This year, Gustavus Choir students are spending their January-Interim experience touring England and France. The trip is designed for parents, friends, and Gustavus alumni to visit sites in England and Paris while also having the opportunity to attend performances by the Choir. The tour began Jan. 16 and will end on Jan. 31.
The annual tour is part of G-Choir’s course study of performance. Choir members study the history and culture of the areas they travel. Since its founding in 1933, touring has been a tradition of the G-Choir. They began the international tour in 1967 and that opportunity has been offered every four years since. Past trips include: South Africa in 1999, Italy in 2002, and Spain and Portugal in 2007.
As previously mentioned, trip was not just for students in G-Choir. Friends, family, and others could accompany the singers on the tour, which was arranged by Seminars International. Cost of the tour was approximately $5,435 per person, based on double occupancy. Seminars International provides access to all kinds of vacation destinations. For more information, visit their website at Seminar International Travel online.
This is the choir’s first tour through Britain and France. The Choir and its members will present their 2015 program in some of the finest cathedrals and concert venues in Europe. During this tour, the G-Choir will perform eight concerts over sixteen days. The first concert was held at St. Paul’s Cathedral in London, England on Jan. 19 and the final concert will be at L’église de la Madeleine in Paris, France on Jan. 30.
During the first two weeks of J-Term, the Choir members prepared for the tour with morning classes with Professor of English, Joyce Sutphen and rehearsals twice a day. Sutphen lead the course covering the literature of the cultures as well as history, current events, politics, and language of the countries toured.
To help promote the G-Choir and the tour, Ireland’s Choralscape radio’s Jan. 5 broadcast included a recording of the Choir performing Jaakko Mäntyjärvi’s “Double Double Toil & Trouble,” which was from the ACDA performance in Feb. 2014. On Jan. 18, BBC Radio in Wales broadcasted selections from the Choir’s most recent recording, “Be With Us,” as well as a live interview of Dr. Gregory Aune and a member of the Choir.
Dr. Aune, Associate Professor of Music at Gustavus and newly appointed Jon and Anita Thomsen Young Distinguished Endowed Chair in Music, is the Conductor of the G-Choir and accompanied the students on the tour.
After returning to the U.S., the G-Choir will present its annual Home Concert in Christ Chapel on Saturday, February 14 at 7:30 p.m. This concert is open to the public and admission is free.
-Kim Krulish