"Tog Mi Spirad" - Riverside City College Chamber Singers sing at St. Bartholomew in Dublin on July 5 at 12.45 pm

"Tog mi Spirad" - is the theme of the Riverside City College Chamber Singers' 2009 Performance Tour to Ireland & Wales.
After singing at the American Embassy in Dublin as the featured guest choir for the Independence Day celebrations, the choir under the direction of Mr. John Byun is presenting its first formal concert on Sunday, July 5 at 12.45 pm at the Parish Church of St. Bartholomew - one of the prime venues in the Irish capital.
The beautiful church of St Bartholomew's, Clyde Road, was consecrated in 1867. Many of its original features are intact, such as the sanctuary mosaics and the elaborate wrought iron choir screen. The architect was Thomas Wyat. The church has always been known for its High Anglican liturgical tradition.
Since its consecrating about 130 years ago, St Bartholomew's Church in Dublin has maintained a tradition of choral services, and remains one of the few churches in Ireland that continues to do so. The gentlemen and boys sing at the 11:00am Sung Eucharist each Sunday, as well as on major festivals throughout the Church year. In addition, a choir of girl choristers was inaugurated in 2003, singing Evensong every second Sunday. The choir's repertoire is fully representative of the major styles of choral music from the sixteenth century up to the present day.
Prior to their performance, the Riverside City College Chamber Singers were invited to meet and rehearse with the resident Elgin Chorale that presents the Solemn Eucharist at 11 with "Missa de Sancta Maria Magdelene" by Willan and Bruckner's "Os justi meditabitur".
The theme of the RCC 2009 Incantato Tour "Tog mi Spirad" is Gaelic for "Lift my Spirit" which nicely sums up the repertoire comprised of works from both American and European composers that the singers from Riverside, California have prepared both for the tour as well as their participation the International Music Eistedfodd in Llangollen.
On Monday, July 6, the Riverside City College Chamber Singers, are performing at Christchurch Cathedral in Dublin. The lunchtime concert begins at 1.15 pm.

For more information, please click on the following links:
St. Bartholomew Parish
Christchurch Chathedral
Dublin Events

SCS Touring Choir concludes Incantato Performance Tour as featured guest choir for High Mass at St. John's Co-Cathedral

Malta's most prestigious church, St. john's Co-Cathedral in the capital city of Valetta, was the perfect setting for the finale performance of the 2009 SCS Incantato Tour to Sicily and Malta. The singers from Akron, Ohio were the featured guest choir for High Mass on Saturday, July 4 at 6 pm and they 43 students not only sang to a full house, but also moved Monsignor Mifsud, the rector of the cathedral, with their presentation. "I would like to thank you for singing here today and as a musician myself, I appreciate your presentation probably even more so than the others", the Priest said after the mass concluded and even allowed an encore: The spiritual "Go Where I Send Thee!" can be seen and listened to in this recording.

Day 2 of the Riverside City College Chamber Singers Performance Tour to Ireland and Wales 2009: First gig at the US Embassy in Dublin

Before going to the US Ambassador Rooney's residence, the Riverside City College Chamber Singers stopped by St. Patrick's Cathedral and sang a few pieces for a warm-up.

Riverside City College Chamber Singers celebrating with US Ambassador Rooney, the owner of the Pittsburg Steelers, at his new residence in Dublin.

SCS Touring Choir Sings Evening Mass at St. John's Co-Cathedral on July 4 at 6 pm

What a better way to celebrate the 4th of July when traveling abroad than performing in the most prestigious venue of the country. The SCS Touring Choir presents its sixth and finale performance of their 2009 Incantato Tour to Siclíly and Malta at 6 pm in Valetta.

St John’s Co-Cathedral is a gem of Baroque art and architecture. It was built as the temple of the Knights of St. John. The severe exterior of the Cathedral, built immediately after the ending of the Great Siege of 1565, is reminiscent of a military fort The Grand Masters and several knights donated gifts of high artistic value and made enormous contributions to enrich it with only the best works of art. This church is till this very day an important shrine and a sacred place of worship. The Church was designed by the Maltese military architect Glormu Cassar who designed several of the more prominent buildings in Valletta.

The painting depicting The Beheading of Saint John the Baptist (1608) by Caravaggio (1571-1610) is the most famous work in the church. Considered one of Caravaggio's masterpieces and the only painting signed by the painter, the canvas is displayed in the Oratory for which it was painted. Restored in the late 1990's in Florence, this painting is one of Caravaggio's most impressive uses of the chiaroscuro style for which he is most famous with a circle of light illuminating the scene of St John's beheading at the request of Salome. The oratory also houses Caravaggio's St Jerome III (1607–1608).

"Compliments for a wonderful event" - Joined Benefit Concert by SCS Touring Choir and Schola Cantorum Jubilate in Gozo a huge success for all

The SCS Touring Choir explored the island of Gozo as part of their 2009 Incantato Performance Tour to the islands of Sicily and Malta on July 3. The day full of educational yet fun sightseeing concluded with a highlight performance in the National Shrine of Ta' Pinu to a large and appreciative audience.
Incantato Tours presented the concert in collaboration with the Gozitan Choir Schola Cantorum Jubiltae. Soprano Ms. Marouska Attard, the director of Schola, presented two soli accompanied by SCS pianist Mrs. Kathy Reichenberger and guest conducted "Jesu Dulcis Memoria" by Maltese composer Paul Portelli who was in the audience. Despite only a short preparation time, the American singers enchanted the audience by performing this Maltese work. "It is a very special moment for me", composer Portelli said.
For 17 of the 43 young women and men, this was also the last concert with the SCS Touring Choir as the have graduated high school and are off to college. The encore spiritual thus moved several of the singers to tears.
Father Gerard of Ta Pinu thanked both choirs and Incantato Tours for "making this excellent concert possible" He continue by saying: "Compliments for a wonderful event" and expressed the hope that he can soon host a fine choir from the US in his church again.

For videos from this and other Incantato Performance Tour concert, please visit http://www.youtube.com/incantatotours

SCS Touring Choir Highlight Concert in collaboration with Schola Cantorum Jubilate at Ta Pinu Basilica in Gozo on July 3 at 7:30 pm

The Summit Choral Society's Children Touring Choir from Akron, Ohio is presenting a concert of sacred music benefitting the restoration of the Ta' Pinu National Shrine in Gozo. "Sing!" is the theme of the 2009 Incantato Performance Tour to Sicily and Malta. The simple word "Sing" or "Kanta" in Maltese and "Canta" in Italian sums up the joy of bringing people together through music. The youth choir with 42 voices is directed by Mrs. Arlene Jacobs. The singers present a repertoire of classical and modern works from European and American composers and also an original composition written especially for the journey to the islands by American composer Dorn Younger who will be joining the choir on tour. The concert is organized in collaboration with Schola Cantorum Jubilate from Gozo and thus the American singers added a composition by Maltese composer Paul Portelli to their repertoire. A special highlight will be a clinic with Marouska Attard from Schola Cantorum Jubilate prior to the benefit concert at Ta´ Pinu. Ms. Attard will be singing two soli during the concert and is also going to conduct the American youth when they sing Portelli’s “Jesu dulcis memoria”. The concert starts at 7:30 pm and the entrance is free. Donations are appreciated.

The concert starts at 7:30 pm, the audience is kindly asked to be seated by 7:15 pm.

Ta' Pinu was built in a neo-romantic style which means that the designer rejected or abandoned the use of the devices of avant-garde modernism and followed an older tradition. This is a national shrine and a center of pilgrimages for both the Gozitans and the Maltese as it is told on several accounts that the voice of Mary has been heard from inside. The present church was started in 1920 and consecrated in 1931.

Riverside City College Chamber Singers are heading to Ireland & Wales

The Riverside City College Chamber Singers directed by Mr. John Byun are departing California on July 2 to Ireland & Wales. Their 2009 Incantato Performance Tour starts in Dublin and continues to Llangollen where the choir is participating and competing in the 2009 Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod from July 7 through July 12.

Here is some information on the director and singers:John Byun received his Bachelors of Music in Vocal Performance from the University of California, Irvine and his Master’s in Choral Conducting from California State University, Long Beach. He is the director of Choral and Vocal Activities at Riverside City College, where he directs the Chamber Singers and the Vocal Jazz Ensemble. Mr. Byun is also the artistic director of the Temecula Valley Master Chorale and is one of the co-directors of Arrowbear Music Camp. He has been the guest conductor for the Irvine, San Juan Capistrano, and Long Beach district honor choirs, the SCVA Men’s Honor Choir and the Central California Women’s Honor Choir. Before coming to RCC, he was the director of choirs at Murrieta Valley High School for ten years. Mr. Byun has performed with the Orange County Pacific Chorale, as one of the bass contract singers, and has worked with Opera Pacific Chorus and Long Beach Opera Chorus. Mr. Byun resides in Temecula with his wife Mary and children Mikail and Jade.

The Riverside City College Chamber Singers are a select group of singers performing music from Renaissance to Contemporary. In addition to home concerts on campus, the Chamber Singers participate in many Collegiate Invitational Festivals including Chapman University, Biola University, CSU Long Beach, and others. The Singers also tour every year and past tours have included New York, Hawaii, Seattle, San Francisco, and Europe.

SCS Touring Choir warmly welcomed by Maltese audience at St. Helen's Church - "You sound angelic"

The SCS Touring Choir was warmly welcomed by the Maltese audience in the magnificent church of St. Helen's in Birkirkara. Singers and guests alike instantly fell in love with the beautifully decorated venue and their hosts. The singers from Akron, Ohio were the featured guest choir for High Mass and a benefit concert in aid of Richmond Foundation Malta. Father Charles asked two of the singers, Elisabeth Berkovitz and Patrick Tregoning to introduce their choir to the congregation. "It is our honor to welcome you here and we wish you all the best for your journeys", he said and complimented the Summit Choral Society. The singers truly enjoyed singing for the appreciative and music loving Maltese although they were a bit tired from the journey to Malta from Sicily via ferry boat that very morning followed by fun times at the beach of the Paradise Bay Hotel where the group is staying. "You sound angelic", added a representative from the Richmond Foundation. The NGO was thankful for the choir's help to raise awareness for their cause: "A mentally healthy community".

The next formal concert is on July 3 at 7:30 pm at Ta' Pinu Basilica in Gozo.

SCS Touring Choir Performance at St. Helen in Birkirkara on July 1

The SCS Touring Choir performs on Wednesday, July 1, at 6:30 pm at St. Helen's Church in Birkirkara - one of the oldest and most prestigious churches on the island.
St. Helen is also the titular saint of the parish. The church became a Collegiate church in 1630 and a Minor Basilica on in the 20th century.
Birkirkara is the largest population center on the Islands and has been so since the Middle Ages. Most of present-day Birkirkara is modern, though the town retains a traditional core characterized by alleyways, narrow streets and houses typical of small villages. The larger town houses tend to be used as headquarters for band clubs or political parties. A tiny garden separates the town's older area from the new quarters. Here you can see one of the old railway stations on the commuter line that ran from Rabat to Valletta. Apart from the churches, the oldest buildings in the town are the windmills. One is a private residence, the other, at the heart of the town, is an art gallery. Known locally as `Ta' Ganu' it hosts exhibitions by local and foreign artists.
The SCS Touring Choir is the featured guest choir for High Mass and will also present a short concert afterwards. Donations collected during the performances will benefit the Richmond Foundation Malta.

"Siete veramente bravi!" - third SCS Touring Choir Sicily concert enchants audience

What better place to present the third and final concert in Italian soil for the SCS Touring Choir then the Duomo di San Giorgio in Modica: On June 30, the 43 singers under the direction of Mrs. Arlene Jacobs from Akron, Ohio enchanted the audience at the main cathedral of the UNESCO World Heritage town during their 2009 Incantato Tour of Sicily and Malta. "Siete veramente bravi", the locals told the choir ("you are truly very good") and the asked for "Bis, Bis, Bis" (Encore, Encore, Encore) long before the concert was over. Again, the Italian folk songs were audience favorites and several of the older people heartily sang along.
The group is off to Malta where they sing at on July 1 at 6:30 pm at Santa Helen's Church in Birkirkara.

SCS Touring Choir Concert at San Giorgio Duomo in Modica on June 29 at 7:30 pm

The southeast area of Sicily is universally recognized as the capital of Baroque art, music and architecture influences. And the San Giorgio Duomo in Modica, the third concert venue for the SCS Touring Choir on its 2009 Incantato Sicily and Malta Performance tour, is frequently described as the monument and reported symbol of the late Baroque architectural style that characterizes all of this city. The art historian Maurizio Fagiolo dell'Arco said that the church may be inserted between the seven wonders in the baroque world. The touring choir will be performing their "Sing!Kanta!Canta" concert programm in the natural acoustics of San Giorgio on June 30 at 7:30 PM.This performance concludes the concert series on Italian soil as the groups departs on July 1 via ferry boat to Malta for three more performances and two cultural exchanges.

Impressions from the SCS Touring Choir Concert in Noto

SCS Touring Choir Concert at San Carlo al Corso in Noto on June 29 at 8:30 pm

It's another concert day for Summit in Sicily! On June 29 at 8:30 PM, the SCS Touring Choir under the direction of Mrs Arlene Jacobs is presenting the second formal concert of their 2009 Incantato Performance at the Church of San Carlo al Corso. The Church of San Carlo al Corso was dedicated to San Carlo Borromeo - the church of the convent of the Jesuits of Noto. The construction of the building began in 1730, the church is designed a longitudinal plan with three naves covered by a barrel-vaulted and divided by half.

First SCS Concert on 2009 Incantato Performance Tour a huge success - full house and great sound

Just a short post to let you know that the first SCS Touring Choir Concert on the 2009 Incantato Performance Tour to Sicily & Malta was a huge success. The singers had a full house at the beautiful church of Santa Cantarina in Taormina - the audience actually was even listening from outside as all seats were long taken. Some people even insisted on sitting down during rehearsal and stayed until the very end. Monsignore (Father) Cesare thanked the group from Akron, Ohio for their inspiring performance and joined in the minute-long applause from the mostly Sicilian audience. Favorites were Younger's Kyrie Eleison, Shiru, Dirait-on, Shiru and the encore spiritual. The audience cheered the choir on as they sang two Italian folk songs. More pictures and videos will follow. It surely was "wunderbar" and guess what I discovered on my way home. Buena notte, good-night from Italy --- Sandra

For a video of "La Barchetta", visit www.youtube.com/incantatotours

What do SCS and Michael Jackson have in common? They are top news in Malta

Have a look at this very special story on the SCS Touring Choir, but do get your Maltese dictionary out when you click on this website

Impressions from the SCS Touring Choir Concert in Taormina

First Impressions from the 2009 Incantato Performance Tour for the Summit Touring Choir

Finally here we are, said Dr. Frank Jacobs as the group of 52 from Akron, Ohio got off the bus in Malta's capital city Valetta. And a pleasant surprise awaited the SCS Touring Choir at the Phoenicia Hotel. Icecold water and fresh Maltese pastizzi awaited the travelers in the lush gardenf of the 5 star Grand Hotel that kindly had offered to host them for the few hours on the island prior to catching the ferry boat to Sicily - and the group very much appreciated the warm welcome. If it only hadn't been so hot this day. After being offered a cooler place in the lobby bar, the choir thanked the staff with two Italian songs.

What's Malta's favorite savory pastry?

SCS arrived safe and only a little late in Frankfurt - On the plane to Malta now

The SCS Touring Choir 2009 Sicily & Malta Incantato Performance Tour is off to a good start. The group arrived almost 90 minutes late in Frankfurt, but their carrier Lufthansa was kind enough to hold the connecting flight to Malta and so the 52 travelers from Akron, Ohio are now on their way to the beautiful island. Upon arrival, Tour Manager Stefania will pick them up and bring them to the Phoenicia Hotel where a suprise Pastizzi Tasting awaits them in the beautiful lush garden area. At 6 pm, the singers, their director and chaperones will board the ferry to Sicily.
More updates will follow as the tour continues.

Warm-up in Malta - SCS Touring Choir sings Santa Lucia

SCS Touring Choir in the news - Again ; )

Now the SCS Touring Choir is also on the front page of the Gozo News.
The Malta Times printed the following story about the SCS Touring Choir Journey to Malta - enjoy:

"Sing! Kanta! Canta!" is the theme of the 2009 international Performance Tour that brings 43 young singers from Akron, Ohio (USA) toSicily and Malta from June 26 to July 6, 2009.

The SCS Touring Choir is directed by Mrs Arlene Jacobs who has been teaching most of the singers for five or more years as part of the choral training at the Summit Choral Society. The touring choir is the top ensemble of this privately funded non-profit music school and for many of the girls and boys, the journey abroad is also their departure from the program as they graduate high school and leave home for college.

The choir toured China, Germany, Austria and the Czech Republic in recent years .

"Originally the group wanted to go to Greece, but it didn't take long to change their mind and bring them to Malta - I just had to tell them about my experiences, the wonderful people and show them how stunningly beautiful the islands and venues are" said Sandra Weinacht, founder of Incantato Tours, a US-based boutique performance tour company. She was here as part of the first school exchange between Germany and the Malta in 1990.

The choir brings a repertoire of classical and modern works from European and American composers and also an original composition written especially for the journey to the islands by American composer Dorn Younger who will be joining the choir on tour. When collaboration with Schola Cantorum Jubilate of Gozo emerged, the American singers added a composition by Maltese composer Paul Portelli to their repertoire.

After three concerts in Sicily, the SCS Touring Choir arrives in Malta on July 1 and is going to be the featured guest choir for Mass and a benefit concert to aid the Richmond Foundation at St. Helen's Church in Birkirkara (6:30 pm). On July 2 in the afternoon, the American students will be visiting the Johann Strauss Music School in Valetta for a meeting with members of the school choir and staff.

Gozo is the destination for the singers on Friday, July 3. After sightseeing in the morning, the choir heads to the National Shrine of Ta' Pinu to meet with members of the Gozitan Schola Cantorum Jubilate.

The choir's last performance will be at St. John's Co-Cathedral on July 4 at 6 pm when the singers are the featured guest choir for Mass.

And here is the link from the Malta Time if you would like to see it online: http://www.timesofmalta.com/life/view/20090624/features/american-choir-for-malta-tour

And the GozoNews article: http://gozonews.com/featured/sing-kanta-canta-us-choir-to-visit-gozo-in-july/

Murrieta City Choir Performance Tour 2009 - Highlight Concert

Highlight concert in Lucca for the Murrieta City Choir 2009

The Murrieta City Choir under the direction of Mrs. Jaclyn Johnson will partake in an exchange concert with a local Italian choir, "Il Baluardo" tonight, June 22 at the Santa Maria Corteorlandini Church in Lucca, Italy at 9PM. "Il Baluardo" is a small group composed of 13 people and is directed by Mr. Elio Antichi.

The Murrieta City Choir sings in beautiful cathedrals in Bella Italia during the 2009 Performance Tour

The main feature for the 2009 Murrieta City Choir performance tour is taking place TONIGHT, June 22 in the Santa Maria Corteorlandini Chiesa at 9PM.

Note dal Cielo
Notes from Heaven

The Murrieta City Choir
da Murrieta,California - USA
Director: Mrs. Jaclyn Johnson

Friday, June 19th, 6:45 pm Mass in Basilica di San Marco – Venezia

Sunday, June 21st, 3:30 pm Informal Concert in San Agostino Chiesa, Siena

Monday, June 22nd, 9:00 pm - Concert in Santa Maria Corteolandini Chiesa, with the vocal group "Il Baluardo” of Lucca

Wednesday, June 24th, 10:30 am – Papal Audience in Piazza di San Pietro – Vaticano, Roma

Thursday, June 25th, 12:00 pm – Mass in Basilica di San Pietro - Vaticano, Roma