tour •notes Performing Arts News from Around the World 2002/2003

AUCKLAND Glen Ellyn Children’s BARCELONA BERLIN Chorus: Tour of by Lori Sommars, Tour Participant light attendants, prepare for of beauty, mystery, and delight. takeoff.” With that, the plane Our first introduction to local culture MOSCOW “ began to speed down the came with a visit to a churrascaria, a F NEW YORK runway, gaining momentum with Brazilian barbeque restaurant. After each passing second. A great filling our plates at a salad bar, we rush of air filled the passen- returned to our tables for the next PORTLAND stage of dinner. A small army of gers’ ears as the plane left the PRAGUE familiar soil, and set a course waiters bustled around us, each SAN FRANCISCO for Brazil. Forty-five eager young one offering a different cut of faces leaned toward the nearest meat. We were surrounded by every- thing from pork to filet mignon, and the windows, unable to conceal their hardest part was turning them down ST PETERSBURG excitement. The Glen Ellyn Children’s when our stomachs were full. VENICE Chorus was airborne, headed for a land (Continued on Page 8) PLU CHORAL UNION’S No MSG Group Highlights FIRST INTERNATIONAL TOUR Tours :

Washington Chorus An interview with Judy Roberts, Page 2 he Pacific Lutheran We had about 400 people University Choral attend. We practically gave Tour Manager for the University Siberia Union spent two away all our programs at of California Alumni Chorus Page 2 T weeksbrazil in Central Europe the first concert. People Can you give me some background on Adventure in on its first international from all over the world the history of University of California attended to benefit the Page 3 tour. Alumni Chorus (UCAC), how long ACFEA organized cathedral. It was really you’ve been involved in the choir, and Stetson University their first concert in great.” Page 3 why you enjoy it? The World Harp Vienna’s cathedral, the The Chorus was formed in 1985 by Congress invited the Choral William & Mary Stephansdom, to benefit a group of about 25 alumni who had Page 4 its restoration Union to come to Geneva and perform in St. Peter’s Miami University program. Page 5 “Finding out Cathedral. Nance’s compo- that we were sition for choir, soloists, Cascade Youth Symphony one of a very organ, percussion and harp, Page 6 select number entitled Mass for a New of ensembles Millennium, was a great North Dakota success. Nance says, “It was State chosen to previously sung as undergraduates at Page 6 the biggest thrill of all to Richard Nance perform in the the University of California, Berkeley. sing this Mass on tour. The Overseas Staff Stephansdom At a reunion they decided they wanted choir grew to love it and Page 10 was a real highlight,” says to keep singing. About ten of the conductor Richard Nance. sang it so emotionally; it North American founding members still sing with the Staff “It was so well promoted. went over big everywhere Page 11 (Continued on Page 8) (Continued on Page 12) The Washington Chorus Tours and Austria

his could easily have been the tour that never happened; the TGrammy award winning Washington Chorus almost had their touring plans hampered by world events. During the summer of 2001, much work was done — particularly in securing a concert in Vienna’s Stephansdom — with the aim of announcing the details to the chorus members when they reconvened on September 10. However, the following day all thoughts of touring were for- gotten, as the chorus worried about their many members who worked at the Pentagon and began to plan their participation in several memorial con- certs. “I think that the best thing to do at this point is wait.” Wise words from Basilica of the Benedictine Abbey in Ottobeuren, Germany Dianne Peterson, Executive Director of The Washington Chorus, which echoed (Continued on Page 4) Q&A Choir from Maine Tours Siberia: An Interview with Anthony Antolini, Director, Down East Singers and Bowdoin Chorus

This was your second tour to comfortable and user friendly. They are opposed to having a committee of volun- Russia, but this time you includ- learning the art of hospitality; we expect- teers take on such a task. ed Siberia. What differences did ed a far more primitive country than we Q found. I understand your choir sang a your choir experience this time around as Liturgy in Church Slavonic. How opposed to 1988? As a Choir Director, are you Qdifficult is it for you to arrange The political system is entirely dif- personally involved with the something like that in a foreign tongue? ferent and that affected our choir Qfundraising necessary to take It is my specialty. I have worked because we could now sing your choir to Russia? A for years with Russian choral lan- sacred music; it isn’t against the law any- Yes, directly responsible. We guage. I write the language out more — a huge difference. Audiences are A raised approximately $95,000 and phonetically for them to sing and the now well acquainted with sacred music. I feel that the Director has to be results are extremely gratifying. The food is much more plentiful now and A directly involved in that process as hotel accommodations are much more (Continued on Page 9)

2 acfea Adventure in Scotland: Prospect Presbyterian Church Choir

ith their new baseball caps Children’s and robes the Prospect Chorus sings Mahler 8 WPresbyterian Church Choir scotlandwith Simon Rattle (PPCC) from Maplewood, New Jersey set for BBC in London’s off for Scotland. Home to John Knox, Albert Hall the founder of Presbyterianism, We loved our tour! I send you my Scotland is a haven for Presbyterians thanks for organizing a tour that the world wide, and with good reason. As When asked to describe a typical children will remember all of their these choristers soon found out, the lives, and I do look forward to work- day-in-the-life for a touring choir, ing with you again. Scots were quick to welcome them. the PPCC Tour Coordinator Gene Before their concert in the beauti- Zielinski sums it up this way: Jean Ashworth Bartle, Artistic Director ful 12th-century St. Fillian’s Church in Aberdour, members of the choir visited • Up early (again) STETSON UNIVERSITY the church parishioners’ homes. There • Continental breakfast, with haggis (again) the PPCC choristers were treated to a CONCERT CHOIR light supper, in addition to the lovely • Beautiful scenery, beautiful hills, beautiful flowers, TAKES ON EUROPE company of their hosts. Such an evening beautiful seascape (again) of fine food, drink and stories will for- • Old buildings, old streets, old by Lindy Eller, Tour Participant ever remain with them as a sign of the history; when does new begin? This summer I took the dream vaca- camaraderie both cultures share. One • “That’s the new wing of the tion of a lifetime. The Stetson University tour cathedral, it wasn’t finished until Concert Choir, led by Dr. Duncan Couch, member the 1750’s” (again) went on a two-week tour of Europe. even • We need to get to rehearsal; we After a full year of planning and remarked found the church; we’re there on fundraising for the trip, the 37 member that the time (again) group performed five concerts at five dif- festive • We feel welcome (again) ferent venues. The itinerary singing • We perform; the audience of the tour included vis- and applauds; we feel appreciated (again) iting: Prague, Vienna, dancing often experienced during • Dinner: food, drink, sometimes Salzburg, Lucerne, their ACFEA tour reminded them of song — good feelings (again) Garmish- hoe-downs in the south! • Bus ride home with a trusty Partenkirchen and The choir gave a recital in Iona driver — we make it alive (again) Freiburg, and Paris. Abbey, during which a smaller group of • Back to the hotel — The primary singers performed an a cappella piece, “Is this the same one we were in purpose of our trip Kyrie (written for PPCC by Timothy last night?” was to make music Brumfield, the organist at the Cathedral • We’re tired, we fall asleep, we’re and share it with others of St. John the Divine). This special happy (again). around the world. piece was seemingly made for the Performing in the most awe-inspiring chapel’s acoustics. According to tour locations, the choir sang works by member Tim Welles, Brahms, Victoria, and Stanford, as well as “Visiting the tiny Isle of many African-American Spirituals. Iona was the highlight of Stetson student conductors were given the tour.” Tim used his free the opportunity to lead the ensemble in time to explore the island Vasiliauskaite’s Missa Brevis. Many stu- by bicycle riding from one dent soloists were featured in the con- end to the other: “It is a certs, as well. perfect picture of Scotland. A musical highlight of the tour for I will always carry it with (Continued on Page 8) me.” I

.com 3 William & Mary Orchestra Plays for Sicily

n May, 2002, the College of William tiful flowers to Noto, where working together on such a community members partici- community effort.” and Mary Orchestra (from pate in arranging and placing According to Michael, Williamsburg, Virginia) embarked I the flowers along the main “Before we went on this on their first international tour. Led by street, creating a large and tour, nobody really knew director Wes Kenny, the group spent six fragrant work of art. anybody. I knew the people nights on the island of Sicily, in the Commenting on this that I sat next to [in the towns of Acireale, flower festival, tour orchestra], and I knew their Noto and Palermo. director Michael names, but I didn’t know The orchestra Woods says, “Our best anything about the other had the honor of concert was the one in members. I can definitely providing the open- Noto. It was the open- say that after the tour was ing music for the ing [concert] of the over, I had about 50 new Noto Flower Noto Flower Festival. friends. It was a complete Festival. This annual festival involves We played in a gorgeous the- bonding experience for transporting thousands of Sicily’s beau- atre. It was so cool to be play- everyone in the orchestra, including our ing this concert for this big fes- director. We learned more about each I believe that ACFEA has established tival. Everyone from the com- other, and we care about each other a ‘bench mark’ of standards with munity was out and about. I now. This tour was the best thing that really felt like we were part of could have ever happened to our Idaho State which may be a real chal- their culture. After the concert, orchestra.” lenge to maintain—outstanding ven- we had a little time to walk This year concerns regarding safety ues, concerts, sights, hotels, etc. I around and experience the cel- and security were on all travelers’ intend to recommend ACFEA when- ebration. For me, living in the minds. However, the College of William , I don’t think and Mary Orchestra remained strong ever tours are discussed. there is anything that compares and continued with their travel plans. Dr. Scott E. Anderson, Director, to seeing all of these people, Idaho State University Chamber Choir (Continued on little kids up to grandparents, Page 8)

Washington Chorus (Continued from Page 2) exactly the advice that ACFEA was giv- Sticking to their original touring Stephansdom ing to all its groups at this difficult time, plan, The Washington Chorus gave four and raised over as they weighed many conflicting concerts with orchestra in Germany and €23,000 for thoughts: the certainty of what had Austria: in Ehingen, Ottobeuren, Linz the church. All Dianne Peterson happened versus the uncertainty of and Vienna. The repertoire was Let God the concerts were wonderful but the last what the world would be like at the Arise (Handel), Alma Dei Creatoris two, especially the orchestra, were time of their tour; and the desire not to (Mozart) and the Coronation Mass exceptional. It was all just perfect and I give terrorism the victory of disrupting (Mozart). All concerts were a victory of can’t thank you enough. The singers had their plans versus concern for the safety sorts over world events. a wonderful time. It certainly looked last of their members. In order to give Reflecting on their successful tour September as if this was the tour that groups time, ACFEA offered them the Dianne Peterson says of ACFEA, “It is almost didn’t happen but, as I told the option of a full refund if they waited with the greatest appreciation that I chorus, aren’t we all glad that all had the until three months before their tour to thank you for such a fantastic tour. I faith that it would work out and moved cancel. As a result, only two groups can- think that this was in many ways the forth.” Hear, hear, Dianne! I celled (and two others postponed until best ever. You may have heard that we 2003). had a crowd of over 1,300 in the

4 acfea FROM KOALAS TO KAVA, THE MIAMI UNIVERSITY CHORALIERS CONQUER THE PACIFIC

fter spending eight months in some local choirs of the town. classes at Miami University of After a sad goodbye, the choir head- AOhio, the Miami University ed off for the Gippsland Lakes to enjoy Choraliers decided they needed the natural beauty of the area. It a change of scenery. This was a nice break to be out of group of 29 women towns and cities and have a chance to appreciate their resolved that tropical into their ‘bures,’ the women found their surroundings and get to beaches and a bit of bathing suits and knew they would not know one another bet- Aussie cultural need anything else for their two-night ter. exchange would stay on the island. Little did they know Next, the choir vis- suit their needs. that on this small island they would be ited , ’s The group, along thoroughly entertained by the native peo- shining jewel. The with their conduc- ple with Fijian music and dance. On their choir was anxious to tor, Dr. William last day, the choir had a chance to visit a see this famous city Bausano, embarked local village and participate in a cultural and take advantage of for Melbourne, exchange of music. Following the tradi- its many museums, tional kava ceremony, the Fijians taught Australia’s most parks and nightlife. The the Americans a bit of dancing and in vibrant and cultural women had a chance to return the choir inspired them with song. city. experience To fin- The choir was excited a bit of true ish off to visit Healesville Wildlife Sydney culture by a great Sanctuary where they could see the taking the ferry to day, the many animals for which Australia is Manly Beach. After women famous, including wombats, koalas and exploring the town, the ate a kangaroos. However, the best taste of women watched the Lovo Australian culture came from their famous Sydney surfers. dinner evening with the ‘lads’ at an Australian Later that day, the choir which is had the opportunity to a meal perform at the Wesley heated Institute and share their music with other underground by the natural heat of the students. volcanic island. After dinner the Choraliers ust when the group was finally feel- sang in a final joint concert with a local ing at home in Australia, they found choir. Tired yet inspired, the choir boarded Jthemselves bound for a new adven- their flight for Los Angeles knowing their ture: Fiji. The first word they heard was memories of Down Under would last a ‘Bula,’ meaning hello, which is stated in a I Rules Football match! They had a great lifetime. positive friendly manner and time cheering for the biggest football always accompanied by a big, rivals in Australia. The next day the joyous smile. Fiji is a land of women had an opportunity to share their warm and friendly people and music with some of the locals at Scots’ Church in downtown Melbourne. the choir knew they were in for Riding on the buzz from their instant a special treat. exposure to Aussie culture, they were After a short bus and boat pleased to spend time learning about the ride, the women were now in food and warm hospitality by staying in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, private homes along the southern coast in totally surrounded by pure blue Bairnsdale. The entire town was involved water and white sand. They in their stay and everyone was rewarded were on Beachcomber Island, with a wonderful joint performance with which can be walked around in ten minutes! After checking

.com 5 EUROPE COMES ALIVE FOR

This summer the Cascade Youth German lesson and the first bits of com- national treasures. They were to see Symphony from Seattle, with Director munication began. much more reconstruction during the Gerry Jon Marsh, embarked for The first concert in charming tour, while in the and Germany, the Czech Republic and Quedlinburg was highly successful in Austria. Austria. Many, if not most, of these spite of some rain. Everyone pitched in July 4 was particularly moving. young people had heard words to keep the instruments dry while such as Vienna, Prague, transporting them into the Schoenbrunn Palace, church. Church officials were Dresden, Danube. But it so impressed with the con- was not until this sum- cert and the manners of mer that these and other the young people that historic places were final- they opened up the ly put into context and Treasury to display the his- became a living reality, a torical treasures safeguarded treasured visual and experi- there. One urn made of a sin- ential memory. gle piece of alabaster is reported In Frankfurt, the group met ACFEA to be one in which water was turned to courier Sarka, truck driver Alan, and wine by Jesus. coach driver Udo, and the realization of The group visited Halle, performed being in a foreign country began since in Leipzig and toured Dresden, witness- Udo spoke almost no English. But, no ing the results of reconstruction since problem. Sarka promptly gave a the war and the rebuilding of many North Dakota State University Sings for Spain & : An interview with Jo Ann Miller, Director

What specific challenges did courier and driver were great, This was our third tour great you face as the director of and either knew immediately with ACFEA. We had another fun. And the group and how did or found the answers to all tour before with another tour we found ACFEA help you overcome our questions during the tour. company and it was not as so many wonder- them? The hotels wouldn’t have successful. ful restaurants in Barcelona. Whenever we arrived in a been able to deal with all the How was the village experi- In student-speak, Barcelona is new city, students had many questions that the students ence in Spain? ‘way cool.’ individual questions. Our had, and so the ACFEA staff Some of our destinations What other places did you really added value were smaller villages, where particularly enjoy? to our tour experi- the hotel was placed in or Granada was wonderful, This is the third tour I have ence near the village, and the stu- particularly at night. The done with ACFEA…Thanks — How many tours dents were able to walk on shopping was good, and a great tour. have you been the country roads. Barcelona wonderful place to just wan- involved with in was wonderful; even the der around. The weather was Cathy Weiskel, Executive Director Greater Youth Orchestra the past? urban beach that the choir gorgeous: No humidity and visited. They loved it - it was no bugs!

6 acfea CASCADE YOUTH SYMPHONY

ACFEA arranged dinner in a wonderful many German and Czech people a standing ovation with synchronized restaurant in Frantiskovy Lazne, a Czech remember that the allied troops, and clapping, the highest form of apprecia- spa town, after which the orchestra per- especially Americans, liberated them at tion. After the concert, everyone formed in a gorgeous theater. Theeurope audi- the end of the war. This was their way enjoyed food, music and dancing in the ence came from miles away, because to show appreciation, especially on the square. All were sad to end the experi- anniversary of American independence. ence and held hands in a circle, singing The day ended on the coach, singing a farewell song. But there were more America the Beautiful, the National memories yet to come. The group Anthem, and other patriotic songs, departed for Salzburg to see more his- while on the hillside a full fireworks dis- torical treasures. The farewell dinner in play was seen from the coach window. Munich was in Marienplatz in a restau- Vienna provided students another rant beneath the ‘New’ Rathaus, which unparalleled opportunity to enjoy musi- is where the famous Glockenspiel is cal and artistic treasures. Many attend- housed. ed a Mass at one of the magnificent Students returned home bonded cathedrals and, of course, took time for with one another and with new foreign a little shopping and negotiating the friends. For those who had never trav- subway. Homestays in Krems, Austria, eled to Europe, they had witnessed provided an excellent opportunity for firsthand treasures about which they bonding with another culture. The had only heard — and Europe became a group’s hosts packed the church, giving reality for the young musicians. I

ACFEA impressed me with its thoroughness. I have never been as relaxed on a choir tour as I was with this one. I salute you all! It was a terrific experience. Marlene Clary, Music Director, Berkeley Carroll Choir

What makes your choir three to six years. We have a Wasn’t Edwin Fissinger your Has this tour in any way unique? lot of history together, and predecessor? expanded or changed the The fact that we perform there is not a lot of turnover. Yes, he was my teacher as way the choir will approach entire concerts unaccompa- We have simple routines that an undergraduate, and I came its material in the future? nied makes us special. We work when you are on tour. here just after his immediate It does make you be travel together a significant Rehearsals, transfers, travel- successor. more flexible, with every situ- number of days every year, ling together, etc. We are very His granddaughter is in your ation you go into. We might and most of the students are used to being together, so a choir, right? take an intermission in some in the choir the whole time European tour is not very dif- Yes, she is. A very serious concerts; others, we might they are in the college, from ficult for us. But ultimately it student, as you might expect. not. You have to adapt to the is the tradition we preserve What was different with this space. Students have much and grow. year’s tour? more flexibility than they What do you mean by tradi- This year, we travelled with thought they did. They get a tion? only about half the (Continued on Page 9) There is an 80-year tradi- choir: 38 singers. We tion of NDSU having a won- were able to do really derful choir with serious fine concerts as a Looking forward to working choral music. The college is smaller ensemble and with you again. I can’t imagine not only committed to fine they rose to the occa- traveling any other way! choral music, but good music sion with great enthu- Christopher Putnam, Director all around in all disciplines. siasm and hard work. Grace Cathedral Choir

Basilica of St. John the Divine, Granada .com 7 Stetson University PLU Choral Union (Continued from Page 3) (Continued from Page 1) This was an excit- everyone was performing with the choir ing tour — musically, we went. The tour was a great spring- from the Pedagogica Hochschule in board for it.” Freiburg, Germany. Stetson and the uni- sightseeing, personnel, Touring has changed the PLU versity in Freiburg are sister schools that accommodations and culinary Choral Union. “We’ve been growing the offer students the opportunity to study delights! Thank you all for a past five years,” says Nance. abroad. The combined choirs performed “Participating in a tour like this one job beautifully done! Nance’s Credo and Barber’s Agnus Dei simply puts you at a new level. The under the direction of both university Emily Ellsworth, Artistic Director Glen Ellyn Children’s Chorus choir is much more aware of itself as an conductors. The Stetson Choir was offi- ensemble, and truly how good they can cially welcomed to Freiburg at a recep- be. tion following the concert. It was great This was a dream trip in every sin- to be reunited with many of our German gle sense of the word,” concludes friends, especially for making music! Nance. “It was exactly what I was hop- etween concerts, we got to enjoy Lori Sommars ing for, and more. We will definitely use exploring these beautiful (Continued from Page 1) ACFEA for our next tour.” I BEuropean cities. While some stu- In Petrópolis, we met members of dents packed their days with sightseeing, the Coral de Canarinhos, who graciously taking historic tours, and spending their allowed us to stay in their homes and evenings at the opera, others chose a become our families for two days. My more relaxing pace. Strolling through the roommate and I had a blast with our streets, sampling European delicacies, homestay host, Mauricio, as we discov- and shopping for the perfect souvenirs ered new aspects of each other’s culture. were popular activities as well. I person- We stayed up well into the night, sharing our favorite music and photographs, and ally enjoyed the challenge of communi- laughed when we resorted to a diction- cating with the people and navigating ary for translation. the transportation systems in each city. Our final concert took place in the It was a big help to have our own Candelaria Cathedral of . personal tour guide with us on the trip. The audience comprised over a thousand Our tour would not have been as enjoy- people in the pews, while even more able had stood at the back. Their thunderous it not applause and overt appreciation spurred been for us to sing at the very best of our abilities. our well- William & Mary Our hearts and voices soared high, and informed (Continued from Page 4) we felt a deep satisfaction as we touched and many lives with our performance. Michael says the group was determined delightful fter snapping our last rolls of film not to allow the actions of terrorists to ACFEA at the famous Sugar Loaf, we foil their plans, “We weren’t going to courier, Mrs. Rosemary Marshall. She headed for the airport, our final let them win by not going on tour. made sure everything ran as smoothly as A There were several people who came destination on this amazing tour. As our possible and was always more than will- up to us and expressed regret for what plane rose in the air, we looked down ing to help or answer any questions we happened in America. It was just a won- with satisfaction on the country that had had. derful feeling. They really made us feel welcomed us, almost two weeks before. This choir tour was definitely one of right at home.” Where had the time gone? We sat back, the best trips of my life. Whether walk- Commenting on ACFEA’s role in closed our eyes, and savored the memo- ing across the Charles Bridge in Prague, making their tour a success, Michael ries that would last a lifetime. seeing Mozart’s birthplace in Salzburg, or quips, “I can’t imagine going on tour Every child has an innate musical tal- standing under the Eiffel Tower in Paris, without the expertise that we had with ent, and an international tour greatly everyone in the group enjoyed our ACFEA. Everything went off without a enhances this ability. A new culture pro- European experience. Many thanks to Dr. hitch; no problems!” The College of vides a wealth of new experiences as Couch and Andrea Fullington with the William and Mary Orchestra’s successful well as group bonding. Together, young ACFEA tour company for giving us this tour of Sicily helped to unite the people can explore the wonders of a wonderful opportunity to see the world orchestra members in new ways and has I new country, and give back to its citizens and make music. left them ready to take on other parts through their music. I of the globe. I

8 acfea Interview: Jo Ann Miller (Continued from Page 7)

taste of what it’s like to be a after the first piece. You learn they feel about being musi- the mountain town outside of professional musician and to to overcome whatever comes cians. Not all of the singers Seville. After we sang as many roll with punches when the your way. Another important were music majors of course, encores as we could, the choir unexpected happens. For development for us was to but every one of them had exited and we changed example, in Seville we had a see how different people some kind of life-changing clothes to get back in the concert in the city center, around the world perceive experience on our tour. coach. Before we left, about when pilgrims were coming talent and art. We What was your best concert half the audience was still into the city. This wouldn’t Midwestern Americans are experience on tour? waiting for us to sing some have been a problem, but known for being reserved, so Our last concert in more. It turns out this was a whenever the pilgrims passed it was particularly moving for Portugal; everything was per- group of women from a local under the gate, they fired a us to experience the effusive fect. After the concert one of chorus that also wanted to cannon, all while the concert response of the Spanish and my singers said to me, “That have their photo taken with was going on just two blocks Portuguese. Normally we had was the most moving concert the choir. It was a tremen- away. We asked audience to sing at least four encores. I’ve ever been a part of.” Also dously warm experience. I members after the concert, The students were amazed memorable was the concert in and they simply didn’t hear it and it really changed the way

American standards that would not be Encourage them to consider touring Antolini known in a foreign country. Choose your (Continued from Page 2) anywhere in Russia. The audiences repertoire carefully. It is an opportunity to are fabulous. Get in touch with peo- educate but also to give audiences an idea of A In your ten years as the Choir ple who have toured there. Know that Russia Director of the Down East Singers, what Americans are like. is a welcoming country and very exciting to have you noticed any changes in visit with all the recent changes and it is Q How do you go about selecting your choir’s abilities? remarkably cost effective; prices are very rea- pieces for your choir to sing? sonable. We were amazed with Aeroflot; They have become more and more Q everything was a total pleasant surprise. able to handle different repertoires I frequently will keep a list of and able to handle the pressures of a What are the benefits of having A pieces I think would be good and I foreign tour. I do not think they could have your choir go on an international consult people that know that cul- done that without years of preparation. A tour such as this one? ture. I get second opinions and try to Q With recent world events, were any include a wide variety. They come back with a new sense of of your choir members squeamish what this country is about. Meeting What role did ACFEA play in helping about traveling abroad? people and talking about their expe- Q your choir’s tour of Russia succeed? A rience, they learn what international relations I did not sense much squeamishness; Q are about. Choral touring provides a mission Americans seem extremely welcome and makes it so meaningful. Concerts were I would not go on tour out of this in Russia with audiences and with the focal point that would draw the group A country without ACFEA. There is no the people on the street. A number of together. Russians made us feel very welcome and told Away to do a program like this with- out ACFEA because ACFEA has so much expe- us they wished more Americans would visit. What are your future plans for rience in this kind of work. It would be Audiences were wildly enthusiastic. It is a very touring? safe country to visit. impossible without ACFEA. In the entire two- week trip, nothing went wrong! Q As a Choir Director what is the We are seriously considering going to What advice would you give to any biggest challenge you face when the Republic of Georgia and are very other Choir Directors who may be putting together a tour such as this? much enthused about touring again. I Q Qcontemplating a similar excursion to A Fundraising. Musically the big chal- Russia? lenge is choosing a repertoire that Awill appeal to audiences in the host country. I brought some new music and some

.com 9 Staff Overseas

NICHOLAS ABBOTT is an Operations travel throughout Europe and the US. She RICHARD SAVAGE, Managing Director of Manager in London. He was an organ has performed on clarinet with several ACFEA Europe, has been with the organi- scholar at Girton College, Cambridge, and orchestras and now lives in Barcelona, zation since 1970. He graduated from has recently completed a post-graduate publishing a monthly English guide to the Oxford University, where he sang in Christ degree in Musicology at Bristol University. city. Church Cathedral Choir. He still maintains He combined his post-graduate studies his professional singing career, being a with repetiteur work for a local children’s ROBERT LATIMER is ACFEA’s Manager for permanent member of the Monteverdi opera group and the Phoenix Choir in Australia. Robert has been an educator Choir since 1971 and of the Gabrieli and Bristol and until joining ACFEA was and businessman, having taught at both Taverner Consorts amongst many others. Director of Music at a parish church in primary and secondary levels, and been Gloucestershire. As an organist, harpsi- involved in the photographic and cinema JOHN TREGELLAS is ACFEA’s Regional chordist and baritone he has toured industries. As an amateur musician, he has Representative in Central Europe. Based throughout much of Europe. sung in choirs and choral groups in addi- in Prague since 1990, he works regularly tion to performing in musical and dramat- with major concert promoters in the ELISABETH CAWOOD is an Operations ic productions. He is well traveled with Czech Republic. A modern languages Manager in London. She studied Italian extensive experience in organizing and graduate from the University of Oxford, and music at London University before conducting study tours of North America he speaks fluent Czech, German, French working in the travel business in and Europe. Robert, who lives in rural and Hebrew. His concert credits as a bari- . She has worked as a press Victoria, has been associated with ACFEA tone with the Kühn Mixed Choir include overseasofficer and on the administration of the for over 15 years. performances with Vladimir Ashkenazy, Consort of Musicke and its associated Sir George Solti and Sir Charles Mackerras. recording company. She speaks German ELFRIEDE LEIMER-RIZZOTTI is the and Italian and, as a singer and violinist, Regional Representative in . Although OLGA YEMELYANOVA, ACFEA’s has performed with choirs and orchestras born in Austria, Friede has been ACFEA’s Representative in Russia, is based in St in Italy and Britain. consultant in Italy since 1983. Before join- Petersburg. She attended a specialist ing ACFEA, she worked for the Austrian music school and has a diploma in English TRICIA GEORGE is Head of Operations in diplomatic service. and German education. Olga received a London. Before joining ACFEA in 1979, PhD in linguistics from Herzen Tricia worked for the British Government SYLVIA MARIN, ACFEA’s Representative Pedagogical University of St Petersburg, Bureau dealing with international in , is based in Paris. She graduated where she teaches English. She is actively exchanges. Educated at Aberdeen from Georgia State University with a involved in music-making, and is a keen University, she has traveled extensively in degree in business administration before American square- and contradancer. I Europe and North America. She sings with moving to France. Since then, she has the Islington Choral Society in London. been involved in organizing music tours and accompanying groups throughout LEONE GRUEBNER is ACFEA’s Manager in the Mediterranean area using her linguis- . She has been in the travel tic skills. industry for 22 years, having owned a Thank you… travel agency as well as managing coach ANNABEL MOORHOUSE is an Operations companies and she now operates her own Manager in London. She has an honors inbound tour company. Her singing has degree in English and French studies from spanned a lifetime including 20 years in the University of Lancaster and has taught English at the University of Perpignan. I would like to thank all those directors the Dorian Choir and five years and tour coordinators whose determina- with her current group, the Orlando She has recently worked as a courier for tion, faith and optimism kept Singers. She has been associated with ACFEA and is an active musician, both as ACFEA for several years, arranging the clarinettist and singer. their tours proceeding as planned after September 11. New Zealand portion of their Australasian SUE PETER, ACFEA’s Representative for I also respect the choice Tours. Germany, has a varied background in travel administration and has worked for of those very few groups VANESSA HADLEY is an Operations who decided to cancel or post- Manager in London. While earning an the British Tourist Authority and the pone — I realize what an ago- honors degree in music and Hispanic stud- Welsh Tourist Board. Now living in Berlin, ies from the University of , she sings with the Wilmersdorf Ensemble nizing process that was. ‘Kissi Choir’. she spent a year studying at the This past year has been Universidad de Oriente in Cuba. Before SVETLANA PETROVSKAYA, ACFEA’s thought-provoking for all of us. It made her degree course, she taught English at a Moscow Representative, graduated in me appreciate anew the sincere, far- primary school in Mexico. She plays the geography from the Moscow Pedagogical sighted and levelheaded leadership of cello, which she studied at the Académie Institute. She studied piano as a child and our clients. Thank you. de Musique in Sion, Switzerland. is a keen music fan. Her interests include international relations, travel and meet- HUGH DAVIES TONY HASTINGS is European Projects Managing Director, North America Consultant. He is a graduate of Sussex ing people. University and worked previously in music publishing and artist management. He sings professionally with the choir of Bath Abbey, and is also a member of the Bath Camerata. A tough year to make a tour happen. ACFEA made it easier and ESTHER JONES is the ACFEA then they made it worth all of the effort. Representative in Spain. Born in , her foreign language studies and subse- Dr. Duncan Couch, Director of Choral Activities, Stetson University Concert Choir quent occupations resulted in extensive

10 acfea North America

SEATTLE Charles Hawk Kenneth Noreen PORTLAND, ME Mark Powell Jane Maranhas AMANDA BAUMAN is a Tour Diane Price (800) 886-8979 Manager in the New York (800) 886-3355 (425) 776-3273 (207) 772-0763 office. An Ohio native, she 120 Second Ave. S. 108 Clark Street, 2nd Floor performed with the Edmonds, WA 98020 Portland, ME 04102 Orchestra Chorus before [email protected] [email protected] receiving her degree in music education from Duquesne University. There she was a member of sym- phonic and jazz bands, as well as the Chamber Singers, with whom she toured Europe on an ACFEA concert tour. She cur- rently performs with the Canticum Novum NEW YORK Singers in New York City. Amanda’s travels Amanda Bauman have included several excursions to England Robyn Goldstein and France plus visits to Ireland, Luxembourg SAN FRANCISCO (800) 886-6995 (914) 631-0660 and Spain. Hugh Davies Suite 5, 19 N. Broadway HUGH DAVIES is Managing Christina Martin (800) 886-2055 Tarrytown, NY 10591 Director of ACFEA North [email protected] (415) 453-6619 America, based in the San 1567 Fourth St. Francisco office. Born in San Rafael, CA 94901 England, he has a master’s [email protected] degree from Cambridge, where he sang at King’s College under Sir David CHRISTINA MARTIN is a Tour forms in two professional choirs: the Tudor Willcocks. Hugh sang professionally in Manager based in the Choir in Seattle and Cappella Romana in Europe, including with the Monteverdi Choir, California office. Born in San Portland. before teaching music in Australia. He now Francisco, she graduated from performs as a soloist and with several profes- the University of California, DIANE PRICE is a Tour sional ensembles in the Bay Area. , with a degree in Manager based in the Seattle French, and has worked with office. A life-long Oregonian ROBYN GOLDSTEIN is a Tour northACFEA since 1992. Her travels include study until moving to Seattle, Diane Manager in the New York abroad programs in France and Central has sung with the Eugene office. After graduating with America, competitive tours throughout Concert Choir as well as a degree in psychology from Europe with a track team, and trips to Russia, Eugene’s opera and symphony Boston University, she lived in China, Australia and New Zealand. choruses. In addition to being London and traveled exten- an accomplished pianist, she has organized sively in Europe and Asia. A KENNETH NOREEN is Artistic Advisor to and performed in concert tours throughout woodwind and keyboard play- ACFEA North America. He recently retired Europe and has sung under the direction of er, her first touring experience was as solo after 30 years with the Shoreline School Jonathan Griffith and Helmuth Rilling. I clarinettist with her high school orchestra in District in Seattle, serving most of which as americaSpain; more recently, she has played in sever- Band Director at Shorecrest High School. Ken al musicals in Boston and at ’s is a Past President of the Washington Music Theater on the Lake. Educators Association and traveled with his Unseen but band to Europe ten times since 1966. He CHARLES HAWK is Business Advisor to holds a master’s degree in music education ACFEA North America. Charles has been a Indispensable… and is currently Director of Bands at travel consultant since graduating from Shoreline Community College. California State University in 1972 and has been specializing in music tours since 1980. MARK POWELL has been a The Tour Managers are ACFEA’s front He is a Certified Travel Counselor and has Tour Manager in the Seattle line, but there are many others in our traveled to all areas of the world both with office since 1993. After earn- organization without whom our tours groups and as an individual. ing his degree in vocal music would never happen. We gratefully from Seattle Pacific University, acknowledge the mighty efforts of: JANE MARANHAS is a Tour Mark moved to England Manager in the Portland, Charles Chaplin, Marketing Manager where he managed the Maine office. A native of National Youth Choir of Great Heather Garvie, Group Air Manager Maine, she graduated with a Britain. He then lived in francophone degree in music performance Christine McLaughlin, Finance Manager Belgium, touring and performing throughout from the University of Maine. Europe while working for the International Ken Olson, Operations Manager Jane lived in Salzburg for a Federation for Choral Music. Mark is current- year as a student at the ly finishing a master’s degree in musicology Lauren Proctor, Projects Coordinator Mozarteum and traveled extensively and is active in church music as a chanter, throughout Austria and Europe. Roberta Wheeler, Leisure Sales Manager conductor and arranger. He currently per-

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Chorus which I joined in 1989. I’ve stayed To be a successful Tour Manager sev- In what way do you believe this concert for a number of reasons: I appreciate the eral things are necessary: you need to be tour experience has affected the chorus? diversity and age range of the members; organized, enthusiastic, patient, and able I think the experience of traveling as I enjoy the incredibly diverse repertoire to keep the troops motivated. I must say a chorus strengthens the bonds and we learn; and because we have an that in the Alumni Chorus “motivating” makes it a closer, more tightly knit incredible director who stretches us every is not difficult; this is a group of people group. It broadens the base of enthusi- year. The chorus has really grown musi- who are curious and want to see the asm for the next tour. Touring becomes cally since its inception. world. I think another important charac- self-perpetuating. Each tour has had What was the initial inspiration for plan- teristic is being able to partner with more people. ning a tour to China? Did you or the planning professionals who are experi- Was there any aspect of the tour that chorus have any specific expectations enced and willing to work in conjunction you feel is a vital element to any suc- about this trip? with whatever circumstances the Chorus cessful concert tour? Our original inspiration was represents. Good planning and an effective serendipitous. The Chorus was in the What about China most surprised, organizational network in the country process of getting various suggested impressed, or shocked you? you are traveling in is vital. We certainly European itinerarieschina from ACFEA when I This is difficult to answer. was contacted by an agency offering a Having no firm expectations tour of China. We hadn’t considered to begin with we rolled with China before, but once the suggestion the punches. But I do have was made the Chorus leadership thought strong impressions of the that it would be a wonderful opportuni- friendliness of the people, the ty. When I asked whether ACFEA could tenacity of the street vendors, handle arranging a concert tour of China and the honesty and open- I was delighted to learn that you had ness of several of our local experience operating concert tours to guides. Another striking China. observation was seeing how I think the expectations of 75 travel- aggressively China is moving ers varied, but all of us went into it not into the 21st century. And the knowing what to expect. landscape! I wasn’t prepared What characteristics do you think are for the diversity and beauty of the land, had that. We had our requests taken necessary to be a successful Tour from the mountains and farmlands to seriously and handled throughout. Manager? the rivers, valleys and coastlines — it was Everywhere we went in China we were extraordinary. known as the “No MSG Group!” I

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Congratulations ACFEA on fabulous venues and audiences, great accommodations and sightseeing, and the very finest of management throughout. Dianne Peterson, Executive Director The Washington Chorus