May 10th and Acknowledgements

Greetings from the United States of America! On May 10th, the group made a smooth transition from Italy to Germany to the USA. We very much enjoyed the lack of flight delays!

Our 125th Anniversary Tour has been irreplaceable, filled with experiences turned memories which span the spectrum of tears to laughs, and everything in between. Each of the places we had the opportunity of experiencing, all of the people we had the good fortune of meeting, and every bit of knowledge we have gained along the way (culturally, vocally, musically, personally, and so much more) has strengthened the group, individually and collectively. We report with confidence that we return to the United States a stronger, wiser, and more capable group of young professionals.

The University of Pittsburgh Men's Glee Club would like to extend sincere thanks to each of the many individuals who made this incredible quasquicentennial adventure possible. Below is a list of these individuals (in no particular order):

- Dr. Richard Teaster, for his invaluable guidance and education, both personally and vocally.

- Elisabetta, Patrick, Dan, and Joachim of Global Educational Tours, who were pivotal in our overarching Tour management, planning, and organization.

- Our alumni, who provided support and organizational assistance in putting our adventure together.

- The families of our singers, without whom not one piece of our music would be possible.

- Our newly graduated vocalists, to whom we wish all the best as they enter new and exciting parts of their lives (we encourage them to remain involved as alumni of this exemplary vocal ensemble).

- All of the churches, organizations, hotels, hostels, and families who hosted the group during Tour.

- Everyone who supported the organization and conduction of this Tour (financially, emotionally, or otherwise) in any and every manner.

 (A picture of the group in Grado.)

Once more, we thank you deeply for your ongoing interest and support. We look forward to seeing you at our concerts and fundraising events in the coming years (for more information regarding dates and times, please visit www.pittmensgleeclub.org). 

Thanks for checking in! Arrivederci!

May 8th and 9th

Buonjiorno! The blog is being updated now, rather than from Italy, because the wireless connection at our final hostel was not strong enough to support blog posts. The final two days of our 125th Anniversary Tour were filled with excitement! On the morning of May 8th, the group left Hotel Rizzi in Ruda and departed for our final hostel, Ostello Domus Augusta in Aquileia. After settling in and exploring the nearby Basilica di Santa Maria Assunta (and enjoying some local gelato), the group donned tuxes and traveled to Grado to perform a final concert at Basilica di Santa Eufemia. A delicious Italian buffet-style dinner was provided following the concert.
On May 9th, the group enjoyed a boat ride to, guided walking tour of and free time in the beautiful city of Venice. Following this, the group returned to Aquileia for the last dinner of the Tour at Antica Aquileia, and began packing for the return trip home.
On May 10th, the group left the hostel at 3am and enjoyed a return voyage free from flight delays.

A standard room at the Ostello Domus Augusta hostel:

The group (with our guide, Elisabetta) at Grado:

The group post-performance at the Basilica di Santa Eufemia:

The group at dinner on the evening of May 8th:

A few photos of the group after Venice at the final dinner at Antica Aquileia on May 9th:

 

 

There will be one more post to follow, including acknowledgements and a few final notes. Ciao for now, and thanks for checking in!

May 7th

Greetings from Ruda! Today the Glee Club departed Bologna for Ruda, arrived at our Ruda hotel (Hotel Rizzi), took a tour of and enjoyed free time in Verona, and experienced an exceptionally festive concert at the Santuario Madonna Del Perpetuo Soccorso in the community of Bussolengo. The group performed the concert with accompanying performances by the Coro Alfonsiano, directed by Luca Lizzani, and the Coro Montegaleto, directed by Julie Butturini. A reception followed the concert, and the group had the opportunity to participate in an exciting celebration of musical comeraderie.

A typical room at the Hotel Rizzi:

The group on a walking tour of the older sections of Verona:

The Coro Alfonsiano:

The Coro Montegaleto:

The Glee Club post-performance:

All of the performing choirs, directors, church leaders, and many audience members mingling at the reception following the concert:

Tomorrow the group will be departing for Venice, the final region of our 125th Anniversary Tour. Thanks for checking in!

May 6th

Buongiorno! Today the Glee Club left Montecatini and arrived in Bologna, where we are staying at the Hotel Bologna Airport. After a morning of exploring the area around our hotel in Montecatini, the group boarded the bus and departed for Bologna. We then went to the Universitá di Bologna, where a very successful joint concert was performed with the Coro Femminile (directed by Enrico Lombardi) at the Chiesa di Santa Cristina. Following this concert, the group returned to the hotel, and began preparing for the adventures of May 7th. 

The group performing in the lobby of the Grand Hotel Plaza in Montecatini before departure:

A typical room in the Hotel Bologna Airport:

The group after the concert at the Universitá di Bologna:

The Coro Femminile of the Collegium Musicum Almae Matris:

Tomorrow the Glee Club will be departing Bologna and going to Verona (staying at the Hotel Rizzi), where we will have a free afternoon followed by a joint evening concert with the Coro Montageleto in Bussolengo. Thanks for checking in!

May 5th

Greetings from Montecatini! Today the Glee Club had an exciting day of exploration in Florence. After an impromptu performance at the Duomo (otherwise referred to as the Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore), the group enjoyed a guided walking tour of the local region, as well as divided efforts in either shopping at the local stores, or an optional trip to the Uffizi Gallery. Afterwards, the group returned to our hotel (Grand Hotel Plaza), rehearsed, and enjoyed a four course dinner (with performances following the meal). 

A typical room at the Grand Hotel Plaza:

The group performing an impromptu concert at Duomo:

The group rehearsing prior to dinner:

The group performing during dinner at the Grand Hotel Plaza:

Tomorrow the group will be departing for Bologna, and will be singing in the Bologna Music Festival at Chiesa Santa Christina at approximately 9 pm. Thanks for checking in!

May 4th

Greetings from Montecatini Terme! Today the Glee Club left Rome (the Eternal City) early in the morning, performed a morning mass concert at the Basilica Papale di San Francesco in Assisi (the City of Peace), and recently arrived at our new hotel, the Grand Hotel Plaza & Locanda Maggiore. Below you will find pictures from today, as well as some pictures from our stay in Rome. We apologize for the delayed picture posts, and are happy to provide these to you now with our reliable internet connection.

The group during our tour of the ruins of Pompeii, en route to Rome:

The group rehearsing at the Cardinal Hotel following a free day in Rome:

Paulo (in white) was the charismatic tour guide for the group as we went through the Vatican. Elisabetta held aloft a blue umbrella as a beacon for the group to follow through dense crowds:

The group post-performance at the joint concert with the Coro Beato Angelico della Minerva at the Basilica di Santa Maria Sopra Minerva in Rome:

And the group performing an encore at the reception following the aforementioned concert:

The group enjoys a dinner of appetizers and gnocchi at Rossopomodoro in Rome:

The group performing a few pop pieces for Rossopomodoro employees and patrons following the meal:

The group post-performance at the Basilica Papale di San Francesco in Assisi:

And of course, a quick pose from our excellent driver and navigator Joachim (who has been with us on our international tours for many years, and without whom we would be thoroughly lost):

Tomorrow we will be traveling to Florence, where we will have an impromptu concert at Duomo. We also hope to explore and experience the large markets of Florence. Thank you for checking in!

May 1st and 2nd

Ciao! Over the past two days the Glee Club has had the experience of touring the ruins of Pompeii, Rome, and the Vatican City. Pompeii was a beautiful experience full of historical references which demonstrated to the group that we are not so different from those close to our age several thousand years ago. Our current hotel, Cardinal Hotel Saint Peter, is beautiful and spacious. Unfortunately, the Internet connection here is very poor, and we are therefore unable to post photos during our stay here, which will last through Monday morning. Today, we toured the opulent Vatican City, and held our largest (and most successful) concert yet on our tour. This occurred at the Basilica di Santa Maria Sopra Minerva, in a joint concert with the Coro Beato Angelico della Minerva, conducted by Maestro Valentyna Rivis. Following this concert (and a lively reception afterwards), the group enjoyed delicious gnocchi at Rossopomodoro. Tomorrow (5/3) will be a free day in Rome, with options including tours of the ruins, the catacombs, art exhibits, and anything else the great Roman metropolis has to offer! Pictures from the past two days (5/1 a 5/2) will be posted at the next hotel, Internet connection permitting. So long for now, and thank you for checking in!