Choir departs on trip of a lifetime

For the first time in four decades, the Concert Choir is heading overseas for a series of special performances. Under the direction of Dr. Grant W. Cook, the 46-member choir departed Wednesday for Europe, where they’ll be among a large delegation from Heidelberg who will participate in the 50th anniversary celebration of the American Junior Year program in Heidelberg, Germany, on June 6.

 

In addition to performing at the celebration, the choir also will visit Vienna, Salzburg and Munich. In all, they’ll give eight performances, all at European cathedrals. The choir will mix its busy performance schedule with some educational experiences, such as visiting the German concentration camps. “These can be transformative experiences,” Cook said. “They are an important part of the trip. It’s not just about the music-making.”

 

The choir is looking forward to the June 6 celebration, when they’ll perform side-by-side with the Camerata Carolina of the University of Heidelberg. Both choral groups will also perform individually during the festivities.

 

As they departed from campus this morning amid great anticipation, Cook said the greatest joy of the trip is watching the students enjoy their experience. To pay for the trip, each choir member raised $1,500 and the choir as a whole raised $75,000.

 

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