Auf Wiedersehen!

The Munich Youth Choirs are heading back to Munich today, currently being delayed at Toronto Airport due to current weather conditions.

We had a very emotional farewell at St. John's airport today when the final moment of departure had arrived. Four great weeks with lots and lots of positvie memories for all of us - aside from being the singing messengers of Munich, the choristers will now also share the great story of their Saltwater Joys Tour through the beautiful province of Newfoundland and Labrador with all its great people.

Thank you and auf Wiedersehen!

A Big Thank You and Safe Journey

A Big thank you to everyone all over this beautiful land who helped to make this tour possible! Your generousity and hard work was essential to ensuring that it was a success. The Munich Youth Choirs are now in Toronto, waiting to get on a plane back to Munich. Have a safe journey to Munich and all of us here, hope that you will return again soon.

Munich Youth Choirs' Saltwater Joys 2011 Tour coming to an end

August 23rd marked our final full day in this beautiful land. It did start off a bit on the Foggy side and turned nicer in the course of the day. For those of you who have not yet been to St. John's, one item you may want to include on your agenda is a visit to MooMoos for a treat of yummy home made ice cream!



All of us, choristers and chaperones, would like to extend our deepest gratitude and thanks to all you great people in Newfoundland and Labrador who contributed in making our stay such a memorable one!




For those of you who wish to stay in touch don't hesitate to email us. Anyone out there with ideas or means to assist the Munich Youth Choirs in their next adventure, let us know.

This beautiful province and its warm and friendly people will always have a place in our hearts. We can only encourage everyone to come and experience the Newfoundland spirit for yourselves - and we will find a way to come back soon!!!

Thank you Newfoundland

Thank you Newfoundland for taking us in and letting us experience your culture first hand. The song "The Spirit of Newfoundland" truly says it all. It doesn't matter where you come from or where you've been it's the spirit and the culture that keeps us all within. Though most of us arrived as strangers we will part as family.
Thank you all!

A Grand Finale - A Grand Night

Thank you Holyrood! It was a grand finale and a grand night! Tonight the joy of music was circulating everywhere as the Saltwater Joys Tour came to an end. Our audience savoured the difuse styles and vocal acrobatics the choristers shared with them. Many times the choristers earned a standing ovation and rightfully so. This was a concert to remember.
In spite of the vocal artistry it was difficult for the choristers because they knew this was their last performance in a place they have come to love. It was a very moving performance which touched everybody intensly, partially due to the fact that there were many people from all over the province who came to be with them again. This beautiful land with its fine people has a place in the hearts and souls of all of us. We will return!

Munich Youth Choirs Received at Government House

It was a great honour for the Munich Youth Choirs to be received by their Honours the Lt. Governor and his wife today. The premises are really beautiful and the artwork on display - including a great variety of Newfoundland and Labrador artists - is truly stunning. We were proud to present a short selection of our Saltwater Joys Tour repertoire. Everyone present enjoyed the music.

As a momento of Canada the Artistic Director was presented with a gift consisiting of wood from every Canadian province. This will get a special place in the choirs rehearsal room and it will be a reminder of the memories of our performance at Government House.
We would like to thank their Honours for having us!

Singing At Cape St. Mary's

Today, August 21st we parted the Grey Foggy Day and went on to pay Cape St. Mary's Seabird Ecological Reserve a visit. It is quite a sight (and sound) to see all these gannets on the rock! Our guide said that there are about 45.000 birds around this time a year. Because it is already later in the season, other birds have migrated and won't be returning until March 2012.

Following the tour and some lunch the choristers prepared themselves for a short appearence as a part of the Cape St. Mary's Performance Series at the interpretation centre. Let Me Fish off Cape St. Mary's was of course part of today's repertoire. We thank the organizers of the Performance Series for providing us this excellent opportunity and it would be great to return as performers for this series some time in the near future.

Thank you Placentia

On Saturday the Munich Youth Choirs sailed the Southern Shore, destination Placentia. Last night when the choristers shared their joy of Music with their audience in Placentia. With great pleasure the Munich Youth Choirs accompanied evening mass at Sacred Heart Church and then continued entertaining their audience with a selection of their varied program for about another hour.


We would like to express our thanks and appreciation to all those involved in making our stay in Placentia possible. You certainly are a fabulous crowd! Looking forward to coming back in the future!





This afternoon the Munich Youth Choirs will be giving a short performance at Cape St. Mary's Seabird Ecological Reserve (Interpretation Centre) at 2:30pm. Should you be in the area, don't miss out on it!

Centennial Square Lunch Time Performance in the News

The Telegram has published an article in their Entertainment Section about yesterday's Lunch Time Performance in the City of Mount Pearl:

http://www.thetelegram.com/Arts--Life/Entertainment/2011-08-19/article-2714451/Youth-choir-from-Germany-travelling-province/1

Getting Refreshed in the Swimming Hole

Yesterday afternoon the choristers took a little break from their busy schedule and used the opportunity to refresh in a swimming hole by Holyrood. Most of us ventured in the river at least to a certain degree to test the waters. It sure was cold and very refreshing! Whereas some continued swimming others opted for a chat or simply relaxed a bit.


This was a perfect beginning to the Munich Youth Choirs' day of on this Friday, August 19th. It is not until tomorrow when we will move on to Placentia, the first permanent French Colony in North America back in 1662.




In Placentia the Munich Youth Choirs are looking forward to sharing their singing with you on Saturday, August 20th at 7:00pm at Sacred Heart Church. On behalf of all the choristers we encourage you to come and join us in a celebration of music.

Tickets for Last Performance of Saltwater Joys Tour Available Now

On Monday, August 22nd at 7:30pm in Holyrood, at Holy Cross Church the Munich Youth Choirs 28 day Saltwater Joys Tour to Newfoundland and Labrador will come to an end. Please mark this event on your calendar.

The choristers are very much looking forward to sharing their talent and joy of music with you and welcome everyone to come (again)!

Tickets are now available from members of the Holy Cross Parish Pastoral Council, the Parish office and can also be purchased at Dawe's Market in Holyrood. For reservations please call the Parish office at 229-6250. Admission is $ 10 per person.

Lunch Concert

Lunch time was the right time for the Munich Youth Choirs to give a good sampling of their musical prowess in the City of Mount Pearl. There was everything ranging from German Folk Music, Spirituals, Film Music as well as Musicals and some other pieces from around the world including some Newfoundland music!

We would like to thank the City of Mount Pearl for giving the choristers the opportunity to perform in the beautiful Centennial Square. Thanks also to all of you listeners who took the time out of your busy day to listen in. Don't miss your opportunity to share the joy of singing with the Munich Youth Choirs on their Saltwater Joys Tour through this great province:

• August 20th in Placentia at Sacred Heart Church at 7:00pm
  
  



• August 21st at 2:30pm at the Interpretation Centre of Cape St. Mary's Seabird Ecological Reserve





• August 22nd in Holyrood at 7:30pm at the Holy Cross Parish
  
  

Don't be shy, spread the word and bring a friend! We are looking forward to seeing you there!

Lunch Time Performance in the City of Mount Pearl

As we are writing this, the Munich Youth Choirs are en route to the City of Mount Pearl looking forward to singing at 12:30pm. If you are in the mood for a little lunch time entertainment please come and join us!

Saltwater Joys Final Week

If you want to know more about the Munich Youth Choirs and what they will be doing for the remaining days of their Saltwater Joys Tour through this beautiful province you are in the right place!

Here is the list of their forthcoming performances:

• Thursday, August 18th Lunch Time Concert at 12:30pm in the city of Mount Pearl at the Centennial Square. In case of rain the venue will be moved to Church of the Ascention (58 Smallwood Dr.)
• Saturday, August 20th Evening Concert at 7:00pm in the town of Placentia at Sacred Heart Church
• Sunday, August 21st Afternoon Performance at 2:30pm at the Interpretation Centre of the Cape St. Mary's Seabird Ecological Reserve
• Monday, August 22nd Evening Concert at 7:30pm at the Holy Cross Parish in Holyrood

Come and be entertained!

A Night to Remember

Tonight St.Thomas' Anglican Church in St.John's was the place to be. It was there where the Munich Youth Choirs celebrated music in all its diversity, presenting Classical, Jazz, Film, Opera and much much more. By the end of the night everyone in the audience was truly enchanted and went home with their hearts and souls filled with the joy of music the choristers shared in the course of the evening.
We were blessed with a truly wonderful audience bringing out the best in the singers. What a night! On behalf of the Munich Youth Choirs we would like to thank everyone who contributed to this magnificent event! Thank you all! As writers of this blog we would also like to thank the singers for an absolutly moving concert that we will always remember. You are great!

Checking out Centennial Square

After our stop at The Rocket the Munich Youth Choirs went to the City of Mount Pearl to take a look at Centennial Square, the location of tomorrow's Lunch Time Concert. In spite of the rain today the sound carried well and we are looking forward to performing here August 18th at 12:30pm. In case of rain the venue will be the Church of the Ascension , located at 58 Smallwood Drive in Mount Pearl.

Munich Youth Choirs Rock the Rocket

This morning the Munich Youth Choirs rocked The Rocket presenting a short selection of their varied repertoire for the customers and staff.

The choristers were offered some yummy shortbread afterwards - if you are looking for some treats, breads and other good food come to The Rocket!

For all of you who want to see and hear more of them and of course everyone else out there who is in the mood for a great evening of celebrating and sharing music please come tonight August 17th at 7:00pm to St. Thomas Anglican Church (The Old Garrison Church) in St. John's. Don't be shy and bring a friend!

Thank you Cupids!

The Munich Youth Choirs would like to thank all of those who were involved in organizing the concert in Cupids on Sunday August 14th. All choristers enjoyed it very much!

An evening of music in Calvert

This evening the Munich Youth Choirs were hosted by Holy Immaculate Church in Calvert. A small, enthusiastic crowd made their way through rain and fog to share the joy of music with the choristers.




We would like to thank all involved in making this concert possible. Your hard work is greatly appreciated!

Please feel invited to another great night of music with the choristers at one of the following locations:

• Wednesday, August 17th at 7:00pm in St. John's at St. Thomas Anglican Church (The Old Garrison Church)



• Thursday, August 18th at 12:30pm in Mount Pearl at the Centennial Square (in case of bad weather please check here for alternate venue)
  


• Sunday, August 21st at 2:30pm at the Cape St. Mary's Seabird Ecological Reserve
  


• Monday, August 22nd at 7:30pm at Holy Cross Parish in Holyrood

As Ella Fitzgerald put it: The only thing better than singing is more singing.

Digging up facts in Ferryland

 The Munich Youth Choirs spent today's afternoon at the Colony of Avalon where they were busy digging up facts about the life of the early settlers.

Our fantastic guide gave us a tour around the dig and we did even get to see various artifacts which are still being processed at the lab.

As a small token of appreciation the Munich Youth Choirs shared a couple of songs with the staff and visitors present at the Visitors Centre. We are looking forward to welcoming our listeners as well as all people and visitors from Calvert, Ferryland and neighbouring communities to tonight's concert at Calvert Holy Immaculate Church at 7:00pm.

Come and see the joy of music come to life!

Sailing the Shore

The Munich Choirs are enjoying their tour of Newfoundland and Labrador. No matter what the weather, the people are friendly, open and have a great sense of humor. It is now that we are making our way down to Calvert where the choristers invite you to join them tonight, August 16th at 7:00pm at Holy Immaculate Church for a great evening of music.

While we are in the area we will of course visit the Colony of Avalon in Ferryland as well. Everyone is looking forward to another day in their Newfoundland adventure.

From Munich to St. John's

It was today when the Munich Youth Choirs, also known as singing messengers of Munich, received a warm welcome by the City of St. John's. What connects Bavaria with Newfoundland and Labrador is its love of cultural expression and music.
We thank this beautiful city and its people for the great hospitality they extend to us.


The choristers gave a snippet of their repertoire to people who were at City Hall at noon. After hearing their abbreviated program, many are looking forward to Wednesday, August 17th when the concert at St. Thomas Church will begin at 7:00pm.



For those of you on the Southern Shore tomorrow night, Tuesday August 16th, the Munich Youth Choirs will be in Calvert, Holy Immaculate Church to share their joy of music with you. The concert will commence at 7:00pm. Hope to see you all there!

The Munich Youth Choirs skip along the Irish Loop

Tomorrow, Tuesday August 16th the Munich Youth Choirs will be skipping along the Irish Loop. On our travels we will be visiting the Colony of Avalon, the colony of unrequited dreams. We will take the time to explore the archeological site of Lord Baltimore's settlement and see what has been uncovered.

The choristers invite you to join them in Calvert at the Holy Immaculate Church at 7:00pm for an unforgettable night of music. If you are in the area make sure you don't miss out! Looking forward to seeing you there.

Performance August 22nd in Holy Cross Parish in Holyrood

For all those who are looking forward for an evening of sharing music with the Munich Youth Choirs please be sure to mark your calendars for the upcoming events! On Monday, August 22nd at 7:30pm the choristers will be performing in Holy Cross Parish in Holyrood.

Be sure to save the date, this will be one of the last stops of their 2011 Saltwater Joys Tour to this beautiful island!

Link to St.Thomas Anglican Church St.Johns

Below is a link to St.Thomas Anglican Church in St.Johns where the Munich Youth Choirs will be giving a concert on Wednesday, August 17th at 7:00pm

http://www.st-thomaschurch.com/

Staying at MUN

For the time the Munich Youth Choirs will be in and around St. John's the choristers and their chaperones are staying in residence at MUN.

For those of you back in Germany, MUN stands for Memorial University of Newfoundland and is one of the best universities in the country, offering a great variety of degree programs. A perfect match for a choir with a diverse musical repertoire.

We are very impressed by the modern and comfortable residence we are staying at. Having had a bit of time to learn about the history of the university we also encountered people from all over the world who are currently enrolled. Some of our older choristers, who will soon be studying are in fact already considering to include a stay at MUN in their academic career.

Another thing we really appreciate is the convenient location of MUN. Within walking distance you can get to e.g. the Aquarena, an olympic sized swimming pool as well as beautiful walking trails. With a bus transfer point located within the campus it is easy to get around the city and to go shopping.

For more information we encourage you to visit their website: www.mun.ca

A Night in Cupids

After completing the church service at Coughlan United Church in Harbour Grace and following a wonderful dinner the Munich Youth Choirs moved on to Cupids. Here we were hosted by the Cupids Legacy Centre and we visited the archeological site of John Guy as well as the exhibition.



The evening was dedicated to music with the choristers giving a concert that will be well remembered by all who took the opportunity to attend. Music from all eras and manifold styles was shared with the audience and the joy the Munich Youth Choirs have when singing was more than evident.



For those of you who were not there you definitely did miss out on a great concert. The next opportunity to share the joy of music with these fabulous singers will be on Wednesday, August 17th at 7:00 pm at St. Thomas' in St. John's. Come join us in celebrating St. Thomas' 175th anniversary. It will be a night to remember. Bring a friend.

Joyful Music at Coughlan United

This Sunday Morning Service at Coughlan United Church in Harbour Grace was all about one of God's great gifts - music. What a perfect setting for the Munich Youth Choirs to celebrate with the congregation. Music and love transcends cultures, bringing people closer together and is understood universally.



We truly enjoyed our stay immensely and will always cherish the wonderful moments we were able to share together. Again we would like to thank everyone who was involved in making our visit possible. The choristers are very appreciative for all you have done for them. Rest assured that we will be back in the not too distant future!


The Munich Youth Choirs invite you to join them again either tonight, August 14th at 7:00pm at the United Church in Cupids or at one of the upcoming events in the following areas:

Wednesday, August 17th in St. John's at 7:00pm at St. Thomas' Anglican Church (The Old Garrison Church)
Thursday, August 18th in Mt. Pearl at 12:30pm at the Centennial Square (Outdoors Lunch Concert)
Monday, August 22nd in Holyrood at 7:30pm at Holy Cross Parish

More details on these and other performances of the Munich Youth Choirs to follow on this blog.

Summer Evening Concert in Bay Roberts

It was yesterday, August 13th when the Munich Youth Choirs went "around the Bay" to the beautiful communities in and around Bay Roberts and Harbour Grace.
We have again been blessed with meeting lots of great people we got to spent too little time with in the afternoon before getting prepared for a concert in Bay Roberts Central United Church.


For those of you who were able to join us in a celebration of music you will likely agree that listening to the choristers present a selection of their varied programme proved to be a perfect ending to this nice summer day.




We should like to thank each and everyone of you who has contributed to making this possible and if you are in the mood for more we encourage you to come tonight at 7:00pm to the Cupids United Church (located next to the Legacy Center). Admission is $ 10 for adults and $ 7 for children under 12, seniors and students. Tickets are available at the Cupids Legacy Center.
Come an share the joy of music!

Tour of St. John's

Today was a day of sight-seeing for the choristers as they toured in and around St. John's.

The day started like the song "Grey Foggy Day" and improved from there. Following a brief stop in Petty Harbour we went on to Cape Spear.



Signal Hill and Cabot Tower peaked through at times when the fog was lifting. We did spend a bit more time exploring Cape Spear before returning for a brief tour through the city and up to Cabot Tower.




The view from Signal Hill looking down on the city is quite the sight, foggy or not. We had a light lunch and spent the afternoon was in the Avalon Mall.

The Munich Youth Choirs would like to thank all those individuals who made this tour possible.


The Munich Youth Choirs will be leaving to go to Bay Roberts tomorrow morning where they are looking forward to their concert at 7:00pm at the Central United Church.

Also on Sunday, August 14th we will be in Harbour Grace accompanying the church service at Coughlan United at 10:30am. In the evening of the same day the choristers welcome you to share the joy of music in Cupids United Church at 7:00pm. Admission is $ 10 for adults and $ 7 for seniors, students and children under 12. Tickets are available at the Cupids Legacy Center (right next to the church).

For those of you in St. John's please note that the Munich Youth Choirs will be performing on August 17th at St. Thomas' Anglican Church (The Old Garrison Church) at 7:00pm.

On the road again - destination St. John's

The Munich Youth Choirs is currently on route to St. John's, just passed Brigus Junction.

To everyone in and around St. John's you should note that on Wednesday, Augsust 17th at 7:00pm you will be in for a treat at St. Thomas' Anglican Church (the Old Garrison Church) when the Munich Youth Choirs will be singing as part of the 175th year anniversary of St. Thomas. Come and share the joy of music!

More details about this and other concerts in the area to follow.

Munich Youth Choirs Upcoming Concerts

Over the next few days the Munich Youth Choirs as a part of their Saltwater Joys Tour will be having appearances in the following communities:

Saturday, August 13th at 7:00pm at the Central United Church in Bay Roberts

Sunday, August 14th at 10:30 am they will accompany the church service at Coughlan United Church in Harbour Grace.

Sunday, August 14th at 7:00pm there will be a concert at Cupids United Church (next to the Cupids Legacy Centre). Tickets are available at the Cupids Legacy Centre. Admission is $ 10 for adults and $ 7 for seniors, students and children under 12.

Jumping Ship at Random Passage

Around noon the Munich Youth Choirs "landed" at Random Passage, a movie site constructed in 2000 for the filming of the TV mini-series "Random Passage". We were guided through the site and given an outline of the storyline. With the exeption of safety regulations everything has been constructed as it would have been in the early 1800's and provided a good insight in what life was like back then.

If you would like more information please visit the website http://www.randompassagesite.com/ and check out what they have to offer.

The Munich Youth Choirs visited the site and sang a couple of songs in the tea room during lunch break before heading onwards to their next destination St. John's.

Heading for Random Passage

Leaving Bonavista and Trinity was not easy. All throughout the tour we have made new friends and felt right at home. We met lots of beautiful people and went to many beautiful places. Now we are heading for the Random Passage Site in New Bonaventure where we will have the opportunity to get a glimpse of what life was like in the fishing outposts in the early 1800's.

Thank you Bonavista and Trinity

The Munich Youth Choirs would like to thank everyone involved in making our stay in your community such a memorable and enjoyable one. You have our heartfelt gratitude for everything you have done for us and we are looking forward to seeing you again in the not too distant future.

Visit to Trinity and Concert at St. Paul's

All choristers and chaperones enjoyed a relaxing Wednesday morning with their hosts.

It was after lunch that we met again to make our way to Trinity.




A really picturesque community with a vast number of historic homes to explore. The choristers got together in smaller groups and did exactly that - took a good look at all those things the various places had to offer. Not only that, some of us were even invited in by the owner of a beautiful summer home to tour their premises.


Later that afternoon the time to rehears at St. Paul's Anglican Church, the venue of Wednesday evening's concert had come.
Our organist mastered the challenge of playing the historic pipe organ - which would not have been possible without the help of a local "piper" in the background.


It is not surprising that this is the place where in 1827 Rev. William Bullock composed the hymn "We Love this Place, O God". The Munich Youth Choirs paid their tribute by including this particular song in their repertoire for the night.
We enjoyed another evening of sharing music and were blessed with a great audience. Thank you all for coming!

Link to the Town of Bonavista

Hi Everyone
Below is a link to the Town of Bonavista.  Check it out. There are a lot of beautiful places to see.

http://www.bonavista.net/

A Newfoundland Time

After the concert we had a Newfoundland Time, a grand time indeed. There was a wicked feed and Newfoundland music. It didn't take long for us to be up singing and dancing.

During the festivities we were joined by the Mayor of Bonavista. What a great opportunity to get to know more about the community and its people.

The celebration carried on and we enjoyed our Newfoundland Time immensly.

Wednesday morning we will have time to enjoy the hospitality of the people we are staying with and getting to know them better.



There was time to mingle with locals and we made a lot of new friends. Bonavista made believers out of us - we will be back.

Memorable Moments at Bonavista Memorial United

The tournout for the Munich Youth Choirs concert at Memorial United last night was fabulous. Acoustics are stunning and the big gallery was swimming in sound. What a great crowd! Around 350 peolple took the time to come and enjoy an evening of music. The Munich Youth Choirs presented a selection of their varied repertoire - having something in store for everyone.

The evening ended with a special song - Abide with Me - this church being the perfect setting for it.

If you want to hear more please be reminded that the Munich Youth Choirs will be performing tonight, August 10th at 7:00pm at St. Paul's Anglican Church in Trinity. Come and share the joy of singing.

Bonavista Sights

On Tuesday Morning the Munich Youth Choirs enjoyed a superb breakfast before they briefly previewed the concert venue for last nights' concert. Around noon it was time to be picked up by our billets - a lot of great people for sure!





In the afternoon "Gioanna Caboto" gave us a tour through this beautiful community. There was not enough time to fit in everything but we did manage to get a glimpse at the highlights and to see the Matthew, of course. Another place we need to return to, for sure.


It was the puffins we went extra picture-crazy about. Let me tell you, this was almost like trying to take a picture of a jumping Salmon, they are fast!!

Link to Facebook Page

If you want to read more about the Munich Youth Choirs and the Saltwater Joys tour you may also want to check this site:

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Junge-Ch%C3%B6re-M%C3%BCnchen/234398899934460

Hello Bonavista

Due to unforseen circumstances it is already today, Monday August 8th, that the Munich Youth Choirs made their way up to the beautiful Bonavista Peninsula. Arriving at Bonavista we were greeted by clear skies and spectacular scenery. There will be a concert on August 9th at 7:00pm at Memorial United Church. The Munich Youth Choirs are excited about imparting their love of music with their audience. If you are in Bonavista and area we encourage you to come and experience a wonderful night of music. Looking forward to seeing you there.

Visit to Terra Nova National Park

Today, Monday 8th August 2011 is mainly a day of travel for the Munich Youth Choirs as we left Central Newfoundland to head towards Bonavista. On our journey we made one of several stops at the Vistor's Center of Terra Nova National Park. It ethere where the choristers gathered to spontaneously sing a couple songs for the very friendly staff and other visitors. A great spot to have lunch and explore - definately worth while stopping.

Following the break we headed towards Charlottetown, Clayton's warf to see where Saltwater Joys was written. Given the weather conditions today it did not take a lot to imagine what this place looks like in fall. The song does capture the image very well.



The Munich Youth Choirs are now looking forward to discover new places and people in the Bonavista area. Come and share the joy of Music with them when they are on stage on Tuesday night, August 9th 7:00pm at Bonavista Memorial United Church and at St. Paul's Anglican Church in Trinity on August 10th, at 7:00pm. You will be in for a great evening. Looking forward to seeing you there!!