One Performance At Notre Dame’s Reopening Ceremony Will Be A Fitting Tribute

Tragedy struck one of the planet’s most iconic landmarks in 2019 when a fire broke out at the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris. But five years later, the City of Light is preparing for a long-awaited reopening.

A big part of that celebration will be a ragtag choir made up of men and women who have helped rebuild the iconic structure.

Introducing the Compagnons Choir

The unique project formed from the vision of Stephanie Duchene, a conservation scientist who, like many others across France and beyond, was deeply impacted by the destructive Notre Dame blaze. She recalled visiting the historic site with her family just a few weeks before the fire erupted.

“Everyone was very sad and very anxious about the potential collapse of the cathedral overnight,” Duchene said of the immediate aftermath. “We were very relieved in the morning when we saw that it was — that she was — still standing.”

But in order to achieve President Emmanuel Macron’s goal of reopening the cathedral by the end of this year, many people from all walks of life had to pitch in and help. Now, many of those people will be returning to the site as part of the Compagnons Choir.

A monumental moment for France

For the better part of a millennium, Notre Dame has stood in its prominent location. Over the centuries, it has provided the backdrop for many historic events — like the liberation of Paris following World War II — and works of art, perhaps most notably “The Hunchback of Notre Dame” by Victor Hugo.

And as will be commemorated with a December 11 performance by the Compagnons Choir, this landmark is about to embark on a new chapter in its unparalleled story.

Chris Agee November 30th, 2024

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