Monday, July 4, 2011

Days 4 and 5 - Alison Lloyd

Vienna

Hi everyone, haven't had a lot of access to Wifi so bear with us! Anyway the last two days have been fantastic. Vienna is truly magnificent and the opening ceremonies was described as similar to the TRi-Star Wizarding contest ceremonies in Harry Potter! (funny) Even the Viennese choristers looked like Cedric Diggery! (sorry if my spelling is off here!) A wonderful international feel in an enormous gothic cathedral.....even the chandeliers looked like they were floating...haha. One thousand voices sang the Summa Cum Laude anthem and each choir etc introduced themselves to the group. A lot of groups from China and 7 from Canada! Yesterday the kids explored rooms filled with Rubens classical paintings and sang a free concert in the Leichtenstein Palace. This proved to be somewhat of a challenge because the room was so enormous the echo was a little distracting and made it difficult for the kids to hear the accompanist. All in all it was a great experience and made for a fun rehearsal before todays competition. The kids had a really good night's sleep last night so I think we are all finally (just in time) rested. We also explored Melk abbey on the way to Vienna. The kids were fascinated by the hidden doors in the 16th c library but were disappointed to learn that they were simply doorways to small reading windows and not a secret passage to a deep dark dungeon......I must admit...I was a little upset about this too! I am travelling with a group of hopeless romantics....I love it. Anyway, I must get back to the kids and make sure they have clean shirts and their hair tied back for the big day! Will update you later tonight.


Well...what a day. One never to be forgotten. You, at home, should all be very proud of your kids and what they accomplished today. They have worked very hard and today, it all paid off. Ann and Erroll and all of the kids are thrilled to announce that the CCOC came 2nd in the Summa Cum Laude festival!! Ann's announcement at dinner was followed by lots of screeching and celebration of course! The competition was varied and fierce and we lost out to a choir from Victoria BC who did a flawless competition. After watching the other choirs I realized how challenging our pieces were and got some perspective on how talented and fearless our kids can be when they truly put their minds to something. Yes, there were nerves before the performance but we could feel it in the audience that as soon as that lively Don Pasquale Servant's Chorus rushed onto the Golden Hall stage, they were "on". All of the concerts and rehearsal were worth every minute and even though Ann and Erroll have lost their voices, we were grateful that the kids still had theirs! lol Without a doubt the kids' enthusiasm, and contagious energy today stole the show. Nukapianqua (sorry about spelling I am away from my tour guide trying to find Wifi!) was really impressive and they pulled it off without a hitch. I think this piece really stood out as unique and particularly difficult. 

After the concert we drove out of Vienna and did one last concert in Wolkersdorf, where once again, everyone was brought to their feet. I truly hope the kids know how happy they make everyone feel when they sing. ...I think today they did. Well, everyone is off to bed (we hope) and tomorrow is another day. We will brush off our cocktail dresses and head to the City Hall....more to come. Gute Nacht :) Congratulations to everyone who helped along the way :)

7 comments:

  1. WOW!!! Fantastic!! The hard work paid off for all. Congratulations to all choristers and Ann & Errol and everyone who has worked so hard to make it all happen!

    A proud CCOC mom!

    Zirka

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  2. WOW from me too!!! So excited and proud to hear the BIG news - Many many congratulations to all our talented kids and Ann and Errol as well. Wish I were there... Have a wonderful celebratory day tomorrow!

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  3. CONGRATULATIONS CCOC! Wonderful news for all that hard work! xoxo

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  4. What wonderful news!! Well done to everyone at the CCOC - all the best to Ann and Errol and enjoy the gala dinner at City Hall!!

    the Holzberg Family

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  5. Bravo CCOC! Kudos to the kids. Congratulations to Ann and Errol. Enjoy your spectacular and well deserved fete this evening. And great job on the blog. I look forward to it every day.

    CCOC Aunt, Fan & Follower

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  6. Congrats to the kids, Ann, Errol and all the crew. What a fantastic news and a proud moment. Enjoy!!!

    Love from family Cerovic

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