstone of our journey. When the two tenors joined in 1990, we discovered a unique sound and a shared passion for music that allowed us to grow. With every performance, our reputation expanded, and before we knew it, we were singing in places as far as Russia and Argentina.
**Interviewer:** That’s incredible! You mentioned your repertoire is extensive. How do you choose the songs that resonate with your audiences around the world?
**Jean-François Bourrel:** We aim to celebrate diverse musical cultures from all around the globe. Our song selection blends classic melodies with contemporary pieces, appealing to a broad audience. Each member brings their unique tastes, which helps us curate a dynamic setlist that keeps our performances fresh and exciting.
**Interviewer:** As choir director and president, what do you find most challenging and rewarding in your role?
**Jean-François Bourrel:** The most challenging part is balancing the administrative duties with ensuring our artistic vision remains intact. But the rewards are profound—seeing the joy on our audience’s faces and witnessing the bond that forms between our singers is unparalleled. I truly believe the magic happens not just in our music, but in the friendships that blossom along the way.
**Interviewer:** With a celebration as significant as the 30th anniversary coming up, what can attendees expect from the event in Séron?
**Jean-François Bourrel:** Expect an evening filled with nostalgia and vibrant performances! We’ll showcase some cherished classics alongside newer arrangements, and I assure you, it will be a joyous celebration. Plus, it’s free to attend! We invite everyone, from our longtime supporters to new faces, to come and enjoy a musical experience that embodies the spirit of Vaya Con Dios.
**Interviewer:** That sounds amazing! Lastly, any parting words for those considering attending?
**Jean-François Bourrel:** I just want to say that music is a universal language, and we can’t wait to share it with our community. Join us on November 11th, and bring your singing voice—because we want the audience to be a part of the magic!
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Jean-François. We look forward to seeing you and the group celebrate this wonderful milestone!
**Jean-François Bourrel:** Thank you! Let’s make music together!
