The Singing Statesmen in the Hall of Mirrors at Palacio Foz
The Singing Statesmen, from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, had the privilege of touring Portugal in January 2014 with stops in Porto and Lisbon. During the tour, The Singing Statesmen performed in churches, palaces and large cathedrals to very appreciative audiences. The citizens of Portugal were engaging and enthusiastic at each performance with expressions of joy and requests for multiple encores! Among the many unique venues, the Porto Cathedral in Porto and the Palacio Foz Hall of Mirrors and the Jerónimos Monastery in Lisbon make this tour a must for an artistic ensemble and conductor. Concerts were very well attended with music followers, community leaders, and school age children. Music is not included in curriculum of the public schools in Portugal. Therefore, audiences have a unique appreciation for the arts. In my twelve international tours, I have not experienced a more culturally unique and cost effective tour than our 2014 tour to Portugal. It is a wonderful balance of the old world and the future that is to come. An audience member stated, ” I am surprised that these young men can have such a quality and a professional attitude.” Obrigado!
Gary R. Schwartzhoff, conductor The Singing Statesmen University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire
The Singing Statesmen in Portugal