We often feature the work of the Valley's associations on our blog, on our social media, or on our website.
Today, our blog post will be a presentation of an association but also and especially, its commitment to another association fighting against breast cancer.
The Battements d'Chœur association sings to benefit the SEVE association.
On Sunday May 14th, at the Notre Dame de Villé Church, a concert will be given by the Choir and the profits will be donated in their entirety to the SEVE association chaired by Mr. Gérard Hrodej.
We spoke with the presidents of each association to introduce them, to present their work in the lead-up to this concert and above all, to mobilize (in a very modest way compared to the commitment of the 2 associations) against cancer.
Exchange for a good cause with Claudine Grangeorge for the Battements d'Chœur association and Gérard Hrodej for the SEVE association.
Hello Claudine,
Can you start by introducing yourself?
Originally from the Bruche Valley, I have lived in the Villé Valley for 43 years. After a professional career in the social sector, I have been enjoying my retirement since 2019.
How long have you been the president of the association?
I was entrusted with the presidency of the Battements d'Choeur choir in 2012.
Furthermore, could you tell us about this association? When was it created? How many members does it have? What style of singing do you offer?
Our choir was founded in 2004. Its headquarters are located in Bassemberg. It currently has 47 members.
His repertoire includes a wide range of songs in different languages, contemporary songs, opera excerpts, Negro spirituals, gospel music, sacred music, and Christmas carols. The choice of pieces performed is adapted to different circumstances.
Do you also sing?
Yes, of course. Music and singing are very important to me.
Who makes up your choir?
I mean, where do the members come from? Only from the Villé Valley or does the group have no borders?
Most of our members reside in the Villé Valley, but others come from further afield: from Sélestat and its immediate surroundings, from the Ried, from the vicinity of Barr and even from the Vosges.
All those who enjoy singing with us are welcome.
Or are you repeating?
Our rehearsals take place every Tuesday from 20 pm to 22 pm at the Bassemberg community center. These are times of intense work, but always in a relaxed atmosphere.
How many concerts do you do per year?
This number varies, depending on requests and suggestions from our choir members. I would say between 5 and 8 concerts per year. The Christmas period is always busy. We sing in the Villé Valley (notably during the Bassemberg Spring Festival or the Fête de la Musique) but especially outside the valley. We enjoy exchanges or joint concerts with other choirs. We have had the opportunity to travel, for example, to Lunéville and even Dijon.
Who directs your choir?
Our choir has been directed by Marc LAZARUS since 2014.
An amateur musician who started playing the accordion at a very young age, he studied the organ for a few years.
Since the parish choir in his village did not have a choirmaster and he had joined it at the age of 11, he took over its direction a few years later.
He would never leave the choir director position, despite his studies and his work in a large regional company.
Within the Sainte Cécile Union of choirs of Alsace, he will lead several choir gatherings across the diocese.
Having joined the Vallée de Villé 10 years ago, when he had just been asked to become the organist of Villé, the Battements d'Choeur choir called on him to replace its choirmaster who had just left.
Do you try to set up a fundraising platform for a charity at each concert?
This concert on May 14th is one of the few organized by our choir.
Most of the time we respond to invitations from other associations or institutions, such as nursing homes. The meal is usually intended for a charitable cause. But sometimes it's donated to us.
Our goal is not to raise money for ourselves.
Claudine, what do you personally like about this associative and musical adventure?
The pleasure of sharing my passion with other people and having very enriching human contacts.
Singing is relaxing, makes you happy and improves well-being.
And we also bring happiness to the public.
How long have you been part of Battements d'chœurs?
I have been a member of the choir since 2008.
You are offering a concert on Sunday, May 14th to benefit the SEVE association.
How did this project come about?
About two years ago, at our general meeting, I suggested organizing a concert to benefit cancer research. The entire group embraced the project. I believe we are all, in one way or another, affected by this disease.
Life events brought me into contact with Professor Carole MATHELIN, a surgeon at ICANS, with whom I shared my idea. She suggested I contact the SEVE association, which works to fight breast cancer, especially through prevention and screening.
An initial contact with the President of this association was fruitful and allowed this project to materialize quite quickly.
What kind of songs or musical style will you be offering that day?
Our chef has put together a varied program lasting approximately 1 hour: sacred music, excerpts from opera arias, world music.
Mr. Hrodej - SEVE Association
I felt it was important to present the SEVE association, so we spoke with Mr. Hrodej to get more information about it.
Hello Mr. Hrodej,
Could you please introduce yourself briefly?
An engineer by training, after a commercial career building power plants in many countries around the world, I have been a retiree for 10 years.
How long have you been president of this association?
SEVE will celebrate its 10th anniversary next December, and I have been its President since December 2013.
What does SEVE mean?
SEVE is often called "Breasts and Life," which explains its meaning.
What awareness and fundraising campaigns are you organizing in 2023?
As in previous years, SEVE organizes meetings with rather isolated populations, organizes or partners with "pink October" walks, events such as concerts, sporting events, has a network of loyal and generous supporters (people, companies, banks, patients, communicates with its "little papers").
How did you come about with the Battements d'chœurs choir?
Through a pattern we often see: a person affected by the disease wants to "do something for others", meets a member of the SEVE board: together we define the conditions for the success of the initiative, essentially in terms of impact on the population (information, prevention, etc.).
That's what happened with "Choir Beats".
What are the ways our readers can participate in the fight against breast cancer?
Prevention is key. 40% of breast cancers could be avoided through lifestyle changes that depend solely on the individual (physical activity, nutrition, alcohol, obesity, sedentary lifestyle, etc.). All of this is discussed during our meetings by specialists invited by SEVE.
Prevention also involves participation in screenings (organized or not).
I believe you are going to organize a conference with Professor Carole Mathelin, who is a well-known and recognized specialist in the field of fighting this disease.
How, when and where will this conference take place?
This is indeed a project, and it would take place as close as possible to the local population during Breast Cancer Awareness Month (October 2023), in collaboration with local stakeholders. The date is yet to be determined.
Why come to our small valleys to raise awareness?
SEVE has set itself several missions, as outlined in its bylaws. One of these is to reach out to isolated populations (and there are many reasons for isolation) and provide them with accurate information from specialists. This meeting in your area struck us as a wonderful initiative for the community, healthcare professionals, and for SEVE itself.
Mr. Hrodej, would you like to add a word before we give the floor back to Claudine Grangeorge?
I think Ms. Grangeorge will add to what I've said. I'll let her speak. Thank you, and see you soon.
We thank you immensely for your time and wanted to congratulate and encourage your efforts in the fight against and support for cancer.
Claudine, what is important to you in this exchange between associations?
These are values such as solidarity, meeting new people, and sharing knowledge and information. And above all, we are happy to make our modest contribution to the actions carried out by the SEVE association, some of which will, in the future, prevent much suffering for women and their loved ones.
Do you think you will renew a partnership like this?
Why not.
For our readers in the Villé Valley, can you tell us the dates and places where you perform in our area?
There will be a concert on May 7, 2023 as part of the Bassemberg Spring Festival (not the same program as on May 14).
Do you still have space in your rehearsal room to accommodate new members?
We can still accommodate a few more people. They will be most welcome.
Claudine, what is your favorite place to sing in the Villé Valley?
The church in my village, Breitenau.
We hope that this article will help you get a little more traffic on the big day and that this small contribution will allow the SEVE association to expand its circle of donors and members.