Next spring, Europe will come alive with the sound of Northwestern voices as the University Chorale takes its first tour overseas, performing in London, Prague and Vienna.
One week ago, 46 students were awarded a spot in the university’s most prestigious choral group after nine days of auditions. As an added bonus, chorale members will take a working vacation abroad.
“This is the first of what we hope will be several trips in the future by NU’s performing organizations,” chorale conductor Robert Harris said.
The trip, which will take place during Spring Quarter Reading Week from May 26 to June 4, will be the first time a musical group from NU has toured abroad. Harris said the historic trip will give the chorale a chance to perform for large and well-respected audiences.
“Our performing ensembles are some of the best-kept secrets in the collegiate performing world,” Harris said. “This kind of venture will give us the kind of visibility which has been afforded other fine universities and colleges throughout the country.”
The sole worry for the otherwise ecstatic group is the cost: The chorale members will have to pay between $800 and $900 each.
“We’re kind of upset that the School of Music isn’t funding the whole trip,” said Ben Gray, a Music junior.
The university will pay for the majority of the trip, but students said they hope to lower their individual costs with alumni contributions and fund-raisers.
“Monies are forthcoming from several sources, which should help in keeping the individual student cost as low as possible,” Harris said.
Financial worries aside, students said they are thrilled to have the opportunity to perform abroad for foreign ears. Many of the chorale’s performers aspire to be professional vocalists and said a trip such as this will give them valuable exposure.
“This is a great opportunity to see some sights and make music all at the same time,” said Daniel Singer, a Music junior. “From what I understand, we’re slated to perform in some very impressive historical venues.”
The University Chorale has an exciting and challenging year ahead of it as members prepare for the trip, Harris said.
“The preparation for this tour begins immediately by attempting to build an ensemble of excellence,” Harris said.
“This means molding a very talented group of singers … into a cohesive unit that functions as a musical team that breathes, listens, thinks and sings together as one musical unit or voice.”
