Three great countries, three majestic cities, and three of America’s finest collegiate choirs created remarkable music on our European concert tour. Premiering a newly commissioned choral work by renowned contemporary composer Ēriks Ešenvalds added an exceptional layer to this music-centered adventure. From walking the canals of Stockholm to exploring the cobblestones of Old Town Tallinn and Riga, this tour was a life-changing and breathtaking musical and cultural journey that left every traveler with unforgettable memories.
Our journey began with a morning arrival in Stockholm, where we were greeted by our guide and coach at the airport. We embarked on a panoramic city tour, exploring the charm of Stockholm, one of Europe’s great cities and the capital of Sweden. Spanning 14 islands and over 50 bridges, the cobblestone streets and colorful buildings of Gamla Stan transported us to a different age. After a joint lunch, included in the package, we checked into our centrally located hotel, Hotel Birger Jarl. The evening and dinner were ours to enjoy, allowing us to relax, stroll through the city, or catch up on some sleep before the busy tour began in earnest.
The next day, following breakfast at our hotel, we met our local guide for a walking tour of the beautiful Swedish capital. We marveled at the exquisite medieval architecture and chic contemporary designs, saw the magnificent Royal Palace, and enjoyed a fantastic view from the City Hall’s tower observation deck. After an independent lunch, we gathered at the Vasa Museum, dedicated to an ancient warship recovered from Stockholm’s harbor. Later in the afternoon, we rehearsed with Dr. Jensen for our evening concert. Our day culminated in a joint concert with the Texas Woman’s University Choir at Stockholm Cathedral, followed by a joint dinner with other choirs, included in the package. We spent another night at Hotel Birger Jarl.
After breakfast the following morning, we packed our bags and checked out. A morning walking tour led by local guides took us through the famed canals of Stockholm and Gamla Stan, the old medieval town. We enjoyed an independent lunch and some shopping time before boarding our coaches and transferring to the port. There, we embarked on an exciting overnight voyage across the Baltic Sea to Tallinn, Estonia, aboard the Tallink-Silja ferry M/S Baltic Queen. The ferry provided dinner, a breakfast buffet, a shared sleeping cabin, and onboard entertainment.
Upon arrival in Tallinn the next day, we were welcomed to Estonia with a breakfast buffet on board the ferry. Our local guides took us on a panoramic tour of the city, including the TV Tower, the Song Festival Amphitheater, Old Tallinn, and Telliskivi Creative City. The tour concluded in the historic Old Town. After an independent lunch, we checked into our hotel, Hotel Viru. We had a late afternoon rehearsal before traveling to Rapla for an evening concert. We performed with the Brigham Young University Men’s Chorus and local choirs at Rapla Lutheran Church. After the concert, we enjoyed a mutual picnic with local choir members and the renowned composer Pärt Uusberg, included in the package. We then returned to Tallinn for the night at Hotel Viru.
The morning in Tallinn was free for us to explore the Old Town. Options included visiting the KGB Museum, touring the national Opera House, exploring the Legends and Ghosts of the Old Town, or hiking to the top of the city walls for a breathtaking view. In the afternoon, we rehearsed for the evening’s Festival concert at Kaarli Church. The Festival of Three event featured each choir singing independently and then combined under the baton of maestro Rick Bjella. The concert included cooperation with the well-known Tallinn Boy’s Choir. After the concert, we had a joint dinner with the cooperating choir, included in the package. We spent another night at Hotel Viru.
Following breakfast the next morning, we departed Tallinn and headed through the scenic countryside to Latvia. We arrived in Cēsis, a well-preserved medieval city with over 800 years of history. After touring the medieval town and visiting Āraiši Archaeological Park, we enjoyed a lunch included in the package. That evening, we performed a solo concert at Cēsis Cathedral, a medieval pearl from the 13th century. After the concert, we traveled to Riga, where we checked into Wellton Riverside Spa Hotel and had dinner, included in the package.
Our final full day began with a cruise on the Daugava River after breakfast. We then visited the Kanciema Quarter for exploring and lunch on our own. The tour continued through the UNESCO-recognized Old Town, the Art Nouveau section, and the Central Market housed in a WWII German zeppelin hangar. In the afternoon, we rehearsed at Riga Dome Cathedral for the final Festival of Three concert. We had a special meet and greet with Ēriks Ešenvalds, the commissioned composer. The evening ended with the Festival of Three concert at Riga Dome Cathedral, followed by a Farewell Gala Dinner in the Riga City Centre, included in the package. We spent our final night at Wellton Riverside Spa Hotel.
After breakfast the next morning, it was time to say farewell and head to the airport for our journey home.
Our European concert tour was a harmonious blend of stunning sights, cultural exploration, and unforgettable musical performances. Each destination offered unique experiences, from the canals of Stockholm and the medieval charm of Tallinn to the historic beauty of Riga. The collaboration with local choirs and renowned composers added depth to our performances, making this tour an enriching and joyous experience for all.
Travelers left with hearts full of music, minds enriched with new cultural insights, and memories to cherish for a lifetime. This tour was a testament to the power of music to connect people across cultures and create lasting bonds of friendship and artistic collaboration.
