July 12, Day 9

All days have been memorable, and one wouldn't want to "play favourites" but.......today we sang in the Strasbourg Cathedral. Yes. THE Strasbourg Cathedral in France, and in spite of the fact that we were almost emotionally undone by the experience, we rallied to forge another lifetime highlight, singing "Abendlied" beautifully, nigh unto ethereal, given the shine and the spin that a cathedral gives to the sound. What a privilege to sing this piece in a space for which it was meant.

Strasbourg Cathedral is a major tourist stop of course, yet this audience was no less appreciative than our concert goers whom we have come to know and love on this trip. One remarked that the "Rheinberger" had been wonderful, another who had been singing along to "Great is thy Faithfulness" waited around to claim it as her favourite hymn. She was from Texas. A senator of the the European Council, who visits this cathedral once a year, appreciated that he had picked this day. Well then, how can we keep from singing?

The afternoon morphed into a relaxing few hours of lunch, sightseeing and of course, shopping. One by one the funky dresses, pink sandals and purses emerged while the usual uproarious laughter accompanied the usual commentary. "Yes Otto, of course those will go perfectly with your shirt!"

Now in Freiburg, we have had another fabulous evening of feasting and camaraderie with our host community....this time a choir from this city called "The Purple Chariots" directed by Helen Ens. Before dinner they sang for us. Wonderful.

Submitted by:  Millie Hildebrand