A choir from a school in Warwickshire in the UK enjoyed a once-in-a-lifetime choir tour to New York earlier this year, the highlight of which was a massed choir performance at Carnegie Hall.

“We were specially invited to take part in a performance of Francis Poulenc’s Gloria on the DCINY Concert Series under the baton of Dr. Erin Freeman,” explained Claire, the school’s Music Administrator. “The residency included two half days of rehearsals and clinics, culminating in the performance with Dr. Freeman on the podium in the Isaac Stern auditorium at Carnegie Hall.

“Our pupils thoroughly enjoyed the whole experience, learning so much from the workshops. The final performance was breath taking.

“As well at the performance at Carnegie Hall, the choir also performed two solo concerts at St Paul’s Norwalk in Connecticut and also at the General Theological Seminary in New York City. This particular concert was an invitation only event for our New York alumni and has been an integral part of the school’s 450th birthday celebrations this year. Our pupils shone brilliantly in all of these events.”

In their downtime, the group enjoyed meals in Times Square, a performance of the famous Cirque du Soleil on Broadway, a trip on the Staten Island ferry and a walk across Brooklyn Bridge.

“We did everything!” added Claire.

“Club Europe were very helpful and supportive,” said Claire. “It was a great help having them organise things like flights and the hotel. I hadn’t been to New York and so their knowledge and support was invaluable.”

“My thanks to Club Europe for helping us with our American tour,” Director of Music, Richard added. “It was absolutely brilliant and everything that they organised for us worked out very well.

“New York was a fantastic destination. The location of the accommodation in New York was particularly amazing; we were able to walk to most destinations within 20 minutes.

“It was reassuring to have that support and knowledge when undertaking the mammoth challenge of a choir tour.”

Another tour for the choir is definitely on the cards, but as Claire says: “How can you top New York? The students were buzzing for a good couple of weeks after we got back.

“They had really bonded on tour and loved the experience.”

Interested in a music tour to New York? Get in touch on travel@club-europe.co.uk. Or click on the links to find out more about our school music tours to New York or all our school music tour destinations.

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