Augustana Choir to take Italian tour this May
Focus of tour will be on promoting world peace with music to international audience

By Brian Boyenga

Mirror Staff Writer
February 22, 2008

Fresh off its Midwest tour over interim break, the Augustana Choir is already preparing for its next adventure. This summer, 61 of the 72 members will travel to Italy for two weeks of musical performances overseas.

A great deal of traveling is planned on the trip’s itinerary, including stops in Sicily, Naples, Pompeii, Sorrento, Assisi and Rome. They will perform in such historic places as the Cathedral of Monreale and St. Peter’s Basilica.

On the trip, the choir hopes to promote world peace with music.

“The theme of the arrangements is centered on the love and peace of God,” choir director James Johnson said. “Emphasis is placed on delivering sermon and song with purpose and mission.”

Both Johnson and Director of College Events Emily Drommerhausen will accompany the choir on the tour.

The choir will offer a variety of American numbers, as well as a selection of pieces customary to the areas they will be visiting. Singing pieces in Italian will add a different dynamic to performances.

“It will be interesting to sing songs in Italian for an audience of native speakers of the language,” sophomore choir member Andraya Gacke said.

The choir has been practicing a reportoire for the upcoming tour since last semester. Some of the arrangements were featured in their Midwest tour at the end of January.

“We have been working on adapting to the traditional Italian styles of music,” junior choir member Andy Vander Linden said.

Vander Linden looks forward to seeing parts of Italy that typical tourists usually do not see. The Choir will visit highlights in Rome as well as lesser-known areas.

In 2002, the choir traveled to northern Italy. When the director of the Sistine Chapel heard the choir perform, the choir was invited back to perform in Sicily and tour southern Italy.

“Every international tour has been unique,” he said. “Even when returning to the same place, it is not the same choir that performs.”

For many students, like sophomore Terra Goplen, choir tour is the only opportunity to travel abroad during college.

“I look forward to seeing Italy and experiencing the historical significance of the country,” Goplen said.

Goplen hopes that her singing will make an impact on those who listen.

“Italy has had a great influence on music, and we hope our concerts will be meaningful to a lot of people,” she said.

Students have the opportunity not only to sing and perform in Italy but also to experience a different culture.

“I am excited to experience the Italian culture and play in a different performance atmosphere for new people,” said junior choir member Derrick McKenna.

The choir will perform a preview concert May 11, in the Chapel of Reconciliation, as well as a send-off concert prior to leaving for the tour on May 28. The choir will return June 10.