The Chorus’ repertoire included songs from American composers and several Gospel numbers which were well received. After 6 days of sightseeing through the Tuscan and Umbria areas and presenting both formal and informal concerts, the Chorus arrived in Rome where they visited the Forum, Coliseum, Cistine Chapel and the Vatican. Perhaps the biggest highlight of the trip for the Chorus was the honor of singing at Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican on their last evening in Rome. The Chorus enjoyed the wonderful sights and tastes of Italy but most importantly, they came home with a greater appreciation of how music reaches into the heart…for both the chorister and the audience!

From a chorister’s perspective…

“Italy not only allowed me to experience beautiful things that I had never even imagined before, but it helped me to connect even more with my friends in Bel Canto…Seeing the way our music touched those who did not even speak English reminded me why music is the universal language and why I love singing more than anything else. Suddenly, every song we sang became a precious gift. I’ll always remember Italy because I tried new things and rediscovered old things that have changed the way I think about life and song… It really was the trip of a lifetime.” Inga Schmidt