Chorale European Concert Tour

The ensemble will depart on an overnight flight to Lisbon, the coastal capital city of Portugal, and enjoy a panoramic city tour of Lisbon. Sights may include Torre de Belem, Mosteiro dos Jeronimos, Se Cathedral, Elevador de Santa Justa, the view from Castelo de Sao Jorge, and the Monument to the Portuguese Discoveries. Depart for Lagos located in the gorgeous Algarve region of Portugal. Enjoy free time to explore this walled city and perhaps a swim in the ocean! • CONCERT I: Possible venues include Basilica dos Martires, Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation, Santa Maria de Belen, the Jeronimos Monastery, Fatima Basilica, Estrela Basilica, Lisbon Musicfest, and other venues. Possible collaboration with local ensemble. Depart for Seville, Spain, the capital of Andalucía and a bustling university town. 

Students will enjoy a sightseeing tour of Seville including the Cathedral, the Giralda, and the quaint Santa Cruz quarter where you find narrow alleyways and small whitewashed houses. Acoustic rehearsal and sound check. • CONCERT II: Possible venues include Iglesia de San Pedro, La Iglesia de la Hermandad de la Santa Caridad, Catedral de Sevilla, or other venues.

Depart for Cordoba. It was an important Roman city and a major Islamic center in the Middle Ages. Tour of Mezquita Catedral de Cordoba, the impressive 10th century Arabian mosque, the third biggest in the world. It features more than 850 colorful granite and marble pillars, as well as horseshoe shaped arches above the pillars.  CONCERT III: Possible venues include Real Circulo de la Amistad, Cordoba Cathedral, Iglesia de la Magdalena, and other venues. Possible collaboration with local choir.

Depart for Toledo,  the “City of Three Cultures”, – Jewish, Muslim, and Christian. The fortified medieval city built on a hill overlooking the Tagus River, is without a doubt one of the densest monumental cities in the world. You will see the Cathedral of Toledo (formerly a mosque), and the Church of Santo Tomé. POSSIBLE MASS AT THE CATHEDRAL OF TOLEDO. Continue to Madrid the capital of Spain and the geographic heart of the Iberian peninsula.

Enjoy a sightseeing tour of the Calle and Plaza Mayor (medieval Madrid), which is lined by beautiful buildings and the city’s oldest church, San Nicolas de los Servitas. Finish your tour with a visit to the lavish Royal Palace. • CONCERT IV: Possible concert venues include Basílica Parroquia Virgen La Milagrosa, Parroquia de Santa Teresa y Santa Isabel, Parroquia Santuario Santa Maria del Perpetuo Socorro, Festival of Navas, and others.

Choose to visit the Prado museum, shopping on the Gran Via, or stroll through one of the city’s famous public squares. Depart for gorgeous Segovia. Its centuries of settlement include a rich legacy of architecture, including impressive medieval walls, Romanesque churches, a former royal palace and a Gothic cathedral. Its iconic ancient Roman aqueduct has more than 160 arches! Farewell dinner. • CONCERT V or SERVICE: Possible venue includes the impressive Segovia Cathedral • Return to and depart from Madrid, return to the United States.

Students are responsible for bringing all of their normal needs for a nine-day tour of Europe.

Students are required to be a member of the Oakland Chorale and must have a valid passport.

The program cost will include international flights, all accommodation and travel in Europe, all musical and cultural activities while in Europe and many meals. The total cost is forecast to be $3,600 per participant, but this number will be confirmed at a later date. As participants will fundraise, each individual will personally owe a different amount. If you have questions about how much you owe, please contact ensemble manager Megan Dastick, mldastick@oakland.edu. Participants may pay in multiple installments but all payments are due by Monday, May 2, 2022.