During the recent school break, 46 students and 10 staff embarked on the highly successful Europe Choir Tour, visiting London, Salzburg and Vienna. The non-auditioned choir, comprising students from Years 8 to 12, had the incredible opportunity to perform in prestigious venues and participate in enriching cultural and life-changing experiences.
The highlight of the tour was undoubtedly the choir's award-winning performance in the Treble Choir section at the Summa Cum Laude Festival in Vienna. They performed for 20 minutes at the world-famous Musikverein and were invited to perform at the Gala Concert in the Konzerthaus.
Highlights of the Tour:
London
- Performance at St. Paul’s (Actors' Church) in Covent Garden: The choir, as well as soloists showcased their talents in this historic and renowned venue.
- Masterclass and Tour at the Royal College of Music: Students received expert training and explored the world’s No 1. music conservatory.
- Visit to St. Paul’s Cathedral for Sunday Orchestral Mass: A reflective experience for our students, allowing them to make further connections through our Anglican tradition
- A night out at Les Misérables in the West End: Students enjoyed this classic musical in London's famed theatre district.
- London Sightseeing: Included visits to iconic landmarks like Big Ben, the Tower of London, and Buckingham Palace.
Salzburg
- Performance at the Mozarteum University: The choir, as well as soloists performed at this prestigious institution known for its emphasis on the arts.
- The Sound of Music Tour: A guided tour exploring the locations made famous by the Von Trapp family, as well as the beloved film and musical!
- Visit to Mozart’s Birthplace and Childhood Home: An inspiring trip to the origins of one of the greatest composers of all time.
Vienna
- Winning Performance at the Musikverein: The choir’s standout performance that earned them first place.
- Visit to the Welt Museum: Students explored medieval armour and a collection of famous composers' instruments.
- Workshops and Masterclasses at the University of Music and Performing Arts Vienna: Interactive masterclasses and training sessions with distinguished choral experts.
- Performance at the Minoritenkirche: Another notable performance at a historic Vienna church, including an organ solo from Lucy Bremner (Year 11).
- Visit to the Interactive Haus der Musik (House of Music): An engaging exploration of music history and science.
- Performance at the ORF RadioKulturhaus: The choir performed at the esteemed broadcasting house.
- Performance at the Gala Winners Concert: An honour for the choir to perform among the best at the festival’s culminating event, including a vocal solo by Tabitha Bourakis (Year 11) in the finale.
- Farewell Reception and Party: A celebratory conclusion to a memorable tour.
This Europe Choir Tour was a remarkable experience for all the students. Thank you to all the staff who planned, conducted, accompanied, supervised, and assisted the students over the 2 weeks.
The tour was an opportunity to promote Lowther Hall and its outstanding Music and Choral Program to the wider community, firmly placing it on the international stage. The students experienced diverse cultural and musical traditions, as well as the excitement of performing in some of Europe's most famous venues.
It was an unforgettable experience for all!
