The Choir of St John’s College Cambridge went on a festive tour to Budapest, Munich and Hamburg just before Christmas. Our 13 Choristers were accompanied by the rest of the Choir, two College Organ Scholars, as well as the Director of Music, Christopher Gray.
This Christmas tour followed in the footsteps of the successful 2023 tour, again with every performance being a packed to the rafters. Their first concert took place at Béla Bartók National Concert Hall in Budapest, where they performed some festive favourites including ‘Stille Nacht’ and ‘Sussex Carol’, much to the delight of the audience. Their next performance was at the stunning Prinzregententheater in the heart of Munich again singing a variety of traditional and contemporary pieces.
It was lovely place to perform as it felt very old and beautiful.
Their final performance took place at the Elbphilharmonie in Hamburg, in front of 2,100 audience members. The atmosphere was magical as they celebrated Christmas through song accompanied by the world-renowned Thomas Trotter on the organ.
This was my favourite venue as it was huge and a really cool design, with people all around us.
In between the rehearsals and performances the Choristers found time to sightsee around the three cities. They even had some down time for reading and listening to the ‘Wicked!’ soundtrack together. They indulged in hot chocolate and hot dogs at the Christmas Markets, as well as browsing the decorations and ornaments. Our Choristers experienced many delicious meals including traditional goulash in Budapest at a variety of restaurants and even partook in a honey tasting, bringing back flavoured honeys to gift their families.
I am now very excited for our next tour to the USA before Easter and I am especially looking forward to this as it will be my first time out of Europe.
Choir tours are a brilliant way to promote the choir, make new connections around the world, and give the Choristers inspiring experiences.
(Photos courtesy of Isabelle Freeman at St John's College Choir and St College School boarding staff)