The Falcon Choirs in Germany: 11 days full of fun and music with Incantato Tours

The Falcon Choirs from Crescenta Valley High School are back from their trip to Germany! The 11 days flew by, the students experienced and learned a lot. Here is a summary of the adventures written down from the bloggers Annie Lawler and Cody Chase:

Munich: From the Olympiastadion to the Marienplatz
We made it safe and sound, and had an excellent first day here. The flight over was quite smooth and was filled with entertainment. We landed nearly an hour ahead of schedule and on the way to the hotel enjoyed a short tour of Munich. Later that night we had an amazing Bavarian dinner at the hotel before knocking out for the night. Today we went on a real tour of Munich, seeing the grounds where they held the Olympics in the 70's, the English Gardens, and the Glockenspiel. At 6 pm we got back together for dinner at the “Augustiner”.


Easter Sunday Performance: An Amazing Cultural Experience
Our 2nd full day in Germany was just as amazing and busy as the first. We performed at the Easter service at St. Lucas Church and then had a short concert. The service was beautiful and an amazing cultural experience. And the concert was well attended, and we sounded AMAZING in the cathedral space. It was amazing to sing in there. Later that day we went to the BMW museum for lunch and then to Osterfest (the Easter festival in Munich) where most of us went up in the Olympiaturm. There was hardly enough time to see everything, but our busy schedule called and we had to run off to dinner at the Hofbräuhaus.

Like Prince and Princess in Castle Neuschwanstein
On Monday we left Munich bright and early for our long day of driving. Our first stop was Neuschwanstein, the castle disney modeled their castle after. It was beautiful on the outside and even better on the inside. Then it was back on the bus to get to a beautiful church in Steingaden. We performed in our casual/nice attire to a small audience at first, but one that kept growing as the concert progressed. We spent only a few minutes at the church after that because we had to move out once again in order to make it to Rothenburg on time for our night tour of the city. We were picked up at out hotel by someone dressed as the 'night watchman' that the old city would have had. It was a great day.

Snowballs - with Chocolate! And: Is it Already Christmas?
Then it was Tuesday. We had the whole morning to run around Rothenburg and do what we pleased. Many of u tried a 'snowball'. They are a Rothenburg specialty that's basically doughnut batter fried and put into the shape of a ball before being dipped in chocolate. There was also one of the largest Christmas stores in the world in that small town, and the crime museum. There was so much to do and see, no one wanted to leave, but we had to go on to our next destination: Chemnitz. There we performed again. The concert had over 100 people in attendance!


Lifting up the Spirits in Berlin
So its Friday night here in Berlin and a few hours ago we had our last concert of the tour. We had a decent sized audience that provided the needed energy that we couldn’t gather up by ourselves after such a great and exhausting trip. Even when we don’t feel like we sang as best as we could’ve there always seems to be at least one audience member that has something to say that lifts our spirits right back up. I truly don’t believe we could’ve had a better tour with better performances. And with only one more full day to go, I can say that this trip has been worth every dollar and euro that has gone into it. I’m going to miss Germany a lot. I don’t know that I could live here or anything like that, but it sure is an amazing place to visit, and the memories that the 2009-2010 CVHS Falcon Choir has made on this trip will never be forgotten.

SMCC highlight concert at the Palau de la Musica Catalana: Impressions

SMCC highlight concert at the Palau de la Musica Catalana at noon

Full house expected for the San Marino Chamber Choir's highlight performance at the Petit Palau in Barcelona on Sunday

The Palau is Barcelona's prime concert venue and it is also the location for the San Marino Chamber Choir's finale performance of their 2010 Spain Incantato Performance Tour. On April 11 at noon, the singers from California are presenting a highlight concert at the newest concert hall, the Petit Palau. For more information, visit the official Palau website (in Catalan) and click on the performance day April 11. Prior to their arrival in Barcelona, the singers from San Marino have performed in Madrid, Toledo, Cuena and as the featured guest choir at the Encuentro Cuidad the Torrevieja, a renowned choral festival in a small village south of Valencia.
Incantato Concerts expects a full house and many dignitaries in the audience, including special delegations from the Chinese Consulate, the Taiwanese trade organization, the US-Expat community, the Jewish community and fellow singers from various Catalan conservatories and schools.

Falcon Choir student blogger Cody reports from Berlin: A Great Ending with the Man in the Red Scarf

So its Friday night here in Berlin and a few hours ago we had our last concert of the tour. We had a decent sized audience that provided the needed energy that we couldn’t gather up by ourselves after such a great and exhausting trip. Even when we don’t feel like we sang as best as we could’ve there always seems to be at least one audience member that has something to say that lifts our spirits right back up. I truly don’t believe we could’ve had a better tour with better performances. And with only one more full day to go, I can say that this trip has been worth every dollar and euro that has gone into it.

In tonight’s performance we had an older gentleman, whom we affectionately named “the cute old guy with the red scarf”, who had a special appreciation for the songs we sang. Throughout the concert it was obvious that he was really enjoying it, but he almost couldn’t contain himself after hearing the first few notes of Weeping Mary. In an instant he put his hands to his face in shock and from half way across the church I could see him holding back tears, and as our three split up choirs sang back and forth, he started discretely conducting the song along with Mrs. Alderman from his seat in perfect synchronization. Somehow he knew the song and he knew it well, and I think we may have made his night. Before we could get a chance to talk to him, however, he had walked out with his wife without saying a word to anyone. That was pretty dang cool to say the least, and a fantastic way to end our tour.

As much as I’m looking forward to going home to be back with my family, back in my house, and back to more comfortable food, I’m going to miss Germany a lot. I don’t know that I could live here or anything like that, but it sure is an amazing place to visit, and the memories that the 2009-2010 CVHS Falcon Choir has made on this trip will never be forgotten.

-Cody Chase

www.codyshoots.blogspot.com

San Marino Chamber Choir sings at San Pedro in magical Cuenca at 8 pm

The San Marino Chamber Choir under the direction of  Howard Cheung is visiting Cuenca today. Incantato Tours got the singers permission for  a concert at the Iglesia de San Pedro in Cuenca at 8 pm this Tuesday.

Here are some interesting facts about the venue: San  Pedro is located on the top of the city of Cuenca. Historian found out  that the stone-built church was hard-fought in the 15th century. The  building was completely finished in 1604 and covered with magnificent  inlaying of Mudejar style. By the end of 1660 there was just a ruin  left, but it was rebuild fast. In the 18th century the church, like many  others of the diocese of Cuenca, was totally renewed. The one in charge  of this renovation was the architect Jose Martin from Aldehuela. After  the Spanish Civil War (1936-1939) San Pedro had  to be reconstructed again because of the big destructions that it  suffered during the war. When you have a close look at the church you  will discover stone sculptures and pretty ornaments.
The picture is from the website www.spain.info.

Falcon Choirs concertize at Markuskirche, Chemnitz on April 6 at 7:30 pm

After a night in Rothenburg, the Falcon Choirs are visiting Chemnitz today! In the evening they get ready for the first formal highlight concert at St. Markuskirche at 7.30 pm during their 2010 Germany Incantato Performance Tour.
The protestant Markuskirche was built between 1893 and 1895 in the style of the North German brick gothic. The most remarkable part of the building is the tower with two spires, which is 84 meters (275 ft) high. You can see it from very far away! The colored glass windows are still in the original condition. The organ originates from organ builder Jehmlich from Dresden. The church has room for 900 visitors. In 1934/35 and 1991 the church was renovated and re-opened in its recent beauty in 2000. The picture is from the website of the church.

San Marino Chamber Choir sings at Toledo Cathedral April 5 at 6 pm

We sure keep the San Marino Chamber Choir busy, but there are so many wonderful places to see in Spain and an 11 day tour goes by very fast. The singers next stop is the beautiful town of Toledo and Incantato Concert Manager Katia managed to get an invite for the wonderful ensemble directed by Howard Cheung to be the featured guest choir for High Mass at Toledo Cathedral, known as one of the greatest Gothic Cathedrals in the World and the third largest in Spain. If you are nearby, come see and hear them perform at 6 pm on Easter Monday April 5 - a national holiday in many European countries.

Now some words, a summary of the art highlights and a link for much more information about this spectacular venue we are thrilled to offer during the SMCC Incantato Tour:
Toledo Cathedral Toledo is ranked among the greatest Gothic structures in Europe. Inside, the cathedral contains important masterpieces including a spectacular baroque high altar and two paintings by El Greco. Toledo Cathedral stands on the site of the Great Mosque of Toledo, which itself had replaced a Visigothic church. Built from 1226 to 1493, the long process is reflected in Toledo Cathedral's variety of styles. Many historic events have been hosted in the cathedral over the years, including the proclamation of Joanna the Mad and her husband, Philip the Handsome, as heirs to the throne of Spain.The primarily 13th-century architecture of Toledo cathedral was inspired by the Gothic cathedrals of France such as Chartres, but the squat proportions give it a Spanish feel, as do the wealth and weight of the furnishings and the location of the elaborate choir in the center of the nave.

For more information and pictures, visit this website.

SMCC Concert Venue on Easter Sunday April 4 at 6 pm: Iglesia de San Ginés in Madrid

The first performance of the 2010 Incantato Spain Tour of The San Marino Chamber Choir will be at the Iglesia de San Ginés in Madrid. SMCC is the featured guest choir for High Mass on Easter Sunday starting at 6 pm and is also presenting a short concert after the service concludes. Have a closer look at this amazing venue:
San Ginés is situated on the Calle Arenal, a pedestrian and traffic-free zone. References to San Ginés appear in documents dating from the ninth century. Originally built in Mudejar style (Iberian architecture and decoration), it was one of the churches of the medieval Madrid, of Mozarab origin, from between the 12th and 13th centuries, and its name comes from the fact that it was dedicated to the patron saint of notaries and secretaries, Saint Genesius of Arles. San Ginés was rebuilt in 1645. The church has a Latin cross plan, three naves separated by semicircular arches and several side chapels and the altarpieces belong to the neoclassical-romantic school. It was, however, completely reconstructed after suffering several fires, so few remnants of the original church, such as the majestic bell-tower, remain. In 1870, the loggia and atrium facing the Calle Arenal were added. In the Santísimo Cristo Chapel there are artworks by Alonso Cano, Luca Giordano, and el Greco.
One of the most curious items you can find in San Ginés is a stuffed crocodile, which is said to have been brought over from the Americas during the reign of the Catholic Kings, Ferdinand and Isabel.
The picture is from the website www.gomadrid.com.

Falcon Choirs first Germany Tour performance on Easter Sunday in Munich

The Falcon Choirs under the direction of Mrs. Tammi Alderman are the featured guest choir for the Easter Sunday morning service at the beautiful Sankt Lukaskirche (Church of St. Luke) located in the heart of Munich. The impressive church was built from 1893 through 1896 in the "Historismus"-style.
This is the first performance of the 2010 Incantato Tour to Germany. The special and very festive Easter celebration service begins at 10 am and is scheduled to last until 11.15 am. After participating in the service, the Falcon Choirs are presenting a short matinee concert.
For more information on the church, visit the website and the map on the left shows you where the church is located.

Here is the official announcement from the church website:

Gottesdienst mit Abendmahl (mit Chor aus USA: Falcon Choir of Crescenta Valley High School)
Sonntag, 4.04. 10.00 Uhr
Ort	Lukaskirche Mariannenplatz 3 80538 München

We proudly present: The San Marino Chamber Choir Incantato Concert Postcard

A thousand of these custom designed Incantato concert postcards have been printed and are currently distributed locally in Spain to announce the 2010 San Marino Chamber Choir Performance Tour to Spain. The trip starts today! Incantato Tours takes great pride in providing the fine ensembles traveling with our organization with professional marketing materials to ensure the local audiences are aware of the group's performances and their high level of musicianship.

Meet the San Marino Choir Tour Members - from Natalia, Incantato blog scholarship recipient

We proudly present: The Grace First Presbyterian Church Choir Incantato Concert Postcard

A thousand of these custom designed Incantato concert postcards have been printed and are currently distributed locally in Ireland to announce the 2010 Grace First Presbyterian Church Choir Performance Tour to Ireland. The trip starts already in a few days! Incantato Tours takes great pride in providing the fine ensembles traveling with our organization with professional marketing materials to ensure the local audiences are aware of the group's performances and their high level of musicianship.

San Marino Chamber Choir's finale performance at the Petit Palau in Barcelona on April 11

The Palau is Barcelona's prime concert venue and it is also the location for the San Marino Chamber Choir's finale performance of their 2010 Spain Incantato Performance Tour. On April 11 at noon, the singers from California are presenting a highlight concert at the newest concert hall, the Petit Palau. For more information, visit the official Palau website (in Catalan) and click on the performance day April 11 or the SMCC Incantato Tour blog.
Prior to their arrival in Barcelona, the singers from San Marino will perform in Madrid, Toledo, Cuena and as the featured guest choir at the Encuentro Cuidad the Torrevieja, a renowned choral festival in a small village south of Valencia.

We proudly present: The Falcon Choirs Incantato Concert Postcard

A thousand of these custom designed Incantato concert postcards have been printed and are currently distributed locally in Germany to announce the 2010 Falcon Choirs Performance Tour to Germany. The trip starts tomorrow, the first destination is Munich.
Incantato Tours takes great pride in providing the fine ensembles traveling with our organization with professional marketing materials to ensure the local audiences are aware of the group's performances and their high level of musicianship.

Full house for Western Reserve Academy Choir & Ensemble in Calvi

What a special night it was for the WRA singers and musicians! The students performed to a full house in the beautiful baroque church of Calvi dell'Umbria, a small town perched high upon the hill where the mayor had warmly welcomed them with a special tour prior to the performance and a reception afterwards in the town hall. The audience was very moved by the concert and rewarded the groups under the direction of Mrs. Margaret Karam with minute-long applause. Vice-Mayor Luca thanked the travelers for coming to his town and hoped that the students one day return with their own families. "It was our honor to have you here tonight. Thank you for sharing your gift of music, we will never forget you." As a special souvenir, Mrs. Karam also received a painting that was created during the concert by local artist Valvan. He titled it "Libertà!".



Here is short video from the concert.
For more information on the Western Reserve Academy 2010 Italy Tour, please visit their Incantato Tour blog.

The 2010 WRA Bella Italia Performance Tour through the eyes of a traveler

Martha Miller - student at Western Reserve Academy in Hudson, Ohio and currently on tour in Italy - is the recipient of the Incantato Tours WRA scholarship for blogging. Here are some of her findings along with pictures taken in Verona.

WRA Incantato Italy Tour DAY 4: Verona

Hello from a bus in the middle of Italy! Not the exact middle, but we are driving from the north more towards the middle part of Italy. We took our two-hour bus drive down to Verona yesterday with our wonderful bus driver and guide, and saw many farms out the window in that time. The bus drive felt oddly short as we pulled up in Verona and began our first adventures in an Italian city with a new added twist--there were cars everywhere! Unlike Venice, we had to be aware of cars and motorbikes driving up and down the streets, and we found that crosswalks in Verona last less time than the infamous crosswalk across Main Street in Hudson, leaving some of us on the other side of the street.

We ate lunch inside an old church that had been renovated, St. Matthew's Church. It was there that we really noticed for the first time how long Italian meals are--we ate for almost two and a half hours! After we finished, we met with our local guide and got a beautiful walking tour of Verona, complete with a very deep history of Verona. We started at the Gate of Jupiter and ended inside 'Juliet's House'--the house supposedly of the Capulets from Shakespeare's play. After that we were given some free time to walk around Verona's crowded streets before meeting back by the amphitheatre--yes, Verona has one too but it's not as big as Coliseum in Rome. It's actually the third largest in Italy.

We drove to our hotel and got settled in before heading out to Valeggio sul Mincio, a small village beyond Verona's city limits, for dinner. All of the kids went to a pizzeria with our guide and had delicious pizzas while the rest of the adults had some alone time for a nice quiet dinner (quite the gift on a trip like this one). Then we all met together at our bus and went back to the hotel to go to sleep.

This morning we got up and began our three hour trek to Montecatini, where we will have most of the day to ourselves before diving back into the intense touring once again!

WRA Incantato Italy Tour Days 1 through 3: Flights & Venice

The WRA tour group arrived in Venice two days ago, after several hours on three different planes. We met up with our guide, and put our bags in the hotel before beginning our tour of the city of Venice. It's confusing! The streets tend to mostly all look the same, and the shops all blur together in a mish-mash of masks, food vendors and 'I -heart- Venice' shirts. We walked through the Jewish ghettos--the first ghettos in Europe--and finally got to have our first lunch in Rialto Bridge. Afterwards we continued to St. Mark's Square. A large group of us had the wonderful oppourtunity to go on a gondola, and it really sunk in that we were in Venice! After a delicious dinner (at LaBrindisi, pictured) we went back to the hotel to collapse into bed.

Our second day was spent mostly in St. Mark's area, taking tours of Doge's Palace and the St. Mark's Basilica. We also visited a Venetian glass factory, where we saw a professional glass-maker make a vase in about five minutes flat right before our eyes! Afterwards we were allowed to wander and visit some of the museums in St. Mark's Square. Finally it was time for our concert inside St. Mark's Basilica for mass. Although it was absolutely freezing inside and the crowd was small, the concert sounded beautiful and we moved off to our celebratory dinner. Finally we went back to the hotel to fall back into our beds.

Today we are driving two hours by bus to Verona, and after the long walks around the winding bridges of Venice we're looking forward to some time sitting down!

Two meals and two movies - Welcome aboard Lufthansa

The WRA Tour is about to take off on Incantato's preferred airline: Lufthansa.
After your short commuter flights, the 39 members of the 2010 Western Reserve Academy Italy Tour, are boarding the German airline for the long-haul and inter-European journey. While we recommend that you do get some sleep on the transatlantic overnight flight, you are in for several treats such as hot towels to refresh yourself shortly after take-off, two warm meals served with salad and dessert plus two or more recent movies. For more information on the on-board experience, visit Lufthansa's website.

We proudly present: The WRA Incantato Concert Postcard

Over 2000 of these custom designed Incantato concert postcards have been printed and are currently distributed locally in Italy to announce the 2010 Western Reserve Academy Performance Tour to Italy. Incantato Tours takes great pride in providing the fine ensembles traveling with our organization with professional marketing materials to ensure the local audiences are aware of the group's performances and their high level of musicianship.

ChorFreude on the German Baltic Coast

Incantato Destinations: Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Germany

Yummy Italy

Incantato Tours takes great pride in selecting wonderful restaurants for the groups traveling abroad with us. And while the pictures cannot transport the smell and taste of these culinary treasures from beautiful Italy, we sure you like looking at them.

Tea Time

Scones with jam and clotted cream