2008
Leipzig Festival Highlights!
Every
single member of the group, without exception, had nothing
but the highest praise for the festival – the
concerts, the accommodations, the workshops, all of
it. Many said they were ready to come again next year.
Choir Director, Highland Glee Club, Massachusetts
What
a wonderful experience! As "newcomers", we
quickly deepened relationships with other travelers.
A fabulous experience! Musical Highlight: singing Bach
from the balcony in the church where he played!
Lee and Bev Mitchell
Leipzig
and Dresden with the DCPC choir. What a dream trip!
Singing under Jane and Michael where Bach conducted
in the Nikolaikirche, singing Beethoven's Ode to Joy
and Mendelssohn’s Elijah with 400 of our closest
friends, making music in divine settings--all high points
of a marvelous journey. From the woods of Maine, THANK
YOU!
Bob and Ann Williams
There
are many opportunities for a school choir to perform
in an historic location abroad, but I wanted my choir
to have more than that. I was looking for an experience
that included the educational and artistic components
that would distinguish this festival from any other.
I am so glad that my choir could participate in their
own workshops with an internationally recognized conductor
and composer such as Jonathan Willcocks. In addition,
it was a privilege to perform both as an individual
choir and in a massed choir setting in one of the most
historic churches in all of Europe. I also recognize
the significance of performing Mendelssohn and Beethoven
works that symbolize the historic reunification of East
and West Germany.
Dr Judy Ransom, Choir Director, High Point University
Touring Choir
Without
doubt the experience we have all had will stay with
us for a very long time. The standard achieved by the
girls every time they performed was fantastic. Their
singing was at times awesome and beyond my expectations
– they took themselves to another level! It was
difficult to hold body and soul together when standing
in front of them! The opportunities to sing in the Gewandhaus
and Nikolaikirche church as well as two other large
churches in Leipzig do not come along to every musician
– and they certainly made their impact in all
venues and to large audiences.
Sheila Cornall – Director of Music, Wycombe High
School
Our
musical trip to Leipzig put us together with other singing
groups that were authentic, not trying to be other than
what they were, enjoying their performances, and relishing
both showing off their good stuff and listening to ours.
J. Melton
2009
FESTIVAL PROGRAMME
Loved
our trip and being with everyone. My most memorable
experience was the first night we sang at the Gewandhaus
when Mayor Jung led the audience in the Dona Nobis Pacem
song. I felt the desire for peace raised in voice, and
I was moved to tears knowing and praying that this hope
is universal and knows no borders. Every place we sang
was special, but my favorite was St. Nicholas. Walking
thru that hallowed space was just awesome! Bach and
the boys were peaking out behind every column! Our pace
was hectic, but I wouldn't change a thing. I've been
a tourist in many places, but this trip was different.
As a tourist you take things in so to speak. But this
was a mission where we gave something back, both in
our love for song and in good citizenship representing
DCPC.
Marilyn England
I don't think this trip could
be replicated. It was superb in every way. It was a
privilege to work with Jonathan Willcocks who really
reinforced the excellent training we have received from
Jane. Starting with the hotel Westin with its lovely
accommodations, excellent food and fun times in the
lounge after the concerts, we were treated well by Casterbridge
who didn't miss a beat, even to the 4:30 breakfast in
the lobby! The final concert at St. Nicholas was splendid!
The students from the British high school sang like
angels in the balcony.(One of my favorite songs.) The
musical instruments museum was such fun and it was great
to see you and Michael play the ancient instruments.
I could rave on and on.
Carol
The
girls haven't stopped talking about it since we arrived
back and they are now starting their holidays on a real
high. I have already been asked 'Where are we going
next year?' and much as I would like another Leipzig
experience, I think we need to let this one stand out
for a while.
Sheila Cornall – Wycombe
High School
The
Leipzig International Choral Festival was the experience
of a lifetime. To sing in the Gewandhaus and in Bach's
own church is something I will never forget-it's like
standing on hallowed ground. To hear the choirs from
Germany, Switzerland, England and the USA sing music
that they passionately believe in broadened our appreciation
of the power of music. To sing for enthusiastic audiences
in beautiful acoustics is a real treat. Casterbridge
Tours could not have done a better job in organizing
and running this festival, and I would definitely book
with them in the future.
Jane Cain, Choir Director, Chancel
Choir of Davidson College, North Carolina
I think
the Casterbridge Tours team have much to be pleased
with from this International Choir Festival. There were
so many wonderful aspects of the event that went surprisingly
well, thanks to thorough planning and organization.
My students will never forget this experience and I
hope to do this again in two years.
Dr Judy Ransom, Choir Director,
High Point University Touring Choir
2009
FESTIVAL PROGRAMME
