Chœur des Guelins

The Chœur des Guelins is a mixed secular choir founded in 1976. Its name comes from the nickname of the inhabitants of Billens, meaning "the unhurried ones." The choir offers its members the opportunity to sing primarily a varied secular repertoire, including popular, harmonized, humorous, and traditional songs drawn from the repertoires of Fribourg, Switzerland, and internationally, while also performing some religious pieces. Membership includes weekly rehearsals on Thursday evenings from September to June, regular learning of new scores with audio support, and participation in various events such as concerts, serenades, café concerts, and Advent or Christmas concerts. In addition, choir life is enriched by social activities, including a surprise annual outing in mid-August, an annual meeting with a meal, an end-of-season picnic, and gatherings to celebrate birthdays and holidays. Singing in the Guelin choir is presented as beneficial to health, helping to eliminate stress, improve respiratory capacity, and strengthen the immune system. The choir welcomes anyone who wishes to sing, without requiring any particular musical level or the ability to read music.