Music and Majesty: An Evening at Église Saint-Marcel, Paris

Paris is a city of endless wonders, and during our recent trip, Josh and I stumbled upon a truly magical evening at Église Saint-Marcel in the 13th arrondissement. This wasn't just any church; it was a vibrant, historic community with a surprisingly modern architectural twist.

Here's the Église Saint-Marcel in Paris. This geometric facade is so unique! Photo Credit (2010)

As I was walking by this unusual triangular church, my eyes were drawn to a community bulletin board advertising a concert featuring the works of Sibelius and Tchaikovsky, performed by the ultra talented violinist Marc Guilloteau and conductor Omar El Jamali. Intrigued, we decided to attend (just 40 minutes before the show started!), and it turned out to be one of the most moving experiences of my life.

I've always dreamed of listening to a classical concert in a church environment...and I discovered this one just 40 minutes before the performance!

It was an awe-inspiring experience to see 58 gifted musicians filling the space with soaring melodies, the powerful resonance of their instruments echoing through the contemporary architecture, all beneath the cross of Jesus. It was a striking juxtaposition of modern design and timeless spirituality. Tears came to my eyes at the remembrance that each and every person in that room was deeply loved and known completely by God.

I found myself overwhelmed with emotion, tears of joy welling up throughout the performance. There were moments of sheer awe, gasping at the beauty of the music and the powerful atmosphere. I've never seen someone's hands move as quickly as Marc's did! The best part? You could tell that Marc and Omar were having FUN. Their smiles said it all. And even though I couldn't understand all of the French spoken during the entracte, the audience laughed many times when Marc spoke. The evening was truly an unforgettable experience in every way!

We loved spending time learning about Sibelius and Tchaïkovski whose music I've heard on Spotify but never experienced with live musicians!

Beyond the concert, the church itself held a captivating history:

• Saint Marcellus' Legacy: Église Saint-Marcel is dedicated to Saint Marcellus, the 9th bishop of Paris, a man of humble origins born on the Île de la Cité in the 3rd century. It was fun to imagine him running around the island as a child!

• Ancient Foundations: Remarkably, the church was built in 1856 above the oldest and first Christian necropolis in Paris!

• Echoes of the Past: You can even see some of the archaeological treasures unearthed from beneath Saint-Marcel at the Musée Carnavalet, including a fascinating statue of a Gallo-Roman couple.

I was so moved by this stone sculpture of a married Gallo-Roman couple found beneath Église Saint-Marcel, the oldest Christian necropolis in Paris. It was beautiful to witness their love even thousands of years after their death.

This evening at Église Saint-Marcel was a reminder of the power of art and history to transport us. It was a beautiful blend of ancient stories and modern expression, and a truly special moment in our Parisian adventure.

Thankful to the non-profit association, Les Concerts Gais for their incredible and important mission of providing a space for musicians who just happen to be gay. If you find yourself in Paris, I highly recommend seeking out a concert or event at Église Saint-Marcel. It's an experience you won't soon forget!