For two consecutive years, The CHORALE, from East Central Illinois, put MCI in charge of their summer vacation!

Representing the State of Illinois in choral performance in Scotland, The CHORALE, with Scottish folk singer, Jean Redpath as our guest, definitely had ‘the Scottish experience’. After our Fringe Festival Concert in Edinburgh, a gentleman in full Scottish regalia told our singers, “we Scots know fine music, and we heard it tonight.”, That kind of response . . . priceless.

There was a lot of singing going on - The CHORALE, Jean Redpath, Jean and Julie, The CHORALE, Jean and the audience, and everyone ending the evening together with “Amazing Grace”. The audiences at each venue went out of their way to show appreciation for the sharing of the music, and sought out the singers and myself for lively conversations at the end of each concert.

Our singers were thrilled with this performance tour - - the marvelous venues, (Paisley Abbey, Iona Abbey, Stirling Castle, Dunkeld Cathedral, St Giles Cathedral and Canongate Kirk), the enthusiasm and warmth of the those who came to hear us, excellent food and places to put our heads at night, an outstanding tour director and driver, the fine weather, the sense of history, and - - - - oh my, the scenery! The Scottish countryside certainly turned in its best performance for our benefit.

The MCI staff, both in this country and the UK, were finely tuned to our needs and helped us craft a memorable musical experience for our singers and the audiences. John, Carol, Alison, Dan and everyone who answered the phone when I called, were accommodating at every turn. We felt well cared for and connected in a very personal way.

-Julie Beyler, Music Director, The CHORALE