SJC from Newfoundland kicks of performance tour to Ireland with a concert in Donaghadee

ISLAND TO ISLAND 
A musical celebration of friendship between Northern Ireland and Newfoundland
Concert Time: Saturday 7th July at 7.30 pm at the first Presbyterian Church of Donghadee

 “Island to Island” is the musical theme as well as the motto for the 2012 Performance Tour of the St. John’s Choir from St. John’s (SJC), Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. SJC is a true adult community choir whose members represent a broad section of St. John’s and its surrounding communities. Thesingers range in age from early twenties to seniors and are from all walks of life. Founded over 25 years ago, the St. John’s Choir is now being lead by Ms. Maria Conkey. SJC sings in four part harmony and has a large and varied repertoire of songs ranging from Broadway show tunes to Classical pieces, gospel to Newfoundland folk songs; spirituals to popular music.


The love of singing and a desire to bring music to the community at home and now to audiences across Ireland are the threads that hold the choir together.


Here is some more info on beautiful Donaghadee:

What better place for the 32 singers from St. John's Newfoundland under the direction of Ms. Maria Conkey than to present the first concert of their 2012 Performance Tour at a fellow coastal town. First Donaghadee Presbyterian Church, located in beautiful Donaghadee which is about 30 minutes outside of Belfast on Northern Ireland's stunning coast is the locality. Donaghadee is a growing town on the north coast of County Down, six miles from the historic town of Bangor and approximately 20 miles east of Belfast.

With a population of about 8,000 inhabitants, Donaghadee is the closest point to Scotland, so close in fact, that the Scottish coast is visible to the naked eye on clear days. The town offers a rich history, having been one of the main ports of entry to the island of Ireland until the 19^th Century. Aside from the historical buildings reflecting its rich heritage, the town has a picturesque seafront, a wide range of cafes and restaurants.

The St. John's Choir 2012 Emerald Isle Performance Tour Card

Impressions from a special concert for the Phoenix Girls Chorus in Germany

Princesses for a day - Phoenix Girls Chorus concludes Incantato Tour at Castle Hohenzollern

Fortified with a multitude of towers and turrets, Hohenzollern Castle sits in splendour almost 900 metres above the Swabian Alb. This is a storybook fortress from the heyday of the neo-Gothic. On a balmy summer evening in 1819, the 24-year-old Prussian Crown Prince saw the crumbling walls of his forefathers' castle and decided to have it rebuilt. The future king Friedrich Wilhelm IV of Prussia was a clever, enterprising man with a passion for the fine arts. His heart belonged to the Middle Ages, which led him to commission leading Berlin architect Friedrich August Stüler to rebuild the castle. Stüler sought inspiration from medieval architecture in France and England, where the Gothic Revival or neo-Gothic style was very much in vogue. Building work began in 1852 and the restoration was completed in 1867. There are 140 rooms in the castle, most notably the library with its murals, the King's bedroom, a family tree hall and the Queen's Blue Salon. This has a stunning gilded coffered ceiling, an exquisite marquetry floor and portraits of Prussian queens. Prussian memorabilia displayed in the royal treasury includes the crown worn by Kaiser Wilhelm II. A painted Hohenzollern family tree adorns the walls of the castle's entrance hall. The Prussian kings, German emperors and their descendants are documented through to the present day. Nearby attractions: don't miss Ulm Münster, whose spire is the tallest in the world at just over 161 metres. Most of the building work was completed between 1377 and 1543 and it has retained its original character to this day. The town of Villingen-Schwenningen has a medieval centre, an early-Gothic minster, a late-Gothic town hall, the Franciscan Museum and a town hall to discover.


As the finale and another highlight performance of their 2012 Incantato Tours, Phoenix Girls Chorus' prime ensemble "Cantabile" will give two concerts at Hohenzollern Castle on Friday, June 22, first at 2:30 pm and then at 3:15 pm, thus supporting the local Prinzessin-Kira-von-Preussen-Stiftung.

PGC "Cantabile" recital at the magnificent Stiftskirche Goettweig

What could possibly top this morning's concert experience for the Phoenix Girls Chorus' prime ensemble "Cantabile"? Could any church be as stunning as the Stiftskirche Duernstein with its blue steeple? The answer is yes and that's why the 31 talented girls from Arizona will be singing twice on Monday, June 18 as part of their Incantato Performance Tour to Germany and Austria. The second venue differs in color, now the church exterior is pretty in pink and white, but Stiftskirche Goettweig offers equal beauty in both looks and acoustics. The recital at the Benedictine Abbey starts at 5:30 pm local time and will be a sung Dankeschoen to the congregation of monks that are working and living at the abbey as well as visitors. It will also be a home concert for PGC in a way, as the girls are staying at the dormitory of the Abbey for yet another night - a special dinner awaits them after the performance at the gourmet restaurant which also features a stunning panoramic terrace overlooking the UNESCO world heritage are of the Danube Valley.

Here's a little background info:
The abbey, situated on the Göttweig Mountain, is - because of its location - sometimes called the Austrian Montecassino. The Monastery, founded in 1083 by Saint Altmann, sits on a hill 449 m above sea level in the Dunkelsteiner Forest south of the city of Krems, on the eastern edge of the world-famous Danube Valley called the Wachau. With the Wachau, Göttweig was in 2001 placed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. And today, PGC will be performing in the prestigious Stiftskirche pictured below.

At first, Augustines worked here, to be followed in 1094 by Benedictine monks from the Monastery of St. Blasien in the Black Forest. The Benedictines have been living, learning and teaching on Göttweig Mountain for more than 900 years. The goal of their life is to glorify God in prayer and work according to the Rule of their Order’s founder, Saint Benedict, the Patron Saint of Europe. Currently 54 monks belong to the monastic community. More than 30 of them give pastoral care to parishioners and pilgrims in the Dioceses of Vienna and St. Pölten. Forestry and viticulture have been the economic basis of the Monastery since it was founded - today completed by various touristic and economic efforts.

Incantato Tours proudly presents: The Phoenix Girls Chorus in concert in Austria and Germany

31 singers from Phoenix Arizona's PGC, all members of the prime ensemble "Cantabile" under the direction of Ms. Danya Tiller, will be touring Austria and Germany with Incantato this June. Here is a first glance at their Incantato Tours Concert Poster.

For more information, visit: phoenixgirlschorus-incantatotour.blogspot.com

Biola University Chorale singing for the Mayor in Weimar, Germany

2012 Incantato Concerts: The San Marino Chamber Choir in Munich

Biola to sing at J.S. Bach's tomb on Thursday, April 12 at noon

A special highlight awaits the singers of the Biola University Choral Ensemble on Thursday, April 12, 2012 as they continue their journey in the footsteps of the great composer Johann Sebastian Bach to Leipzig. Not only will the choir under the direction of Mrs. Shawna Stewart be visiting "his church", but also present a short concert at his tomb.
The great Thomaskirche is one of the main highlights of Leipzig, a town many refer to as the “City of Music.” Thomaskirche houses many renowned musicians, including the Boys Choir, as well as the final resting place of the grand composer Johann Sebastian Bach. Today people come from all over the world to the Church of St. Thomas to experience church services, unique performances from the Boys Choir and the Gewandhaus Orchestra, as well as intricate organ concerts.

Thomaskirche once served as a critical pawn during the Christian Reformation, as Martin Luther often preached in the 12^th century church. In 1355 the original Romanesque chancel was remodeled in a Gothic scheme, coinciding with the congregation’s split from the Roman Catholic Church.

Johann Sebastian Bach served as the choir director at Thomaskirche from 1723 until his death in 1750. A statue of Bach standing outside the church’s entrance was dedicated in the composer’s memory in 1908. Although renovations in the mid-1800s resulted in the removal of all Baroque equipment, a commemorative Bach organ, in the style of the original used by Bach, was installed in the sanctuary in 2000. The older romantic organ also remains, but is considered “unsuitable” for playing Bach’s music and is only used when appropriate.

The roof’s unusual 63 degree angle and sanctuary’s intricately designed vaulted ceilings result in unbelievable acoustics and highly complimentary reverberation.

Photo courtesy of Wikipedia

"Alegria!" Concierto Coral Marina HS Choir y Coro de Cámara del Conservatorio Prof de Música de Oviedo

Concierto Coral "Alegría"
El concierto, broche final del Programa de Intercambio entre ambas formaciones, incluirá obras corales de ejecución conjunta, como “Pastor que estás en el monte”, con arreglos de Manuel del Fresno y Luis Ruiz de la Peña, o “Yonder Day”, espiritual tradicional. Además, el Marina HS Choir interpretará un repertorio variado: desde el Renacimiento (Lasso, Moore…) y el Clásico (Mozart), hasta música zambia o de los años 50. El Coro de Cámara del Conservatorio Profesional de Música de Oviedo,dirigido por Juan M. Cue, interpretará también una selección de coros de la zarzuela barroca española, "Acis y Galatea" del compositor español Antonio Literes, obra cuya puesta en escena esta prevista para el próximo día mes de junio en el Teatro Filarmónica de Oviedo, dentro del proyecto Espacio Escénico del Conservatorio Profesional de Musica de Oviedo. El Marina HS Choir estará de Gira por España y Francia en el mes de abril de 2012. En esta gira organizada por Incantato, ofrecerá también recitales en París, Burgos y Madrid. El Coro, integrado por 20 cantantes del Programa de Música de la Marina HS de California, está dirigido por el Maestro Eric Graham. El Instituto Marina HS tiene un reconocido programa de formación musical, y sus siete agrupaciones corales ofrecen anualmente un amplio programa de conciertos, habiendo actuado en la prestigiosa Golden State Choral Competition, en San Francisco, Nueva York, Seattle, Vancouver, Victoria, además de varios Festivales corales. (CSULB Chamber Invitational, Chapman Invitational, USC Chamber Invitational, Cerritos College Festival, Riverside Community College Festivals). , incluirá obras corales de ejecución conjunta, como “Pastor que estás en el monte”, con arreglos de Manuel del Fresno y Luis Ruiz de la Peña, o “Yonder Day”, espiritual tradicional. Además, el Marina HS Choir interpretará un repertorio variado: desde el Renacimiento (Lasso, Moore…) y el Clásico (Mozart), hasta música zambia o de los años 50. El Coro de Cámara del Conservatorio Profesional de Música de Oviedo,dirigido por Juan M. Cue, interpretará también una selección de coros de la zarzuela barroca española, "Acis y Galatea" del compositor español Antonio Literes, obra cuya puesta en escena esta prevista para el próximo día mes de junio en el Teatro Filarmónica de Oviedo, dentro del proyecto Espacio Escénico del Conservatorio Profesional de Musica de Oviedo. El Marina HS Choir estará de Gira por España y Francia en el mes de abril de 2012. En esta gira organizada por Incantato, ofrecerá también recitales en París, Burgos y Madrid. El Coro, integrado por 20 cantantes del Programa de Música de la Marina HS de California, está dirigido por el Maestro Eric Graham. El Instituto Marina HS tiene un reconocido programa de formación musical, y sus siete agrupaciones corales ofrecen anualmente un amplio programa de conciertos, habiendo actuado en la prestigiosa Golden State Choral Competition, en San Francisco, Nueva York, Seattle, Vancouver, Victoria, además de varios Festivales corales. (CSULB Chamber Invitational, Chapman Invitational, USC Chamber Invitational, Cerritos College Festival, Riverside Community College Festivals).

Mayfield Senior School Woman's Chorale at the Basilica of San Pietro in the Vatican

Incantato Tours Impressions: "Arts in Motion" at the Teatro di Rieti

Biola University Chorale sings twice on Easter Monday in Germany

The Biola University Chorale

Easter Monday, April 9 is a busy day for the Biola University Chorale under the direction of Mrs. Shawna Stewart. The singers from La Mirada, California will first be the featured guest choir for the holiday service at the historical Ordenskirche in Bayreuth, then at 7:30 pm, they present a formal concert at the stunning Lutherkiche in Apolda.
The Biola University Chorale is comprised of 34 voices from various disciplines on campus, with nearly eighty percent being voice majors. Dedicated to excellence in performance and literature, the Chorale offers a varied repertoire from traditional choral works to contemporary genres such as jazz and gospel.
The Chorale tours domestically each year and internationally every four years. In Southern California, the Chorale annually participates in prestigious area festivals, as well as hosts a two-day invitational high school, community and Christian college choral festival every November. Each spring they join forces with the Biola Symphony Orchestra for the performance of a major choral-orchestral work. In addition to a yearly season of many Biola-related concerts, the Chorale also performs at notable area churches.

HD video of the Incantato Friendship Concert in Istanbul

The Mayfield Senior School Conservatory for the Arts groups says "Buongiorno from Rieti"

San Marino Chamber Choir presents a Highlight Concert at Bosphorus University on April 5

Boğaziçi Üniversitesi Müzik Kulübü, Amerika'dan gelen misafirlerini Albert Long Hall'de ağırlıyor!
California merkezli Howard Cheung yönetimindeki San Marino Chamber Choir ve BÜMK Caz Korosu, 5 Nisan Perşembe akşamı saat 20 da en güzel şarkılarını Albert Long Hall sahnesinde seslendiriyor olacaklar.
Bu güzel konserde bizimle olun!Boğaziçi Üniversitesi Müzik Kulübü
'Müziğin kalbinin attığı yer'

Boğaziçi University Music Club welcomes our guests from America at Albert Long Hall!
California based San Marino Chamber Choir conducted by Howard Cheung, and BUMC Jazz Choir will be singing you their nicest songs on Albert Long Hall's stage on Thursday night, April 5 at 20 pm.
Please be our guests at this wonderful concert! 

SMCC Recital at Salzburg Cathedral

This amazing picture was taken by Mr. Terry Fouché -  thank you for sharing.

More Tour Impressions from the San Marino Chamber Choir: Salzburg

These wonderful pictures were taken by Mr. Terry Fouché - thank you so much for sharing.

Incantato Tour Impressions: The San Marino Chamber Choir in Munich

These wonderful pictures were taken by Mr. Terry Fouché - thank you so much for sharing.

First Germany concert by the San Marino Chamber Choir a success

The San Marino Chamber Choir presented its very first concert in Germany to a small, but very appreciative audience at the stunning Markuskirche in Munich, Bavaria on April 1. Around 100 people were in attendance for the excellent performance under the direction of  Mr. Howard Cheung. Here are a first few impressions. Gute Nacht aus Deutschland, Sandra from Incantato Tours