Back home

Suzanne and I walked in the house around 4:30 central time. We began our journey from Italy at 6:30 AM yesterday (41 1/2 hours). I understand that everyone is now home, and while the trip had a shotgun ending, it was the experience of a lifetime.

I love this choir, their spirit, and each individual who contributes to the work of A Cappella Choir. We are happy to be reunited with our children and back in the land of Mountain Dew and Chick-fil-A (had some for lunch); still, we will miss spending time with these students, and we will truly miss our graduates as they move on to the next phase in life.

The traditions and accomplishments of A Cappella Choir are rich; it is an ensemble that has impressed audiences around the world for decades. But it will always be remembered that the choir of 2008-2009 was invited to perform at Notre Dame, Chartres, San Gimignano, Assisi, and the Vatican, and we will remember that they performed beautifully. Indeed, this choir has written an exciting chapter in the history of A Cappella; they have enriched the traditions of Samford Music for generations to come.

Still in Newark

So it turns out when you travel from Europe to the States, it can get complicated. We came from Rome to Newark on one flight (delayed three hours), but will leave by six different flights. Continental was great working with us to get almost everyone back tonight, but five of us will spend the night and head out early tomorrow.

I understand the group on the 5:30 flight and the one to Houston are in route or have arrived. Others are delayed and will arrive to Atlanta or Bham tonight. The shuttle is working with us to make certain everyone has a way from Atlanta to Samford. We have a lot of folks helping, and it is impressive to see the Samford team working together.

Newark

We just touched down in Newark. We'll taxi to the gate, head thru customs, and then see if we can still catch the plane to Atlanta. We hope to see all of you soon. 3:25 eastern time.

Friday

We have boarded the plane in Italy, but we are delayed two hours and have another hour anticipated as they replace a relay on the hydraulic system. We are happy that they are being thorough and the plane will be in good working order, however, we are growing concerned about making our connection in Newark. I will post an update on the blog as soon as we reach the airport.

Thursday

Today was all we had hoped. We toured the Vatican Museums, the Sistine Chapel and the ceiling painted by Michelangelo.

By the afternoon we were in St. Peter's preparing to sing mass. This is the largest church in the world, and no matter how many times you enter, it is still surprising.

The group from Samford's University Fellows program was also spending their last day in Rome. They came over and joined us for this eventful concert in Samford A Cappella history.

The students sang beautifully, and we received several kind compliments from the clergy.

After the concert the tour company treated us to a dinner theatre with the music of Italy. The choir added to the occasion with a spiritual and Dr. Hopkins sang an aria.

It was a fun night, but we had to call it a night to get packed and rested for our journey home.

Today we sang at St. Peter's. Wow! Students and alumni will talk about this tour for decades. Our students will certainly remember sweet moments in concert and the beautiful cities. While the tour may have been defined ny the big opportunities in Paris and Rome, our group seemed to favor Assisi, San Gimignano, and Chartres.

Again, we are ever so grateful to those who supported this trip and the families we have missed while here. We look forward to telling you every detail upon our return.

I'll try to keep you posted on our progress as we make our way home, and we will attach more photos when we are back.

Wednesday

Matt Powell and Whitney Cornutt


Matt Powell and Allison Krebs


We are now in Rome. We toured the Colosseum and the ruins of the Roman forum, then headed over to see the area around the Spanish Steps.

After lots of sightseeing, we rehearsed at Rome Baptist Church. Our guide David took us for a quick bite of pizza, and we returned to sing a couple songs on the piazza and then a time of worship and music in this lovely church.

The church is made up of folks from many nations and continents. It was good to travel so far and find this sweet congregation of Baptists.

After the concert we had a few moments to see some of the favorite stops by night (Trevi Fountain, Piazza Navona, Pantheon...), and, of course, we continued our search for the best gelato.

Tuesday

We spent most of the day in Assisi. This gorgeous city is situated on the side of a mountain overlooking the beautiful Umbrian valley. St. Francis chose this location and his following became known as the Franciscan Order.

We sang in the famous Basilica where so many pilgrims travel. It was a beautiful service.

For many of us, this has been the favorite stop. We had a great hotel, swimming pool, fantastic shopping, and unbelievable views.

After the concert we traveled to Rome and moved into our space at the convent of Suor Carmelite.

Monday

Monday was one of our most simple days and allowed time for needed recovery. We enjoyed a day on the town in Siena, a nice walking tour, or just time resting. In the afternoon we took the coach to Assisi, had a nice meal at our 4-star hotel :) , and explored what is arguably one of the most beautiful small cities in Europe.

Our hotel has a terrific view of the Tuscan valley, and we spent part of the evening just taking pictures and soaking up the fresh air. I think we are refreshed to the point we can look forward to a very good day and concert in Assisi.

Sunday

We spent the day in Florence. It could have been any normal day —
a gentle walking tour, shopping, sightseeing — except we were in Florence!

The service at the Duomo, strolling along Ponte Vecchio, and encounters with some of the greatest art of Italy made for a profound experience with history.

We performed in a joint concert with the Florentine gospel choir 'Spirit of the Living God'. "Oh Happy Day" was particularly fun.

We ended the day with a lovely dinner made possible by the Friends
of Samford Arts then headed out for the hotel.

Saturday

So it turns out train travel by night can be complicated. Everyone did a great job of working together, but nobody got a lot of sleep.

Ian was awakened when the train stopped at a station at 1:20 AM and looked at his watch - upside down! He reported to his "couchette" mates that it was 7:50 and the train was at the station. Everyone panicked; Ryan even jumped up, got dressed, and started brushing his teeth before it occured to him that it was still quite dark ouside. It was a good laugh to help lighten the heaviest part of our journey.

Once in Florence, we had a look about and then made our way by coach to San Gimignano. After a quick stop in the walled city of Monteriggio, we arrived and prepared for the concert. Sant'Agostino has a marvelous acoustic, so it was a fun place to sing. "Sing Praise
to the Lord" was at its best tonight.

We spent a little more time in the city then took the coach to Siena. After showers and dinner, we ended the evening with a stroll through town and gelato.

We are ready to slow down the pace of travel tomorrow.

Friday

We bid goodbye to Chartres this morning and left for a day in Paris.
The concert at Notre Dame was even more than expected.

There was a massive seated and standing audience around the center and sides of the cathedral. Samford alumni were all around in the crowd. Friends and family also gathered to join us from the USA
and Europe.

The students sang beautifully, and they seemed to appreciate the enthusiastic response. We lingered to fellowship with friends and then headed out on the town.

Once again, the weather was beautiful. After a great day of music and sightseeing, we boarded the overnight train to Italy. Were it not for the savvy engineering of some of our singers, we might still be trying to get all the luggage in those little compartments.

Tomorrow we wake up in Florence and begin the Italian portion of our journey.

Thursday

Chartres is fabulous! We began the day in different ways. Some went to the Cathedral to make arrangements for the choir, others went on a walking tour of the city (including the lovely area along the river), while others rested in a bit. After a late morning rehearsal and lunch, we toured the Chartres Cathedral and prepared to sing.

The concert was received by an enthusiastic and huge audience. "Hope, Faith, Life, Love" was so powerful that it became quite emotional for the audience and the choir. If this was any indication of how the tour will proceed, we are in for rare experiences indeed.

The late afternoon and evening were filled with walking, shopping, dining out, and enjoying the "Lumiere." Tomorrow we will head back to Paris for the concert at Notre Dame and a day on the city before the night train to Florence. Until then...

Wednesday

International travel always makes for an adventure, and today was no exception. We had a minor passport issue, but Continental Airlines was great and helped us solve the problem without too much trouble. We arrived in Paris at 7:30 AM and spent the morning and afternoon on the town. After the river cruise we went in every direction - the Louvre, cafes, historical churches, shopping, time in the parks, and the Eiffel Tower.



Paris is incredible, a city like no other. The weather was gorgeous, and perhaps the most wonderful moment was just pausing and watching everyone take in the day. Most of the group stopped by Notre Dame to see where A Cappella will be singing in just two days. The choir was selected because of their reputation and recordings as one of only 60 choirs from around the world to be featured this year. Notre Dame is one of the most important places in the history of church music, and it is a fantastic honor for our students to receive this invitation.



We loaded the bus and headed to the beautiful town of Chartres. A catnap on the bus, quick shower, fresh clothes, and a nice meal at the Hotel Chatelet, and we all felt much better. A few hearty souls went out on the town to enjoy the festival of lights. "Lumiere" is something of a laser-light show featuring the Cathedral and many of the city's buildings. As you tour the city at night, you also enjoy the music and lights of "Lumiere."



Tomorrow we have our first concert at the Cathedral of Chartres. We look forward to our first full night's sleep in two days.

View more photos of the choir in Paris and Chartres on Flickr.

An afternoon in Newark

There is an incredible view of the Empire State Building across the
runway, Ryan, Ian, Janey, Allison, and Lindsay are involved in a
spirited game of Phase 10, and others are entertaining each other with
stories and laughter. These folks have spent the past year working
together, and the sense of unity and belonging saturates conversation.

We are quite perky for a group that met in Birmingham at 4:30 AM, but
we are helped along by the butterscotch cookies Emily's mother sent
(Wow, this could become the official cookie of A Cappella).

We are sorry that we had to leave one behind for a family emergency,
but otherwise, everyone is doing fine. We will arrive in Paris early
tommorrow and spend the day sightseeing after a boat tour on the River Seine.

Thanks to so many who made this trip possible; we are mindful of what
a triumph it is to even embark on such an adventure, and we could not
have done this without a great team of friends.

Emily is confused about the time change, Quincy wants to know when
tommorow begins, and Sarah wants to know which pill will help her
sleep tonight - whenever that is.

More when we reach France!

The Great Cathedrals Tour

For decades, the Samford A Cappella Choir has represented the best in choral music across the Southeast.  This acclaimed ensemble has toured in some of the most impressive venues in the world at the invitation of Presidents and international ambassadors.  Our most recent invitation will build on this legacy and take us to uncharted places.  We have been invited to return to Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris and continue to the Basilica of St. Francis in Assisi and St. Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican in Rome this May.  In addition to these venerable concerts, we will sing at several other churches along the way as we carry a message of hope, excellence, and Christian service to France and Italy.  This will be an historic tour for our University and a rare opportunity for our students.

ITINERARY

Tuesday May 19 FLIGHT - Depart Atlanta

Wednesday May 20 ARRIVE IN PARIS-CHARTRES
Boat trip on the River Seine from the foot of the Eiffel Tower
In the late afternoon bus to Chartres

Thursday May 21 CHARTRES
Guided tour of Chartres Cathedral
4 pm-5:15 pm concert in Chartres Cathedral

Friday May 22 PARIS
Notre-Dame Cathedral
2 pm concert in Notre Dame Cathedral, Paris

Overnight train to Florence

Saturday May 23 TUSCANY
Monteriggioni and San Gimignano
3 pm concert at San Agostino, San Gimignano

Sunday May 24 FLORENCE
Walking tour of Florence with local guide
9 pm concert in St. James Church with “Spirit of the Living God Choir”

Monday May 25 SIENA-ASSISI
Walking tour of Siena with local guide
Grand Hotel Assisi

Tuesday May 26 ASSISI-ROME
St. Francis’ Basilica, Assisi
Sing 6 pm Mass in Basilica of St. Francis

Travel to Rome

Wednesday May 27 ROME
Colosseum and Palatine Hill
7 pm concert in Rome Baptist Church

Thursday May 28 ROME
Vatican Museums, St. Peter’s Basilica
5 pm Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica, Rome

Friday May 29 DEPARTURE
Arrive Home Friday evening