Palatine delegation celebrates 30 years of twinning with Fontenay-le-Comte, France
A delegation of 26 from Palatine will journey to Fontenay-le-Comte, France during the week of June 9 to commemorate an important milestone in the two cities’ long-standing relationship. Celebrating 30 years of sister-city partnership, the delegation includes dual members of the Sister Cities Association of Palatine and the Brotherhood of Harmony chorus. The highlight of the celebration will be a joint concert to be held on Friday, June 13, featuring the Atelier Gospel Fontenay and the Brotherhood of Harmony.
For three decades, Sister Cities Association of Palatine and Jumelage Fontenay- Palatine have exchanged cultural experiences, deepening their bond through yearly visits; culinary, sports and musical exchanges; and other collaborative events. The Sister Cities Association of Palatine sponsors the Summer and Winter Farmers’ Markets at the Palatine Train Station. The association also awards an annual scholarship which includes a trip to Fontenay, and the current recipient will be a member of the delegation. For more information, visit palatinesistercities.org.
The June 13 concert will feature soulful renditions of spiritual music by the Atelier Gospel choir of Fontenay, and American traditional four-part barbershop harmony by the Brotherhood of Harmony chorus. The Brotherhood of Harmony meets weekly to rehearse at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday evenings at DeerGrove Covenant Church, 225 E. Helen Road, Palatine. For those who love to sing, the chorus has openings for all parts and skills. For more information, visit brotherhoodofharmony.org or call (262) 394-6380.
“The concert is a beautiful way to celebrate the deep connection we have with our sister city,” said Nghi Pappas, president of the Sister Cities Association of Palatine. “It’s been an incredible 30 years of friendship, and we are so grateful for the opportunity to celebrate this moment with our friends in Fontenay-le Comte. It’s a reminder of the tremendous impact that cultural exchanges can have on both personal and community levels.”