EUROPEAN
Concert ChoraleTour
The Concert Chorale European tour is certainly filled with musical masterpieces, but the adventure is even more
than that.
The smell of cinnamon wafts through the crisp chilly air. Locals and tourist sip on rich hot chocolate and enjoy
crepes topped with drippy Nutella. A melodic harmony rises from the softly lit amphitheater as the USF Concert Chorale serenades the European Christmas Market guests. It’s an experience and a memory that will last a lifetime.
This glimpse into the Concert Chorale’s tour of the Czech Republic, Austria and Germany is just the beginning of
the cultural experience 50 students embarked on this past January. The choir sang in multiple historically significant sanctuaries, soaked in the history and food and brought Culture for Service halfway across the world. Prior to the trip, the USF group collected winter clothing items and then delivered them to those in need at Basilica of St. Ulrich and St. Afra (Augsburg, Germany). Since 2008 the choir has embarked on a European tour seven times, with each trip gaining more student participation.
“Because of the rich musical history and world-famous cathedrals which serve as our performance and worship
venues, there’s no greater destination for a college choir than Europe,” says Dr. David DeHoogh-Kliewer, associate professor of music and director of choral activities at USF. “From the architecture, history and art, to the people and cuisine, USF’s international choir tours provide a lifetime of educational as well as cherished college memories.”
// LEFT: The Concert Chorale performs in Prague’s famous Christmas Market in the Old Town Square for 10,000 people. // TOP: Stephen Waltner, Seth Olson, Seth Bungum, Grace Trautman and Julie (Willison) Spawn pose for a selfie in Austria with the Vienna State Opera House in the background..
// BOTTOM: Dr. David DeHoogh-Kliewer conducts as students contribute to a worship service at St. Vitus Cathedral in Prague, Czech Republic.
Spring 2020 // USF MAGAZINE
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