Summer Spotlight: Calgary Youth Orchestra Tours Germany

 

Calgary Youth Orchestra Performance at Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church

The Calgary Youth Orchestra of Alberta, Canada returned from a successful tour of Germany earlier this summer, where they visited and performed in cities across the country. Performances took place at the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church in Berlin, St. Nikolai Church in Jüterbog, the Reformed Protestant Church in Leipzig, and the Kleiner Golden Hall in Augsburg.

Orchestra conductor Edmond Agopian said the following about the group’s experience abroad:

Calgary Youth Orchestra at the Brandenburg Gate

Calgary Youth Orchestra at the Thomaskirche Johann Sebastian Bach Statue

Calgary Youth Orchestra Performance in the Kleiner Golden Hall

The Calgary Youth Orchestra tour to Germany was extremely valuable to the CYO members in terms of the strong connection between the music we performed and the places we visited and performed in.  Aside from performing for wonderfully enthusiastic audiences, the players were excited about all the museums, palaces, castles, art galleries and the cities we visited. The tour also included a visit to

the Dachau concentration camp which was represented in our concert program by a work by Erwin Schulhoff,  a Jewish Czech composer who died in one of Dachau’s subsidiary concentration camps in 1942.

I am greatly impressed and grateful to MCI for being able to put together a tour based on my itinerary and at a convenient time for the CYO. The places we visited or performed in such as Berlin, Leipzig, Munich, Weimar, Bayreuth, Halle, Potsdam and so on, were closely connected to each composer that we performed on the tour (or performed recently), and therefore the music really resonated with the students and with the audiences: Mendelssohn, Richard Strauss, Liszt, J.S. Bach, C.P.E. Bach, Mozart, Schulhoff, Handel, Wagner, etc.

Thank you MCI.

Edmond Agopian, Conductor
Calgary Youth Orchestra

Visit the tour Photo Gallery

Summer Spotlight: Betty Haag’s Magical Strings of Youth Perform in Germany

The Magical Strings of Youth, the renowned violin ensemble of the Betty Haag Academy of Music in Buffalo Grove, Illinois, recently returned from a successful tour of Germany. Director Betty Haag-Kuhnke summarizes some of their experiences and best moments of their trip:

“As you know, for the past forty years I have traveled all over the world with my students.  Most of these trips were arranged by private sponsors, corporations, or special invitations by political leaders of other countries, all of which were wonderful.  However,  none of the past trips could compare to our trip to Germany this summer organized by MCI.

With one hundred and thirty people traveling on this trip, the demands of individuals  were excessive , and sometimes outrageous, but Shari handled each problem  with great patience and professionalism.  I know there will be a very special place in heaven for her someday!!

The few conversations I had with Cindy were reassuring and inspiring as she explained the importance and history of each venue.  No one could have asked for a more supportive and patient  staff that you made available  to our organization.  Even with your heavy travel schedule, I found it incredible that you took the time to personally answer individual concerns.

Words can never express my gratitude to you for making this trip so perfect, giving my students and everyone a lifetime of memories.

Everyone who experienced their children’s performances in the historical Churches  and Concert Halls throughout  the whole trip couldn’t find words to describe their feelings.  Vadim Gluzman had nothing but praises for each venue arranged by MCI and also said it was highly unusual for a non professional  group to receive a review in the Gewandhaus.  Most of our thirty minute concerts turned into one hour concerts, and the full concerts were an hour and forty five minutes  in length, with the warm German audiences wanting more. 

Not only were the concert venues of the highest calibre, but all of our hotel accomodations  were as well.  My heartfelt thanks again for the beautiful venues and the history and memories they provided all of us.”

Warm Regards,

Betty Haag -Kuhnke

Summer Spotlight: Las Vegas Youth Philharmonic – Live in Krakow!

The Las Vegas Youth Philharmonic of Las Vegas, Nevada, recently returned from a tour of Germany and Poland. Here they can be seen in a live performance of Beethoven’s Symphony no. 1 in C major, recorded in Krakow, Poland.

Geoff Neuman, tour guest conductor

Steve Crupi, video producer

MCI would like to thank Steve Crupi, Geoff Neuman, and the members of the Las Vegas Youth Philharmonic for use of this video.

“St. Katherine’s church in Krakow was an incredible venue with acoustics that sent chills through our musicians and fueled the passion for an awesome performance.  The Poles were amazed at the talent before them, so contrary to what most think about Las Vegas!  Thanks to MCI the concert was “standing room only”. The students were honored to have a standing ovation & gladly gave the audience an encore!  Truly a memorable and wonderful tour.”

Bev Patton, Executive Director, Las Vegas Youth Orchestras

For more videos of the Las Vegas Youth Orchestras, visit the LVYO YouTube channel. 

Utah Chamber Artists Tour Germany, Austria, and Czech Republic

The Utah Chamber Artists of Sandy, Utah, recently returned from a concert tour of Germany, Austria, and the Czech Republic. Music Director Barlow Bradford and Executive Director Rebecca Durham briefly highlighted some of their memorable concert experiences abroad-

“We enjoyed singing in every venue. It was an embarrassment of riches as we sang in
one stunning Baroque/Rococo church after another. The choir felt a warm reception from those in attendance and really felt fortunate to have the opportunity to perform in the selected churches and halls.”

Concert in St. Lukaskirche-

“The venue was very good and we had a great experience for our first concert. A large percentage of the audience was there because of Dick and Brenda Miles and their
church affiliation.”

Concert at St. Michael Basilica-

“Really a lovely venue and the choir loved it. Many of the same LDS audience came
back to this concert and it was difficult to distinguish who was there “off the street”.

Recital in Dom zu Salzburg-

“This was an amazing venue and we enjoyed a warm reception by all of those who
were there while we sang.”

Recital in the Innsbruck Dom St. Jakob-

“Another amazing venue and we enjoyed singing for those were there. We also sang a
few numbers in the Wilten Abbey.”

Recital in Melk Abbey-

“What a gorgeous place to sing! The acoustic was wonderful and there was an
intimacy there that was very inspiring.”

Concert in the Minoritenkirche-

“This was a very well-attended concert. Julia was a wonderful host and we had a great
experience there. From what I could tell, the choir had a difficult time hearing each
other but the sound out in the hall was very good.”

Participation in Mass and concert at St. Stephansdom-

“The mass went really well and the clergy and staff were gracious and welcoming.
The choir enjoyed it and it was a wonderful experience to have the opportunity to sing
a service in such an iconic venue.”

Concert in the Church of St. Simon and Judah Concert Hall-

“Wow, what an audience! The place was packed. We didn’t really expect that many
people and so it was a very rewarding way to wrap up the tour. We also really liked
the venue and those in attendance were very receptive.”

Lincoln Youth Symphony Tours Germany and Czech Republic

Music Director Clark Potter writes about the group’s experiences in
Germany and the Czech Republic:

“I can’t think of anything I’d do differently if I had to do it all over again. Everyone [at MCI] has been wonderful and helpful and PATIENT!  The highlight was the Prague concert.  GREAT crowd!  I understand that
about 50 were turned away at the door because there was no room for them.  People were even sitting on steps leading up to the stage. Thank you for making this a memorable and very successful tour.”

– Clark Potter, Conductor, Lincoln Youth Symphony, Lincoln, Nebraska

New Concert Tours on a Shoestring Budget

3 concerts. 2 cities. 1 low price.

Ever wanted to take a music ensemble to Europe, but could never come up with the funds?

Now you can.

Music Celebrations International is enormously pleased to announce it has purchased Q Events and Destination Management in Zurich, Switzerland – Europe’s premier incoming travel firm. The purchase of Q Events allows full quality control of the complete concert tour product from the very beginning to successful conclusion.

There is no other concert tour operator in the United States that completely controls the entire product.

With this new acquisition, we are now able to offer:

•         Lower-cost Europe concert tours starting in 2015
•         An easier tour planning process
•         More preview tours to Europe for directors
•         More flexible tour offerings

 

This means we are also able to present brand-new shorter European concert tours that are even more affordable as well as life-changing.

3 concerts. 2 cities. 1 low price. Click here for more details.

South Coast Youth Symphony Orchestra Cherishes Memories of Their International Tours

Rocky Lee conducting at L’église de la Madeleine in Paris

Thank you for all of the incredible tours and concert arrangements Music Celebrations International has put together over the years for my orchestra. Through MCI the South Coast Youth Symphony Orchestra has participated in a debut concert at the Walt Disney Concert Hall in 2012 and five international tours performing in Czech Republic & Austria in 2005, Italy in 2007, Spain in 2009, England, Ireland & Wales in 2011 and France & Germany in 2013. All of the concerts and tours were carefully arranged and perfectly executed by your staff members here and abroad. I have come to trust and truly enjoy working with all of the wonderful people at MCI that are dedicated and passionate about their work.

Once again thank you and your incredible staff at MCI for all of the great tours. I know all of the participants of the tour will cherish the wonderful memories for years to come.

Sincerely,
Rocky Lee, Artistic Director
South Coast Youth Symphony Orchestra
Laguna Niguel, California

Downingtown East High School Choir Return From Germany

Downingtown East High School Choir at the Brandenburg Gate

Our trip to Germany was well-paced, although we crammed a lot in to our visit. All of our meals and accommodations were excellent and the local guides were knowledgeable and interesting. The performances were very memorable and the audiences were large and appreciative.

Adam Speakman, Choir Director
Downingtown East High School
Exton, Pennsylvania

Lakeville North High School Chorale Perform in Germany and the Czech Republic

Lakeville North High School Chorale performing at St. Nicholas Church

The Lakeville North High School Chorale took part in a concert tour of Germany and the Czech Republic earlier this year as part of the American Celebration of Music in Germany. The director, Paul Wigley, had this to say about the experience:

THIS WAS ONE OF OUR BEST TOURS – such a combination of sobering (Berlin) and uplifting places. Great venues to sing and great crowds. Our students were also extremely well-behaved, and I believe that is because of an efficient tour set-up with efficient tour guides. The well-paced tour kept students happy.

Our Tour Managers were both very efficient and friendly. They made slight adjustments in schedules that always enhanced the students’ experiences. They added a boat tour of Prague on the last day, and it was a highlight for all of us. The guides were very approachable with students, and interacted very well with everyone.

The concerts were the highlights –

Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church – very good experience – excellent crowd, and nice venue in which to perform. Staff was also very helpful.

Recital at the Thomaskirche – a highlight! Bach’s crypt about 10 feet behind us as we sang! Incredible acoustics, excellent place to sing…plus the church staff let our choir go all the way up to the top of the bell tower (for free!) to get a fantastic view of Leizig.

Evening Mass and recital in St. Nicholas Church – very nice place to sing. The acoustics were great, and the congregation was very appreciative.

St. Nicholas Church on Old Town Square – the highlight of the entire tour for all of us. The combination of a beautiful venue with great acoustics, the location right on Old Town Square, a beautiful sunny day, our final concert, a standing-room-only crowd(!), and very focused singing by the Chorale made this simply an unforgettable concert. Wonderful!

Paul Wigley, Director
Lakeville North High School
Lakeville, Minnesota

Mount Vernon Nazarene University Collegians Chorale and Chamber Winds Concertize and Minister in Europe

Mount Vernon Nazarene University Collegians Chorale and Chamber Winds in Florence

May 25 – June 8, 2010 these music ensembles were engaged in a life changing concert/mission experience to points in Austria, Germany, Switzlerland and Italy. The group of 53 was comprised of 35 members of Collegians Chorale including four alumni, 11 members of Chamber Winds (woodwind and brass groups), two directors and spouses, pastor and spouse, two administrators, two retired laymen, a tour manager and bus driver; all partnering with Music Celebrations International (MCI) as well as local Nazarene Pastors Ludwig Duncker and Daniel Fink. This is the sixth such concert/ministry trip to Europe organized by Dr. Tocheff. Bob shares his vision and goal for these trips:

“The purpose of the mission/concert trips abroad is to allow the MVNU students to use their talents and what they learn in the classroom/rehearsal to present musical excellence at a variety of venues and to minister to people in another culture, to expand their concept of outreach beyond familiar surroundings, fulfilling MVNU’s motto “To Seek to Learn is to Seek to Serve. We are grateful for MCI’s flexibility and expert assistance to help us accomplish these goals.”

Dr. Bob Tocheff, Collegians Chorale Director
Mount Vernon Nazarene University
Mr. Vernon, Ohio