Following graduation, the Concordia Symphony Orchestra and the Concordia Choir will embark upon an extensive tour to Japan and South Korea from May 7–17.  

Ready to share their musical gifts and ministry with others, music students and the corresponding companion tour led by President Michael Thomas and Kimberly Thomas will travel throughout Seoul and Tokyo. Unlike other performance tours, which feature an itinerary of mostly concerts and traveling, the Japan and Korea tour will give students a balance of sightseeing and music-making. 

Highlights of the itinerary include the Gyeongbokgung Palace, the War Memorial of Korea, time at Myeongdong market, the Meiji shrine, the Tokyo Tower, and the Imperial Palace Gardens. For many music students, experiencing different cultures and foods is an anticipated highlight of the tour. 

“I am really looking forward to the food markets. I am also a big video gamer, so going to Japan will bring lots of fun experiences,” said senior Commercial Music major Aris Howsepian. Howsepian, a violinist in the Concordia Symphony Orchestra, is preparing for his first international tour with the ensemble. 

In addition to tourism, the Concordia Orchestra, under the direction of Dr. Jeff Held, and the Concordia Choir, under the direction of Dr. Michael Busch, will give plenty of concerts in premier concert halls, churches and schools, often singing and playing with other local ensembles. Venues for this particular tour include Central Christian Academy, Wonchon Baptist Church, KBS Concert Hall, Baekseok University, the Setagaya Kumin Kaikan Concert Hall, and Saitama City Cultural Center Hall. 

While several music tours commonly feature one ensemble from the Music Department, this year's tour allows for collaboration between the orchestra and choir on a variety of repertoire that includes sacred works, Disney tunes and music from Studio Ghibli Animation. 

For junior Theatre major Avelina Carrillo, the Disney music is a highlight as it evokes nostalgic memories. “My favorite piece in the tour repertoire is 'It’s A Small World' because it holds special meaning to me as my mom and I would always ride the ride together when I was a little kid at Disneyland,” said Carrillo. 

This year's performance tour is in collaboration with the Moon International Center. Earlier in the month, students gathered for a pre-departure meeting that included presentations from Assistant Director of the Moon International Center, Dana Peterson, and Vice President of Student Affairs, Megan Bouslaugh. A tour of this length and extent has required months of preparation for university staff, music faculty and students. 

When traveling out of the country, one of the most pressing concerns for many college students is costs. However, Concordia and its Music Department have worked extensively to help lower the out-of-pocket expenses for each student on tour. 

“I would not have been able to afford a tour like this without the support of the university, so I am incredibly grateful that it is willing to use funding on valuable experiences like this,” said junior English major Jillian Endicott. 

Endicott has been a part of the Concordia Choir for three years and is getting ready to go on her second international tour with the ensemble. Endicott added, “Touring has been extremely beneficial for my education because it is an immersive and interactive form of learning. I think traveling is one of the most transformative experiences students can have.”

Lowering student touring costs is one of the many ways that Concordia supports the arts and cultural experiences for students. With over half of the tour costs covered through university funding, performance tours and the opportunity to learn abroad are made more accessible to students. 

“It is so important that the university sponsors international tours for the Music Department because these are truly life-changing experiences that students experience in pivotal times of their lives… they can share the gifts God has given them to bless both Concordia and the people receiving the performances,” said Carrillo. 

While members of the choir and orchestra will depart across the Pacific after the end of the semester, the glorious sounds of their tour repertoire can be heard at the upcoming Bon Voyage Concert on May 2., held at Bethel Church in Irvine at 7:30 p.m. 

The Music Department invites all students, staff, and faculty to attend and experience the musical works that will soon be shared with others across the globe. For more information on the Bon Voyage Concert or to purchase tickets, please visit simpletix.com. 

 

Tags: Concert, music, Alexander Carr, choir

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