Thursday, April 23, 2009

First Liturgy a Success - On to Tuscany

The Tour Group arrived in Assisi yesterday (Wednesday) and enjoyed a marvelous group dinner at the hotel (featuring Pasta con Fungi and Braised Chingiali (wild boar)) and a brief night on the town before succumbing to sleep after a 36+ hour day of travel. After the first night at the Windsor Savoia hotel, about 5 minutes from the Basilica di San Francesco, we awoke early this morning (Thursday) and the Choir took about 30 minutes of practice at the hotel to get back into the singing mode. We then transferred to the Basilica, where we performed three songs in the Tomb of St. Francis and then sang for the 11 am Mass in the Capella di Santa Caterina in the Crypt of the Basilica, with a full house of over 200 in attendance. The repertoire included "If Ye Love Me" by Thomas Tallis, "Ubi Caritias" by Maurice Durufle, and "Give Me Jesus" by Wendell Whalum. Nick Beidler closed with a marvelous "Improvisations on Te Deum" on an historic organ from the 16th Century. All in all, the first day of performances went well. We will try to upload some video and pictures as soon as we get to a high speed Internet uplink.

After time to explore on our own, the group took a guided walking tour of the major sites in Assisi, including the Basilica di Santa Chiara (St. Claire), where the Choir sang "God Be In My Head" by John Rutter. Marco, our tour guide, gave us a detailed description of St. Francis' life as reflected in the historic fresco's in the Upper Church of the Basilica, as well as many other interesting facts about St. Claire and the other religious figures in Assisi's history.

Tomorrow we are off to Montelpuciano and San Gimiginano on a day of traveling, with no performances planned (but you never know what might happen spontaneously).

Thanks to all who have provided comments, and special thanks to the Choir members who hosted a reception for the Choir Tour Group last Sunday as a "Bon Voyage" sendoff. We look forward to being back together with you all soon.

Ciao,

Kevin

4 comments:

  1. K,
    Thanks for the summary...sounds like a great time...I wish I was there too (instead of working :( ). Hi to Jen B. and family...
    continue to enjoy the joy of Italy!
    peace and prayers,
    Marty

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  2. Hope you are enjoying warm weather like it has turned this Friday. The Royals are ahead of Detroit at Kauffman Stadium, but Zack's run of scoreless innings was ended. Not much else is new here in River City.
    The remaining choir members will do their best to represent you this Sunday.

    Rogerio

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  3. The Royals ended up winning Friday night, with Zack pitching another complete game. The Royals now lead their division. I know it is early, but we need a World Series every 25 years or so.
    Enjoying the candid pictures of the tour, and it sure looks like you all are enjoying the experience. Think of us at 11 a.m. Sunday while you are eating dinner probably. Rogerio

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  4. P.S. Tornados in the area and severe thunderstorm watch for K.C. tonight. Stay tuned!

    Rogerio

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