Today was a day to enjoy this city. The choir had an hour rehearsal in the morning at the chapel, then were released to find a good lunch and wander the city until the meeting time of 6:30. Everyone looked well-fed and happy when they appeared, so the day seems to have been successful.
Being such a prompt group, we were the first ones to gather for the processional to tonight’s festival opening. Each choir was requested to wear their national dress and carry their nation’s flag as they processed. The flag was much easier than deciding what the US national dress is! They settled on their classy casual with the Singers windbreaker.
We took a few choir portraits while waiting for the others to arrive.
Processing to the amphitheater.
The choir waiting for their performance.
The first choir was an Estonian Early Music Group who was interesting—but they missed the memo on length and were prepared to sing a song for every century until the woman running the show finally helped them end their performance.
This festival is dedicated to peace, friendship, and solidarity. Not bad things in today’s world. This is the 11th year of the festival. We were welcomed by the mayor, the head of the festival, and Jamie Hillman, the Director of Choral Music at the University of Toronto—he serves as the head of the jurors.
This evening was not a competition, but a celebration of music. Since all choirs will not compete in the same concert, this was an opportunity to hear the other choirs. Six choirs counting BYU performed after all the introductions, and I am not sure that is the total of competing choirs. We’ll find out tomorrow!
The Kosovo Siparantum Choir was next—they appear to be college age.
BYU Singers performed “Alleluia, lauda” by Gordon Badgett, a current member of Singers. It was very well-received. Mics were set up, but definitely not needed.
Warsaw State Music School Mixed Choir looked to be high school age.
Serbia Bella Musica was a women’s choir.
Next was the New Choir of Lefkada 1964. This and the last choir were Greek, and the audience sang along with their numbers.
Last was the Municipal Conservatory of Rhodes. This was adults from young to older. (Apparently I took notes and forgot to use the camera. Long day…)
This festival is popular with the natives of Thessaloniki (pronounced thess-a-loh-NEE-kee) and they come to have a good time. Phones rang and were answered, people chatted happily with those they came with, and they moved around the amphitheater to greet other friends. Not very formal, but a fun evening.
Afterwards everyone took off to find either dinner or gelato or both, which is always a good way to end a night anywhere in Europe!