Capella in Paris 2026: A Choir Tour to Remember

Paris is a wonderful city for those who enjoy walking, and members of Capella, Wallace High School’s SATB choir, certainly embraced that challenge. During their Palm Sunday weekend tour to Paris in 2026, singers increased their step count by an impressive 15,000 steps per day.

An Early Start and a Cultural Welcome

A punctual 2.30am departure from Clonevin Park was fully embraced by students, staff and parents alike. Richmond Coaches, as ever, delivered exceptional professionalism, ensuring a smooth arrival at Terminal 2 for a 4.30am check-in and a 6.40am flight to Charles de Gaulle Airport.

After an enjoyable bounce on the 1960s rubber escalators in CDG Terminal 1, the choir travelled by RER and Metro to the hotel to drop off luggage. A quick supermarket stop for lunches followed before Capella, acting as cultural ambassadors, were rewarded with half-price Metro tickets from RATP staff in exchange for a short performance at the ticket gates.

Opera, Landmarks and the Irish Embassy

Armed with Metro passes, the choir continued on foot to the Opéra Garnier, before walking past La Madeleine, through Place de la Concorde, up the Champs-Élysées to the Arc de Triomphe, and finally reaching the Irish Embassy.

Here, Capella performed a programme of sacred and Irish music, warmly received by embassy staff. The visit included a guided tour, a discussion on diplomacy, and a presentation from Wallace on the Wallace Fountains, accompanied by the gift of a Tyrone crystal glass bearing the Wallace crest.

After dinner at a local restaurant, where students sampled Menu Terroir, the group continued to the Eiffel Tower. Choir members ascended the 934 steps to the second floor with ease, while Mr Falconer allowed his watch to explore previously unknown heart rates. That concluded an unforgettable first day.

Sacred Music at St Sulpice

Day two began early with a buffet breakfast and a Metro journey to the Musée d’Orsay, where free entry allowed several hours of cultural exploration. The real work followed at St Sulpice, Paris’s second-largest church and temporary cathedral during Notre Dame’s restoration.

Capella performed an entirely unaccompanied programme of sacred music, much of it from the Lenten season. The church’s remarkable acoustics enriched every note, with Annabel Wong’s Miserere top Cs resonating beautifully. The audience included local choir members, tourists and supporters, including former Wallace teacher John Crothers, who later joined the group for dinner and a River Seine boat tour.

Palm Sunday Performances and Parisian Highlights

On day three, with clocks having sprung forward, Capella sang Mass at St Patrick’s Chapel in the Irish Cultural Centre. Following outdoor singing at the Blessing of the Palms, the choir led the Palm Sunday liturgy before giving an informal courtyard performance featuring Irish-language repertoire and Fionnghuala, with former member James returning to sing the solo.

James then guided the group through the Luxembourg Gardens, Notre Dame, the Louvre and the Tuileries, before an evening in Place Clichy, enjoying pizza, Montmartre, the Moulin Rouge and Sacré-Cœur.

A Final Farewell to Paris

Day four offered time for shopping and reflection in the Marais and Les Halles before returning to CDG and home to Wallace. Though exhausted, Capella left Paris enriched by music, culture and shared experience.

The students were exemplary throughout, representing themselves, their families and Wallace High School with pride. Their behaviour and musical excellence were matched only by their enthusiasm and commitment. Mr Falconer, Ms Colton, Ms Coughlan and Ms Steele were immensely proud of them all.

Head of Music, Mr D Falconer commented:

“This tour was a transformative experience for our singers. Performing in extraordinary venues, navigating Paris together and representing Wallace High School with pride strengthened musicianship, independence and friendships. I am immensely proud of Capella’s discipline, generosity of spirit and musical ambition throughout an unforgettable weekend of learning, growth and joy.”

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