A member of Jamais sans musique for three years, Marie-Claude Collignon wanted to do a little something within the Erquy choir to celebrate her 90th birthday. This November 12, at exactly 7 p.m., the time she was born, the choir sang the traditional “Happy Birthday” of its dean. A look back at 90 years of his life.
You were born on November 12, 1934 30 km from Verdun…
“Yes, but when I was little I told my classmates that I was born on November 11 in Verdun, that had more importance to me. It was a date that everyone knew! Now I admit to being born on November 12 at 7 p.m. 30 km from Verdun. This evening I am extremely touched to celebrate with the choir, it moves me. »
Has singing always been part of your life?
“My father played the violin and my mother the piano, those were their hobbies. They would even host shows. I remember going out in the car with my sisters Marie-Noëlle and Marie-France, we sang in three voices, we knew the Compagnons de la chanson by heart, it was very joyful. I was immersed in music and singing. We bought folded sheet music on the market; on Sundays, we sang at the top of our lungs, we played music with open doors for the neighbors to enjoy. They liked it. »
Did your grandmother Marie also like to sing and dance?
“Yes, she never missed an operetta or an opera in Paris or in a large surrounding city. She even danced. When I saw her, I said to myself “An old lady who lifts her leg at her age”. He was a character. »
This Tuesday, 81 years separate them: Marie Claude, 90 years old, dean of the choir and, Marius 9 years old, the youngest music enthusiast, playing the saxophone and following musical training at the Quai des Rêves.
You continued singing as a teacher…
“At the normal school, I was choir director. We accompanied the international children’s choir “Les chardonnerets”. I continued in my classes, I loved making the children sing and dance. With my kindergartners, we even made a 45 rhyme album of Burgundian nursery rhymes. I even founded a choir with the girls from Creps when I became an educational advisor. »
At 90, you have chosen to continue singing…
“I hesitated the first year, I told myself I was too old. But when I saw Aude, she impressed me with her personality, her dynamism and her absolute ear. Even if my voice is a little hoarse, I really enjoy singing. This is why this evening, I decided to celebrate my 90th birthday surrounded by members of the choir. 81 years separate me from the youngest chorister Marius and 80 from Amelia. Here, I feel surrounded, it’s just fun, I hope to continue. »
Practical
The Jamais sans musique choir will give two concerts on December 14 in the Guémadeuc hall at 4:30 p.m. and 8 p.m. Price €8 and €5 for under 12s. To book on hello asso from Monday November 18.
