The Biola University Chorale under the direction of Mrs. Shawna Stewart is on it way home. The singers are scheduled to arrive at 7:05 pm on Lufthansa 452 at Los Angeles LAX airport which depa. We wish everyone a safe and smooth return home.
Sunday, April 15, 2012
Friday, April 13, 2012
Czech Concert Promo for the Biola University Chorale
V pátek 13. dubna od 17.30 hodin vystoupí spolu s CHDS a CHPS vynikající americké univerzitní těleso Biola University Chorale s dirigentkou Shawna Cross Stewart. V podání pěveckého sboru z Kalifornie zazní především kompozice starých mistrů a spirituály. Biola University Chorale přijíždí po 16. hodině do Chlumce a po vystoupení v kostele sv. Havla je pro hosty ještě sjednána večeře v restauraci „U Richterů – bowling“. Pátek i sobota tedy budou v Chlumci patřit sborovému zpěvu. Po pátečním sborovém koncertě se v sobotu se uskuteční Krajská přehlídka Celostátní přehlídky školních dětských pěveckých sborů.
Thursday, April 12, 2012
Biola to sing at J.S. Bach's tomb on Thursday, April 12 at noon
A special highlight awaits the singers of the Biola University Choral Ensemble on Thursday, April 12, 2012 as they continue their journey in the footsteps of the great composer Johann Sebastian Bach to Leipzig. Not only will the choir under the direction of Mrs. Shawna Stewart be visiting "his church", but also present a short concert at his tomb.
The great Thomaskirche is one of the main highlights of Leipzig, a town many refer to as the “City of Music.” Thomaskirche houses many renowned musicians, including the Boys Choir, as well as the final resting place of the grand composer Johann Sebastian Bach. Today people come from all over the world to the Church of St. Thomas to experience church services, unique performances from the Boys Choir and the Gewandhaus Orchestra, as well as intricate organ concerts.
The great Thomaskirche is one of the main highlights of Leipzig, a town many refer to as the “City of Music.” Thomaskirche houses many renowned musicians, including the Boys Choir, as well as the final resting place of the grand composer Johann Sebastian Bach. Today people come from all over the world to the Church of St. Thomas to experience church services, unique performances from the Boys Choir and the Gewandhaus Orchestra, as well as intricate organ concerts.
Thomaskirche once served as a critical pawn during the Christian Reformation, as Martin Luther often preached in the 12th century church. In 1355 the original Romanesque chancel was remodeled in a Gothic scheme, coinciding with the congregation’s split from the Roman Catholic Church.
The roof’s unusual 63 degree angle and sanctuary’s intricately designed vaulted ceilings result in unbelievable acoustics and highly complimentary reverberation.
Photo courtesy of Wikipedia
Photo courtesy of Wikipedia
Wednesday, April 11, 2012
Concert in Beautiful Schloss Ettersburg.
The appreciative audience was so thrilled by the concert, that they would not leave before an encore.
C
Concert in St. Christophorus Kirche
The people of Tiefurt including the pastor were very moved by the concert in their lovely church.
Biola concert in the media
THEATER, OPER, KONZERTE
Konzert: Biola University Chorale
Der Biola University Chorale aus La Mirada, Kalifornien (USA)
Mi 11.04.2012 19:00
Eintrittspreis:
5,00 €
5,00 €
Veranstaltungsort:
Schloss Ettersburg (Ettersburg)
Schloss Ettersburg (Ettersburg)
Der Biola University Chorale besteht aus 33 Sängerinnen und Sängern, alles Studenten und zum Großteil mit Spezialisierung in Stimme und Gesang haben.
Der musikalische Schwerpunkt des Chors reicht von klassischer Literatur über zeitgenössische amerikanische Musik bis hin zu Jazz, Gospel und Spirituals.
Der Biola University Chorale tourt jährlich national, alle
vier Jahre international. In Europa war die Gruppe schon in Deutschland, Österreich, Ungarn, der Tschechischen Republik und Italien.
Jedes Jahr ist der Biola University Chorale Gastgeber eines zweitägigen Festivals fϋr Chöre aus Schulen und Universitäten.
Jeden Frühling präsentiert der Chor gemeinsam mit
dem Biola Symphonie Orchester ein bedeutendes Werk, u.a. Waltons Belshazzar’s Feast, Beethovens Symphonie No. 9, Poulencs Gloira, Orffs Carmina Burana, Mendelssohns Elijah, Verdis Requiem, Mozarts ‘Coronotion’ Mass in C Dur und J.S. Bachs Magnificat. Zusätzlich zu vielen Konzerten an der Universität gibt der Chor auch Vorstellungen in umliegenden Kirchen.
Shawna Cross Stewart ist die Dirigentin sowie Leiterin Choral Activities an der Biola University in La Mirada, Kalifornien. Sie unterrichtet auch Kurse im Dirigieren, sowie Chor-Methoden und Chor-Literatur. Zuvor unterrichtete sie Chormusik an der John Brown University.
Frau Stewart erhielt ihren Abschluss in Choraldirektion von der Eastman School of Music. Zur Zeit arbeitet sie an ihrem Doktor in Musik an der University of Southern California, wobei sie die Gelegenheit hatte von Helmuth Rilling und Rene Clausen unterrichtet zu werden. Außerdem engagiert sich Frau Stewart in Kirchenmusik und hat in und um Los Angeles schon verschiedene Kirchenchöre geleitet.
Der musikalische Schwerpunkt des Chors reicht von klassischer Literatur über zeitgenössische amerikanische Musik bis hin zu Jazz, Gospel und Spirituals.
Der Biola University Chorale tourt jährlich national, alle
vier Jahre international. In Europa war die Gruppe schon in Deutschland, Österreich, Ungarn, der Tschechischen Republik und Italien.
Jedes Jahr ist der Biola University Chorale Gastgeber eines zweitägigen Festivals fϋr Chöre aus Schulen und Universitäten.
Jeden Frühling präsentiert der Chor gemeinsam mit
dem Biola Symphonie Orchester ein bedeutendes Werk, u.a. Waltons Belshazzar’s Feast, Beethovens Symphonie No. 9, Poulencs Gloira, Orffs Carmina Burana, Mendelssohns Elijah, Verdis Requiem, Mozarts ‘Coronotion’ Mass in C Dur und J.S. Bachs Magnificat. Zusätzlich zu vielen Konzerten an der Universität gibt der Chor auch Vorstellungen in umliegenden Kirchen.
Shawna Cross Stewart ist die Dirigentin sowie Leiterin Choral Activities an der Biola University in La Mirada, Kalifornien. Sie unterrichtet auch Kurse im Dirigieren, sowie Chor-Methoden und Chor-Literatur. Zuvor unterrichtete sie Chormusik an der John Brown University.
Frau Stewart erhielt ihren Abschluss in Choraldirektion von der Eastman School of Music. Zur Zeit arbeitet sie an ihrem Doktor in Musik an der University of Southern California, wobei sie die Gelegenheit hatte von Helmuth Rilling und Rene Clausen unterrichtet zu werden. Außerdem engagiert sich Frau Stewart in Kirchenmusik und hat in und um Los Angeles schon verschiedene Kirchenchöre geleitet.
Monday, April 9, 2012
Media coverage for the first Biola University Chorale Concert in Germany
THEATER, OPER, KONZERTE
Konzert: Biola University Chorale
Der Biola University Chorale aus La Mirada, Kalifornien (USA)
Eintritt frei (Spenden für die Kirchgemeinde erbeten)
Mo 09.04.2012 19:30
Der Eintritt ist frei
Veranstaltungsort:
Lutherkirche (Apolda)
Lutherkirche (Apolda)
Der Biola University Chorale besteht aus 33 Sängerinnen und Sängern, alles Studenten und zum Großteil mit Spezialisierung in Stimme und Gesang haben.
Der musikalische Schwerpunkt des Chors reicht von klassischer Literatur über zeitgenössische amerikanische Musik bis hin zu Jazz, Gospel und Spirituals.
Der Biola University Chorale tourt jährlich national, alle
vier Jahre international. In Europa war die Gruppe schon in Deutschland, Österreich, Ungarn, der Tschechischen Republik und Italien.
Jedes Jahr ist der Biola University Chorale Gastgeber eines zweitägigen Festivals fϋr Chöre aus Schulen und Universitäten.
Jeden Frühling präsentiert der Chor gemeinsam mit
dem Biola Symphonie Orchester ein bedeutendes Werk, u.a. Waltons Belshazzar’s Feast, Beethovens Symphonie No. 9, Poulencs Gloira, Orffs Carmina Burana, Mendelssohns Elijah, Verdis Requiem, Mozarts ‘Coronotion’ Mass in C Dur und J.S. Bachs Magnificat. Zusätzlich zu vielen Konzerten an der Universität gibt der Chor auch Vorstellungen in umliegenden Kirchen.
Shawna Cross Stewart ist die Dirigentin sowie Leiterin Choral Activities an der Biola University in La Mirada, Kalifornien. Sie unterrichtet auch Kurse im Dirigieren, sowie Chor-Methoden und Chor-Literatur. Zuvor unterrichtete sie Chormusik an der John Brown University.
Frau Stewart erhielt ihren Abschluss in Choraldirektion von der Eastman School of Music. Zur Zeit arbeitet sie an ihrem Doktor in Musik an der University of Southern California, wobei sie die Gelegenheit hatte von Helmuth Rilling und Rene Clausen unterrichtet zu werden. Außerdem engagiert sich Frau Stewart in Kirchenmusik und hat in und um Los Angeles schon verschiedene Kirchenchöre geleitet.
Der musikalische Schwerpunkt des Chors reicht von klassischer Literatur über zeitgenössische amerikanische Musik bis hin zu Jazz, Gospel und Spirituals.
Der Biola University Chorale tourt jährlich national, alle
vier Jahre international. In Europa war die Gruppe schon in Deutschland, Österreich, Ungarn, der Tschechischen Republik und Italien.
Jedes Jahr ist der Biola University Chorale Gastgeber eines zweitägigen Festivals fϋr Chöre aus Schulen und Universitäten.
Jeden Frühling präsentiert der Chor gemeinsam mit
dem Biola Symphonie Orchester ein bedeutendes Werk, u.a. Waltons Belshazzar’s Feast, Beethovens Symphonie No. 9, Poulencs Gloira, Orffs Carmina Burana, Mendelssohns Elijah, Verdis Requiem, Mozarts ‘Coronotion’ Mass in C Dur und J.S. Bachs Magnificat. Zusätzlich zu vielen Konzerten an der Universität gibt der Chor auch Vorstellungen in umliegenden Kirchen.
Shawna Cross Stewart ist die Dirigentin sowie Leiterin Choral Activities an der Biola University in La Mirada, Kalifornien. Sie unterrichtet auch Kurse im Dirigieren, sowie Chor-Methoden und Chor-Literatur. Zuvor unterrichtete sie Chormusik an der John Brown University.
Frau Stewart erhielt ihren Abschluss in Choraldirektion von der Eastman School of Music. Zur Zeit arbeitet sie an ihrem Doktor in Musik an der University of Southern California, wobei sie die Gelegenheit hatte von Helmuth Rilling und Rene Clausen unterrichtet zu werden. Außerdem engagiert sich Frau Stewart in Kirchenmusik und hat in und um Los Angeles schon verschiedene Kirchenchöre geleitet.
First performance venue: The stunning Ordenskirche in Bayreuth
The Biola University Chorale will be the featured guest choir here for Easter Monday Service on April 9 at 9:30 am.
Construction on the Ordenskirche in Bayreuth began in 1705 and was completed 13 years later in 1718. It is in a fairly central location near downtown Bayreuth.
Probably the most stunning feature of the church is the intricatly designed alter made of pink marble.
Above the alter is a beautiful depiction of images from the New Testament.
A somewhat unusual characteristic of the church is the baptismal font. Usually these are located off to one side of the nave, however, in the Ordenskirche it is located in the center of the church. It is constructed out of pink marble and was completed in 1716, two years before the actual church. Translated, Ordenskirche means church of the order. The founder of the church, count Georg Wilhelm, decided that all of the knights in his order were to appear in church every year the day it was founded. Addtionally, the families of the order depicted their family crests inside the church.
Sunday, April 8, 2012
Home away from home: Arvena Kongress Hotel, Bayreuth
The Biola Choir will spend the night of Sunday, April 8th, 2012 in Germany at the Arvena Kongress Hotel in Bayreuth. The hotel itself is located in a quiet area of the city but is only about 10-15 minutes walking distance from the historical city center. On Tripadvisor and other websites, the modern four star hotel is often praised for its exceptionally friendly and helpful staff. Each of the 196 rooms is modernly equipped with a full bathroom, direct dial telephone, flat-screen TV and in-room safe. Additionally, all rooms offer air-conditioning, and WiFi is available throughout the entire hotel free of charge.
The Arvena Hotel also features a sauna and wellness area on the seventh floor, complete with a steam bath and terrace, as well as a gym area with cardio- and exercise equipment. The two in-hotel restaurants offer seasonal international and regional fare. Breakfast features a typical German selection such as breads with meats and cheeses, muesli, fruit and juices.For more impressions of the Arvena Hotel, browse the gallery on their website.
Saturday, April 7, 2012
Wishing the Biola Chorale a safe journey to Germany
Dear Members of the Biola University Chorale, we wish you safe travels and a smooth journey to Europe where your Incantato Tour Manager Karolina Zadrazilova will be waiting for you at Munich airport. Enjoy the flight with Lufthansa, Auf Wiedersehen, Sandra and Team
Sunday, April 1, 2012
What to pack: Size Matters
Dear Travelers, please remember to pack light. There is no charge for ONE checked bags on international flights as long as your suitcase is within the weight limit of 44 pounds. Remember, you are only allowed ONE checked suitcase per person coming on your Incantato Tour plus ONE small/normal size carry-on as luggage capacity on the bus is limited. Please go to the Lufthansa website for detailed information on what is considered a carry-on and a checked bag, but please keep in mind that we can only fit ONE checked bag per person on the coach.
For most people, packing is the most difficult part. The solution for many is to just pack as much as you possibly can into your suitcase and backpack, but as a colleague explains it: "You'll be thanking me later when you don't break your back from having to carry everything on your own. Don't do it!" Her advice: "Pack as lightly as you can. The best way to get it all to fit nicely into your suitcase is to fold it nicely and then roll it tightly. It can all fit into your bag like a puzzle."
Keep in mind, however, that many cathedrals have a dress code and will not allow you to walk in if you are wearing tank tops or shorts. A scarf is a good solution to this code. And shorts should always go to your knees (both for Ladies and Gents). Incantato also plans a farewell dinner for the tour groups, so bring something comfortable and dressy.
Here are a few things that we think are essential to have to be comfortable with what the weather brings (April in Central Europe is still spring time - it will very likely be quite humid too) and with the weight of your bag - remember, we allow only one checked bag per person and a small carry-on such as a bag pack or small duffel. Yes Ladies, you may have a small purse in addition, gents a camera case is fine too, but again, you will be the one carrying it all from the bus to the hotel and vice versa, so better test if you can move all your travel belongings without needing to make two trips or help from someone else.
A sample packing list (just a suggestion!)
* Rain jacket, maybe with fleece insert
* Umbrella
* An adapter plug/converter (if bringing electronic devices)
* Camera and batteries or charger with adapter
* At least two pair of jeans/pants, ladies may want to bring a couple skirts or dresses too
* a sweater or two
* Plenty of shirts, including a polo or two and at least two dress shirts (Europeans dress much more formal than Americans)
* Plenty of undergarments and socks for daily changes
* A watch, make-up and jewelry if applicable (carry on any valuables)
* Choir music and attire
* Don't forget shoes, we recommend a maximum of three pairs (tennis shoes, good everyday shoes, dress shoes). Bring nice concert shoes, but make sure that you will be able to walk long distances in them. Europeans do not wear flip flops other than to the pool or at the beach.
* Put all liquids that are in your carry-on into a zip-lock bag. And remember the 311 rules.* All scissors, fingernail clippers, etc. are better packed in your check-in luggage along with liquids over 3 ounzes. Bring enough contact lense solution and prescription medication that you may need for the whole duration of the trip.
If you forget anything there are plenty of little "pharmacies" where you can by shampoo, toothpaste, etc.
Money Matters
Money is a delicate subject. The exchange rate at the moment is not the best as it changes multiple times for the last few weeks (1 Euro= $1.35 to $1.49). And yes, it is possible to travel in Europe on a small budget. You may want to bring some Euro already with you, they can be obtained at your bank with advance notice or at the airport (higher fees). From our experience, a good way to access your money is to have a debit card; this allows you to withdraw money from any ATM machine with only being charged a small withdrawal fee. The fee differs between banks. Be sure to call your bank before your departure to tell them where you are going and for how long so they won't freeze your account. Also remember to bring your four digit pin. The debit cards given by the bank has the compatibility of Visa, MasterCard, however, Visa is the most widely accepted worldwide. If you bring cash, you can exchange it but you will lose more money as they charge for their services. Most places in Europe won't accept traveler's checks anymore. Also, be prepared to pay for water and a fee for restroom use (between 30 to 70 Euro cent). Last not least, there are no free refills on soft drinks in Europe which is why most Europeans ask for little to no ice in their drinks.
Remember that two meals daily are covered as part of the WRA Incantato Tour - breakfast and usually dinner, sometimes a lunch instead. In addition, we suggest you have some spending money available and our recommendation is around 12 to 15 Euro per day for the meal not included, snacks, drinks, postcards, some souvenirs. It is not imperative that you have this amount of money. There are many ways to lower your expenses such as:
· Most restaurants have menus outside so you can check their price range.
· Venture off the main roads to find a restaurant. These usually have more character, better food, and better prices.
· Bring your own water bottle. Most places have good and safe tap water to fill up with.
· Buy food from the "convenient" stores. You don't have to sit down in the restaurant for every meal.
· Shop around for souvenirs; many stores have the same things on sale for very different prices. Sometimes you may even be able to use your haggling skills for a real bargain. This is particularly true when buying from street vendors. But be careful, if it is too much of a bargain, you may not be buying a real fancy bag, but just a knock-off - Versaze instead of Versace ; )
Last not least, remember that your Incantato Tour Manager Karolina is with you pretty much 24/7. She is a native of Central Europe and a highly skilled professional, she is there to help you make the right choices.
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