The Santa Barbara City College Concert Choir's second performance during their 2008 Performance Tour to Ireland took place at the church of St. Augustine in Cork. The 40+ singers under the direction of Nathan Kreitzer were invited to participate in the Polish Mass at St. Augustine's Church along with the resident choir and then presented a short program afterwards. The audience of at least 800 during mass - many remained for the concert - rewarded the singers with lots of applause and standing ovations. The spirituals "Shout Glory!" and "Soon Ah Will Be Done!" were audience favorites and moved several to tears of joy. The following commentary is taken from the SBCC Ireland Tour Bl
og written by Elizabeth Bowman: "Looking out at what was probably 1,000 faces was surprising, as was their applause. It's not clear what parishioners knew about us ahead of time -- the priest explained in Polish who we were at the outset of the service -- or even if they understood the words of the songs, but the tears we witnessed and kisses some received spoke volumes. It was exhilarating and moving and we can't wait to sing more."If it hadn't been for the European Championship Match of Poland vs. Germany which sta
rted only shortly after the performance, the choir would have not been allowed to bid farewell with only one encore. Both the Polish and the Irish Priest at St. Augustine's Church thanks SBCC for perform in their church and for the people in Cork. "Your brought us a most wonderful gift with your music. So many aspects of our lives can be improved through music, it warms the heart, the soul and brings people closer together. Thank you very very much for coming to Cork."
