Biola University: Confirmed Flight Schedule

Here is the updated flight schedule as of March 27, 2012. Please prepare to be at the airport 2.5 hours prior to departure!


Departure to Europe:
Saturday, April 7, 2012 Lufthansa LH 453 leaves Los Angeles (LAX) at 9:10 pm
arrives in Munich (MUC) at 5:30 pm on Sunday, April 8, 2012
Sunday, April 15, 2012 Lufthansa LH 1691 leaves Prague (PRG) at 12:55 pm
arrives in Munich (MUC) at 1:55 pm

Return to US:
Lufthansa LH 452 leaves Munich (MUC) at 3:45 pm
arrives in Los Angeles (LAX) at 7:05 pm

We proudly present te Biola Chorale Concert Ca

Wartburg - a castle with over 900 years of history

Once you visit Warburg castle you will see it sitting on a steep hill, overlooking the beautiful and quaint city of Eisenach in Thuringia, Germany. You will walk over a draw bridge to access the castle. It is one of the oldest and best preserved Romanesque castles in Germany. Built in 1067 and attributed to Count Ludwig der Springer, the castle grounds display art treasures collected over centuries including medieval musical instruments. In 1999, the Wartburg castle was added to the list of the UNESCO world heritage sites. The Wartburg used to be an important place of courtly culture: Medieval singing contests were held here.  The legendary Minnesingers' Contest or "Singers' War" dates back to 1206. Although it was only a legend, this courtly and knightly epic vividly depicts the rule of landgrave Hermann I and the Thuringian court as its centre.
The Wartburg became the refuge for the German church reformer Martin Luther, who was excommunicated by the pope and outlawed by the emperor. He sought refuge in the bailiff's lodge at the Wartburg. During the months of his protective custody, he lived and worked in a sparsely furnished room, today known as the Luther Room. In only 10 weeks he translated the New Testament from the original Greek texts into German. Two and a half centuries later Johann Wolfgang von Goethe stayed at the Wartburg Castle for five weeks in 1777. His visit there is characterized by his enthusiasm for nature. Today the visual knowledge of the decayed buildings that Goethe preserved in his drawings is invaluable. Another stepstone in history was the Wartburgfest of the Student's Association. On October 18, 1817, 500 students gathered for the Wartburgfest, the first middle-class democratic public meeting in Germany. They met at the Wartburg for the 300th anniversary of the Reformation and the fourth anniversary of the Battle of Nations at Leipzig against Napoleon's rule. The students fought for a unified Germany under the motto, "Honour - Freedom - Fatherland." 
 

Meet the Biola University Chorale

The Biola University Chorale

The Biola University Chorale is comprised of 34 voices from various disciplines on campus, with nearly eighty percent being voice majors. Dedicated to excellence in performance and literature, the Chorale offers a varied repertoire from traditional choral works to contemporary genres such as jazz and gospel.
The Chorale tours domestically each year and internationally every four years. In Southern California, the Chorale annually participates in prestigious area festivals, as well as hosts a two-day invitational high school, community and Christian college choral festival every November. Each spring they join forces with the Biola Symphony Orchestra for the performance of a major choral-orchestral work. In addition to a yearly season of many Biola-related concerts, the Chorale also performs at notable area churches.

Meet Ms. Shawna Cross Stewart

Shawna Cross Stewart

Shawna Cross Stewart conducts the Biola University Chorale and the Vocal Jazz ensemble.  As Associate Professor, she also teaches the conducting classes, Choral Methods and Choral Literature. Previously, she was an instructor of choral music at John Brown University and the director of Choral Studies at North Dakota State College of Science.
Ms. Stewart is a graduate of the Eastman School of Music with a Master of Music in Choral Conducting. She is a Doctorate of Musical Arts candidate in Choral Music at the University of Southern California. In addition to her doctoral studies with William Dehning, she has had the privilege of receiving instruction in conducting from Helmuth Rilling, Kenneth Jennings, Donald Neuen, René Clausen, Donald Hunsberger and David Effron.
Ms. Stewart has been active in church music ministry. In Los Angeles she has held short and long-term positions at several area churches including the Crystal Cathedral, Whittier Area Community Church and Granada Heights Friends Church.

Home away from home: Ibis Hotel, Prague

After leaving Germany behind, the nights of Friday, April 13th, and Saturday, April 14th will be spent in the Czech Republic. While in Prague, the Biola Choir will stay at the three star Ibis Hotel near the Wenceslas Square, which is centrally located and very accessible. The castle and historical part of town are easily reached by foot.

The 181 rooms are outfitted to international standards, including air conditioning, internet connection, telephone, TV and a full bathroom. There are several breakfast varieties available according to preference, but traditionally an all-you-can-eat continental buffet is served. The in-house restaurant specializes on a variety of seasonal cuisine. There is also the option of using the sauna, indoor heated swimming pool, Jacuzzi and fitness center at the hotel next door, although a fee does apply.

Home away from home: Balance Hotel, Leipzig

The last stop in Germany for the Biola Choir will be in the historical town of Leipzig. After the recital at the St. Thomas Church, the night of April 12th will be spent at the Balance Hotel. It is situated in a central, yet quiet location not even two miles from the city center. It can be easily reach via the city's tram system, especially since public transportation is included in the hotel fare.

The hotel restaurant is well known for its elegant yet local cuisine. Breakfast is also offered here. And for a delicious and inexpensive snack, there are two bakeries next to the tram station down the street. All 126 rooms are spaciously decorated and feature WiFi, TV, telephone and a free coffee and tea bar in every room. The use of the sauna and fitness club is included in the room fare.