COMMUNITY choir Ilkley Moornotes played host to their twin town’s opposite number – La Canterie du Rey choir from Coutances in Normandy – during a three-day visit to Ilkley last week.

Ilkley Parish Council hosted a civic reception in the Winter Gardens for 46 French guests.

Council chairman, Councillor Brian Mann, welcomed the choir to Ilkley as part of this cultural exchange.

"We were delighted to welcome La Canterie du Rey to Ilkley – it was wonderful to have a chance to listen to their music and their rendition of ‘On Ilkla Moor Baht ’at’ was a real winner’," he said.

The two choirs, led by their respective musical directors – Frances Hook for La Canterie du Rey, and Beccy Owen for Ilkley Moornotes – held a joint concert in Christchurch on April 13 to celebrate their shared love of singing.

La Canterie du Rey entertained the packed hall with works by Karl Jenkins, Bizet and The Beatles, as well as their wonderfully French-flavoured interpretation of ‘On Ilkley Moor Baht ’at.

"Bringing these two choirs together has allowed us a great opportunity to explore each other’s musical traditions and our shared love of music and singing," said Beccy Owen.

With Moornotes celebrating its tenth anniversary in 2017, plans have already begun to arrange a return visit to Coutances.

"With the great success of this first visit, we are all very keen to develop the musical relationship with La Canterie du Rey, as well as continuing the friendships we have all made during their stay in Ilkley," said Ilkley Moornotes chairman,Sarah Thomas.