The Niceville Singers recently returned from a successful performance tour of Beijing, Tianjin, and Xi’an, China, where they performed for warm, appreciative audiences, including members of the All-China National Choral Directors Association.

Here is what director Michael Dye has to say about his experience:

“The Niceville High School (Florida) Niceville Singers returned from China excited and satisfied with an outstanding performance tour. The tour exceeded all expectations and dissolved any previously held fears of traveling to China.

Beginning in Beijing, the Singers sang three concerts – for the All-China Choral Directors Association, at the Great Wall and a joint performance with the choir from Renmin University. From Beijing the Singers flew to the beautiful city of Xi’an where they sang joint concerts with the Little Swan Chorus and the Women’s Chorus of Shaanxi Normal University.

To say that MCI had organized quality concert opportunities with outstanding venues would be a huge understatement. The Chinese staff organized opportunities for interaction and exchange with the students of the various choruses before each concert. My singers were exposed to some of the best learning opportunities imaginable – performances with fine Chinese choirs as well as being safely and comfortably transported to the ancient and historical sights of China – places that most people will only read about or see on television.

The guides and interpreters were fluent in English and were always friendly and willing to do what was needed to make our tour successful. The food was outstanding and the opportunities to shop were plentiful. The hotels were 4-star facilities and offered amenities found in only the best of our American hotels.

The MCI staff – managed by Sheldon Poon and Patrick Liu – took special care to make sure our 2006 tour was everything promised – and more. The Singers have toured Central Europe (2002) and Great Britain (2004). MCI made touring China as easy – if not easier – than touring Europe. American music directors who tour internationally with their choirs should make a Chinese tour a must-go destination. To those who have never toured internationally before – China is a great musical place to start!”