To ur N o t e s PERFORMING ARTS NEWS FROM AROUND THE WORLD 1999-2000

Highlights Churches Explore their Heritages Shorter College Chorale Thrill Audiences From the Vatican to the Vltava, the Choir of William and Mary Embark on a Choral Journey Alaska Children Down Under on their Third ACFEA Tour Mozart in the Zamir Chorale of Boston Journey Back to their Musical Roots Hawai’i Breezes through Europe The Pacific Northwest Greets Children Houston Children’s Chorus in front of St Mark’s Basilica, Venice Monteverdi in Italy and COLUMBUS Continuing a tradi- CHORALIERS The San Jose The St Louis Women’s Chorale tion of excellence State University Make their Mark at Llangollen DISCOVERS dating back to TRAVEL TO Choraliers, directed EUROPE 1953, the Colum- IFCM by Charlene University of Rochester bus Symphony SYMPOSIUM Archibeque, trav- Chamber Orchestra Enjoy the Youth Orchestra (Ohio) embarked on eled from Rome to Road Less Traveled their first ever European concert tour. Rotterdam on their seventh ACFEA tour. Focusing on Central Europe, the orches- Along the way, a wide variety of experi- Begin your tour at tra experienced cities steeped in the ences was offered to the 49 members of roots, history and tradition of Western the group, in keeping with Dr www.acfea.com music. Under the direction of Peter Archibeque’s view that a tour must be Stafford Wilson, the orchestra visited fulfilling not only musically but also cul- Munich, Salzburg, , , turally and educationally. Dresden and Eisenach in a tour packed The final focus of the tour was a with musical, four-night stay in Rotterdam, where they cultural joined the IFCM’s World Symposium on and social Choral Music. They participated in Dr opportunities. Archibeque’s workshops, and gave sev- The focus eral concerts during their stay. They also of this tour was took part in the somewhat unusual Fast performance, Singing Competition … For the rest of and perform their time at the World Symposium, they they did, with a attended other events and rubbed el- total of five bows with many of the leading lights in Columbus Symphony Youth Orchestra in concerts and a professional recording the choral world, including two other session in a 13-day tour. The concerts groups on ACFEA tours: the California – continued on page 2, see Columbus – continued on page 8, see Choraliers

LOCATIONS Barcelona Berlin Canberra London Moscow New York Paris Prague San Francisco Seattle St Petersburg Venice

1 HOUSTON St John the Divine First Presbyterian Church – Columbus, continued from page 1 One of the largest The Chancel Choir of Houston’s varied in nature and setting, and each CHURCHES Episcopal churches First Presbyterian Church had an all-Scot- was part of an established series. The EXPLORE in the USA, St John land itinerary for their 1999 tour. Led by orchestra performed a joint concert in the THEIR the Divine sent its music director Ara Carapetyan and pastor Unterhaching Cultural Centre in Munich choir across the Asa Hunt, nearly 90 people participated with the Münchener Jungendorchester, HERITAGES Atlantic to explore in the mission trip to Edinburgh, Aber- plus solo concerts in Attergauhalle its heritage in En- deen, Oban and Glasgow. As the word (Salzburg area) as part of the concert gland and Scotland. The choir built a ‘mission’ implies, this was much more series, in the enclosed courtyard of the musical bridge between the old and new than a concert tour. Great efforts had Schloss Hotel Weikersdorf (Vienna area) worlds with its ability to infuse the clarity been made in advance to contact the as part of the Rose Festival, and in the of English singing with the warmth and local churches, and the Chancel Choir Schloss Pillnitz Gardens (Dresden) as part enthusiasm of Texas. was thereby able to become a part of of the Elbhang Festival. The orchestra The focus of the tour was sharing local life, albeit for only a day or so. wrapped up their performances with a through music and day of music workshops and a concert in cultural exchange, and Eisenach, birthplace of Johann Sebastian this goal was achieved Bach, with the music students from the by performances in Luther Gymnasium. small communities and Other highlights included tours of parishes in addition to the Munich Opera House and the major venues. Under Mozarteum, an excursion to the direction of John Zentralfriedhof to visit the graves of Gearhart, the choir Beethoven, Brahms, Gluck, Schubert, performed a lunchtime Strauss and Wolf, a professional record- recital at Stirling Castle ing session in Prague, and a dinner cruise Chapel, evening con- on the River Vltava. They also were given certs in Callander Kirk a mayoral reception in Dresden, where (Callander), Ossett homestays were provided by the students Parish Church of the Heinrich Schütz Conservatoire (Wakefield), Argyle coordinated through sister city contacts. Morley Church (Bristol) The repertoire, carefully selected by and St Margaret’s Mr Wilson, focused on American compos- Church (West Hoathly), ers, including Bernstein, Diamond, Barber, followed by a service Gershwin and Copland. The orchestra participation there the featured renowned violinist, Mr Gregory next morning. Musical Fulkerson, who toured with the group. highlights of the tour According to Mr Wilson, “The included a workshop Chancel Choir of Houston’s First Presbyterian Church in Lockerbie, Scotland venues we used were all supportive of session with Andrew our artistic level and needs. The audi- Carter at the Palace of the Archbishop of The names of two cities on the itiner- ences were very enthusiastic... For our York, and the choir’s singing of Evensong ary evoke especially poignant memories: first such venture, I feel that this event at St Paul’s Cathedral in London. Further- Dunblane, scene of a terrible school shoot- was an amazing success, and we are ing the mission of cultural exchange, the ing; and Lockerbie, where 10 years earlier a most grateful to ACFEA for their guid- choir members were billeted in Wakefield Pan Am aircraft crashed, killing many villag- ance. We look forward to similar collabo- by the Wakefield Festival Chorus, in ers as well as those on the flight. The group rations in the future. As I told the kids on Bristol by the members of the Argyle went to both places to offer their support Sunday night in Eisenach, we have writ- Morley United Reformed Church, and in and respect, with a tragic resonance added ten a new and most important chapter in West Hoathly by the parishioners of St to the Dunblane visit in the aftermath of the the history of our orchestra.” Margaret’s Church. Columbine High School incident. In addition to the performances, the They sang services in Dunblane choir enjoyed sightseeing in Stirling, York, Cathedral and St Mary’s Cathedral, Bath, Oxford and London as well as the Glasgow, and had time for private wor- “You are the finest tour opportunity to visit the Selkirk Glass Factory ship in Iona Abbey. They gave concerts in consultants we have ever and Warwick Castle, and to attend Choral St Andrews, Dunfermline, Edinburgh (St used. Your staff was always Evensong at Westminster Abbey. The tour Giles Cathedral), Aberdeen and positive and patient. Overall, was celebrated with a farewell dinner cruise Lockerbie, and attended a reception in this was the best overseas on the River Thames. their honor given by the Grampian-Hous- tour we have taken.” In the words of John Gearhart, “I ton association. Combining all this with a have received good reports from choristers comprehensive sightseeing schedule Steve Roddy and spouses. I felt our goals to sing in created a tour full of wonderful experi- Director smaller parishes and in major venues were ences, demonstrating how much can be Houston Children’s Chorus totally and successfully accomplished. The St achieved by concentrating on a relatively Paul’s experience was thrilling. We are eager small area and minimizing travel times. to discuss our next tour.”

2 SHORTER On May 10, Spanish composer Javier 1999, the Busto. ACFEA had arranged COLLEGE Shorter College for Señor Busto to stay with CHORALE Chorale (Rome, them for two days doing THRILLS GA) and director workshops, which culmi- Dr John nated in a concert during AUDIENCES Ratledge de- which Dr Ratledge relin- parted ’s quished his baton to his Hartsfield International Airport. This, their guest. Dr Ratledge says, “My second tour with ACFEA, would take favorite city was Zaragoza, them to and while pairing and I will have to return them with several host ensembles in a there. I now rank it with challenging program featuring Brahms’ Prague and Salzburg as my Requiem and Alto Rhapsody and Orff’s top three cities …” Carmina Burana. Staying two nights in Shorter College Chorale performing at Teatro Fortuny in Reus, Spain On their first stop in Madrid, the Barcelona afforded the 80-voice chorus (plus 20 friends and group the chance to per- family) enjoyed three days of sightseeing form in the neighboring city of Reus, and leisure time as well as a spectacular which boasts a spectacular gem of a “I wish I had known about concert of the Brahms pieces in the fa- theatre called the Teatro Fortuny. Here you guys years ago. You are mous Basilica at El Escorial, accompanied they joined with two pianists and percus- a first class operation - we by the Orquesta Academica de Madrid. sion to present Orff’s Carmina Burana. had the best tour I have been As on his first ACFEA tour, Dr Ratledge The theatre management was so thrilled involved with.” took time to rehearse with the orchestra with the performance that it has asked and chorus twice before the perfor- ACFEA to bring more of the same for John Lamkin mance, ensuring that they were exquis- next year. Co-Director itely prepared for the highly appreciative The final six nights of the tour took audience. the choir to France, starting in Lyon Southern California Next the choir traveled to the ca- where they performed an a cappella United Methodist Chorale thedral city of Zaragoza, where they met – continued on page 6, see Shorter

FROM THE VATICAN magnificent Italian Alps. The group then given a special opportunity to participate spent some time in where they in a traditional procession around the TO THE VLTAVA, THE performed a joint concert with the four altars of the Stiftskirche. CHOIR OF WILLIAM Amherst College Glee Club and The choir was truly able to immerse AND MARY EMBARK Women’s Chorus in themselves Bad Gastein, outside in Hungarian ON A CHORAL of Salzburg. culture by JOURNEY Any tour to spending Central Europe is their final After finishing finals and moving out of enhanced by spend- three days the dorms, the Choir of the College of ing a few days in the with families William and Mary (director, Dr James Czech Republic. The from the Armstrong) were ready to embark on an group had a warm Budapest anxiously awaited tour of Europe. For welcome from their community. many, this was a tour of a lifetime, en- hosts in the historic All seventy compassing four countries in three town of Hradec members of weeks. The choir began their tour in Kralove and were the choir Rome, singing a mass in St Peter’s Basilica sponsored by the were as- and then a concert to a full house in the local orchestra to Choir of William and Mary rehearsing in Florence’s duomo signed host lovely town of Ceccano, where they later perform in the main families with enjoyed listening to the music of the local concert hall. In Prague, the choir sang in whom they enjoyed eating home cooked choir. St Nicholas’s Church in the Old Town meals and learning about Hungarian The choir continued north with a Square. The group then attended a pro- home life. After a midday concert in stop in Assisi, and on to Florence where duction of Aida at the Prague Opera Esztergom’s famous basilica, their stay they reveled in a two-hour rehearsal in House and indulged in a dinner cruise culminated with a church concert and a the awe-inspiring duomo before partici- along the Vltava River. warm and joyous farewell celebration of pating in a mass. After experiencing the The many highlights of the tour shared music, food and stories of each Venetian way of life and performing in included singing in some of Austria’s other’s homelands. It was a truly wonder- the Chiesa San Salvador, the choir had a most beautiful and historically important ful way to end a musically rewarding tour day off from singing in the spa town of monasteries: for example, an informal filled with sharing, giving and memories Merano. Here they had a chance to relax concert in Melk Abbey and a mass partici- to last a lifetime. in the spa or take the gondola up into the pation shared with the local choir of the Abbey of Gottweig. There they were

3 ALASKA The Alaska The second impressed CHILDREN Children’s Choir, the choir with a sung directed by Janet welcome, performed by DOWN Stotts, embarked the entire student body UNDER ON this summer on of 800. THEIR THIRD their third tour Melbourne’s with ACFEA, a Iwaki Auditorium, ACFEA TOUR journey to the home to symphonic Land Down Un- and operatic concerts der: Australia and New Zealand. and the Australian Arriving in Australia after 27 hours Broadcasting Corpora- and nearly 10,000 miles in flight from tion, was the venue for Anchorage, the choir began the tour in a marathon concert Sydney, famous for its sparkling harbor, featuring three choirs Massed choirs with conductor Jonathan Griffith present Mozart in Prague friendly ‘g’day’ atmosphere and its one- and an excellent orchestra. The perfor- Monastery and the spa town of of-a-kind opera house. The singers par- mance was enthusiastically received by Frantiskovy Lazne, with a stunning final ticipated in a very successful festival and the 300-strong audience and subse- performance in the Rudolfinum in workshop with Jean Ashworth-Bartle, quently broadcast on the ABC. Prague. Audiences thrilled to the exciting then continued their journey southward After a visit to Cairns, where the performances, and the choir members to Canberra, the capital of Australia. choir both performed in the city concert were overwhelmed with the warm and The Woden Valley Youth Choir series and went snorkeling on the Great enthusiastic response they received at hosted the Alaskans during their stay in Barrier Reef, the group completed their each of the three concerts. the capital, where they most notably tour in Auckland, New Zealand. They Performances were balanced by participated in a joint concert titled sang at the Westlake Girls High School historical sightseeing tours of the city ‘Voices of the Global Village.’ Their indi- and visited the famous Thermal Springs at centres, a dinner cruise in Prague, and a vidual program included music from Whakarewarewa. farewell dinner in the wine region of Palestrina to the highly appropriate sea On their previous tour to Europe in Gumpoldskirchen, plus lots of time for shanty, Heave ho, we’re bound for Aus- 1997, the Alaska Children’s Choir was independent sightseeing, shopping and tralia. The reviewer from the Canberra one of the first groups to use digital pho- sampling of Czech beer. Summed up in Times particularly liked the choir’s presen- tography and internet technology to give the words of Collette Ripley, “The sites, tation of Nukapianguaq, “an evocative live tour updates on the Web. This tour audiences and publicity were outstand- arrangement of Alaskan Inuit chants, an they did the same. Digital pictures and ing. Thanks for something beyond my arresting conclusion to the choir’s indi- reports were uploaded to the choir’s wildest imagination.” vidual program.” website so that parents and friends back Two Australian choirs took part in home could receive ‘virtual postcards’ the program along side the Alaskans. during the tour. The choir’s website may MOZART REQUIEM 2000 The Renae Singers from Tasmania and be found at www.alaska.net/~acc. Based on the success of the 1999 ven- the Woden Valley Youth Choir each sang The choir is planning their next ture, ACFEA is offering ‘Mozart Requiem on their own, then joined together with international tour for 2001. 2000,’ to be held June 26 - July 2 in the Alaskan children for a large scale Karlovy Vary and Prague. This week in work, Ancient Cries, by celebrated Aus- the Czech Republic offers a full musical tralian composer Stephen Leek. Accord- program for balanced or partial choirs ing to the same review, the work “made MOZART IN Members of the seeking to perform Mozart’s Requiem a stirring conclusion to a feast of youthful THE CZECH Eugene Master with orchestra. Hosted by the Karlovy choral singing.” The concert was com- REPUBLIC Chorale (direc- Vary Symphony Orchestra, two perfor- pletely sold-out. tor, Diane Price), mances are scheduled: one in Karlovy Australia has a wealth of natural the Ponca City Vary’s Grand Hotel Pupp, and the other wonders to experience. According to Singers (director, in the Rudolfinum in Prague (subject to Carolyn Chaufty), Voices Northwest (di- one chorister on the trip, the Canberra final confirmation). Rehearsals and per- highlight “was our visit to the Tidbinbilla rector, Ruth Cowan), First Presbyterian formances will be conducted by the Nature Reserve, where we got the chance Church Choir (director, Colette Ripley) to view kangaroos, koalas, emus, and Napa Valley College Chamber Sing- distinguished American conductor, wombats, and other Australian birds and ers (director, Eve-Anne Wilkes), as well as Jonathan Griffith. There will also be animals in their natural, wild state.” several individuals from throughout the leisure time to enjoy the delightful spa Some even took the opportunity to United States, joined forces to create town of Karlovy Vary (Carlsbad) and the cuddle a koala! beautiful music and lasting memories breathtaking city of Prague. For any En route to Melbourne, the choir during nine days in the stunning Czech choirs wishing to extend their stay in stopped in Wagga Wagga for a sell-out capital of Prague, the beautiful spa town Europe, ACFEA would be pleased to concert at St John’s Anglican Church of Marianske Lazne and the culturally rich design a customized itinerary including which was reviewed by the local newspa- centre of Vienna. additional concerts arranged specifically per and culminated in an extended stand- Under the direction of renowned for each ensemble. For more information ing ovation. conductor Jonathan Griffith, the massed on joining ‘Mozart Requiem 2000,’ Emphasizing their educational mis- choir performed Mozart’s Requiem with please contact Christina Teply at (800) sion, director Janet Stotts agreed to present the Virtuosi Pragenses orchestra as part of 886-2055 or [email protected]. the choir in two Melbourne high schools. established concert series in the Kladubry

4 ZAMIR “Dear Suzanne,” they were given a guided tour and had group included the location of kosher or the letter began, the opportunity to sing an a cappella vegetarian restaurants for every meal and CHORALE OF “The Zamir Chorale tribute to those whose lives were so special allowances for strict Sabbath BOSTON of Boston, founded needlessly wasted there. Coincidentally, observance. Chorale members and docu- JOURNEY in 1969, will be a Jewish Music Festival was taking place mentary crew displayed flexibility and marking its 30th in Kraków that weekend and the choir’s understanding regarding the complicated BACK TO Anniversary and the concerts were publicized to all attendees. driving challenges and limited food THEIR 100th anniversary Once in the Czech Republic, the choices they encountered. ACFEA’s local MUSICAL of the first Zamir choir was invited on a special tour of the representatives in all three countries were Chorale, founded Terezin concentration camp, including excited at the opportunity to expand their ROOTS in 1899 in Poland, the opportunity to perform informally at audience base and reach out to new with an Eastern the railroad tracks and in the Hidden venues and contacts in these wonderful European performance tour... a journey Synagogue, which are not normally vis- cities. And the members of the Zamir back to our musical roots.” Thus began a ited by the public. Their concert that Chorale had the chance to stretch them- two-year project to reunite the current evening was preceded by a talk from a selves in ways they had never expected. singing members of Director this nationally rec- Joshua Jacobson ognized Jewish writes: “Overall, the chorus, directed by tour was an amaz- Joshua Jacobson, ing experience, with their counter- earth-shattering, parts in Poland, the life-changing. This Czech Republic and turned out to be Austria. On June more than a concert 27, participants of tour. And more the 53-member than an anniversary group and a 6- celebration. The person documen- audiences were tary film crew from unbelievably de- Spy Pond Produc- monstrative. They tions departed Bos- wouldn’t stop clap- ton on flights to ping! The venues Warsaw to begin were inspiring. their odyssey. Alina was wonder- The itinerary ful. The bus was included stops in fine (except when it the Polish cities of broke down). John Warsaw, ⁄Lódz and and Herbert were Kraków, as well as terrific. The mayor the Czech and Aus- St Agnes Academy and Strake Jesuit Chamber Singers at the National Museum of the Renaissance in of ⁄Lódz gave us trian capitals of Chateau d’Ecouen (outside Paris ) where they performed during their March tour of France and England such a warm wel- Prague and Vienna. come. The pacing In Warsaw, ACFEA had contacted the former resident of the camp. was perfect. Many tears flowed on this American Embassy staff, who were only More personal interaction took trip! For the right reasons.” Everyone too happy to offer assistance with a con- place when members of the Women’s involved is eagerly awaiting the comple- cert in the Jewish State Theater, where International Zionist Organization re- tion of the documentary film. the invited audience included foreign quested a meeting ministers and dignitaries of every kind. In at the Jewish Town ⁄Lódz, the original home of the first Zamir Hall in Prague, and “There is something very special about being an Chorale, the choir wanted to visit any their concert in the American choir concertizing in Europe during remaining sites from the Zamir Chorale’s famous Spanish beginnings. In preparation for this, the Synagogue was the summer months. Unlike our own country, documentary film crew had contacted filled to overflowing. Europeans embrace us with their own brand of members of the original chorale who And finally, a con- warmth, hospitality and appreciation. The trick were living in the United States. Further nection with the is finding venues to make that indeed happen. information came from documents un- Cantor of Vienna’s ACFEA is the leader in that regard. I wouldn’t earthed by the ⁄Lódz Council and local oldest synagogue even think of undergoing a tour without them Jewish organizations. The visit to ⁄Lódz culminated in a guiding and leading us to choral heaven.” ultimately included an official mayoral festive concert and Marcia Giambrone welcome, a guided tour and an evening reception with Director concert in the ⁄Lódz Culture House that members of that met with resounding applause. city’s Jewish com- Buffalo Choral Arts On July 1, the choir traveled to munity. Kraków by way of the Auschwitz- Travel ar- Birkenau concentration camp, where rangements for the

5 HAWAI’I ‘Aloha’ does cessful afternoon performance at the Hawai’i Youth Opera Chorus and Ka not literally Luxembourg Gardens, a cultural music Waiola enjoyed the delightful hospitality BREEZES translate into exchange at the Russian Embassy (includ- of their homestay hosts, whilst participat- THROUGH Italian, French, ing ensembles from Russia and France), ing in several folk song, dance and solo EUROPE Welsh, Dutch or and sightseeing excursions to the Musée competitions, performing in nearby even English for d’Orsay, the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, the towns, and making excursions to that matter, but Palace of Versailles, Monet’s Garden in Chester, Stratford-upon-Avon and ask anyone in Italy, France, Wales or the Giverny, and a river cruise on the Seine to Warwick Castle. Though no prizes were Netherlands who had the good fortune view this magnificent ‘City of Light’ illumi- won, they left Llangollen with very fond to cross paths with two Hawai’ian choirs nated at night. In keeping with the oper- memories and many new friends. this summer if he knows the meaning of atic theme, these busy travelers also However, the flavor of international this word and he will surely music and exchange smile and answer, “Yes, on this tour did not Hawai’i Youth Opera Chorus end just yet. One and Ka Waiola.” Both directed more flight returned by Nola Nahulu, the estab- the choirs to the lished Hawai’i Youth Opera Continent - Chorus and the newer Ka Rotterdam to be Waiola o Na¯ Pu¯ kanileo (com- exact, host city for prising Hawai’i Youth Opera the 5th IFCM World Chorus alumni and other Symposium on Cho- select members) combined ral Music. Over 50 forces to bring their marvelous countries were repre- song, dance and aloha spirit to sented by visiting enraptured audiences choirs and for two throughout Europe. days the groups Their journey began at enjoyed a full sched- the Honolulu airport, as the ule of IFCM concerts choirs checked in for their first and workshops. The flight to San Francisco, where last day of the tour they had a half-day layover was spent in and time enough for a morn- Amsterdam and ing excursion to “The City.” nearby Vlaardingen, This was only a warm-up for where they pre- the next leg of the journey: a sented their final long flight to Milan with an performance. afternoon layover, which Bellevue First Congregational Church Chancel Choir in the Cappilla Real, Aranjuez, Spain. Enriched and granted time for a guided tour The choir from Washington State performed in Portugal and Spain on a 17-day springtime tour. contented, Hawai’i of La Scala, a site of historical Youth Opera Chorus significance to their operatic background. found time to see a performance of Don and Ka Waiola returned home to the island Later that evening, they boarded their Carlo at the newly renovated Opera of Oahu after a long but rewarding journey flight to Marseille, arriving at their final Bastille. – valuable as much as for what they saw destination 36 hours after departing Another flight brought the choirs to and heard abroad, as for the lesson of Honolulu. Great Britain, where the next chapter of ‘aloha’ they so charmingly taught. They slept well that night – and their journey unfolded in Llangollen, awoke to the beauty of the South of Wales, at the 53rd Llangollen Interna- France. Following a morning excursion to tional Musical Eisteddfod. For five nights, – Shorter, continued from page 3 Aix-en-Provence, the young singers from program in the crypt of Lyon’s cathedral Hawai’i Youth Opera Chorus met their to a very warm reception, and ending in host families from the choir of the Paris, the ‘City of Light.’ Here, despite a Maitrise Gabriel Fauré in Marseille who “ACFEA has once again strike of the French museum workers that would look after them for the next two proved itself to be an astute prevented their visit to the Louvre, the nights and host a memorable joint con- and enviable tour/concert choir took advantage of their copious cert in the Eglise Sainte Marguerite. producer. We were over- leisure time to explore monuments and As at the beginning of their tour, whelmingly pleased and churches, as well as to visit the Palace of the groups continued to cover a lot of excited as we performed in Versailles. The final concert, in the fa- ground in a short time. Before departing some of what must be the mous Madeleine church, featured the for Paris, the choirs traveled to Monaco local Academie de l’Ile St Louis orchestra most impressive and loveli- for an afternoon of sightseeing, then which joined them for the Brahms. The est venues in France.” returned to France and the stunningly reserved French audience responded perched village of Peillon, north of Nice. Dennis Keller uncharacteristically with thundering ap- In its town square, the mayor hosted their Director plause and repeated requests for encores. second performance, after which they Dr Ratledge writes: “Our trip was dined in Peillon’s wonderful - and only - Ohlone Chamber Singers wonderful, and I so enjoyed all of the cities restaurant. we visited … You know that I enjoy working It was on to Paris then, with a suc- with you and will do so again …”

6 THE PACIFIC The Pacific North- monwealth Pool. west – beautiful, “I have never been on The following day was busy with NORTHWEST mountainous, singing: first at Centennial Square, where GREETS SAN such a well run and well verdant, spar- organized tour.” the choir was delighted to perform the DIEGO kling, cosmopoli- kick-off concert for Victoria’s ‘Summer in tan and yes, wet – Don Brinegar the Square’ concert series, which lasts CHILDREN even during sum- Director throughout the summer; and later that mer months, when one is likely to plan a evening, when SDCC joined the Youth concert tour. This did not deter the San Pasadena Choir 61 in concert at St John the Divine Diego Children’s Choir (director, Polly City College Church. Campbell), who traveled in June through Chamber Choir It was then off to Coquitlam, a Seattle, Victoria, Coquitlam, Vancouver town just south of Vancouver, where the and Issaquah, and enjoyed “one of our choir of the Coastal Sound Music Acad- best tours ever.” Spectacular,’ a concert hosted by the emy would host them for the next three The choir left San Diego early on a Seattle Children’s Chorus, and including nights. In conjunction with the White Saturday and arrived in Seattle with the Alaska Youth Choir, also on tour at Rock Children’s Choir, who were hosting plenty of time for a rehearsal, lunch and this time. Before departing for Victoria, the Alaska Youth Choir, the Coastal an Underground tour, which revealed the the San Diego group enjoyed a full day of Sound Music Academy presented an more dubious beginnings of the city of sightseeing, which included a visit to the evening concert featuring five children’s Seattle before Microsoft, Starbucks, REI, locks, Space Needle, Pike Place Market, choirs! It was a great night of music, Boeing and Benaroya Hall took over to and an excursion to Blake Island to par- camaraderie and coordination. lend poise and prestige to this striking city take in a traditional native salmon-bake. While visiting Vancouver the fol- on Elliott Bay. As the choir arrived in Victoria, they lowing day, the California group joined All ready for Sunday, the San Diego were greeted by host families from the the congregation at Christ Church Cathe- Children’s Choir was warmly welcomed Youth Choir 61, a district honor choir who dral in celebration of morning services, at St Mark’s Cathedral, where they par- would be looking after them for the next then went on to see the Capilano Sus- ticipated in morning services and experi- three nights. At one of the local schools’ pension Bridge (the longest in the world), enced the renowned beauty and invitation, San Diego Children’s Choir per- Grouse Mountain, and Stanley Park (by acoustics of this building, which still con- formed during an assembly the following bicycle!). tinues to be improved through renova- morning to a large and appreciative group The tour ended in Issaquah, a tion. Later that afternoon, the San Diego of youngsters, then headed off to Butchart charming town east of Seattle, popular with Children’s Choir was one of three en- Gardens for a tour, followed by tea. Upon outdoor enthusiasts. The choir had an op- sembles featured in ‘A Children’s Choir returning to Victoria that afternoon, they portunity to relax and enjoy some of the enjoyed a short guided tour of the town, recreational activities for which the Pacific Northwest is justly renowned. Fortune was Buffalo State Chamber Choir during their then joined their host families in the evening for a wonderful night swim at the Com- with them throughout the tour – and tour of Spain weather did not threaten the planned excur- sion to Snoqualmie Falls, the hike on Tiger Mountain, or the outdoor evening concert in front of the Issaquah Community Center, which brought local friends and families out to barbecue dinner and enjoy the show of the San Diego Children’s Choir. Now, that’s a Pacific Northwest summer night!

“This last trip was the best ever. The experiences in Vienna, Salzburg, and Venice were fantastic. We had the luxury of two great nights in Lake Garda and Lake Como. Audiences were wonderful. The group felt inspired from this experience. We’re ready to talk about the next tour!” Henley Denmead Director Hartford Chorale

7 MONTEVERDI It had long ducing a group well rested and well pre- group of the singers offered madrigals by IN ITALY AND been a dream pared by the time of their first concert, in him and Gesualdo in the courtyard of the of Paul Lecco’s duomo. hotel, finding as ever that sparkling wine CROATIA Vorwerk, direc- A lunch and museum stop in the worked miracles on their sight-reading tor of the Santa violin city of Cremona broke the journey prowess. Funny how Gesualdo never Cruz Chorale (California), to take his en- to Mantua, one of two places on the goes quite where you expect... semble to sing the music of Monteverdi in itinerary strongly linked with Monteverdi. In Venice, the concert was given in the composer’s homeland. This wish Paul Vorwerk had constructed a setting the Basilica dei Frari, an intimidating place began to be fulfilled when, on July 10, a of the Vespers as might have been sung for any group because of its reverberant group of 47 singers, instrumentalists and on the Feast of St John the Baptist, com- acoustics, but especially so for a group supporters boarded Alitalia’s new non- plete with versicles and antiphons. It was singing the music of a man buried 50 feet performed from where they were performing. How- without a ever, an appreciative audience, perhaps break, with conveying Monteverdi’s tacit approval of the audience the performance, tamed the acoustics by asked to hold their very presence and made the evening its applause a highlight of the tour. until the end, The group then left Italy for so as to repli- Croatia. This leg of the tour had been in cate as much some jeopardy during the military action as possible in Serbia but the group, working closely the atmo- with ACFEA, wisely elected to postpone sphere of a any decision until the last minute, by service. In the which time it was apparent to everyone’s beautiful satisfaction that there were no unusual church of risks associated with travel there. What Santa Maria they found was a stunning country, with del Gradaro, very friendly people, low prices, beautiful with the cities, fine churches and a spectacular resident nuns coastline. They gave concerts in Zadar making their and Split, and spent two nights in Santa Cruz Chorale performing in Zadar, Croatia entrance Dubrovnik, enjoying what is certainly one from the of Europe’s most attractive cities. stop service from San Francisco to Milan. cloisters as the first notes were sung, it A final night in Rome, complete The first stop was the Castello di was not hard for audience and perform- with a glowing sunset behind St Peter’s Casiglio, a hotel created from a castle in ers alike to be swept away by the occa- Basilica and an equally glowing farewell glorious countryside between Lecco and sion. dinner, ended the chorale’s first venture Como. This was the perfect setting for The spirit of Monteverdi seemed to to Europe. The sequel is already being rehearsals and recovery from jet-lag, pro- have been especially pervasive here: a planned.

– Choraliers, continued from page 1 his retirement party as a State University Long Beach Chamber symbol of the many fine Choir (director, Lynn Bielefelt) and the groups he had hosted Hawai’i Youth Opera Chorus (director, over the years. Nola Nahulu). In addition to this Before arriving in Rotterdam, the music-making, the group group had given performances in Perugia, had time to visit Rome, Pisa, Vevey, Strasbourg, Rothenburg and Assisi, Milan, Heidelberg Aachen. The Perugia concert was part of and Cologne, experienc- the International Choir Festival, the one in ing the sights, sounds and Pisa was under the auspices of UNESCO, food of five European and the Aachen concert, part of the Sum- countries. With the expe- mer Festival, was to benefit the cathedral. rienced eye of Dr Two of the performances had strong per- Archibeque looking over sonal connections: in Vevey, some of the the itinerary throughout Choraliers were invited to stay in the homes the planning stage, all this of Dr Archibeque’s friends, who worked was accomplished in 19 with ACFEA to ensure an enjoyable, Swiss days in a leisurely but experience, more personal than is always experience-packed style. possible without a prior connection; and in As she said, “This was our best trip ever! Had a Rothenburg, the parish priest (a friend of San Jose State University Choraliers under the influence of the ACFEA’s for many years) was retiring, and wonderful time.” Leaning Tower of Pisa the Choraliers were invited to participate in

8 THE ST LOUIS The St Louis tone, when he lurched Women’s Cho- suddenly in their direction, WOMEN’S rale, directed by causing pandemonium. CHORALE Susan McMane, Fortunately, they had a MAKE THEIR recently com- good sense of humor pleted their first about it. MARK AT European tour. A particular treat LLANGOLLEN They chose the was a drive through fabu- British Isles, tour- lously scenic Snowdonia ing England and Wales, and an abun- National Park in Wales, an dance of musical highlights made the enormous preserve of tour an unparalleled success. The 40- beautiful rolling green voice women’s choir appeared on a mountains, dotted by noon-time concert series in London (St grazing sheep and bloom- Katherine Cree Church), performed two ing heather. Like the gor- joint concerts with male voice choirs (The geous scenery, the people Fairwater Male Choir and the award- of Wales were beautiful in winning Caernarfon Male Voice Choir), spirit and displayed their and performed a concert at Radford Road famous Welsh hospitality Church in Leamington Spa, near at every turn. Warwick. A culinary and cul- The highlight of the tour and the tural adventure was a centerpiece of the trip was competing in medieval banquet in the the Llangollen International Musical great hall at Ruthin Castle. Eisteddfod in Wales. One of only nine St Louis Women’s Chorale at the Albert Memorial, London Dining with the ‘court’ choirs in the world chosen to compete in included drinking mead, the Female Choir division, the St Louis sipping Welsh cawl from a Women’s Chorale placed third – quite an bers even found an unexpected opportu- wooden bowl, and eating lamb chops achievement. The Eisteddfod was a won- nity to play his Irish drum with an Irish using only knife and hands (napkins in- derful opportunity to obtain valuable band. A number of Irish musicians and cluded), while being entertained by sing- critical feedback from an international dancers threw an impromptu dancing ers and dancers in medieval costume. panel of esteemed judges. They were party in the hospitality tent, and after Another highlight was touring the castles particularly proud of being complimented gaining a few crucial pointers from a of Cardiff and Caernarfon. Cardiff Castle on their French language by a French group elder, he was invited to ‘gig’ with dates back to Roman times, and has been judge! It was also a delightful chance to them. re-built in several periods. Caernarfon is hear, see and socialize with the finest The women of this choir, however, primarily a Norman structure and is the choirs and dancers from all over the would never go all the way to the British world. The son of one of the choir mem- Isles without taking advantage of the wealth of English and Welsh sights to “After returning from see. Utilizing any my second tour organized and all bits of by ACFEA, I just want to time in a musi- thank you for a most cally active itiner- enjoyable trip! ary, the group Accommodations, experienced food, courier, venues much of what and audiences were all London and outstanding. Thanks Wales have to for caring about the offer. They took details that make for two days in Lon- a great tour!” don as soon as they arrived to Susan McMane take in the sights Fort Wayne Children’s Choir posing in front of Castle Shrewsbury with fellow Director and mingle with participants of the 21st Shrewsbury International Music Festival the locals. After a St Louis Women’s Chorale coach tour of the major sights, they set place where the Princes of Wales are off in small groups to see what interested crowned, even to this day. them most. Scott Schoonover, the The St Louis Women’s Chorale had a group’s accompanist, managed convinc- marvelous experience for their first foray into ingly to impersonate a waxwork at Ma- international touring. Memories of the dame Tussaud’s. A group of Japanese Eisteddfod and lovely Welsh people will live tourists was admiring his life-like skin long in their hearts and minds.

9 ACFEA THOMAS AINGER is an pations resulted in extensive travel London office prior to joining the Austra- Operations Manager in throughout Europe and the US. She has lian office on her return in 1992. OVERSEAS London. A graduate of performed on clarinet with several orches- RICHARD SAVAGE, Managing Director of STAFF Leeds University, he tras and now lives in Barcelona, publish- ACFEA Europe, has been with the organi- has worked as Choral ing a monthly English guide to the city. zation since 1970. He graduated from Courses Organiser for the Royal School of ELFRIEDE LEIMER-RIZZOTTI is the Regional Oxford University, where he sang in Church Music, for Gamma International Representative in Italy. Although born in Christ Church Cathedral Choir. He still as Tour Manager for ballet companies Austria, Friede has been ACFEA’s consult- maintains his professional singing career, and orchestras, and as Orchestral Man- ant in Italy since 1983. Before joining being a permanent member of the ager for The Hanover Band. ACFEA, she worked for the Austrian Monteverdi Choir since 1971 and of the KATRINA ALLEN is an Operations Manager diplomatic service. Gabrieli and Taverner Consorts amongst in London. Her studies of French and many others. SYLVIA MARIN, ACFEA’s Representative in Spanish at Manchester University have France, is based in Paris. She graduated JOHN TREGELLAS is ACFEA’s Regional led her to work and travel in France, from Georgia State University with a Representative in Central Europe. Based Spain and Mexico. Katrina is a in Prague since 1990, he works pianist and has sung with vari- regularly with major concert pro- ous choral groups in the UK, moters in the Czech Republic. A France and Spain. modern languages graduate from ELISABETH CAWOOD is an Opera- the University of Oxford, he speaks tions Manager in London. She fluent Czech, German, French and studied Italian and music at Hebrew. His concert credits as a London University before work- baritone with the Kühn Mixed Choir ing in the travel business in include performances with Vladimir Switzerland. She has worked as Ashkenazy, Sir George Solti and Sir a press officer and on the ad- Charles Mackerras. ministration of the Consort of DON WHITBREAD, ACFEA’s General Musicke and its associated re- Manager for Australia and New cording company. She speaks Zealand, conducts diverse choirs, German and Italian and, as a musical theater and church music. singer and violinist, has per- He founded and for 28 years di- formed with choirs and orches- rected the Woden Valley Youth tras in Italy and Britain. Choir, who toured Australia, North TRICIA GEORGE is Head of Opera- ACFEA staff at the Bach Museum in Eisenach, Germany America, UK, Europe, New Zealand tions in London. Before joining and Japan. A teacher, then senior ACFEA in 1979, Tricia worked degree in business administration before public servant with the Prime for the British Government Bureau deal- moving to France. Since then, she has Minister’s Department, Don received the ing with international exchanges. Edu- been involved in organizing music tours Medal of the Order of Australia for ser- cated at Aberdeen University, she has and accompanying groups throughout vice to music in 1980 and was Canberra’s traveled exten- the Mediterranean area using her linguis- Citizen of the Year in 1997. He has been sively in Europe tic skills. associated with ACFEA since 1981. and North “This was a won- OLGA YEMELYANOVA, ACFEA’s Represen- America. derful tour and SUE PETER, ACFEA’s Representative for experience.” Germany, has a varied background in tative in Russia, is based in St Petersburg. MATTHEW travel administration and has worked for She attended a specialist music school, GROCUTT is an Joe Miller the British Tourist Authority and the has a diploma in English and German Operations Conductor Welsh Tourist Board. Now living in Berlin, education and is presently pursuing post- graduate studies in linguistics. Before Manager in CSU Stanislaus she sings with the Wilmersdorf Ensemble London. A joining ACFEA, she taught English at a Concert Chorale ‘Kissi Choir’. graduate of high school and at Herzen University. She Leeds Univer- SVETLANA PETROVSKAYA, ACFEA’s is actively involved in music-making, and sity, he has Moscow Representative, graduated in is a keen American square- and worked in the music touring industry geography from the Moscow Pedagogical contradancer. since 1992. He maintains an active musi- Institute. She studied piano as a child, and cal interest as a freelance trumpet player. is a keen music fan. Her interests include international relations, travel and meeting TONY HASTINGS is European Projects people. “A wonderful experience for Director. He is a graduate of Sussex Uni- all of us. I will continue to use versity and has worked in the music pub- JENNY RUSSELL, ACFEA’s Assistant Man- ACFEA whenever possible.” lishing industry with Oxford University ager in Canberra, plays flute and sings. She has performed with various choirs in Press. Tony has also run his own music Jess Wade Canberra and London, including store and booking agency. He currently Director sings with the Bath Camerata. Canberra’s Rhythm Syndicate and the Woden Valley Youth Choir with whom Century Singers ESTHER JONES is the ACFEA Representa- she toured the USA and Japan. A gradu- Texas A&M University tive in Spain. Born in England, her foreign ate of the University of Canberra, Jenny is language studies and subsequent occu- a legal secretary. She worked in ACFEA’s

10 ACFEA HUGH DAVIES is Man- aging Director of SEATTLE NEW YORK NORTH ACFEA North Charles Hawk Robyn Goldstein AMERICAN America, based in the Kenneth Noreen Suzanne Robbins San Francisco office. Mark Powell (800) 886-6995 (914) 631-0660 STAFF David Wert Suite 5, 19 N. Broadway Born in England, he Tarrytown, NY 10591 has a master’s degree (800) 886-3355 (425) 776-3273 from Cambridge, where he sang at 120 Second Ave. S. Edmonds, WA 98020 King’s College under Sir David Willcocks. Hugh sang professionally in Europe, in- cluding with the Monteverdi Choir, be- fore teaching music in Australia. He now performs as a soloist and with several professional ensembles in the Bay Area. ROBYN GOLDSTEIN is a Tour Manager in the New York office. After graduating with a degree in psychology from Boston University, she lived in London and trav- eled extensively in Europe and Asia. A woodwind and keyboard player, her first touring experience was as solo clarinetist with her high school orchestra in Spain; more recently, she has played in several musicals in Boston and at ’s The- ater on the Lake. SAN FRANCISCO Hugh Davies CHARLES HAWK is Business Advisor of Christina Teply ACFEA North America. Charles has been Noelle Tsigounis a travel consultant since graduating from (800) 886-2055 (415) 453-6619 California State University in 1972 and 1567 Fourth St. has been specializing in music tours since San Rafael, CA 94901 1980. He is a Certified Travel Counselor and has traveled to all areas of the world both with groups and as an individual. KENNETH NOREEN is Artistic Advisor of music from Wellesley College and spent lived in London and traveled extensively ACFEA North America. He recently retired her youth traveling extensively in Europe throughout Europe, the Middle East, after 30 years with the Shoreline School and South America. Before joining Australia, China, Guatemala, South Africa District in Seattle, serving most of which ACFEA, Suzanne managed the booking and the USA. An active musician in the as Band Director at Shorecrest High division of Performing Arts Consultants in Bay Area, Noelle has sung with the San School. Ken is a Past President of the Boston. Suzanne has sung with such Francisco Concert Chorale, conducted Washington Music Educators Association ensembles as the Dessoff Choirs, the the Marin Youth Chorus Les Etoiles, and and traveled with his band to Europe ten New York Choral Society and the Up- is currently performing with the California times since 1966. He holds a master’s town Sound. She is currently a member Bach Society. degree in music education and is cur- of the Blue Hill Troupe. DAVID WERT, Tour Manager, is based in the rently Director of Bands at Shoreline CHRISTINA TEPLY is a Tour Manager based Seattle office. A native of Pennsylvania, he is Community College. in the California office. Born in San Fran- the former Executive Officer of the Armed MARK POWELL has been a Tour Manager cisco, she graduated from the University Forces School of California, San Diego, with a degree in of Music in in the Seattle office since 1993. After “Wonderful tour.” earning his degree in vocal music from French, and has worked with ACFEA Norfolk, VA. Seattle Pacific University, Mark moved to since 1992. Her travels include study As a director Dennis Coleman England where he managed the National abroad programs in France and Central of US Navy Conductor Youth Choir of Great Britain. He then America, competitive tours throughout Bands, he has Europe with a track team, and trips to performed in Bellevue First lived in francophone , touring Congregational and performing throughout Europe while Russia, China, Australia and New and con- Church Chancel working for the International Federation Zealand. Currently, Christina sings with ducted musi- for Choral Music. Mark is currently finish- the Marin Master Chorale. cal ensembles Choir in over 30 ing a master’s degree in musicology and NOELLE TSIGOUNIS is Special Projects is active in church music as a chanter, countries, Manager and has been with ACFEA since including many in South America, Africa, conductor and arranger. He currently 1992. Having worked in the Seattle and performs in two professional choirs: the Asia and the Far East. David had choral New York offices, Noelle now calls the training from an early age and is an accom- Tudor Choir in Seattle and Cappella San Francisco office home. A native of Romana in Portland. plished performer on piano, contemporary New York, Noelle earned her degree in keyboard and trumpet. He currently per- SUZANNE ROBBINS is a Tour Manager in vocal performance from the State Univer- forms freelance in the Seattle area. the New York office. She has a degree in sity of New York at Geneseo. She has

11 UNIVERSITY Taking advan- hosted by the local university, which In the words of director David tage of fewer shares a program with the University of Harman, “(Concert) sites were excellent. I OF ROCHESTER tourists and Rochester. There, the orchestra partici- am very pleased with the service of ACFEA. CHAMBER excellent con- pated in a seminar at the musical lyceum There is no reason to even consider another ORCHESTRA cert opportuni- and performed a concert in the local tour company for our future tours. ties, the parish church of San Domenico. Bravissimi!” ENJOY THE University of The orchestra continued its journey ROAD LESS Rochester with a stay in Lucca, a former ancient Ro- TRAVELED Chamber Or- man colony, and a charming arts centre. In chestra (direc- addition to excursions to Florence and Pisa tor, David Harman) spent the better part for sightseeing, the orchestra traveled to of two weeks touring the road less trav- Barga, where they performed a concert as eled in Northern Italy this past May. Stay- part of an orchestral series at the beautiful ing in some of the smaller, less known 19th century Teatro dei Differenti. towns (while sightseeing in the major The next stop was the bustling city cities) afforded the orchestra excellent of Bologna, a major cultural center and concert opportunities as part of a local university town. Here, the orchestra en- series in each place. joyed local sightseeing as well as an ex- The tour kicked off in the stunning cursion to the city of Ravenna, renowned town of Arezzo, where the orchestra was for its superb mosaics from the Byzantine period. From Bologna, the orchestra traveled to Cento, where it performed as part of an educational concert series for local high school students. The perfor- “The tour was perfect mance took place in the stunning 19th from beginning to end.” century Teatro Borgatti, which is often called a miniature La Scala, and was fol- David Wilson lowed by a pizza party for the orchestra Conductor members. Camerata Singers The last destination was Dueville, a of Long Beach small town located near Vicenza, in the heart of Andrea Palladio’s famous Palladian Villas. From Dueville, the orchestra traveled to Venice for a day of sightseeing, and then performed a concert in the Teatro Busnelli in Members of Cappella Cantorum enjoying Dueville, sponsored by the local council. Positano, Italy

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