The New I Voci Singers www.ivoci.org.au

Spring in the Ballroom... delightful afterall!

noreply@blogger.com (Teresa) — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 12:26:00 +0000

Our Spring in the Ballroom concert was a wonderful success. Where we performed pieces from the 16th Century right up to now.

Here are a few photos of our afternoon.
Photographs by: Ignacio and Francisca Garcia

Review :: Alto on a high note

noreply@blogger.com (Teresa) — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 12:14:00 +0000

From The Community Newspapers
06/10/09

PUBLICATION REVIEW
----------------
Review: From Community Newspapers
Link: inmycommunity
----------------

THE New I Voci Singers choir has been hitting the high notes for three decades and continues to attract young members, including Hamilton Hill singer Teresa Ingrilli.

The choir performed at retirement villages and at its own events in the early years of inception but has gained national recognition as a professional group over the years.

Its annual spring concert, titled Spring in the Ballroom, will run at Government House Ballroom on Sunday from 3pm.

The concert funds will go towards the group’s trip to Germany in January, as well as future publications and CDs.

Ingrilli, who sings in the alto section of the group, said the audience could expect to hear music ranging from 16th-century madrigals to modern jazz pieces.

The 24-year-old joined the choir in 2005 and said she loved singing in a group.

“I love that the people are all my age and that it is a small group so everyone has an important part to play,” she said.

Her love of singing was kindled when she was eight and was chosen to be in her primary school choir.

She sang in choirs until Year 12 and started singing lessons when she was 16.

Ingrilli will sing solo during the Fremantle Festival at Kulcha on November 15.

Best of British Photos 2009

noreply@blogger.com (Teresa) — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 15:17:00 +0000

SUPER SAMMY!!!

noreply@blogger.com (J. Bargmann) — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 10:27:00 +0000

I Voci

Sammy!

I voci has nabbed itself (ourselves?) an incredible new accompanist and we are so excited! Sammy McSweeney is our first accompanist since Alex that has really managed to work exceptionally well with our needs and the needs of John. He played for us during our recent appearance at a Spring concert for the Australian Choral Society, and of course did a fabulous job in helping us to bring 'ethereal mildness' to our audience.

Currently, Sammy is set to join us for our German tour. YAY! Though he currently remains somewhat of an enigma, we look forward to getting to know him better over the next few weeks and months.

Welcome, Sammy! We are so happy to have you!

Choral Workshop – Taiwan Style!

noreply@blogger.com (Jess D) — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 23:45:00 +0000

On Tues 25th August, we had the privilege of participating in a choral workshop led by Dr Yu-Wen Pan. Pan (this is how she introduced herself, I am not taking liberties), is an Assistant Professor at the National Taiwan Normal University. She teaches future music teachers. It was a full on night for us, but lucky John got to relax all evening!

We started off with a warm up. This reminded me of my university studies in theatre, as it encompassed our whole body. We did some breathing, but then moved on to “shaking out” and massaging our body, to release the tension of the day and enable us to focus on our voices. It progressed to rhythmic pattern mimicry, which started our diaphragms working in the correct way and our ears to work harder. The warm up also included what my singing teacher used to call “sirens.” The exercise of singing “oo” (kind of like an ambulance siren” from your low to high register and back down again, really opens up the throat.

We sang “Benedicum Domine” for Pan and then workshopped through it as she suggested how we could improve it. Pan asked us to try singing our parts without words, to the sound “ah.” Then, when we put the words back in, to keep our mouths in the same “ah” shape, so that the vowels didn’t get squashed. I found this technique really helpful, and it definitely improved my tone for this song.

Pan tried to explain to us the concept of “kendo”, which they use in Taiwan. I am not sure that I entirely got it. I wish I did, because it sounded cool, but I was so tired that my brain didn’t take everything in!!

I googled it, to see if that would help. All I could find is that it means “Way of the Sword” and it is a Japanese modern martial art form of sword-fighting, with a traditional basis.

Pan placed a lot of emphasis on involving the whole body while singing. Keeping the knees loose, as opposed to locked and allowing the body to move naturally. She also demonstrated using our hands to “shape” our voices and create the sound that we want. This was a new experience for me, and I guess for most of the others. I was concentrating very hard, trying to learn all I could, and therefore probably un-doing the relaxing warm up!

The part of the evening that I enjoyed the most was when we were singing an excerpt (to the text of “dah”) from “Carmen” by Bizet. As a side note: If you’re a “you-tuber”, look up Sesame Street Carmen. We found it by accident. Back to the main story: Firstly, we had to make sure we were all singing the same rhythm. I think there were some stray acciaccaturas! Then came the tricky bits... We went through it a few more times once singing only the first note of each bar, and another time singing only the third note of each bar. This was quite tricky, as it meant we really had to keep focussed and “singing” in our heads to get the right note.

Pan finished the evening teaching us a little Taiwanese tune, a phrase at a time. Then at the end asking us to take the phrases in our own time, holding any note as long as we wanted, then when everybody had finished each phrase, we would move on to the next one. It was very cool!
Thanks to Pan for her time and to the Choral Music Association of Australia for bringing her out to Perth and arranging our workshop.

Here's a photo of us all at the end of the night

Spring in the Ballroom... a delightful afternoon!

noreply@blogger.com (J. Bargmann) — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 10:17:00 +0000

We've all been working hard to memorise and perfect our work in preparation for our major concert - it is sure going to be a good one this year! We're planning on providing a lovely spring afternoon of song in the Government House Ballroom - one of the most beautiful venues in Perth. Come and join us!

Come and join the New I Voci Singers for a Delightful afternoon of song in the Government House Ballroom.

Price:
Adult: $30.00, Concession $25.00

Date:
Sunday, October 11, 2009

Time:
3:00pm - 4:50pm

Location:
Government House Ballroom
St George's Terrace
Perth

Phone:
0893904275

Email:
ivoci@westnet.com.au

Review :: Choir Celebrates

noreply@blogger.com (Teresa) — Sun, 19 Jul 2009 07:34:00 +0000

From The Community Newspapers
05/05/09

PUBLICATION REVIEW
----------------
Review: From Community Newspapers
Link: inmycommunity
----------------

AFICIONADOS of choir singing can take a stroll down memory lane with one of Perth’s most popular choirs, the Kelmscott-based New I Voci Singers, after the publication of a book celebrating its 30-year history.

The idea for the book came from choir member Teresa Ingrilli, who also gathered information and designed it.

About 300 young people have belonged to the choir since it started under the directorship of John Christmass in 1978.

It originally performed mainly at retirement villages and other local venues.

“Today the choir stands as a respected group with a fine record of achievement and is arguably the busiest choir in Australia, consisting of youthful amateurs but with a professional level of performance,” Mr Christmass said.

“In just over one year we have given more than 15 public performances, including a special Christmas concert at the Perth Concert Hall.”

Mr Christmass said the common bond all choir members shared over the years had been their joy of making choral music together and the friendships they had established.

Its signature events performed each year include Anzac Day services, the Best of British concerts and the New Year’s Eve Vienna Pops concerts.

“Two concert tours to Germany have been highlights and a third invitation has been received, with a promise of concerts in Germany and Paris,” he said.

The 30-voice choir is preparing for its 18th annual Best of British concert at the Perth Concert Hall on May 23.

It will feature a mix of old favourites such as Rule Britannia, Land of Hope and Glory and Jerusalem, and some arrangements specially commissioned for the show.

This year’s concert will also feature the 50-piece Perth Pops Orchestra and soloists, including soprano Alexandra Bak, tenor Justin Freind, baritone Mark Alderson and alto Josephine Christmass.

For a copy, $12.50 each, call Mr Christmass on 9390 4275.
For more information about the group and the concert, visit www.ivoci.org.au.

Celebrating 30 Years Publication

noreply@blogger.com (Teresa) — Sun, 19 Jul 2009 07:19:00 +0000

ON SALE NOW!!

Celebrating 30 years of the New I Voci Singers!

From the beginning to the present and beyond.
This 30+ page booklet is a visually appealing and interesting read or a great gift for a friend.

For a copy, only $12.50 each, contact John Christmass on (08) 9390 4275.

smeh

noreply@blogger.com (Kimberley Clare) — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 15:32:00 +0000

I thought i should mention something about myself, not only to formally introduce myself properly (yes, i know im not that new!), but to see if i can actually use this blog thing (damn kids and their new fangled gadgets and whizzimijigs!) for future reference

anyways, im kim (or kimi, if you please) and im a second sop, and we're fairly awesome (not biased much), and im currently studying at curtin uni. I wont specify what course i am doing at the moment, mostly because i am currently in the process of switching, but i can say im doing a course in science and engineering, and am hopefully going to be accepted into the engineering degree, if all goes to plan.

i have many favourite composers, and not all of them are classical. i kinda like to think of metorphorically as the crazy cat lady of music, meaning that i have an ecclectic taste.

anyways, at the moment, some of my favourites include schumann, mendelssohn, holst, most of the songs by crowded house, einstein on the beach, chopin, stuff by voltaire (most recent obsession http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DC6UtsPa13o love the violin stuff and the kooky rhythms/subject matter).

well then, might be time to wrap it up. i get too easily distracted and such.
much loves xx

Cool Britannia

noreply@blogger.com (Jennifer) — Wed, 27 May 2009 09:20:00 +0000

Last Saturday, 23 May, The New I Voci Singers once again donned the black ties and tulle for this year’s Best of British at Perth Concert Hall.

Taking the form of a ‘Last Night of the Proms Down Under’, this event has proved to be a favourite on the calendar of Perth Proms audiences, and included the gorgeous sound of Perth Proms Orchestra and a bunch of our favourite soloists.

David Hawkes once again took control of the microphone and guided us through two acts of all that we’ve come to expect of a last night of the proms, some costuming, a bit of humour (sometimes of dubious quality) lots of music and a big finish, complete with a drunken sailor, an explosion full of glitter confetti, streamers from the upper circle and balloons from the ceiling.

The excitement in the auditorium was mirrored absolutely by the energy backstage. From obsessing over hair styles and dresses, to the traditional cards tournament between tenors and basses; every member of the choir has their own method of preparing for the moment of truth.

Of course, the performance cannot be possible without a great deal of preparation, which for us included our usual Monday night rehearsals, as well as special rehearsals on the Friday evening beforehand, as well as during the day on Saturday. Not to mention the times outside of formal rehearsal that we all drive our friends, family and workmates mad with snippets of song, muttered under the breath because we simply can’t get them out of our minds.

In the end, the show went off without a hitch (at least without any hitch that you would have seen from the audience) and, with some toora-looras, a few hey nonnys and a whole swag of pomp and circumstance, The Best of British wrapped up for another year.

But, of course, there’s no rest for the wicked. We’ve started preparations already for our September performance at Government House Ballroom, with plans brewing for a possible extra show later in the year.

Relay for Life 2009

noreply@blogger.com (Jess D) — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 13:55:00 +0000

I Voci were invited to perform at the Relay for Life on Saturday, 28th March 2009. It was a real honour to donate our time at this event. We arrived at Perry Lakes Stadium when it was still light and the participants were going strong around the track, dressed in all sorts of colourful outfits, celebrating the joy of life. There was a strong wind blowing already which kept up for the rest of the night. We were able to hear a few of the performers on before us and really get a feel for what the Relay was all about. We sang our first bracket just before the Candlelight Ceremony, when all the participants stopped their laps and surrounded the stage. Unfortunately, the wind was too strong for them to be able to do the whole ceremony, so we all missed what would have been that little bit extra special: a hundred candles glowing "HOPE" on the stadium bleachers. As it was, the Candlelight Ceremony was very moving, incorporating three different generations of cancer sufferers lighting commemorative candles and a time for reflection of those who had lost their battle with cancer. After the Ceremony, the participants resumed and we continued, finishing our performance with "Sunny Side of the Street", which really seemed to epitomise the focus on hope and life. Despite the unusual & unpredictable conditions, I feel it was one of the best events to be involved in. Thank you to the Cancer Council for their invitation and to John for liaising with them.

REVIEW :: New Year's Viennese Serves Perennial Favourites

noreply@blogger.com (Teresa) — Sat, 17 Jan 2009 07:33:00 +0000

From The West Australian
by Neville Cohn
Friday 02/01/09

CONCERT
----------------
Vienna Pops
Perth Concert Hall
Review: Neville Cohn
----------------

For 21 years, John Christmass has mined the seemingly limitless repertoire of light classical music associated with Austria's capital to draw capacity audiences to the Vienna Pops concerts. These, with lots of laughter and nostalgia-drenched offerings, have routinely drawn capacity audiences to the Concert Hall.
New Year's Eve was no exception to the rule.

With the indefatigable, genial David Hawkes as compere and the New I Voci Singers on best form, this was vintage Vienna Pops. I particularly admired choral singing in the Alleluia from Mozart's Exultate Jubilate as well as Tim Cunniffe's charming arrangement of Shubert's An die Musik for choir and strings. It was a beautifully considered in Interpretation.

For years, tenor Justin Freind has been a stalwart of the Vienna Pops and he was in particularly good form in Strauss' Gondola Song with diction of exceptional clarity. But in The Drinking Song from The Student Prince, electronic amplification of this fine voice bordered on the excessive.

Another Charm-laden delight was provided by Renee Martin, Josephine Christmass and Kellie Orchard in the Evening Prayer from Humperdinck's Hansel and Gretel.

Some fleeting lapses in intonation aside, Pavel Sergeyev's account of the finale from Mendelssohn's Violin Concerto was a clear crowd-pleaser, prompting an avalanche of applause that resulted in the movement being encored. I admired the silvery tone that Sergeyev drew from his violin.

Adrian Kelly was trumpet soloist in a villainously difficult arrangement of themes from Die Fledermaus.

Strauss' perennially popular Radetsky March brought the house down, with conductor Peter Moore as adept in conducting orchestra and singers as coaxing spot-on rhythmic responses from enthusiastically applauding audience. Von Suppe's Poet and Peasant Oveture was given an admirably energetic reading but an account of The Blue Danube would have benefited from a rather more Viennese lilt.

Over the years, the Vienna Pops concerts have raised almost $300,000 for worthy causes.

Would you like to sing with us?

noreply@blogger.com (Teresa) — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 07:25:00 +0000

Due to a substantial increase in both Soprano and Alto positions, there are limited vacancies for Tenors and Bases.

For more details visit our membership page and contact John Christmass: 9390 4275

Our Next major event: Vienna Pops, New Years Eve.

REVIEW :: Age No Problem to music's masters

noreply@blogger.com (Teresa) — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 06:44:00 +0000

From The West Australian
by Neville Cohn
Tuesday 09/09/08

CONCERT
----------------------
New I Voci Singers
Government House Ballroom
Review: Neville Cohn
----------------------

As I drove to Government House Ballroom on Sunday, I listened on the car radio to a broadcast by the BBC Symphony Orchestra conducted by the 83-year-old Pierre Boulez - and I marvelled at the intensity and vitality he brought to his task.

At the ballroom, I marvelled yet again at the focused energy of John Christmass, that other seemingly tireless octogenarian who has devoted a long life to training choirs. The enthusiastic audience included people who had been in Christmass' first choral classes 40 years ago, their attendance a measure of the affection and respect show this grand old man of music.

Some of the most satisfying offerings of the afternoon lay in the keeping of a bracket o madrigals stretching back as far as the early 17h century. Much of the unaccompanied singing here was informed by a most pleasing refinement of style as in Thomas Morley's Now is the Month of Maying was no less pleasingly essayed.

Very little attention has been paid in Perth to marking the 50th anniversary of the death of Ralph Vaughan Williams so it was good to listen to his arrangement of English folk melodies, especially the delightful Wassail Song, its inherent joviality most effectively evoked in a fitting tribute to a great composer.

Duncan Gardiner (guitar) and Heather Bex (clarinet) provided a gentle instrumental interlude.
An account of Brahm's Gypsy Songs, opus 103, was less uniformly satisfying. Perhaps the choir had not taken the full measure of the venue's acoustics, singing these often-extrovert and passionate lieder rather too softly, an effect paralleled by the accompaniment played, beautifully, by Alex Roberts on a grand paino with its lid closed resulting in muffled tone.

Later, the choir gave an amusingly choreographed account of Anderson and Ulvaeus' Take a Chance on Me as well as Tim Cunniffe's arrangement of Leonard Cohen's Hallelujah which brought the house down.

This concert marked the 30th anniversary of the founding of I Voci. May there be many more happy birthdays.

Battle of the Choirs

noreply@blogger.com (JessD) — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 13:47:00 +0000

Well someone suggested that we post some thoughts on our experience at BOTC, so I thought I'd have a go (and also have a go at this blog thing!).
Day 1 - 5 June 2008
For me the day started before 4am, and about 10mins earlier than I wanted as I had to get bonfire smell out of my hair. Mum picked me up to take me to the airport at 4:15. The day before she had said something along the lines of 'I hope you'll be bright and chatty on the way to the airport'. Surely she was joking! I said 'will you settle for awake and quiet as opposed to grumpy?' Amazingly enough I was more actually relatively cheery (mornings are not my strong point). We were supposed to be at the airport by 5am for the 6am flight, and arrived in good time at 4:45. Heaps of people were there already, with cases and suitbags galore (had to have somewhere to stash our snazzy duds). At long last John & Jo arrived with the new choir costumes that had been finished the day before, and the sashes for another outfit. We all hustled through the check-in and up to the departure lounge. Coffee seemed the next order of business for most people and did have the desired effect of warmth and life. There was a bit of bustle about who was in what seat. Eventually our flight was called and we trundled along with our hand luggage and suitbags (just in case!!).
I ended up next to Robin & Michael, thanks boys, you were good row buddies. We enjoyed some Umbilical Brothers on the TV for 15mins, before we had to pay. Between the three of us we managed to complete the In Flight crossword puzzle and other brain teaser items (I was the back up, the boys did most of it). I read some Agatha Christie, the boys shut their eyes and attempted to fit their long legs in the space provided.
At some time in the future we began the descent into Sydney. It was overcast. We landed. It was raining. Urgh. When the captain had mentioned descending, several of the ladies of the party buzzed around finding make up bags and further beautifying themselves. It paid off, the Channel 7 (Granada) little film crew were indeed waiting at the Gate for us (camera on). Cindy & I escaped into the Ladies before they saw us to do a final check. Then there was some very exciting 'yay, we're here' filming in the Virgin arrivals lounge. Sorry, tongue in cheek there. We hustled off to get our bags and then on to the 'BOTC tourbus' for a quick trip over to the QANTAS arrivals. Apparently, Virgin were a bit reluctant to allow freedom of filming. So we went up and down escalators ad nauseum, and then pretended to hail a taxi, but really all ended up at the bus.
Some singing ensued as the producer wanted to get some audio footage, for an idea of our sound for the studio. Interesting: bus...studio...bus - not seeing the similarity here!
At very long, long last we arrived at the hotel and got our little induction to the hotel, then were able to go upstairs and dump our stuff. I am a little fuzzy on the exact events that came next, but I'm fairly certain we headed over to Westfield Parramatta...you can feel what's coming, I know. Food. Yes, food, glorious food! Bearing in mind, I ate breakfast about 4am Perth time, lunch time was at 3:30 Sydney time. We were all extreeeeemely hungry. I feel it would be rude to say starving as we don't live in a third world country and we had eaten that day. Bit of shopping for minor food items (we weren't going to get every meal at the studio) and then back to the hotel for a rehearsal. This turned out to be a bit later than planned, possibly due to the infernally slow Green Man traffic signal.
Rehearsal of current pieces and of the opening theme tune. Break, change into snazzy new costumes (actually, it was seeing if they fit!), then back downstairs for some further rehearsal. Most of the dresses fit well, but a few had some interesting gapage. A bit more rehearsal and then we were allowed out for dinner. Matt, Kristy, Svenja (hmm checking spelling before I hit publish - gold I got it right!! You do have a way cool name) and I went to Lone Star, for dinner at about 9ish.
By then I was on sleep mode, so it was more than definitely time for bed when we had finished.
There is probably some more detail that I could put, but my fingers are pretty chilly, due to this frosty Perth weather, so signing off for now. Hopefully this will actually work and someone else will add their five cents soon.

Please Sign our Guestbook

noreply@blogger.com (bronwyn) — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 11:28:00 +0000

Welcome to our guest book. Please share your thoughts about our performances and recordings. As we strive to uphold quality choral music, your opinion is of unmeasurable value.

To leave a comment:

- click on the 'Post a comment' button at the bottom of this page

- type your comment

- choose and Identity (choose here your 'blogpost ID' or simply 'anonymous')

- click on the 'publish comment' button

Please note that your comments may not upload instantly.

Thank you in advance for your feedback!

The New I Voci Singers

Germany 2008 Sponsors

noreply@blogger.com (bronwyn) — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 11:09:00 +0000

The members of the New I Voci Singers would like to thank all of our generous sponsors who supported us in the Germany 2008 Tour. Please support these businesses, as they all played a part in sending our choir members to Germany.

The Young Voices

The Big Picture Factory

The Perth Theature Company

Bunnings Wearhouse, Whitfords

Perth Town Hall

Black Swan Theature Company

Luna Palace Theature Company

Turner Hairdressing

The University Club of Western Australia

The West Australian

Scoop Publishing

Scarvaci's IGA Hamilton Hill

Jewlery & Gift Warehouse

C Lo Presti & Son Food Store, East Fremantle

La Zuli Blue

Crescendo Music

Facebook

noreply@blogger.com (Teresa) — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 03:16:00 +0000

Hey everyone,

We have just created a facebook fanpage so that we can send out event information to all of our fans.

so if you're on facebook - Check it out and join up:

http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-New-I-Voci-Singers/16431397218

You can also leave any comments on our upcoming (or past) performances there!!!

Battle of the Choirs

noreply@blogger.com (Corinne) — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 07:42:00 +0000

The New I Voci Singers is one of the 16 choirs around Australia that are starring in the new show on Channel Seven: Battle of the Choirs.

In this competition the winning choir will be awarded $100,000 and a recording deal with Universal Music. Our choir is proud to be the only choir of Western Australia selected for Battle of the Choirs.
The Battle of the Choirs is broadcasted on Channel Seven every Sunday night at 7.30pm from 15 June onwards.
We look forward to hear what you think about our performance at the Battle of the Choirs and wish us good luck!!!
Leave your comments on this webpage.

Extra Weekly Rehersals

noreply@blogger.com (bronwyn) — Mon, 26 May 2008 07:18:00 +0000

With many new and exciting up coming events for the I Voci Singers, we have decided to schedule some extra rehearsals on a weekly basis.

These extra rehearsal have allowed us to practice separately as well as in our parts, and introduce new warm up exercises, harmonising techniques and methods.

They have proved to be very productive so far, with much positive feedback and comments recieved from different choir members.

The Final Week in Germany

noreply@blogger.com (Teresa) — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 10:27:00 +0000

Here is an update on our final days in Germany.

After leaving Neukirchen-Vlyun we arrived in Magdeburg by train and were greeted by members of Young Voices. We stayed with them in Egeln for two nights and performed two concerts, both with the Young Voices.

We had the privilege to sing Locus Iste and Morning Tide with them. It was an awesome experience to sing with another choir as we had been so used to our own sound by that stage. On our last night in Egeln the Young Voice prepared a party for us, in the Water Fortress dungeon.

After Egeln, it was time for us to relax and enjoy Germany as a vacation. We stayed one night in Magdeburg, two nights in Nuremberg and our last night in Rothenburg. We travelled to each location by train, which was an adventure in itself. The countryside in Germany was just wonderful - so luscious and green.

It was a shame that we never got to see and snow whilst we were there.... but we will hopefully have more luck on our return to Germany in a few years time.

Thankyou to everyone for your hospitality and support in Germany
Thankyou to our Families for sending us over there (especially through the fund-raising days).
Thankyou to John for all of your organisation and devotion for allowing us young singers to have an experience of a lifetime
We appreciate it.

Thankyou, on behalf of the New I Voci Singers

Our final night in Neukirchen/Vluyn

noreply@blogger.com (Teresa) — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 11:15:00 +0000

17.01.08

Thursday night was our final performance in Neukirchen/Vluyn. The church was full almost 20minutes before we even began. One thing that has amazed us all is that the audience arrives almost an hour before the event even begins.

So we begin and fill the church with the sounds of the New IVoci Singers... :)
It is an amzing experience to be able to sing to a full house and still hear a pin drop on the floor.

Alex (the piano magician) continued to awe the audience. In fact he has signed a few autographs during our tour. They love him and John, we I've never seen him smile so much... he is very proud of us and it makes us all want to try harder.

The concert was a success, we received many standing ovations and just kept on singing... Puttin On the Ritz was definitely a favourite.

They all gave us a bunch of flowers that we the colours of Germany (red, yellow and black), we only wish we could bring them home.

After our concert, we meet at the Local Pub. This so far has been the best night of our trip... we end up spending the time eating, drinking and singing at the top of our voices the music to the Vienna Pops. we had an AWESOME time... and none of us wanted the night to end.

Teresa

Day Six - Thursday

noreply@blogger.com (Dallis) — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 09:57:00 +0000

We yet again begin another day in Paradise! (this also happens to be the brand of the bedding we sleep in). Our usual gluttons breakfast awaits us, except today we exchange the relaxed atomosphere or previous breakfast for an excited hurried air. Today is the day we go to another country, be as it may that it is only 20km from here. An unheard of experience for most of us. Again we meet at the Kulturehaus and bundle into cars, hehe still not believing that we are about to drive in a few minutes into another country. Unbelievable...

The countryside is astounding, so so flat. Considering that where i live in the south of WA it is really quite hilly this was quite an interesting view. The farms are so compact but they really know how to use every last piece of land that they own! 15km down the road we pass the Netherlands sign, quite a small and insignificant sign considering that we have just passed into another country. The sign into Boyup Brook is bigger and more prominant! Obviously the landscape doesnt change but the architecture does. Beautiful thatched roofs and cottage style gardens.

We eventually enter the town of Venlo (pronounced as Fenlo), took us half an hour from Neukirchen/Vluyn. We spent the next 2 1/2 hrs shopping, down beautiful cobblestone streets. After that we drove home to prepare for the biggest concert of the tour! That we shall cover later....

Bye for now

Dallis

An Amazing and Holy Experience

noreply@blogger.com (Teresa) — Thu, 17 Jan 2008 23:34:00 +0000

Singing in one of the biggest Cathedrals in the world is something you can only dream about.... but guess what... we fulfilled that dream with "Locus Iste".

We attracted a crowd and received a plesant applause.

Day Five - Wednesday

noreply@blogger.com (Teresa) — Thu, 17 Jan 2008 23:09:00 +0000

The middle of the week in deutschland....

Im sure that you are all aware of our morning ritual (for breakfast that is) now so we dont have describe that amazing experience anymore.

Today we caught a mini bus to Koln (Cologne), a major city about 1 hours drive south of Neukirchen/Vluyn. It is (so far) the biggest German City we've seen.... and it is landmarked by the biggest Cathedral most of us have seen.

Construction on the Colonge Cathedral began around 1265 AD. Many Many Many years before Australia was even put on the map. It is a GIAGANTIC Gothic style church that is still being fixed today.

We had a guided tour inside the church, and we all learnt plenty about the history of Koln and how the Church impacted the cities exsistence in the world.

Surprisingly the Church survived WW2, when everything around it was completely destroyed - infact the architeture surrounding the church mostly dates in the fifties/sixties.

After our tour we paid 1 euro each to climb to the top of the Cathedral tower. It is 1008 steps up and down, and very very very high. You could see for miles and had a perfect view of the Rhein River. It was a painful journey and some of us are paying for it the nest day. However, the view and experience was worth it.

We then had a chance to do some shopping. It was very busy and there was plenty of shops. It was probably the first time we could spend some serious cash.

Later we had lunch at Fruh - a pub in Koln the was deep underground. They served plenty of beer... kegs of beer infact... We started a competition with the group next door shouting "Aussie Aussie Aussie Oi Oi Oi" - We won of course.

Finally we travelled back home... and finished the rest of the day off with our host families.