Update from abroad: Italy impressions from Megan Swimmer

Italy is more amazing than I could have ever anticipated. When we first arrived it seemed too good to be true, but as I began to take in the scenery, people, and language it hit me! We are in ITALY. The landscape is covered in mountains, vineyards, and the most beautiful little antique Italian homes and buildings.  The people are friendly and graciously willing to bear with us as we attempt to communicate in our limited bits of broken Italian. And while the people, scenery, and food is unbelievable, I would have to say the most amazing part of the trip is the sightseeing.  We have had the opportunity to see history in person!  Seeing masterpieces like the Leaning Tower of Pisa, Michelangelo's David, and the Orvieto Duomo left me speechless, something I previously thought impossible! Italy has been such an incredible experience so far. The only negative aspects of being here are the high price of the euro and the fact that I will never be able to enjoy American coffee or pizza the same way after experiencing their Italian equivalents. Yesterday we went to Cinque Terre. It was honestly the most beautiful landscape I have ever seen. Picture a valley covered in beautiful vineyards, cobblestone streets, bright yellow lemon trees, and colorful Italian homes surrounded by the soothing sights and smells of the Mediterranean Sea. The are no words vivid enough to express how absolutely gorgeous Cinque Terre is.  It is also where a few friends and I had our first Italian gelato experience, and let me tell you, even with all the build up of how amazing Italian gelato would be, we were not disappointed!  Italy has been everything I had hoped it would be and more.  I cannot wait to see what other amazing experiences Italy has in store for us!

-Megan Swimmer

Tuesday, March 8, 2011: University of South Carolina Choir, Family, and Friends explore Orvieto and Calvi dell'Umbria

After checking out of their hotel in Montecatini this morning, the University of South Carolina travelers depart for the Umbrian region where they will visit the cities of Orvieto and Calvi.

Orvieto

Orvieto, Italy, founded by the Etruscans in the ninth century B.C., is one of the most popular sights of Italy’s Umbrian region. Its location, perched high atop volcanic tufa cliffs, gives the city a very unique appearance. While touring Orvieto, the University of South Carolina travelers will visit the Orvieto Duomo, considered one of the most beautiful churches in the country.

Built in 1285 in Gothic style, the cathedral is ornately decorated with scenes from the Old and New Testaments, mosaics and statues of the Blessed Virgin, as well as depictions of the Prophets and Apostles. Artist Ugolino di Prete Ilario frescoed the choir loft with illustrations of the life of the Virgin Mary. Fra Angelico of Fiesole painted the right chapel with depictions of “Christ Glorified,” the “Last Judgement,” and “The Prophets.” Michelangelo took inspiration from these paintings for his illustration of the “Last Judgement” in the Sistine Chapel.

In addition to their Duomo, the city of Orvieto has also become well known for the discovery of their ancient underground city.

Orvieto has long kept the secret of it’s labyrinth of underground caves and tunnels, which originated in Etruscan times and were meant to provide an escape route for nobility.

Following their tour of Orvieto, the University of South Carolina tour continues to the town of Calvi dell’Umbria where they will enjoy a tour and tastings at a local cheese and olive oil production farm.

Calvi dell'Umbria is a commune municipality in the Province of Terni in the Italian region Umbria, located about forty miles south of Perugia and about 12 miles southwest of Terni. The area was inhabited in Roman times but failed to develop as an urban center until the High Middle Ages. Calvi was a fief of the Orsini and then of the Anguillara families. The main attractions are the church of Santa Maria, with an elegant Late Renaissance baptismal font, and the church of Sant'Antonio. The ruins of a convent erected by Saint Francis in the early 13th century can be found in the city.

After their tour of Calvi, the USC travelers will continue to Magliano Sabine, where they will have dinner before spending the night. The Choir will stay at Hotel Sabina, while the friends and family tour will be split between Hotel La Pergola and Hotel Sabina.

Click here for hotel information.

Update from abroad: Italy impressions from Dr. Larry Wyatt

Incantato Tours checked in with Dr. Larry Wyatt this morning as he traveled with the University of South Carolina Concert Choir by train through Italy’s Cinque Terre region on their 2011 Incantato Italy Tour.

“We’re having a great day here in Cinque Terre,” says Dr. Wyatt. “We have a wonderful tour manager; Stefania is just great!”

Dr. Wyatt raved about how much he and the choir members enjoyed their experience performing in Florence on Sunday evening.

“The concert was well attended and well received.”

When asked about his favorite part of the tour thus far, Dr. Wyatt referred to the question as a “tough call,” but says that, besides their fantastic concert performance in Florence, he has most enjoyed seeing the city of Florence as well as the Cathedral in Pisa, where he took particular interest in the extensive art collection.

Dr. Wyatt continued by saying that he most looks forward to the choir’s two upcoming concerts. Because of his extensive historical knowledge of the area, he is especially excited about their concert at Sant’Agnese in Agone in Rome on Thursday, March 10.

Dr. Wyatt assures that everyone is having a great time in Italy, with his only concern back home being who won the Duke versus UNC basketball game.

University of South Carolina Concert Choir in concert at Santa Maria Maggiore in Florence

Update from abroad: Italy impressions from Randy Flower and Paul Lindley

“Wow! I stood in front of Michelangelo's David for an hour. Seeing it in pictures is nothing like the visceral impact of the real thing. In addition to that statue, the museum boasts a good collection of religious paintings and a large number of plaster busts and sculptures. After walking around the city of Florence with a guide and visiting a leather shop and a jewelry shop, we had some free time to get a late lunch and wander for a while on our own. Then at 6:00PM, we sang for a mass at the cathedral of San Lorenzo, and then sang a concert at the parish church of Santa Maria Maggiore. Then it was back to the bus for the ride back to our hotel in Montecatini Terme and a good night's sleep.”

-Randy Flower

“I am having an awesome time in Italy! Last night [Sunday, March 6] I got to sing a solo in a square in Florence. It was incredible thinking that I will never have an opportunity like that ever again. Today I got to dip my toes in the Mediterranean Sea and eat legit Italian pizza. Wow. I really am enjoying myself and look forward to what the next few days hold.”
-Paul Lindley II

University of South Carolina Concert Choir in the news

Musica, al Flavio Vespasiano l'University of Southern Carolina
Il coro della University of Southern Carolina
	Previsto il gemellaggio tra la prestigiosa Università ed il Liceo Classico Marco Terenzio Varrone di Rieti
dalla Redazione lunedì 7 marzo 2011
Insieme alla Basilica di San Pietro ed alla Chiesa di San Lorenzo di Firenze, sarà Il Teatro Flavio Vespasiano di Rieti una delle tappe del tour italiano del Concert Choir della University of Southern Carolina. Il concerto, previsto per le ore 21 di mercoledì 9 marzo (ingresso libero), si inserisce in una serie di iniziative che vedrà la collaborazione tra il Comune di Rieti Assessorato alla Cultura ed il Tour Operator americano Incantato Tours.  A fare da trait d’union è stata Wealbiz, l’agenzia di marketing turistico di Diego Di Paolo. Il Concert Choir è il complesso corale più selezionato della prestigiosa Università della Carolina del Sud, istituzione che vanta una delle più grandi e rispettate scuole di musica in tutti gli Stati Uniti. Il coro ha ricevuto altissimi riconoscimenti anche a livello internazionale sotto la direzione dello scomparso Arpad Darazs, ed ora continua, sotto la guida del Maestro Larry Wyatt la sua tradizione di qualità. Il coro verrà accompagnato dal Maestro William Bates.  Il programma della serata inizia con la cinquecentesca Ave Maria di Tomas De Victoria e termina con il gospel “My God is so high” in un arrangiamento contemporaneo di Moses Hogan. Nel 1987 su invito speciale, il Concert Choir si è esibito per Papa Giovanni Paolo II durante la visita statunitense del Santo Padre e nel 1988 è stato invitato ad effettuare concerti con l’Orchestra Sinfonica di Gerusalemme sotto la direzione di Lawrence Foster, Sergio Comissiona e Krystof Penderecki. Nel 1992 il Coro è stato scelto per partecipare al concerto celebrativo per il bicentenario di Mozart presso il Lincoln Center di New York. L’evento che tende a portare Rieti all’interno dell’importante circuito dei tour europei e delle principali università e licei americani, è di assoluta eccellenza Il concerto sarà solo uno dei momenti della giornata reatina dei giovani artisti statunitensi.  Nel quadro della stessa iniziativa è prevista infatti anche una sosta a Labro con visita e scambio culturale e di esperienze artistiche con il gruppo di artisti internazionali dell’ Art Monastery Project, ospitati all’interno dell’Hotel Colle di Costa con il patrocino del Comune di Labro. Il pomeriggio vedrà poi lo svolgimento di tre Master Class ( Sax, viola e corno francese) tenute dai professori Constance Gee, Clifford Leaman e Robert Pruzin, docenti di musica della prestigiosa Università americana. Le lezioni si terranno presso il Parco della Musica della Provincia di Rieti e saranno frequentate dagli studenti del Conservatorio reatino.  In Teatro, prima dell’inizio del Concerto, verrà formalizzato un gemellaggio tra la prestigiosa Università ed il Liceo Classico Marco Terenzio Varrone di Rieti con uno formalizzazione tra il Maestro Larry Wiatt ed il Preside del Liceo reatino il professor Umberto Eleuteri.

Monday, March 7, 2011: University of South Carolina Choir & Shadow Tours enjoy a full-day excursion by train through Cinque Terre

The University of South Carolina Concert Choir, Friends, and Family are in for a very special treat

today, as they take the train to visit four different Italian towns in Cinque Terre region.

The travelers transfer from their hotels this morning to La Spezia, where they will catch a train that will take them to the towns of Riomaggiore, Corniglia, Vernazza, and Monterosso. The train will stop in each destination, allowing the travelers time to explore each new destination before ultimately heading back to their hotels at the end of the day.

The Cinque Terre, meaning “Five Lands,” is a rugged portion of the coast along the Italian Riviera. The coastline, the five villages, and the surrounding hillside are all part of the Cinque Terre National Park, which is a recognized UNESCO World Heritage Site noted for its beauty and lack of “modern” development.

Update from abroad: Italy impressions from student Craig Coelho

Italy is everything that every person I spoke to prior to the trip said it would be! It has beautiful, historic charm with such a modern style of life. It is amazing that Europeans live among this everyday, what a treat that must be! Life here seems much more relaxed. Yesterday [Saturday], we went to Pisa and Lucca. It was amazing to experience the architecture and to sing at the Baptistry in Pisa. The acoustics were breathtaking and really gave a better representation and appreciation for the Baroque music we sang. The city of Lucca was a true representation of what Italian life is like on a Saturday afternoon. We experienced many shopping areas and squares filled with locals enjoying time with family and friends. Finally, we all shared an authentic Italian meal at a local farm in the countryside of Lucca. The pasta and wine could not have been any better! I look forward to the remainder of our trip and the experiences that lie ahead, after having a wonderful start!
-Craig Coelho

Full House for USC Concert Choir in Florence

The first formal concert of the 2011 University of South Carolina Concert Choir Italy tour was a success. The singers under the direction of Dr. Larry Wyatt performed to a full house at the church of Santa Maria Maggiore in Florence on Sunday, March 6. As soon as the students will send us pictures and videos, we will upload them to the blog.

Sunday, March 6, 2011: University of South Carolina Concert Choir performs in Florence

This morning, the choir travels to the city of Florence, where upon arrival they will enjoy a guided city tour. The tour includes entrance to the Accademia Museum where Michelangelo's famous statue "David" is displayed. Following the tour, the group has some free time to explore at leisure and grab lunch before preparing for this evening's performances. 

The University of South Carolina Concert Choir sings mass at 6:00 this evening at la Chiesa di San Lorenzo. 

La Chiesa di San Lorenzo stands as one of Florence, Italy’s largest churches, situated in the center of the city’s main market district. It is one of several churches claiming to be Florence’s oldest, having been consecrated in the year 393. The Basilica di San Lorenzo served as the city’s cathedral for 300 years until the Bishop’s official seat was moved to Santa Reparata.

In 1419 parishioner Giovanni di Bicci de Medici offered to finance a new church to replace the Romanesque building. Filippo Brunelleschi, the leading Renaissance architect of the first half of the fifteenth century, was commissioned to design the new structure, although the new building did not reach completion until after the architect’s death. The church is part of a larger monastic complex that boasts numerous additional important architectural works including the Laurentian Library by Michelangelo and the New Sacristy based on Michelangelo’s original designs. The sanctuary’s left aisle displays a large fresco by Bronzino depicting the Martyrdom of Saint Lawrence, and the marble choir loft was designed by Donatello, as were the two bronze pulpits. 

Following their mass participation, the choir then presents their first feature Italian performance at 8:15PM at Santa Maria Maggiore. 

Florence’s Santa Maria Maggiore was originally built as early as the eighth century, with documentation tracing back to the year 931. Popular legend suggests that it may have been constructed in A.D. 580 under the commission of Pope Pelagius, although this theory is not widely supported. The church obtained status of collegiate church and Priory of Florence in 1176 before subsequently expanding its property in 1186. The structure, with the exception of the original external walls and the vaults, was completely renovated in the 13th century to reflect the Gothic style architecture popular of that period. Italian architect and painter Giorgio Vasari is quoted as crediting “Master Buono” as the designer of the new façade and also recorded that following the renovation the high altar then boasted Agnolo Gaddi’s Coronation of the Virgin as well as frescoes by Spinello Aretino. Only fragments of these works survive today.

The exterior of the current structure appears rather simple and undecorated, with stone walls and portals adorned by tympana. The bell tower, which survives from the original Romanesque building, displays an embedded stone head popularly known as Berta. Although the interior appears quite simple, with just a nave and two aisles, the walls flaunt various intricate works of art. Artworks include frescoes by Bernardino Poccetti, a nativity scene constructed by Matteo Rosselli, and a wooden polychrome bas-relief attributed to Coppo di Marcovaldo.

Saturday, March 5, 2011: University of South Carolina Concert Choir visits Pisa & Lucca

Following their first night on Italian soil, the University of South Carolina Concert Choir transfers from their hotel in Montecatini Terme today to visit the Tuscan city of Pisa. 

Pisa is not only famous for its Leaning Tower, but is also the birthplace of legendary physicist Galileo Galilei and is additionally known for its highly rated university, which was established in 1343.

The group will enjoy some free time to explore the city and its sights before moving on to the nearby city of Lucca for a guided city tour. The travelers will end their day with a special agriturismo dinner at "Il Poggio." 

The University of South Carolina Concert Choir has landed safely in Italy!

Good news from Italy: the University of South Carolina Concert Choir, under the direction of Dr. Larry Wyatt, has landed safely in Italy!
After collecting their luggage and being greeted at the airport by their Incantato Tour Manager, Stefania la Rosa, the travelers are now en route to the spa town of Montecatini Terme, once a favorite location of composer Giuseppe Verdi. 
Upon arrival, the choir will enjoy a special pasta welcome dinner before spending the night at the Imperial Garden Hotel in Montecatini Terme, where they will stay from March 4 through 7. 
Click here for hotel information. 
Tomorrow, Saturday, March 5, the choir will explore the Tuscan city of Pisa before taking a guided city tour of nearby Lucca in the afternoon.

Wishing you safe travels to Italy!

Dear Members of the 2011 USC School of Music Tour to Italy,
We wish you safe travels to Europe! Incantato Tour Manager Stefania La Rosa will be welcoming everyone on Friday, March 4 at Rome (FCO) airport at 11:05AM prior to your transfer to Montecatini Terme, a spa town very much beloved by composer Verdi. The weather is said to be sunny with a few clouds and temperatures around 54°F.
Enjoy your time in Europe, Your Incantato Tours Team

Welcome aboard Lufthansa

The University of South Carolina Concert Choir Tour is about to take off on Incantato's preferred airline: Lufthansa. And lucky travelers they are, as the members of the 2011 USC Italy Performance Tour are heading non-stop on the airline to Germany through the night and then continue on to Rome where the Incantato Tour Manager meets them. While we recommend that you do get some sleep on the transatlantic overnight flight, you are in for several treats such as hot towels to refresh yourself shortly after take-off, at least two warm meals served with salad and dessert plus two or more recent movies. For more information on the on-board experience, visit Lufthansa's website.

Catholic TV - Papal Programming

On the website www.catholictv.com, you can have a look behind the curtain of the Vatican. CatholicTV is a Catholic television network based in Watertown, Massachusetts. It is distributed on cable systems in eight U.S. states and via the internet. CatholicTV broadcasts programming relevant to Catholic viewers, including live religious services, talk shows, devotional programs, educational programming, entertainment, and children's programs. It also presents coverage of special events at the Vatican and of papal journeys. The current president of CatholicTV is Father Robert Reed.

The USC Concert Italy Tour Concert Card

Incantato presents the University of South Carolina Concert Choir at San Lorenzo Church (Florence) on Sunday, March 6 at 6 PM

The University of South Carolina Concert Choir will sing mass at the Church of San Lorenzo in Florence at 6:00PM on Sunday, March 6, 2011.

The Basilica di San Lorenzo stands as one of Florence, Italy’s largest churches, situated in the center of the city’s main market district. It is one of several churches claiming to be Florence’s oldest, having been consecrated in the year 393. The Basilica di San Lorenzo served as the city’s cathedral for 300 years until the Bishop’s official seat was moved to Santa Reparata.

In 1419 parishioner Giovanni di Bicci de Medici offered to finance a new church to replace the Romanesque building. Filippo Brunelleschi, the leading Renaissance architect of the first half of the fifteenth century, was commissioned to design the new structure, although the new building did not reach completion until after the architect’s death. The church is part of a larger monastic complex that boasts numerous additional important architectural works including the Laurentian Library by Michelangelo and the New Sacristy based on Michelangelo’s original designs. The sanctuary’s left aisle displays a large fresco by Bronzino depicting the Martyrdom of Saint Lawrence, and the marble choir loft was designed by Donatello, as were the two bronze pulpits.

University of South Carolina Concert Choir sings at Sant'Agnese in Agone on Piazza Navona today at 6 PM

Friends of fine choral music in Rome are sure in for a treat: The magnificent church of Sant'Agnese in Agone on the gorgeous Piazza Navona is the third and final concert venue for the University of South Carolina Concert Choir on their 2011 Incantato Italy Performance Tour 2011. The choir from Columbia, South Carolina under the direction of Dr. Larry Wyatt is presenting sacred works for choir, Saxophone, French Horn and Viola in a feature concert at 6:00PM on Thursday, March 10, 2011.

The Basilica Sant’Agnese in Agone in Rome was constructed in 1652 on the site of Saint Agnes’ martyrdom, now the location of the Piazza Navona. The designs for the Baroque church were commissioned by Pope Innocent X, whose funerary monument now lies within the church. The Pope’s family even had a large palace adjacent to the church. Baroque architect Francesco Borromini ultimately introduced a concave volume in the center of the sanctuary, creating prime acoustics for vocal music. Visitors enjoy the interior’s premier sculptural artwork, accented by the marble relief found in the main altar, as well as Bernini’s famous Fountain of the Four Rivers that lies in front of the church.

University of South Carolina Concert Choir performs at Santa Maria Maggiore (Florence) on Sunday, March 6 at 8:15 PM

The University of South Carolina Concert Choir from Columbia, South Carolina, will perform a feature concert at Santa Maria Maggiore in Florence at 8:15PM on Sunday, March 6, 2011. Florence’s Santa Maria Maggiore was originally built as early as the eighth century, with documentation tracing back to the year 931. Popular legend suggests that it may have been constructed in A.D. 580 under the commission of Pope Pelagius, although this theory is not widely supported. The church obtained status of collegiate church and Priory of Florence in 1176 before subsequently expanding its property in 1186. The structure, with the exception of the original external walls and the vaults, was completely renovated in the 13th century to reflect the Gothic style architecture popular of that period. Italian architect and painter Giorgio Vasari is quoted as crediting “Master Buono” as the designer of the new façade and also recorded that following the renovation the high altar then boasted Agnolo Gaddi’s Coronation of the Virgin as well as frescoes by Spinello Aretino. Only fragments of these works survive today.

The exterior of the current structure appears rather simple and undecorated, with stone walls and portals adorned by tympana. The bell tower, which survives from the original Romanesque building, displays an embedded stone head popularly known as Berta. Although the interior appears quite simple, with just a nave and two aisles, the walls flaunt various intricate works of art. Artworks include frescoes by Bernardino Poccetti, a nativity scene constructed by Matteo Rosselli, and a wooden polychrome bas-relief attributed to Coppo di Marcovaldo.

University of South Carolina Concert Choir presents a highlight concert at Il Teatro Flavio Vespasiano (Rieti) on Wednesday, March 9 at 9 PM

Incantato Tours proudly presents the University of South Carolina Concert Choir in a magical venue, Il Teatro Flavio Vespasiano, in Rieti on Wednesday, March 9, 2011 at 9:00PM under the direction of Dr. Larry Wyatt.
Il Teatro Flavio Vespasiano is the main theater of Rieti, a town in the commune of Lazio in central Italy. The current structure dates back to December of 1883 but was not officially inaugurated until September 20, 1893, featuring productions of Goethe’s Faust and Pietro Mascagni’s Cavalleria Rusticana. The theater, named for the Roman Emperor Vespasian, required ten years of construction under the direction of Milanese architect Achille Sfondrini.

The theater underwent complete restoration from 2005 through 2009. A grand re-opening celebration commenced on January 10, 2009 featuring conductor Marcello Rota, and soloists Karina Grigoryan, Jessica Pratt, Anna Gorayacheva, and Roman Burdenko. The Secretary to the Prime Minister as well as Senator Franco Marini were in attendance. The restoration efforts totaled more than 3.3 million Euro.The reopening of the theater also fostered the formation of the Flavius Vespasian Foundation, aiming to promote international artistry and music. The Rieti Theatre also annually hosts the Rieti Dance Festival, the International Competition for the New Opera Voices of Mattia Battistini, and the National Competition for Young Actors.

The theatre is well known for its excellent acoustics, a characteristic that earned the structure the very first National Award for the Acoustics. In referring to the acoustics, Professor Bruno Cagli, president of the National Academy of Saint Cecilia, once called the theatre “the world’s best in that respect.”

University of South Carolina - Il Teatro Flavio Vespasiano Performance Program

The University of South Carolina Concert Choir will present a very special highlight performance at Il Teatro Flavio Vespasiano in Rieti on Wednesday, March 9, 2011 at 9:00PM. The concert will also feature soloists Dr. William Bates, Dr. Constance Gee, Dr. Clifford Leaman, Mr. Robert Pruzin, and Mr. Jacob Will.  

The performance will feature the following program: 

Non nobis, Domine - Rosephanye Powell 

Crucifixus - Antonio Lotti

Ave Maria - Tomas Luis de Victoria

Exsultate justi in Domino - Ludivico da Viadana

Fantasia No. 1 in C Major - Georg Philipp Telemann, arr. Alan Arnold 

• Largo

• Allegro

• Grave               

Constance Gee, viola

Son of God Mass - James Whitbourn

Clifford Leaman, sassofono soprano

Agnus Dei - Samuel Barber

Alleluia (from Songs of Faith) - Paul Basler

Intrada from Partita on “When in our Music God is Glorified” - William H. Bates

William Bates, organo

In You the Earth - Mike D’Ambrosio               

Ah, Holy Jesus - John Ferguson

 Constance Gee, viola 

Peter Wept - Alex Davis 

Set Me as a Seal - Richard Nance

 Robert Pruzin, corno 

Shall We Gather at the River - arr. Aaron Copland

Jacob Will, basso 

General William Booth Enters Into Heaven - Charles Ives

I Couldn’t Hear Nobody Pray - arr. Hall Johnson 

My Lord, What a Mornin’ - arr. Harry Burleigh

My God Is So High - arr. Moses Hogan

Ain’t Got Time to Die - arr. Hall Johnson