One of the best parts of touring is meeting fellow musicians from all over the world.
Even if you don’t speak the same language, the connection you can forge through making music together builds a sense of community and shared purpose. From South Africa to Mexico, from New Zealand to Bulgaria, there are groups the world over who are eager to perform together. Here are some more recent stories of collaboration and connection.
Performing with Vox Medicorum, or ‘medical center choir’, at the Ursuline Church of the Holy Trinity in Ljubljana, Slovenia was a highlight of the Penn State University Concert Choir’s 2024 tour. “They were very good and it was fascinating to hear repertoire with which we were less familiar, much of it composed by composers from their country and region,” reflected Chris Kiver, director. “It was also interesting to hear a different vocal timbre and enjoy some lovely low basses!”
Seattle Girls Choir met up with London-based professional women’s choir Aurora Nova, which was a great kickoff to their 2024 tour, on their way to theLlangollen International Musical Eisteddfod in Wales! But music you share doesn’t have to be the same type you normally perform: La Jolla Symphony Chorus learned an Austrian folk dance from a local troupe after their concert in Krems, while touring Austria.
And sometimes, touring even means getting to see old friends again, like when Columbia Choirs went from the Golden Gate to Gold Coast, Australia! In 2023, Columbia and Emmanuel College Vivace from Gold Coast, Australia, met at the Golden Gate International Choral Festival in the Bay Area, and a year later, Columbia traveled to meet them as part of a tour of Australia!
“Chicago Consort’s concert in Cape Town was our most special one yet: collaboration with the Cape Town Camerata. This partnership was a dream come true for Patrick Connolly, our Artistic Director,” said Emily Connolly, director of the Western Springs School for Talent Education, where Chicago Consort is.
“After discovering the song ‘Iza Ngomso,’ performed by the Cape Town Camerata on YouTube, he arranged a version of this enchanting piece for us to perform. ‘Iza Ngomso,’ which translates to ‘The Future Is Coming’ in English, is a beloved South African song. It carries an uplifting and hopeful message about the future, reflecting themes of unity, resilience, and optimism.
The song is celebrated for its ability to bring people together and foster a sense of shared purpose. We were thrilled ACFEA facilitated this collaboration, allowing us to embody the essence of this piece in a truly meaningful moment.”
