The Seighford Singers set out on a summer tour to Tuscany to explore the region’s stunning landscape, uncover its intriguing history and perform in its beautiful music venues.
On the day of the choir’s first concert tour, the group enjoyed a morning in the beautiful city of Florence. After experiencing panoramic views of the city at Piazzale Michelangelo, the group delved into Florence itself. The choir spent the morning strolling through the Renaissance city, exploring its artistic heritage and admiring its intricate architecture, before setting off for their first performance at Il Bobolino, home for the elderly.
Described by the choral director, Sue Alderson, as ‘an excellent first venue’, the Seighford Singers were warmly received by a ‘charming audience’ who showed their appreciation for the choir with a post-performance buffet. The concert was, all in all, a ‘very happy experience’ for the Seighford Singers.
The following day, the group set off for Lucca, armed with macs and brollies (after a wet weather forecast) but an untimely rainfall could not deter the group from exploring this beautiful city. With exciting sights to explore such as San Martino Cathedral, the Church of San Michele and Piazza dell’Anfiteatro, the group enjoyed a day in the peaceful city of Lucca which served as a pleasant interlude from the hustle and bustle of Florence. The group particularly enjoyed their visit to Puccini’s house and museum.
The Seighford Singers’ second concert took place at Excelsior Spa in Montecatini Terme, described by Ms. Alderson as ‘a perfect setting’. The choir rose to the challenge of performing in such a ‘grand’ venue and gave a brilliant concert, thoroughly enjoying the opportunity to perform to a large, international audience. Pleasantly surprised to see a Grand Piano in the Concert Hall, Ms. Alderson was delighted to have the chance to trade in her keyboard for a turn on this beautiful instrument.
The highlight of the tour was their final performance in the church of Sant’Agostino in San Gimignano, a small medieval town nicknamed ‘the Town of Fine Towers’. Ms. Alderson was ‘overawed by the experience’ of performing in this venue: ‘the acoustics really enhanced the singing and the setting with the frescoes around us was truly beautiful’. Performing to such an appreciative audience, the choir were even encouraged to do an encore; a truly memorable end to a fantastic tour.
In summary, Ms. Alderson commented: ‘The tour was interesting, challenging, good value for money and ran smoothly from start to finish’. After such an enjoyable experience, the choir are already thinking about their next Rayburn Concert Tour, with the view to travel to Lake Garda or Venice. We look forward to planning another successful tour with the Seighford Singers!