Welcome to Brion, France. A small village with an estimated population of about 200 in the Morvan outside of Autun. The Rose Ensemble had an extraordinary concert there last evening.
Our bus arrived at this lovely little church for our pre-concert rehearsal. The priest is very conservative, so 
we were asked not to perform our Hawaiian chants and hula. The women were also to cover any bare shoulders while in the church.
Rehearsal went well, the acoustics were splendid, and we were then bussed over to where we were being served dinner before the show.
We ate in a small dining room with the notables of the village – a glorious green salad with a light vinaigrette, fresh tomatoes with parsley and basil, lovely bread and a main course of fresh ham. Wine on the table was a delightful red, of which we couldn’t have much of 
before we performed, but the promise was there that there would be wine after the concert.
Dessert was splendid. I had this fresh apricot tart that practically exploded in flavor.
After dinner we were bussed back to the church for our concert. To our amazement, cars were parked everywhere and the church was packed to capacity. We later found out that they had no idea this many people would show up for the concert and we were honored with the attendance. 
It was standing room only and people were actually sitting on the floor. Patrick McDonough, one of our board members and guest on this trip, actually had to set up the table for CDs outside the church and sat out there during the show.
It turned quite chilly that evening with the clear sky and the full moon, that Patrick mentioned when the sun went down, he leaned against the building to keep warm. (you could actually see your breath that night) We sold close to 50 CDs, a record for this trip so far.
After the concert there was a reception with lots of bubbly wine that we can’t call champagne and homemade desserts. We sang a couple of Early American tunes for the guests and then bussed home when we arrived around 1am.
Rehearsal was a little rough this morning. I think it’s nap time. I feel like I could sleep like the dead.
Your comments are always welcome – I look forward to hearing from you! -Lisa
Obviously, The Rose Ensemble’s reputation is really spreading across Europe. Or at least France. It’s my guess that if the Rose moved it’s operating headquarters to Eurpoe so they didn’t have to struggle to pay for outrageous transatlantic transportation costs, The Rose would be operating full time at a profit. There would be no dearth of performing opportunities.
Operating costs would be ridiculously cheap if they were headquartered in the Czech Republic, or Czechoslovakia as our Republican presidential candidate calls it. And they’d be very centrally located.
But of course, who would want to live in Europe?
PS Special cudos to Patrick for his devotion to the Rose. Selling 50 CDs, watching the table in “see your breath” cold, and knowing Patrick, probably pitching in at every opportunity to help out, we should all be greatful that he’s there helping present a charming American face to the lovely Rose performances.
Thanks Patrick!