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

2011 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

2011 FESTIVAL PROGRAMME