As part of our activities, we arrange tours to venues further afield. Normally these occur every two years, although sadly this has been interrupted by the current worldwide pandemic.

These tours not only provide an opportunity to sing in some wonderful new venues, but are also an enjoyable social activity, enabling us to get to know each other better beyond our regular rehearsal and concert meetings. As well as rehearsing and performing in several venues, we also take the opportunity to explore the places we are visiting.

Freiburg, Germany 2023

In July 2023, about 30 BCS members joined by a similar number of Hastings Philharmonic Choir members (HPC) travelled to Freiburg to join seven German choirs to perform Mendelssohn's Elijah in the wonderful Freiburg Concert Hall. It was a tremendous experience. We were warmly welcomed by members of the German choirs who enjoyed showing us the area around Freiburg. We were  treated to an amazing spread after our last rehearsal, plenty of food, wine, and of course beer! The concert, mainly sung in German, was very warmly received. A standing ovation from 1600 people. 
 

"Elijah is not one of the greatest choral works. To my mind it does not compare with Gerontius or the Verdi Requiem, for example, but nevertheless it has moments of great choral splendour and arias of great beauty. And, as with all Mendelssohn, it is very singable. So it was an ideal choice for this joint concert. From England came people from Marcio’s two choirs, Billingshurst and Hastings, and we joined with three local Freiburg choirs as well other smaller groups of young singers. The orchestra had got together for the occasion but it was clear that they were professional musicians, with some from the Freiburg Baroque Orchestra which is of international standing.

Our counterparts in Germany do not do things by halves! They had already spent the previous weekend in rehearsal and then, when we arrived, we rehearsed with the orchestra on the Friday evening, the Saturday afternoon and then the Sunday before the concert. And each rehearsal was preceded by a physical warm up which took me back to days in the gym at school! After the rehearsal on the Saturday, the three host choirs had got together to lay on an absolutely sumptuous supper with lots of good food and lots of good German beer and wine.

So rehearsed and replenished, we were ready for the performance on the Sunday evening. It took place in the Freiburg Konzerthaus, a new building in the centre of the city; the concert was a total sell out with an audience of 1400 people!

And it was nothing short of fantastic! The orchestra were superb; the soloists excellent, especially the bass singing Elijah, and a young boy treble who sang The Youth with a sang-froid and a glorious tone that were astonishing. The 400 choristers put heart and soul into the music and produced a rich, rounded and disciplined sound that was perfect for the music. And all four choir music directors, including Marcio, took their turn at conducting. The results were astonishing and the audience loved it so much that, at the end, there was 15 minute standing ovation!

What an experience!" - Simon Moore (BCS member)

Dublin 2017

In June 2017 we travelled to Dublin, and performed in St Ann’s Church, Christchurch Cathedral and Monkstown Church – as well as sampling some of the city’s wonderful sights and attractions.

Vienna 2015

In May 2015 we went to explore the city of Vienna. Our trip included performances outside the Schönbrunn Palace, and in Donaucity Church and St Peter’s Church.
 

Tuscany 2013

This trip provided a chance to experience the beautiful countryside of Tuscany, as well as singing in venues in Florence.