Esk Community Choir - What's New?

Christmas Concert 2011

2011-12-12T22:55:00.000-08:00

THEY CAME... ALL YE FAITHFUL.. TO THE CHRISTMAS CONCERT IN ESK

by: Sue Walker

For Twenty-one years now, the Esk Community Choir, under the musical direction of Alexis FitzGerald, has been hosting the annual Christmas Variety Concert in Esk and if variety be the spice of life, this year's concert was very much alive and well and decking the Hall at the State School on December 4th.

The joys of Christmas are brought to us by children and this Concert had them in abundance. At 3pm, a packed audience was welcomed by our Compare extraordinaire, Rosemary Wycherley followed by the opening strains of our National Anthem sung superbly and purposefully by a small group from the Junior Choir. Then, matched by their enthusiasm came the exuberant voices of Wendy, Tinkerbell, Captain Hook and all their friends, the "Semitones 3", with their "Excerpts from Peter Pan" and so sublime was her singing, any mother with a dry eye following Emily FitzGerald's rendition of "Your Mother and Mine" must have had lots of extraneous things on her mind! The angelic voices of the School's Junior Choir also captured the audience with their African Greeting through to the rocking rendition of Jingle Bells. The colourful tapestry of musical sounds was intersperced with many young soloists. Matthew Lukritz, now a familiar face around the traps with his superlative trumpet accompaniment of "Love is a Song", Holley Smith, the young Clarinetist who gave the audience a moonlight rendition of "Tambourin" by Gossec and Courtney Oxenford, the "local girl" who is now turning heads and hearts playing trumpet with the Symphony Youth Orchestra in Tasmania and who, accompanied by her Mum, Andrea, graced our audience with a glimpse of what is becoming an extremely bright future in music.

To have been witness to the talents of our three young Guest Artists from the Sunshine Coast, 15 year old twins Meg and Sam Lucas and 13 year old Anna Foran was indeed a privillege. These three, the girls on violin and Sam, the Cello, both together and separately and for some of the items, accompanied on the piano by the dexterously talented Naomi Craddock, enthralled the audience with the mellifluous sounds of their instruments. With such style, grace and talent for which they have received multiple awards and honours, as role models for their generation and for the enduring future of Classical music, it is encouraging to know that it is in such wonderful hands.

At the other end of the variety spectrum and just as stimulating was the performance by Amber Hitzke and her troop who, by projecting the energy in their fabulous routine with ribbons, "Tribalee", set heartbeats soaring simply by watching, and the guitar band, "Unknown" will never now be after their stirring Guns 'n Roses classic. Then, if that wasn't enough to rock the room, direct from the US of A (street, Esk) .. with his trademark white suit, swivel hips and golden voice, Lloyd King as Elvis hit the stage and had the audience screaming for more!!

However, no Christmas Concert in Esk would be complete without some beautiful singing by the now widely acclaimed Esk Community Choir. Following their popularly received rollicking choral numbers before interval, they completed the Concert with some soul stirring Sacred songs bringing the true meaning of Christmas to their audience who all stood, as tradition states, for the final "Hallelujah Chorus".

And as the Hall slowly cleared of an audience, all replete from a diet of wonderful music, a delectable afternoon tea and bags full of gifts and goodies purchased from the Stall, people were singing the praises of this year's delightful afternoon of entertainment. And as we all now prepare for our family celebrations of Christmas, pray for peace, happiness, rain... but not too much... and enough giftwrap to reach around the last of the presents on Christmas Eve, the family of the Esk Community Choir thanks you all for sharing with them this their 21st Christmas Variety Concert.

Open Garden 2011

2011-11-25T20:10:00.000-08:00

THEY CAME TO A GLORIOUS GARDEN AND HEARD A SONG

by: Sue Walker

There is something quite infectious which affects the spirit and cannot help but be transmitted to all those exposed to it when one finds themselves in a garden the likes of which was open for all to explore at "Wivenhoe" on the weekend of the 12th and 13th November. A masterpiece of colour, structure, tiny focal points and mass plantings which melt into the landscape and lakescape so perfectly you'd be shocked by the reality of the barrenness that it was some 30 years ago. Around 470 visitors were welcomed by hosts, Mary and Leofric North over the two days of the Open Gardens Australia weekend and all were inspired in so many ways by this pleasurable experience.

But what be a garden without music? ..and on this occasion it was the Esk Community Choir who sang so beautifully to the flowers, the clear blue sky and the many guests where they relaxed on the lawns and in the shaded seating, all fortified by delicious refreshments, a setting to capture the hearts and minds of all those who were fortunate enough to be there.

The mission of the Australian Open Garden Scheme is to promote the enjoyment, knowledge and benefits of gardens and gardening in Australian Communities and since 1987, has contributed over $4.7 million to charities and groups, the choice of which is left to the Garden owners themselves. This weekend, through the unimaginable hard work and kindness of Mary and Leofric North, the beneficiaries of their generosity have been the ESK COMMUNITY CHOIR who have been unstoppable in living their motto "Service in Song" since the destruction of all their possessions by fire eighteen months ago and their gratitude to the North family and to this Community knows no bounds.

For those who were privileged to share the joys of this weekend I'd be willing to wager that their new or improved gardens are already in the planning stages and for another dose of the sounds of their music, the Choir will be holding its 21st Christmas Variety Concert at the Esk State School Hall on the 4th December. We'd love you all to share with us in the making of more beautiful memories.

New Venue

2011-11-25T20:02:00.001-08:00

This in an artist's impression of what the Somerset Civic Centre will look like. Work has commenced in Esk and this will be the new venue for many of Esk Community Choir events. As sad and as financially distressing the loss of our beloved Lyceum Hall was to the Choir and the Community, this new building will enable local talent to be enjoyed at a level equal to other venues for a long time.

Desperadoes Theatre Restaurant

2011-09-29T22:24:00.000-07:00

OH WHAT A BUZZ!!!

Around the towns of Esk/Toogoolawah/Gatton there's been a noticeable buzz in the air and no.. it's not the sounds of bush flies rearing their sticky heads amid this sudden onslaught of a premature Summer!! They're all abuzz with talk of the "DESPERADOES"... the Theatre Restaurant performances by the Esk Community Choir over the last two weekends. On both Saturday nights and a Sunday afternoon, the doors were opened, stage lights went on and boy, did they put on a Show!

The first hint of something wacky, western and wonderful was the transformation of the Venue Halls into the Somerset Pot Hole Saloon and from the moment its Proprietor, Dolorus welcomed a stampede of Customers both on and off stage, it was a jocular journey that had audiences laughing as well as stomping and romping to the music while Rose, Lily, Clarabel, Dipso, Lucky, Hank, Ma and Pa Skittle and a chorusof Pot Hole "regulars" managed to manoeuvre their way around the three dysfunctional Desperadoes, each of whom were eager to make a quick buck along with a quick get-away. Well, you can lead a Desperado to money, but you can't make him think and by the time the audiences were mopping up the last of their delicious three course "gourmet" grub, provided by and delivered to each setting by the oh so talented and capable hands of the Ladies ( and gentlemen) from the Esk Show Society and in Gatton, the Ladies of the Lutheran Church, Pa's Chicken Farm was an Oil Well, the furious and fuzzy courtship of Adam and Laura saw them all but walking down the aisle and the bad guys, turned not only good, but good for something!!

Even great mistakes have a half-way moment, and during the Opening Night performance, if it hadn't been for the quick thinking and dexterity of the Sound engineer, Harry FitzGerald, the music for one of the final songs would have had to have been left to a bit of some stand-alone imagination!! However, problem quickly remedied and so to the finalé.

If one wants to dance, all one needs is a beat and to the strains of Hank belting out few verses of "Boot Scootin' Boogie" the rousing final numbers saw the cast doing just that followed by an all- in rendition of "Cigareets, Whusky and Wild, Wild Women".... and, by golly, if audience reaction is anything to go by and if the wonderfully talented Director , Kathleen Watts is willing, they're getting ready to see what intarnation might be happenin' next!!

People made their way home following those performances saying "best ever","brilliant" and more than a few actually rolled up to more than one of the shows!! So keep the buzz going folks 'cause as sure as Jacarandas will bloom at exam time, the Esk Community Choir, spurred on and inspired by Alexis FitzGerald, Choir Director, Musical Director, Accompanist and Producer extraordinaire, will have something just as wonderful in store for your total entertainment in the days, months and years to come.

By: Susan Walker

Christmas Wonderlights

2011-08-27T21:32:00.000-07:00

We will have enjoyed our own Choir breakup, eaten all our Yule gruel and be dreaming of our own Christmases, just like the ones we used to know, but before that happens....on DECEMBER 14th, the Choir's Christmas Spirit along side "Service in Song" will be alive and well when we entertain the crowds on Queens Park Gardens, Toowoomba. The Choir will be performing at 7.15 p.m. to 8.15 p.m. We look forward to seeing all our friends, both old and new, and sharing our joy of Christmas.

Sydney Revisited - 2011

2011-07-23T23:22:00.000-07:00

SONGBIRDS MAKE A BEAUTIFUL NOISE IN SYDNEY

By: Susan Walker

THIS IS THE STORY about a group of twenty-eight choristers from Esk who got to sing in the Sydney Opera House. It began when Alexis FitzGerald, their Choir Director, received another invitation to the World of Music festival to perform "Mass of the Children" by the esteemed composer, John Rutter. The venue, the Sydney Opera House. Those of the Choir who had gone before and those who had wished they had, were not about to let this opportunity go begging and so it was that the invitation was accepted, the musical score purchased along with some practice CD's and for as many moments as they could afford themselves during the weeks prior to performance, they learned and listened in an attempt to master this most moving piece of music.

By 14th July, heightened with excited anticipation, a busload of Choir members from Esk headed for the airport, destination Sydney. Little was known of the internationally renown Choral Director and musician, Eric Dale Knapp other than that he was to be guest conductor and that he would be bringing along with him his Choir from the USA. However, at their first rehearsal after introductions were made, vocal warm-ups completed and Maestro Knapp ironically began with " ...ok, let's jump right in with Kyrie "...( he did a lot of jumping!) they knew that they were in the presence of a dynamic leader of voices whose energy was sure to empower his performers with something very special designed to stir the souls of an audience.

The genesis for “Mass of the Children" appeared many years before its completion. It was not until the tragedy of losing his son, Christopher, that John Rutter was compelled to pour all his passion into the completion of this music as a dedication, and to perform it is to feel the depth of his emotion. With the purity of the Children's voices, combined with the maturity of the Adult choirs, latin text, interspersed with lines from the poetry of William Blake, from the colourful opening of "Kyrie" through to the peace of "Finale (Dona nobis pacem)", this work is Rutter at his most sublime and for the travellers from Esk, to perform it amid a 160 voice choir to an almost capacity audience in the Concert Hall of the Sydney Opera House, was a moment when their world was crammed with Heaven and their dedication to their preparation for this experience was evident and noted.

Prior warning had armed them well for the impact of hearing and singing with the Children's Choir "Partners in Praise" from the USA. It was to have a bypass from one's heart to one's tear ducts not to shed tears at the purity of their sound!! So too was the audience moved by the goose-bump performances by the soprano and baritone soloists, Alicia Luick and Morgan Pearse whose chocolaty depth of sound was simply swoon-worthy. The "Mass of the Children" was originally written with accompaniment by an orchestra or chamber ensemble. However, Eric Dale Knapp chose in this instance to perform to the accompaniment of the Opera House's magnificent pipe organ and in so doing, brought with him his own highly acclaimed accompanist, Mark Pacoe, whose talents seated at the organ were on a par with his superlatively good looks!

By Monday the 18th, the reality of returning home began to intrude, but not before the Eskimos had shopped, supped and savoured the sights, spectacle and sounds that were there for the taking in the exciting city of Sydney. From Bondi to Balmain, La bohéme and beyond, over the 5 days of their sojourn, they were treated to a feast of fabulous fun and entertainment, though paled in part by their performance at the Opera House.

To put finish to this story and to this most beautiful of singing at this point in time would be a miscarriage of the heart and so to avoid that end, the Choir will be performing two of these moving pieces for local audiences at their upcoming Concerts later in the year.

Open Garden November 2011

2011-06-28T00:05:00.000-07:00

Another weekend worth noting on your 2011 calendar will be the 12th and 13th November when we, The Esk Community Choir, have been invited to attend, perchance to perform, at the home of Leofric and Mary North who are opening their beautiful garden to the public as part of the Open Garden Scheme. Address is 865 Wivenhoe/Somerset Dam Road, Via Fernvale.

Sue Walker
Publicity Officer

Italian Tour - April 2011

2011-06-11T21:32:00.000-07:00

On the steps in Assisi

CANTARE IN L’ITALIA……….MOLTO SPECIALE!!

Is it the spine-tingling sensation of the first note sung in the hallowed precincts of Basilicas or Concert Halls? Is it the inspirational and indeed humbling feeling as one stands in awe beside the historical architectural monuments of ancient Rome? Is it the joy of viewing the typical countryside – the sparkling lakes, the cherry trees amassed with blossoms, the acres of vineyards, the tiny farms and the picture-postcard villages of rural Italy? Is it the excitement of performing with choirs from around the world at the unforgettable Verona Choral Festival? All of the above are treasured memories but perhaps the greatest of all is the visit to Casa Verdi – Rest Home for Retired Musicians, financed and built at the request of Verdi himself “for those old singers not favoured by fortune, or who, when they were young, did not possess the virtue of saving. The poor, dear companions of my lifetime! Believe me, that home is truly my most beautiful work.” Believe me also, this is where Choir Italia 2011 gave their ultimate performance. Was it the exquisite surrounds? Was it the strains of the glorious piano heard as we entered the courtyard? Was it being surrounded by the spirit of Verdi himself? Was it the sincerity and intense interest of the audience (one of whom had actually sung with Maria Callas)? Who knows but it was here that days, weeks and months of preparation came together in such magnificence for an unforgettable, final performance of a very special choir. Pride, satisfaction and sheer joy – my thanks and congratulations to you all.

Alexis FitzGerald

Annual General Meeting 2011

2011-02-08T23:24:00.000-08:00

On the 2 February 2011 our AGM was chaired by our Patron, Jean Bray. All of the incumbent office bearers stood down for the election and many were not standing again because of other commitments. A very special thanks of appreciation was given to Shirley Todd who had held the position of Secretary for 10 years. During this time she has given above and beyond what the position required. But, yes you guessed it, she is not giving up altogether and will be continuing as the Italian Tour Co-ordinator.

It was pleasing to see so many new members prepared to give the committee a try and the new faces for this year are:

Secretary: Kathie Watts
Treasurer: Suzanne Clemence
PR Officer: Sue Walker
Uniform: Marina Crichton
Production/Stage Manager: Lloyd King

Congratulations to all elected members.

Choralation

2010-05-26T16:55:00.000-07:00

Despite the loss of our hall, the Somerset Youth Choir's first concert has gone over without a hitch. Performed at the Anglican Church Hall in the main street of Esk, the Sunday afternoon concert was performed to proud parents and a supportive community with standing room only with 10mins until the start!

Guest choirs at this performance included:
Esk Community Choir
Esk Primary Choir
Toogoolawah Primary
Toogoolawah High School

For soloists and duets we had:
Patrina Mcleod
Jessica Pitman
Carmel & Graham Lynch

A definite highlight of the day was the big finale - when all the choirs came together to give a demonstration of the versatility of Rounds. Thunderous applause signaled the end of a fantastic performance. Well done Somerset Youth Choir!

Lyceum Hall - GONE.

2010-05-26T16:35:00.000-07:00

The Lyceum burnt down in 20 minutes on the night of 07/05/10.

Originally constructed in 1909, The Lyceum has been central to the Esk Community. It has been home to the not only our own Esk Community Choir and the new Somerset Youth Choir but the meeting place of our community for over 100 years. The once beatiful historic hall has functioned as an event location, a library, wedding reception venue, graduation hall, the local School of Arts, dance hall and movie theatre and has witnessed countless performances and workshops from people from all over the state.

30 years of choir history burnt down that night. All our music, instruments, props, costumes, backdrops and memories. Our home is gone.

Now rehearsing at the Anglican Church hall and the Esk Primary school respectively, both the Esk and Somerset Choirs continue their strive to enjoy and share their music with the community. The Somerset Choir had their planned performance in the Church hall instead, while the Esk Community Choir will having their's in the Alexandra Hall in Toogoolawah, 15mins down the road.

We've had a lot of support from the community, and in time we will build up our stores and have a new home. But for now we continue our service in song while mourning our beautiful home.

Cruisin' Calypso (2009)

2010-04-13T21:47:00.000-07:00

In September of 2009 the E.C.C. presented their latest "strictly for adults" theatre restaurant 'Cruisin' Calypso'.

From the moment audience members stepped into the Lyceum Hall they found themselves being swept along with the swell of the SS Indulgence. Audience members were greeted at the door by island girls, who immediately put everyone in a Caribbean frame of mind. Rather than enter in the traditional way everyone walked the gangplank, where the ship's pretty mates welcomed us aboard with a flower lei and glass of champagne. The hall was decorated with palms and banana leaves, and the colour scheme of black, yellow and green reflected the flag of the country we were destined for - Jamaica.

The story following a group of passengers who set out on a Caribbean cruise which offers them much more than they bargained for, as they travelled through the Bermuda Triangle things went from strange to stranger as they encountered some very odd characters.

Audience favourites were definitely Elvis (played by Lloyd King in a number of fantastic outfits - made by his wife, Carolyn), and the hilarious "Bowls Ladies" (Patrina McLeod, Carmel Lynch and Marina Crichton). Prizes were awarded for the best dressed audience member - it was very pleasing to see so many passengers dressed for the part. A smoking volcano had centre stage in Act 2 and cast members had to appease the Great God Burpo with a sacrificial virgin - easier said than done! The appearance of four Zombies had the audience members in stitches and it was great to see some good sports join them up on stage to do the Limbo.

The show ended with Elvis singing up a storm and the whole cast joining the audience for a congo line through the tables.

Many passengers were reluctant to come to the end of their cruise and compliments were flying - the show was a great success. It was a lot of hard work, but everyone pulled their weight and it all came together. Our Musical Director and Producer, Alexis FitzGerald of course, did a wonderful job as did everyone else involved. Russell Zammet produced his masterpieces again and the volcano especially was a great hit, we are so lucky to have his artistic talents in our choir.

Michelle Rose

Somerset Youth Choir

2010-04-13T21:18:00.001-07:00

Our family has grown with the inception of the Somerset Youth and Junior Choirs, which started rehearsals at the beginning of August 2009. Both choirs run Tuesday afternoons before the E.C.C. The Junior Choir - for students Grade 4 to 7 - runs from 5pm to 6pm, while the Senior Youth Choir (grade 8 - age 21) rehearses between 6pm and 7.30.

This Youth choir is the brain child of High School Music Teacher Leanne Kuss, who directs the 'senior' Youth choir. Fellow music teacher Linda Corcoran directs the Junior choir, and together they ensure a fun, diverse and organised musical experience.

So far the Youth Choir has performed both at the annual E.C.C. Christmas concert and the Esk Art Fair. Their first self-organised concert is coming up on the 23rd May - Choralation - which involves all the choirs in the area (including the school choirs)

If you know anyone interested in joining the Youth Choir please pass on their email address: somyouthchoir@hotmail.com
or rock on up to the lyceum hall on Tuesday.

CHOIR BABIES!!

2010-04-13T21:08:00.001-07:00

How remiss of me not to announce the arrival of our "choir baby". Born on 22 August 2009, Sienna Rose. Is it not surprising that she loves music and has attended choir practice regularly where she has many "aunts, uncles and grandparents" who vie for a chance to have a cuddle. Congratulations to Mum (Jessica Pitman) & Dad. Sienna (now nearly 8 months) already sings along and loves playing the piano!

Wait for more information on our newest arrival (baby boy) born in the last month. Mum (Ella) is still absent from choir, but when she's back we'll have more details and maybe even a photo. Yet another mother is expecting - due very soon!!!

Sydney Opera House (June 2009)

2010-04-13T20:52:00.000-07:00

This is a story about 15 ladies and 2 men from the Esk Community Choir who sang at the Sydney Opera House. It is not fiction, though the experience was the stuff dreams are made of.
The story began when Alexis received, via email, an invitation for the choir to sing Mozart's Requiem as part of the Festival of World Voices in 2009 at the Sydney Opera House. Seventeen choir members, unwilling to pull the shade down on this opportunity, answered the call. Armed with the musical score, a couple of home grown tapes, purchased CD's and very little knowledge of what was to come, they dedicated spare moments during the following weeks and months to mastering this very challenging Requiem Mass in D Minor by Mozart.

The little that WAS known was that the Internationally high regarded American clinician, lecturer and Director of Choral Studies at Atlanta's Emory University, Dr Eric Nelson, was to be the conductor for the festival, travelling to Sydney to perform the work along with a number of choirs from the USA.

A great leader is said to be someone who takes genuine joy in the successes of those under him and from the moment Dr Nelson began the rehearsal with "OK, let's sing the Requiem: they knew they were in the presence of, not only a great leader and teacher, but also a musical genius and hearts soared along with their voices.

From the wandering tones of 'Intoitus' through the intricacies of 'Kyrie', the rhythmic vitality of 'Dies Irae', the mournful pulsing of 'Lacrimose', the fire passion and pathos of 'Rex Tremendae' and 'Confutatis' to the final dramatic notes of 'Lux Eterna', the ladies and gentlemen from Esk were born aloft on a sea of musical excellence. So too were the other choirs, anchored by the incomparable voices of the Centenary College Choir from Louisiana, and others from Georgia and Charleston as well as sixty 'angelic' boy sopranos, altos, tenors and basses from Sydney's Knox Grammar School who were called to the fray with only one months notice. The sum total of 160 voices filled and thrilled both the Concert Hall at the Sydney Opera House and an almost capacity audience.

True testament to the determination and dedication to practice by the Esk contingent were the comments and compliments expressed by more than a few members of the visiting choirs regarding the 'excellent preparation by this community choir'.

The story could not continue without the telling of the four highly credentialed soloists, highlighted by the amazing voice of Tim Chung, a countertenor, who sung alto, nor the accompaniment of a wonderful orchestra comprising young graduates from the Conservatorium alongside accomplished professional musicians.

This story does not have an ending because once there are no more words to tell, our music will continue to take over. People who make music together will always share that bond... for as long as the music lasts.

Sue Walker

Members who participated in Mozart's Requim

Elaine Brown

Joan Burke

Kym Clemence

Suzanne Clemence

Brian Crichton

Marina Crichton

Alexis FitzGerald

Mary FitzGerald

Maree Hammond

Dorothea Moyle

Noela Niemeyer

Jessica Pitman

Ellise Pope

Leon Toms

Sue Walker

Kathie Watts

Music & Wellbeing Symposium

2009-02-06T20:55:00.000-08:00

Congratulations Alexis, our Musical Director, who has been awarded an invitation to attend the Music and Wellbeing Symposium to be held at the Melbourne University from February 10th to 11th 2009.

Alexis received this invitation after lodging a submission to apply for one of the three “tickets” available Australia wide.

SYMPOSIUM OVERVIEW

Music is the world’s most established community development tool. Before recorded music, people used to make their own music. It was the glue that held communities together, and it still can be!

Inspirational Australian and International theorists – Jon Hawkes (Community Music Victoria) and Brynjulf Stige - will be speakers as part of a two-day symposium to learn about the cultural and biological reasons that active music-making improves community life. This program is designed for those from many areas of community development, arts and culture, education and welfare and health. Come along and access the science that backs up the powerful experience of music making for wellbeing.

First Night Back 2009

2009-02-06T20:51:00.000-08:00

First night back - well - I think everyone was delighted to meet up again as there were lots of hugs and kisses etc. - and not enough time to talk! We welcomed three new members, two ladies and one gentleman and two returning members who had taken breaks for travel etc. We also welcomed one of the Prague Choir members who originally joined us for our tour but enjoyed it all so much that she has come back on a permanent basis (she will be travelling up from Hamilton so obviously enjoys our company) - and we expect a couple more in the next week or so once they sort out their programmes for the year.

The two new ladies are both Music Teachers, one of whom is keen to play whenever we need her, and the other who prefers to sing but is willing to help out on the piano if needed, how lucky can we be! With Alexis, our Musical Director, attending the Music & Well Being Symposium in Melbourne this week – see our story on this – we have someone to take over the piano whilst our usual accompanist will direct.

There were a few away due to health problems etc., but they will be back in the next couple of weeks and a couple of others must still be away as we haven’t heard from them yet.

Oh yes, we have another Choir baby on the way - it's been 4 years since we were last a “Choir in Waiting”!

Europe Tour 2008 - From a member's perspective...

2009-02-05T17:28:00.000-08:00

I’m dreaming of a white Christmas... Well there was no need to dream for the ladies of the Esk Community Choir Women’s Choir when we travelled to Germany and Czech in December 08. These enchanting countries of Europe celebrate the joy and spirit of Christmas right throughout the month. Our 12 days of touring Europe became our very own 12 Days of Christmas – complete with Christmas carols, singing, Christmas shopping, Christmas decorations, the fabulous Christmas markets and, of course, snow!!! And one can’t forget the delicacies of Christmas in Europe – hot apple juice with cinnamon, Bratwurst im Brötchen (pork sausage in bread), Crepes (complete with nutella, cream, baileys, or any other topping your heart desired...), fresh breads of varying descriptions (and nothing compares with German bakeries) and, last but definitely not least, Glühwien; hot mulled wine complete with beautiful mugs to keep as keepsakes.

The destinations visited this trip captured our hearts and imaginations, from Rothenberg; the magical Medieval city that fell asleep for 250 years only to be reawakened in the 1880s by German artists, to Prague – the majestic city of the Czech republic, home to the Annual Advent Sing and the reason for the tour. Which brings us to the purpose of our tour. The performances. Nearly all of our performances took place in the awe-inspiring churches of Europe. You don’t need to be religious to appreciate the glory of the architecture and interior decor, or to feel the weight of faith and history that makes you speak in hushed tones. Although you could very well be whispering because anything louder than that reverberates around the church as if you had shouted. Nothing quite compares to finishing a note and hearing your choir’s pure notes resound around a church that is just so appropriate for songs such as the ones we were singing.

And of course all of these beautiful experiences were made even better by the company. Our family of singers laughed together, cried together, sharing our awe and excitement, exploring the world we were visiting. And some moments will never be forgotten. For example – how many people can say that they, with the rest of their choir, stood in a winding staircase of a hotel to squeeze in some practice? And how many other groups have brought joy and amusement to the locals of a foreign town, just by wearing bright red scarfs and beanies? This trip was jam packed full of moments like these and I could take an age just to write them all down.

So now I will finish, I hope that’s alright.

Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night.

Jessica Pitman