The Biniou in action during the Sainte-Cécile 100th anniversary concert with the fanfare and bagad of the 9th BIMA of Poitiers. Credits: @Le Biniou
It is during an entire weekend, that of Saturday December 7 and Sunday December 8, that we will celebrate Sainte-Cécile with the musical harmony of Biniou. Its celebration marks a significant date in the orchestra’s calendar, as it does for all musicians, composers, luthiers and poets of whom the saint is the patroness.
But for the people of Saint-Martin, perhaps more than elsewhere, the story goes back a long way, to a day in December 1922 when the Société musicale du Biniou was created. Since then, each Sainte Cécile is an opportunity to offer a quality concert and thus to perpetuate and renew the tradition in homage to those who, for more than 100 years, have kept this school and this harmony alive.
A challenge that has been renewed every year since 2022
It was from the centenary of Biniou that the idea of a new challenge was born: to carry out an ambitious, innovative, offbeat and friendly project where, each year, the basketball hall will be transformed into a “Zénith”.
This includes, in 2022, the spring concert with 105 musicians from different harmonies on stage, and in December the participation in the concert of the Sainte-Cécile de la Fanfare and Bagad of the 9ᵉ BIMA of Poitiers and the friends of the Spanish Txaranga Ltranka. And in 2023, the Disney film concert with a cartoon background, which, in front of a packed room, brought together 80 musicians all in disguise.
When Biniou meets Kamino
This year, still in the Zénith Saint-Martinois, the harmony will welcome the Montois trio Kamino, for which it will be the first musical experience with a harmony.
The weekend will therefore begin on Saturday December 7 at 8:30 p.m. with the concert where the orchestra will perform under the direction of Sébastien Giordano.
It is the juniors of the music school who will open it, with the Biniou harmony at the end of the first part.
The Kamino group with flamenco roots will then bring its touch of Latin accents, its style, its repertoire, its atmosphere and a very high musical quality with, as a bonus, very beautiful voices. The finale will bring together the two groups on original compositions created for the occasion. With 55 musicians on stage, the evening promises an anthology encounter for a unique show in the Mons region.
Landes banquet
But we cannot stop there. The next day, Sunday December 8, the Biniou will musically accompany the religious service at 10:30 a.m. in the Saint-Martin church. It will then be enough to go to the Cultural Center for the aperitif and the Sainte-Cécile banquet which will respect the Landes tradition of a five-course service provided by the caterer Jean-Charles Gouriou. Price €40 (aperitif, meal, wine, champagne and digestive included). Reservations on 06 85 85 52 02.
MHR
Mr. Gouriou, beyond the delicious flavors, how does the Landes banquet function as a social glue, strengthening bonds within the Saint-Martin community during Sainte-Cécile celebrations?
## Celebrating a Century of Music: An Interview
**Introduction**
Welcome to World Today News, where we explore the fascinating tapestry of music and tradition. Today, we have the distinct pleasure of discussing the upcoming Sainte-Cécile celebrations in Saint-Martin, a town with a rich musical heritage embodied by the renowned “Société Musicale du Biniou.” We are joined by two esteemed guests: Sébastien Giordano, the conductor of the Biniou harmony, and Jean-Charles Gouriou, the caterer responsible for the traditional Landes banquet.
**Section 1: The Legacy of Sainte-Cécile and the Biniou**
**Moderator:** Mr. Giordano, the Société musicale du Biniou has a remarkable history, spanning over a century. Can you tell us about the significance of Sainte-Cécile in the town of Saint-Martin and how the Biniou harmony keeps this tradition alive?
**Sebastien Giordano:**
**(Open-ended answer expected, emphasizing the historical context, the role of Sainte-Cécile in celebrating music, and the Biniou’s contribution to preserving this tradition.)**
**Moderator:** Mr. Gouriou, food is an integral part of any celebration. How does the Landes banquet contribute to the overall experience of Sainte-Cécile for the community?
**Jean-Charles Gouriou:**
**(Open-ended answer expected, highlighting the importance of food in communal celebrations, the specific traditions of the Landes banquet, and the connection to the musical event.)**
**Section 2: Innovation and Collaboration: A New Vision for Sainte-Cécile**
**Moderator:** Mr. Giordano, the Biniou seems to be pushing boundaries this year with its collaboration with the Kamino trio. What prompted this unique pairing and what can audiences expect from this fusion of styles?
**Sebastien Giordano:**
**(Open-ended answer expected, explaining the rationale behind the collaboration, the harmony’s commitment to innovation, and the unique musical experience they aim to create.)**
**Moderator:** This collaboration follows a series of creative undertakings by the Biniou, such as the Disney film concert. How do these initiatives contribute to the evolution of the Biniou and its relevance to a broader audience?
**Sebastien Giordano:**
**(Open-ended answer expected, discussing the importance of experimentation, engaging new audiences, and staying relevant in the contemporary musical landscape.)
**Section 3: The Future of the Biniou and its Impact on the Community:**
**Moderator:** Mr. Giordano, what are your hopes for the future of the Biniou harmony? How do you see its role evolving within the Saint-Martin community?
**Sebastien Giordano:**
**(Open-ended answer expected, outlining future goals, aspirations for continued growth, and the harmony’s ongoing contribution to the cultural fabric of Saint-Martin.)**
**Moderator:** Mr. Gouriou, with events like Sainte-Cécile banquet, how do you see the connection between food, music, and community strengthening over time?
**Jean-Charles Gouriou:**
**(Open-ended answer expected, emphasizing the role of shared experiences in community building, the enduring impact of events like Sainte-Cécile, and their contribution to local identity.)**
**Conclusion:**
**Moderator:** Thank you both for sharing your insights into this fascinating celebration. It’s clear that the Sainte-Cécile celebrations represent not only a tribute to music but also a powerful testament to the enduring spirit of community and tradition in Saint-Martin. We encourage our viewers to experience this unique event firsthand.
**(End Interview) **
