Oct 20, 2016
COM choir members at the Vatican where they performed during a tour of Italy.

Exploring castles, cathedrals and culture, the College of the Mainland choirs will tour Germany and the Czech Republic June 14-22, 2017.

Learn more about joining the College of the Mainland Vocal Arts Tour during a presentation Nov. 1 at 7:30 p.m. in the COM Fine Arts Building.

The vocal arts group will travel through Berlin, Leipzig (home to Mendelssohn, Bach and Schumann), Prague and Dresden with two performances, guided tours and free time to explore.

Blending history and music, the tour will highlight the Bachmuseum in Leipzig and Thomaskirche, where Bach worked from 1723 to 1750. Dresden will provide a glimpse into World War II and post-war reconstruction.

Prague will include a visit to the Hradcany Castle and cathedral and to the 14th-century Charles Bridge. Travelers will also enjoy a dinner cruise on the Vltava.

Continuing the success of its 2014 Ireland tour and prior Italy tour, the COM chorale will perform American classics with local groups in Leipzig and Prague. Travelers may join the COM choir and sing along.

“We received standing ovations in Ireland, and I expect no less in Germany and the Czech Republic,” said COM choir director James Heffel. “We have an extremely fun group, so singers and travelers had an equally brilliant time.”

James Smith, Western States Director for Encore Tours, will discuss a weeklong tour of Europe’s center of classical music and other breathtaking sites. 

The vocal arts tour is open to any interested individual. Participation in the choir performing on this tour is optional. COM choirs are open to community singers each semester. For more information about joining the tour or COM choirs, contact Joyce Palmer at 409-933-8348 or jpalmer@com.edu.