La Manécanterie des Petits Chanteurs à la Croix de Bois: History--Post-World War II Era (1945-70)


Figure 1.--The PCCB Choir after World War II began an extensive series of tours to many different foreign countries. Here the boys are in Berriane, in the Ghardaia province of Algeria, during the 1950s. At the time Algeria was still a French colony. The boys are y are having fun riding camels--the ships of the desert.

The La Manécanterie des Petits Chanteurs à la Croix de Bois (PCCB) after the Worls War II was the most famous French choir and one of the most accomplished in the world. Abbé Maillet helped organize a federation of boy choirs after the War to help prmote choral music. The first Congress was held in Paris (1947). Some 3,000 boys participated. choirs from 15 different countries came for another Congress, this time held in Rome so the Pope could be involved (1949). The Pope held a Paapal Mass in St. Peters for the boys. There were further Congresses and the movement was endorsed by the Pope Pius XII with the approval of the statutes of the Federation (1951). The Pope consecrated Monseigneur Maillet a bishop in recognition of his work as " Prélat du Saint siège " and appointed him as " Directeur International des Pueri Cantores " His appointment came during the second international Pueri Cantores Congres in Roma. His importance in promoting the boy choir movement. About 60 boys were boarding in the 1950s. The music and chant of course took a important place in their studies. About 1953 they were two choirs groups . The regular choir traveled extensivesly around the world with Monseigneur Maillet. Another choir was managed by l'abbé Delsine and gave performances in Paris and other French cities. A reader writes, "The PCCB came back from the occupated French sector during 1943. They settled in a big house in Paris just near where I lived. I coud't be a real PCCB, because I was too old in 1955 to be one. But I had learned the chant and sacred music. I gave with them a number concerts in the churchs. I was a soprano in the Requiem of Gabriel Fauré, The mass in Ut minor of Mozart and several Orotario the Messia of Händel. My parents was very proud of me. The PCCB left their Paris house for a castel near Paris in 1963." The PCCB moved to Meudon (1963). Mgr Maillet died in 1963. Abbé Delsinne, succeed him as director of the Choir. During 15 years, until his death in 1978, he lead the Manécanterie with talent and determination as begun by Mgr Maillet.






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Created: 6:20 PM 3/29/2013
Last updated: 6:20 PM 3/29/2013