Singing Earth Divine officially began five years ago. Jua Amir and Crystal Petit, two American artists who had been living in Paris for many years, held the first rehearsal in the basement of the American Cathedral in Paris. As singers, vocal coaches, and Americans with Gospel roots, they had always been aware of the power of song.

Singing, individually and collectively, has the unique ability to allow Human Beings to feel their own authentic expression contribute to and be supported by a collective expression. This was the primary motivation that Crystal and Jua had when they created Singing Earth Divine. They wanted to create a space where people could express themselves in an atmosphere of non judgment; where their authentic expression could be fostered and supported by a group of people that were all doing the same thing at the same time.

That first rehearsal was the proof that people agreed it was a good idea. Crystal and Jua had initially rented the basement, expecting 15 to 20 people. When 50 showed up and signed up, the next week they moved to a bigger room.

Five years later, Singing Earth Divine has grown to wonderful family of almost 100 singers from many different confessions and cultures; artists and mathematicians, students and judges, farmers and sailors, and everything in between! While some of our members speak English, the vast majority speak very little or none at all, but use the songs and the rehearsals as an opportunity to practice! A few choir members have a professional singing background, and quite a few have been singing in choirs for many years, but our director does not believe in the term “amateur.”

We usually do 3 concerts a year and have the opportunity to travel throughout France, however we do not consider ourselves a professional choir.