The French Pueri Cantores National Choir gave a powerful concert for peace at the European Parliament in Strasbourg on October 20, 2025. The choir, formed earlier that year, consists of 40 talented young singers selected from the 80 choirs of the Pueri Cantores federation across France. Founded in 1947, the movement has grown to involve over 3,000 children and adolescents, making it one of the most prominent choral networks in the country. Its goals are both artistic and educational, and it aims to expand to 200 choirs by 2027.
The concert in Strasbourg had a clear mission: to spread a message of peace amidst a world torn apart by conflict. The performance, which took place in the “bar des fleurs”, a neutral space within the Parliament, was meant to offer a brief moment of respite from the intense political debates and tensions. Goulven Airault, president of Pueri Cantores France, emphasized that these young singers believe deeply in the power of their music to inspire hope and peace. By performing at the heart of European politics, the choir hoped to resonate a message of reconciliation and hope.
The choir’s repertoire included both sacred and secular music in multiple languages, reflecting the diversity and unity that the Pueri Cantores Federation strives for. The performance was also a moment to transcend political divides, as the location itself – a space where parliamentarians meet during breaks – symbolized a temporary break from the usual confrontational atmosphere of politics. Alongside the choir, other local choirs such as the Saint-Jean de Colmar and Sainte Philomène de Haguenau choristers participated in the performance, further enhancing the collaborative spirit of the event.
This concert marked the second performance of the newly established national choir. The first was held at the prestigious Salle Gaveau in Paris in August 2025, a highly successful debut. These young singers were chosen after rigorous auditions and come from all corners of France, contributing to the vision of creating a choir of excellence. Airault highlighted that the national choir’s role is not only to represent the Pueri Cantores Federation but to embody its core mission – to create a space where children can grow spiritually, artistically, and personally.
Looking toward the future, the Pueri Cantores Federation has ambitious plans to expand. By 2028, it intends to add 120 new choirs to its network across France. This expansion will be driven by collaborations with Catholic schools, parishes, and music education institutions. The Federation’s motto, “One parish, one school, one choir,” reflects its commitment to bringing music and spiritual development to young people across the country. Additionally, the federation is developing an academy for choir directors, set to open in 2026, to provide professional training for those leading these choirs. This initiative aims to ensure the future sustainability of the movement and create a career path for choral directors.
