The Lakeville North High School Chorale took part in a concert tour of Germany and the Czech Republic earlier this year as part of the American Celebration of Music in Germany. The director, Paul Wigley, had this to say about the experience:
THIS WAS ONE OF OUR BEST TOURS – such a combination of sobering (Berlin) and uplifting places. Great venues to sing and great crowds. Our students were also extremely well-behaved, and I believe that is because of an efficient tour set-up with efficient tour guides. The well-paced tour kept students happy. Our Tour Managers were both very efficient and friendly. They made slight adjustments in schedules that always enhanced the students’ experiences. They added a boat tour of Prague on the last day, and it was a highlight for all of us. The guides were very approachable with students, and interacted very well with everyone. The concerts were the highlights –
Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church – very good experience – excellent crowd, and nice venue in which to perform. Staff was also very helpful. Recital at the Thomaskirche – a highlight! Bach’s crypt about 10 feet behind us as we sang! Incredible acoustics, excellent place to sing…plus the church staff let our choir go all the way up to the top of the bell tower (for free!) to get a fantastic view of Leizig. Evening Mass and recital in St. Nicholas Church – very nice place to sing. The acoustics were great, and the congregation was very appreciative. St. Nicholas Church on Old Town Square – the highlight of the entire tour for all of us. The combination of a beautiful venue with great acoustics, the location right on Old Town Square, a beautiful sunny day, our final concert, a standing-room-only crowd(!), and very focused singing by the Chorale made this simply an unforgettable concert. Wonderful!
Paul Wigley, Director Lakeville North High School Lakeville, Minnesota