Although we arrived home separately, I know that everyone involved with this tour took with them once in a life time memories. From mass rehearsals in Lucerne with Eph Ehly, to the performance in the KKL, both with the mass choir and as an individual choir, our time in Lucerne was unique. Thanks to John Wiscombe and all of the Music Celebrations staff for their flawless execution of logistics, the vision to establish and produce what I think will be one of the premier festivals to attend, and their collective friendliness and professionalism. My singers and I didn’t feel like customers, but rather guests who were treated like professionals and colleagues.

Our time in Paris was packed with sight seeing and performances in venues that are not only acoustically, but also historically significant. Our tour manager, Patrick Fargier, went out of his way to make sure that we saw and did all we could do in the four days we were in Paris. He didn’t just do his job, but went out of his way to get to know the group and genuinely connected with them. Although I can’t afford to travel internationally every year, from my experience on this tour, the next time I plan to tour the world, it will be with MCI. To have the opportunity for my students to work with a world class conductor, sing in the same Cathedral where Napoleon was crowned, stand on top of the Eiffel Tower, and make music and friends with other singers has been priceless. The songs that we performed on this tour now hold memories that go way beyond the way they sounded, and hold a place in time that will not be forgotten by anyone who was there. One of my singers said the entire tour experience was “more than she expected and went way beyond what she could have hoped for.”

Thanks again,

Bruce C. Lengacher
Director of Choral Activities
Acalanes High School, Lafayette, CA