Kanti Kune

It would be hard to find a more heterogeneous group: professional and experienced choirs such as the Maîtrise de la Cathédrale de Metz and the Chor Atelier INECC were joined by refugees from the Marienthal and Strassen hostels, the ATD Quart Monde choir, young drug addicts from the Centre Syrdall Schlass Manternach and company choirs such as Arendt Voices and the Banque de Luxembourg choir, to name just a few of the eighteen ensembles in all.

Artistic direction was provided by Nicolas Billaux and Camille Kerger, both experienced choral conductors. "We organised numerous singing workshops, but we were only able to rehearse together the day before the concert, " explains Camille Kerger. As director of the INECC, it was he who brought the different ensembles together. The singers were accompanied by the Luxembourg group The Disliked, who are at ease in all styles, from rock to blues, and who are not to be outdone when it comes to setting the mood.

The opening song is already shattering. Entitled A letter from Luxembourg, it is inspired by letters sent by unaccompanied minors to their families, and was conceived with musician Serge Tonnar and choreographer Sylvia Camarda. With great emotion, students from two Luxembourg secondary schools recite extracts from these letters, reflecting hope as well as grief and homesickness. The group also performs upbeat, rhythmic songs. In the end, the repertoire is as diverse as its members: from gospel to reggae to rap, there's something for everyone. Paul Simon's Homeless, Amazing Grace and the Scottish song Auld Lang Syne delight the audience as much as African or Syrian songs.

"I can't tell you the number of nationalities on stage, but we sang in the three languages of Luxembourg, as well as in English, Italian, Farsi and Arabic, " says Camille Kerger. "This project was certainly one of the highlights of my life. It's incredible to see what you can change and achieve through music". The standing ovation given to the singers in a packed auditorium was well deserved.

"We'll continue to weave the threads we've put together thanks to Kanti Kune, " adds Camille Kerger. The project has not only delighted the organisers; it has also been a revelation for many singers."It's not always easy for different cultures and worldviews to come together, but music can bring people together by fostering tolerance and the pleasure of being together, " concludes Camille Kerger.