This semester, students enrolled in French courses at Bishop Allen Academy took part in La Francophonie, an enriching celebration of Francophone culture initiated by Mme Leopold-Muresan over a decade ago.
The event featured an immersive and interactive concert by internationally acclaimed musicians: Tamar Ilana (vocals, percussion), Dr. Judith Cohen (vocals, medieval fiddle, hand percussion, recorder), and Demetrios Petsalakis (guitar, Greek lira).
Tamar Ilana opened the concert with an Indigenous song, performed on a Cree drum, in recognition of the land on which the school is situated. Dr. Judith Cohen offered in-depth explanations of the instruments used, discussing their origins and significance in French musical traditions. She also shared the meaning and context of each song as it related to its region of origin.
The ensemble presented a diverse repertoire, including music from Quebec, Acadie, Franco-Ontario, France, Louisiana, and medieval Occitania. This musical journey through the Francophone world was made even more engaging as students joined in by playing spoons as percussion instruments, adding to the vibrant atmosphere.
This hands-on, culturally rich experience deepened students' understanding of the diversity within Francophone cultures and offered a tangible example of how these cultures are lived and experienced. Through music, storytelling, and traditional instruments, students were able to connect with the history, identity, and traditions that shape the Francophone world.
