Choral Artists of Sarasota to Participate in 80th D-Day Anniversary in France 

March 13, 2023 – Sarasota

Choral Artists of Sarasota has been invited by Historic Programs, which partners with the Department of Defense, Office of Commemorations, to be the principal choral ensemble for the 80th D-Day anniversary commemorations in France in June 2024. In addition to participating in commemoration ceremonies at the cemeteries in Normandy and Brittany, the group will perform a concert in the town square at Sainte-Mère-Église in Normandy and also at L’église de la Madeleine in Paris. Choral Artists is inviting the public to join them on this “D-Day Anniversary Commemoration Journey,” for an eight-day trip to France to that centers around D-Day commemoration events. An information session about the trip is April 4, 5:30-7 p.m., at C’est La Vie, 1553 Main Street, Sarasota. Participants will learn about the itinerary and costs and enjoy complimentary wine and light bites. To register, call 941-387-6046 or visit ChoralArtistsSarasota.org and click on the D-Day tab. Reservations for the info session are required by March 30.

“There is nothing more poignant or meaningful than participating in an official military ceremony commemorating American heroes of our past,” says Joseph Holt, the artistic director of Choral Artists. Holt, who spent 20 years in the US Army with the US Army Chorus, says he is honored that Choral Artists was chosen to participate in the D-Day commemorations.

“These ceremonies remind us how precious our independence is,” says Holt. “During this trip, we invite others to reflect upon those who offered the ultimate sacrifice in the struggle for freedom and who successfully secured liberation for all of Europe. Each moment will be an experience of a lifetime.”

Highlights of the trip’s itinerary includes guided visits to the D-Day and Battle of Normandy museums in Arromanches-les-Bains; the World War II Utah Beach American Memorial in Normandy; and the American Cemetery in Brittany and at Omaha Beach in Normandy. Participants will also take part in the wreath laying and commemoration ceremony in Normandy, and the D-Day Memorial Parade through the village of Sainte-Mere-Eglise.

“We invite people to experience these moving ceremonies by traveling as a friend with Choral Artists, witnessing firsthand the extraordinary sacrifice made by so many to ensure peace in the world,” says Holt. He adds that the group is also raising money to offer scholarships to Choral Artist singers to defray the cost of the trip.

“In person or in spirit, your support enhances the journey,” says Holt.