Choeur Marine de Rochefort sur Mer

A particularity of the French maritime music scene is that one can often find a registered Association, under which a number of different groups operate. This is the case with the Choeur Marine de Rochefort sur Mer, whose “umbrella organisation,” Les Vents Marine based in Charente Maritime is closely associated with maritime events in the city and also maintains an orchestra with fifes and drums and a brass quintet. 

An idea of the goals of the Association is provided through its “mission statement”: To disseminate the maritime and historical image of the Rochefort area through musical ensembles, promote collective musical practice, increase the social role of music, participate in all types of cultural events, produce and broadcast live shows, lead workshops in accordance with the purpose of the association, get closer to associations that defend maritime memory, the riches of musical heritage and participate in the organisation of actions and events.”

Rochefort has a rich sea-going tradition, an important maritime museum and between 2008 and 2014 was responsible for the recreation of the frigate, Hermione. The replica was constructed at the same port as the original, and  returns there periodically for festivals, at which the Choir may be found performing.

The group is composed of about twenty singers and musicians (chromatic and diatonic accordion, percussion, guitar) who have performed throughout France, but also toured Quebec in 2008 as part of the 400th anniversary of the city, ending their visit at the Fête des Chants de Marins de Saint Jean Port Joli.

The group is reported to have produced three CDs; “L’Estuaire en chansons,”  “De Mers en Escales” and “20,00 Lieues sur la Mer.”

Unfortunately, at time of writing we were unable to locate a website or Facebook page for this group, details of where these CDs may be purchased or information on the current status of the group. In the absence of direct contact information, details of the contact for the Orchestra has been provided. The absence of recent information would suggest that this group is no longer active.

Note: This group is closely linked with the reconstruction of the frigate, ”Hermione” 

The original Hermione played a prominent role in American history with a secret mission in the service of the American Congress: to transmit to General Georges Washington a message of support for the Insurgents. By its return visit to the United States in 2015, after 17 years of construction, the replica of L’Hermione portrayed a living symbol of Franco-American friendship.