COMMENTARY

St. Gertrude Choir to sing at Vienna international concert

The Choir of St. Gertrude High School, Richmond, has been invited to travel to Vienna, Austria to perform at the International Vienna Advent Sing over Thanksgiving weekend (Nov. 21–26). They are among four American choirs asked to participate.

The 26 singers in grades 10–12, most of whom are part of the school’s Honors Ensemble, have been rehearsing weekly since July, including weekend rehearsals since the school year started.

“The group does not meet together as a regular classroom choir so the students are very dedicated to this and excited about it,” said Lisa Fusco choral director of St. Gertrude’s.

According to Ms. Fusco, the purpose of the trip is to motivate students through this experience to think globally, using music as a means of communication and connection between cultures.

“It will also be an opportunity for first-hand cultural experience through the arts,” she said.

“They will perform internationally and hear choirs from around the world at the International Advent Sing in one of the most musical cities of the world.”

During the visit to Austria, the group will tour the Benedictine Abbey at Melk, including a historical museum on the history of St. Benedict, and sing in the Abbey church.

The students will have a chance to meet and talk with students in Vienna, tour Schoenbrunn Palace and sing at the Christmas Market in the city.

All the choirs will sing Beethoven’s “Ode to Joy” chorus in German at the closing ceremonies.

Upon their return home, the St. Gertrude Choir will present a concert at Richmond’s Cathedral of the Sacred Heart on Sunday, Dec. 9, at 4:30 p.m. as part of the International Day of Choral Singing. The Choir will also sing at the 5:15 p.m. Mass at the Cathedral following the concert.

back to top