Concert Tour in Austria
In November the Walton Chorus from Atlanta embarked on a concert tour experience which started in Salzburg, and went on via Abbey Melk to Vienna. What can be more fun than a 'Sound of Music Tour" on a bus
decorated with - the von Trapp Family? Well, the singers from Walton HS enjoyed this particluar detail very much, and after discovering several gaps in their musical repertoire went on to serious business: a concert in the mighty Salzburg Cathedral. The audience very much appreciated the sacred works presented. Next performance stop was another stunning venue: The baroque church at the Abbey Melk. This c
hurch is considered by many art historians one of the most outstanding samples of 17th century architecture - the abbey itself is situated on this magnificent outcrop over the Danube river. Many people are not aware of the fact that the Abbey Melk also houses one of Europe's outstanding collections of medivial manuscripts. The Walton Singer were treated to a very rare occasion by the Abbey's librarian and were allowed to view a manuscript containing the notes of 14th century theologian and co-founder of the Vienna University Heinrich von Oytha.
In Vienna a concert in a City School was followed by a 'social' during which man
y notes and emails were exchanged, resulting in the creationof an impromptu "fan club" which attended the Walton concert at St. Stephan's Cathedral in Vienna.The choir enjoyed a wine village, many typical foods like Schnitzel, Gulasch, Strudel, Mozartkugeln and some singers from the city of Coca Cola even have been seen trying 'Almdudler"! A wonderful production of "Un ballo in maschera" at the Staatsoper could be 'squeezed into" the cultural experiences. Listening to a private concert by a string quartett pesenting Mozart, Haydn and Bach in setting of the historic Sala Terrena meant the highlight for many. Others might cherrish the memories of the waltzing lessons forever in their mind...