IYesterday the children and some of the chaperones moved to their dormitories at the very modern Soongsil university. There are two to a room each with a single bed and a large desk and storage space. There is a private bathroom for each room.
In the afternoon It was back to Seoul Arts ctr (SAC) for more rehearsals and another concert known as the "main concert". I think it is so called because in stead of being outside as the opening night concert had been we were inside at the main concert hall.
This is an extremely impressive venue. There are many concert halls in this new huge building. There is a two story semicircular foyer with a cafe and box office yet and the main concert hall itself probably seats several thousand. Glancing at the high balconies last night not every seat was filed but still an audience of 3-4 thousand I think.
The main concert hall has great acoustic design and a beautiful wood interior and a Steinway piano on stage.
Four of the participating choirs performed last night but unfortunately they did not get to see eachother as the choirs waited backstage in the extensive rehearsal rooms and corridors there.
The opening was our hosts: the World vision Korean children's choir who not only sang but had several members come on in national costumes and ribbons for dance. It was a most impressive opening.
After their three songs it was Cantabella "s turn where Eileen lead led them through an exquisite performance with delicate harmonies and beautiful tone.
Mendelsohn"s "lift thine eyes " brought tears to my eyes! Followed by Britten"s Gloria in a nod to his hundredth anniversary which Cantabella have been acknowledging and celebrating all year.
This was followed by Korean composers Paul Shin"s "hope" and Jung Sun Lee"s Blue bird , then Jacobin Pojat and Bluesy. The audience were getting so excited at CCC"s various sound effects that the pieces demanded and the choreography that has been added. Thunderous applause filled the room.
The set closed with I"m gonna sing " which is of course THE most appropriate song for this week!
I don't know if the students could see the audience from the stage as it usually quite difficult to do so but the lights in the hall were not low so I hope our performers could look out at the thousands and enjoy how much their performance was being appreciated,
Straight after their own performance the choristers were sent back to the university to GET SOME REST! Before a day of sightseeing tomorrow to a Korean palace and the national museum of Korea
The choristers seem very happy and excited and chattery. The atmosphere is one of relaxed professionalism with many enjoyable moments.
-Rowena
All choirs together for the reading session where we learnt some eachothers songs from a compilation songbook world vision put together
CCC"s turn on stage to teach the group "stand together"
The event was centered around this fountain
First the choir directors were given awards (our Eileen is hidiing behind her award plate!)
Front of program
