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Encouraged by the resounding success of their first European Concert Tour, the Rogue Valley Chorale planned a second trip for the summer of 1995. Spurred on by the camaraderie generated during the first trip, thirty-seven returnees were joined by twenty-nine new singers and friends for a grand total of 66 tour members. Scandinavia was the chosen
destination; Sweden and Norway in particular. News reports had been received that Oslo, Norway topped the list as the most expensive city in the entire world. The Chorale merely "sharpened their
pencils" and moved ahead with travel plans. Departure from San Francisco on June 29th found the group squeezed into a British Air 747 on an overnight flight. They were happy to arrive in Stockholm, Sweden the next morning. At Santa Clara Kyrka (church) in downtown Stockholm, the Chorale sang as a visiting choir taking part in the Sommarkonserta (summer concerts) which had been planned by the singers and organists of the church. This church was erected in 1577 and 1590; it was ravaged by fire in 1751 but was restored by 1753. Today it is a well preserved massive building and it was pure joy to sing there. Other impressive activities in Stockholm included: watching the changing of the guard at the Royal Palace; visiting theVasamusect (Wasa museum), Gustav II Adolf's warship which sank in the harbour on its maiden voyage; shopping in Old Town Stockholm where many people purchased the Dahl horses, wooden horses which are brilliantly decorated. The trip proceeded north to Tallberg with a stop in Sundborn, home of Carl Larsson a famous illustrator and painter. He is the Swedish equivalent of our Norman Rockwell and much of his work is seen here in the U.S.A. It was interesting to visit his quaint home. |
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As in Austria, Chorale members were engrossed in the beauty of the countryside as viewed from the bus windows. Sweden is an artist's and photographer's paradise! Hotell Laangbers in Leksund was high on a hilltop overlooking lovely Lake Siljan. Chorale members felt fortunate to be able to spend two nights in this spacious hotel with panoramic views of the surrounding lake country. While in the vicinity, the Chorale gave an informal concert as part of the Leksund summer festival. July 4th found the tour wending its way north through wooded and steep terrain. The dark red houses, barns and buildings were trimmed in white. The overall effect was admired by all. No litter bugs in Sweden! The Concert that evening was sung in the Ostersund Church, a very modern building. A golf match had been planned after the concert for approximately 8:30 p.m. Such things can be done in the "Land of the Midnight Sun". However, due to very cold, windy conditions, the golf game was called off. The busses turned westward to reach Trondheim, Norway. On the way the tour group visited the home of Wilhelm Peterson-Bergen, composer of Arnes Sang which had been included in the repertoire for the trip. It seemed appropriate to sing the selection in the very place it was composed. Many Chorale members think of Trondheim, as the lunch stop where they experienced the "$20.00 hamburgers". Restaurant prices were incredible! Also astounding was the wide variety of fish available from the local market. They were even selling whale meat, which resembles beef. |
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The concert that evening was sung in St. Margaret's Church, Trondheim. The luxury cruise ship "MS Richard With" awaited the group in the Trondheim harbour. This beautiful ship was well appointed indeed, complete with a glass ceiling in the dining room. While aboard the cruise ship, the Chorale was asked to give an impromptu concert. A time was agreed upon but the singers didn't realize that at that time, the ship would be out in the open waters of the North Sea! The tossing of the ship caused the group's numbers to dwindle until only a few hardy souls remained. It can be said that the Chorale gave its first - and LAST - Rock 'n Roll concert that day. Scenery enjoyed that day and evening included spectacular views of the famous Norway Fjords. Upon reaching Bergen, the group took part in a Sunday service at Marienkirken. That afternoon saw the tour members visiting Troldhaugen, home of Edvard Grieg. An eye-popping train ride across the mountains of the central Fjords transported the Chorale to Oslo. In Oslo they visited the Vigelandsparken (an outdoor museum of famous sculptures by Vigeland). A final concert was given at the Ullernkirken in Oslo. These activities brought the marvelous trip to an end. |
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