For many groups, going on tour is a chance for their members to get out of their comfort zone and visit a place they might not be able to otherwise – which might even mean getting on a plane for the first time!
Traveling with a group can make more challenging places easier, with benefits like translators handling the logistics. But “new” doesn’t have to be far off the beaten path. It might refer to a part of your own country you don’t know well.
This approach has taken the Fourth Presbyterian Church of Chicago and their Touring Choir to South Africa, Israel, Palestine and Jordan. In 2024, they toured India. Music Coordinator Emma Cox recalls the special moments of that tour:
“Our concert tour of India was beyond anything I could have dreamed! Our group of 28 singers, ranging in age from 36 to 70, embarked on a 17-day journey spanning six breathtaking cities: Mumbai, Delhi, Agra, Rohet, Jaipur, and Jodhpur.
“The experiences we shared were nothing short of magical. One standout moment was our guided tour of Old Delhi, where we explored the bustling streets on rickshaws, immersing ourselves in the vibrant markets. The Khari Baoli spice market, alive with an explosion of colors, aromas, and sounds, was particularly captivating. We took on a fun challenge: splitting into groups to haggle for spices and rice, which we later brought to the community kitchen at the Gurudwara Bangla Sahib. Witnessing the service preparations in the kitchen for literally thousands of people and engaging with the kind, hospitable staff was both humbling and inspiring—a memory that will stay with me forever.
“Our musical exchanges were equally transformative. One highlight was our collaboration with Pt. Rajendra Vaishnav at the School of Hindustani Music. As a professional musician, I’ve always been fascinated by world music traditions, and this experience was a dream come true. Rajendra’s generosity in sharing his knowledge and the students’ enthusiastic participation created a deeply moving encounter. We were invited to witness a lesson in traditional Indian music, complete with mesmerizing performances and oral recitations. The beauty and depth of their art touched my musical soul in a profound way, reigniting my passion for music and connection after the challenges of recent years.
“ACFEA’s ability to craft these extraordinary cultural and musical exchanges is unparalleled. This wasn’t just a tour; it was a journey of discovery, connection, and inspiration that brought our choir closer together and deepened our appreciation for the world’s rich musical tapestry.”
More groups with this touring priority have been:
- The Los Angeles Children’s Chorus wanted to infuse their 2024 tour with an element of Civil Rights history and education. Touring the US South fit the bill: In addition to performing in New Orleans, and at historic venues in Birmingham and Atlanta, they visited the deeply moving Legacy Museum and the National Memorial for Peace and Justice in Montgomery, as well as Selma, Alabama where they walked across the Edmund Pettus Bridge.
- When they plan tours, the Cascade Youth Symphony prioritizes destinations their students haven’t visited because performing in new places adds depth to learning about a new culture – and helps with recruiting. In 2024, this took them to Slovenia, Hungary, and Slovakia, where they performed in exciting spaces like the Slovak Radio Hall in Bratislava.
- Blazing a new trail was high on Frank Van Atta’s priorities list when he started planning the next tour of the Germantown Academy Madrigal Singers. It would be the group’s first post-Covid tour, and challenging the group’s comfort zone was an important aspect of his approach. So, he thought big picture, and settled on Japan, where the young singers had the opportunity to immerse themselves in the exciting new culture, tastes and sounds of Tokyo, Kyoto, Hiroshima and Osaka.
Photo of the Touring Choir from the Chicago Fourth Presbyterian Church of Chicago on tour in India by Adam Freiberg Imaging.
