Sunday, June 27, 2010

Video Recap

Here is the complete video library from the tour. Definitely leave comments on the videos or in this post if you notice anything that's off or to make recommendations for the 'Greatest Hits' Playlist. I hope everyone had as much fun being in these videos as it was to film them. Thanks everyone for a truly magical getaway of a tour and hope to see everyone again soon - remember the pool party in August!

All videos from the tour in chronological order:
http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=F632014AAF9D59B1

All videos, continued:
http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=F470EED9383FCF91

People Play list:
http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=A7F26098C45AFCE9

Performances Play list:
http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=E32A3CD6ABE6471E

Places Play list:
http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=DEE159C57CB2560B

Places, continued:
http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=3E8EBE127DE1B964

Don't have much time? Check out the highlight reel:
http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=2FBEBDDC7ECD982B

Wednesday, June 9, 2010

Finale highlight concert: The Bob Cole Conservatory Choir performs at the Kaiser-Wilhelm-Gedächtniskirche in Berlin on June 9 at 7.30 pm

Welcome to Berlin! After exciting days in the Czech Republic, the Bob Cole Conservatory Choir arrived in the German capital. At the famous Kaiser-Wilhelm-Gedächtniskirche the final tour concert will take place on June 9 at 7.30 pm.

The Protestant Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church (in German: Kaiser-Wilhelm-Gedächtniskirche) is located on the Kurfürstendamm in the center of the Breitscheidplatz. The original church on the site was built in the 1890s. It was badly damaged in a bombing raid in 1943. The present building, which consists of a church with an attached foyer and a separate belfry with an attached chapel, was built between 1959 and 1963. The damaged spire of the old church has been retained and its ground floor has been made into a memorial hall.
The foundation stone for the old church was laid on March 22, 1891. The competition for the design was won by Franz Schwechten who planned for a large church to be built in neo-romanesque style, including 2,740 square meters of wall mosaic. The spire was 113 meters (370' and 8.81") in stature and the nave seated over 2,000 people. The church was consecrated on September 1, 1895. By this time of the consecration the entrance hall in the lower section had not been completed. This was opened and consecrated on February 22, 1906. In the Second World War, on the night of November 23, 1943, the church was irreparably damaged in an air raid. The church was largely destroyed but part of the spire and much of the entrance hall survived. The entrance hall in the base of the damaged spire was reopened to visitors, having been consecrated on 7 January 1987.
Its floor contains a mosaic of the Archangel Michael fighting the dragon. The vault shows a procession of Hohenzollern princes, early and more recent. Other mosaics show important monarchs in medieval Germany, Reformation thinkers and Reformation princes. Bas-relief sculptures illustrate scenes from biblical stories, scenes from the life of Kaiser Wilhelm I and symbolic figures representing war and peace. In the north apse are 16 display panels which tell the story of the old church and its destruction. At the opposite end of the hall are three items which symbolize the history of the church. In the middle is a damaged statue of Christ which originally stood on the altar of the old church. To its right is the Cross of Nails which was made from nails in the roof timbers of Coventry Cathedral. This cathedral had been severely damaged in a German air raid on 14 November 1940. To the left of the statue of Christ is an icon cross which was given by the Russian Orthodox Church and handed over in 1988. Outside the hall are four sandstone figures made by Stefan Kaehne.

The pictures are from the official website of the church.

Tuesday, June 8, 2010

Hallooooooo Germany!


On June 8th The Bob Cole Conservatory Choir said good-bye to the Czech Republic and Guten Tag to Germany! The group from Cal State Long Beach began their tour of Germany by visiting Dresden, a city that has been completely rebuilt since WWII.

Here, Incantato arranged a special recital in the beautifully rebuilt Our Lady's Church, or Frauenkirche, in the heart of Dresden.


After the group's visit to this beautiful city, it was time to move on to Berlin, where the group will have their finale performance on June 9th at 7:30 in the Kaiser-Wilhelm-Gedachtniskirche!

Berlin welcomes the Bob Cole Conservatory Choir

Berlin is the capital city and one of 16 states of Germany. With a population of 3.4 million people, Berlin is Germany's largest city. Geographically embedded in the European Plains, Berlin is influenced by a temperate seasonal climate. Around one third of the city's territory is composed of forests, parks, gardens, rivers and lakes. First documented in the 13th century, Berlin was successively the capital of the Kingdom of Prussia (1701–1918), the German Empire (1871–1918), the Weimar Republic (1919–1933) and the Third Reich (1933–1945). During the 1920s, Berlin was the third largest municipality in the world. After World War II, the city was divided; East Berlin became the capital of East Germany while West Berlin became a de facto West German exclave, surrounded by the Berlin Wall (1961–1989). Following German reunification in 1990, the city regained its status as the capital of all Germany hosting 147 foreign embassies.
Berlin is a world city of culture, politics, media, and science. Its economy is primarily based on the service sector, encompassing a diverse range of creative industries, media corporations, congress and convention venues. Berlin serves as a continental hub for air and rail transport, and is one of the most visited tourist destinations in the EU. Significant industries include IT, pharmaceuticals, biomedical engineering, biotechnology, optoelectronics, traffic engineering, and renewable energy. The metropolis is home to renowned universities, research institutes, sporting events, orchestras, museums and personalities. The urban and historical legacy has made it a popular setting for international film productions. The city is recognized for its festivals, diverse architecture, nightlife, contemporary arts, public transportation networks and a high quality of living. Berlin has evolved into a global focal point for young individuals and artists attracted by a liberal lifestyle and modern zeitgeist.

Home away from Home in Berlin: City Hotel

The traditional City Hotel offers 36 guest rooms on three floors. Even the hotel has a 50-year experience the guest rooms are modern equipped, elegant but stylish with the traditional charme of a typical Berlin old-fashioned architecture. The hotel offers W-LAN-internet connection free of charge. The City Hotel is located on the Kurfürstendamm - the famous boulevard. Close to the hotel you find shops, theatres, the EuropaCenter and sighseeing highlights like the Kaiser-Wilhelm-Gedaechtniskirche an the KaDeWe.

Monday, June 7, 2010

Bob Cole Consevatory Choir presents Recital at Frauenkirche in Dresden on June 8 at 5:30 pm

The Bob Cole Conservatory Choir under the direction of Dr. Jonathan Talberg was granted permission to present a special recital at the famous Frauenkirche in Dresden, Germany on June 8 at 5:30 pm during their 2010 Incantato Performance Tour to Central Europe.
The Frauenkirche Dresden can look back on a 1000-year history. Already its predecessor churches were dedicated to the Mother of God and called Frauenkirche. In the 18th century, the famous dome structure by George Bähr was built and dominated Dresden’s cityscape for 200 years. The church was destroyed shortly before the end of World War II. Its ruin remained as a memorial at the heart of the city. For more information on the history and significance of this venue, please visit the official Frauenkirche website.

Good-Bye Czech Republic!


On June 9th, The Bob Cole Conservatory Choir said Na Shledanou (farewell) to the Czech Republic, but not before they were able to visit Northern Bohemia on their way to Germany.
Here, the students visited the music department at Usti nad Labem University, met the professors and even practiced with Dr. Riha.

After their warm-up, The Bob Cole Conservatory Choir was taken to Chlumec, where they were warmly welcomed by the mayor, also Dr. Riha (the son of the choral professor), who welcomed them with refreshments.

Then it was off to the church in Chulmec, where the group listened to a local young women's choir, under the direction of Dr. Vladimir Kuzelka, and followed it by a performance of their own!

Another Wonderful Performance by CSULB


Tonight, June 7th, The Bob Cole Conservatory Choir performed at the Martinic Palace at Prague Castle. The group, directed by Dr. Jonathan Talberg, performed in this medieval room by encircling the crowd, instead of singing at the front of the room like most traditional concerts. As a result, the sound was breathtaking, and the audience insisted on an encore song!

Students Virgil Rosales and Steven Berlanga were both invited to conduct songs this evening, and they both did a wonderful job!


After the concert, Incantato arranged a reception for the group in the courtyard of the Martinic Palace, where brats were grilled, cake was served, and the beer was flowing!






Following the reception, a boat was chartered especially for the group so that they could get one last look of Prague before they leave tomorrow morning for Germany.

Good-bye Prague!

Cesky Krumlov, Day 6 (BEST BIRTHDAY EVER!)


I'm catching up on my blogging since internet was an issue the past few days. The past few days were AMAZING though. It was nice to spend my 23rd birthday in the Czech Republic in Cesky Krumlov. When Barbara, our tour guide/coordinator explained that we were going to this "medieval town" for my birthday I said to myself, "are you kidding me? I could have gone to Medieval Times in Cali." Wow. I was nieve. CHECK IT!

Everything was BEAUTIFUL! But not as beautiful as our jumping pictures! hahahahhaah












This was the best birthday ever. THANKS FOR HANGING OUT WITH ME YO!
Love, VRO

Join the finale highlight concert on Facebook events

Become a guest at the finale highlight concert of the Bob Cole Conservatory Choir in Berlin! Click here to go to the facebook event and join us!

On Wednesday, June 9, at 7.30 pm there is the opportunity to experience one of the best US university choirs at the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church in Berlin. The Bob Cole University Choir from Long Beach already received standing ovations in Prague, Bratislava and Göttweig. The singers would be very happy to meet you at the concert!

Renaissance Martinic Palace in Prague - CSULB highlight concert venue on Monday, June 7, at 7 pm

When you visit the Prague Castle, look around at the Castle Square before the main entrance. There are several historical palaces and the Martinic Palace is one of them – it is one of the most beautiful Renaissance buildings in Prague, built in the 16 th century. There used to be a residence of Ondrej Tefl of Kinsdorf at the place. He sold the house to Jiri Borita of Martinic in 1583. Second Prague defenestration The new owner started to rebuild and enlarge the palace, but the work was discontinued by dramatic events in 1618: the Czech Protestant noblemen rebelled against Emperor Matthias, who had violated their religious freedom. Noblemen came to the Prague Castle to the office of imperial vice-regents. Jaroslav Borita of Martinic, owner of the palace, was a vice-regent at the time. The angry noblemen threw the vice-regents and their clerk out of the window. This event is known as “the second Prague defenestration” and it started the Thirty Years´War. Suprisingly, the vice-regents were not injured, but they had to run away from the country for some time. The Martinic Palace was finished in early-Baroque style later. Replica of the Royal Palace The frontage is decorated with symbol of Martinic family – a water-lily and a star. The palace was built as a half-sized replica of the Royal Palace at the Prague Castle, because Count Martinic wanted a palace, symbolizing his political power. Renaissance decoration Martinic Palace is decorated with numerous figural sgraffitoes, depicting scenes from life of Joseph in Egypt, King David and Hercules. There are well preserved Renaissance beam ceilings inside the palace. The ceilings are painted with allegorical pictures and lots of sayings are written there. Many fresco paintings adorn the Martinic Palace, for example the above-lifesized figures of Adam and Eve, painted according to the artwork by A. Dürer. The Martinic family died out in 1788 and the new owner of the building let most of the rooms for rent. The palace was badly devastated at the beginning of the 20 th century: around 70 families lived there and various workrooms were made there as well. The palace was finally restored in 1960s.


Concert Advertising in Prague

Incantato Tours has spread the word about the Bob Cole Conservatory Choir concerts in Prague. About 1000 invitations and 100 posters were distributed all over the city. Incantato concert manager Karolína made sure that the announcements are not only at the venues themselves, but also at the info centers all over Prague and at the official info points at the Prague Castle. Furthermore you can find the posters and cards at Prague music academy, Prague music conservatory, Rudolfinum concert hall, Malta Square, Little Quarter Arts academy, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic, Strahov monastery and the hotels around Prague Castle.

Next CSULB stop is beautiful Berlin


Berlin is the capital and one of 16 states of Germany. With a population of 3.4 million people, Berlin is also Germany's largest city. Located in northeastern Germany, it is the center of the Berlin-Brandenburg Metropolitan Area, comprising 5 million people from over 190 nations. Geographically embedded in the European Plains, Berlin is influenced by a temperate seasonal climate. Around one third of the city's territory is composed of forests, parks, gardens, rivers and lakes. First documented in the 13th century Berlin was successively, the capital of the Kingdom of Prussia (1701–1918), the German Empire (1871–1918), the Weimar Republic (1919–1933) and the Third Reich (1933–1945). During the 1920s, Berlin was the third largest municipality in the world. After World War II, the city was divided; East Berlin became the capital of East Germany while West Berlin became a de facto West German exclave, surrounded by the Berlin Wall (1961–1989). Following German reunification in 1990, the city regained its status as the capital of all Germany hosting 147 foreign embassies. Berlin is a major center of culture, politics, media, and science in Europe. Its economy is primarily based on the service sector, encompassing a diverse range of creative industries, media corporations, congress and convention venues. Berlin serves as a continental hub for air and rail transport, and is one of the most visited tourist destinations in the EU. The metropolis is home to world-renowned universities, research institutes, sporting events, orchestras, museums and personalities. Berlin has evolved into a global focal point for young individuals and artists attracted by a liberal lifestyle and modern zeitgeist.

CSULB Resting Up and Enjoying Prague Before Their Concert on June 7th!



The Bob Cole Conservatory Choir is enjoying a free day in Prague before their concert tonight, June 7th, at 7 PM at the Martinic Palace. Some students took this time to catch up on their sleep, while others spent the day wandering the old streets of Prague, shopping and listening to music being performed as they cross the famous Charles Bridge.

From all of us at Incantato Tours, Good Luck!!

Sunday, June 6, 2010

Impromptu gig on the Old Town Square in Prague

Below is a video of the group singing Elijah Rock in the square for a great crowd!

VIENNA, AUSTRIA Day 5


HELLO!

Greetings from Vienna! This place was so amazing. Everything was so amazingly grand. Just being in the middle of huge monuments and tall buildings was culture shock at it's finest. We are in Europe! Here are some pictures.






Love, VJ

Bob Cole Conservatory Choir the featured guest performer at Tyn Church in Prague at 9 pm on June 6

Another prime venue awaits the CSULB singers under the direction of Dr. Jonathan Talberg on the Bob Cole Conservatory Choir's 2010 Incantato Tour to Central Europe: The Tyn Church, a landmark of Prague and also the most popular church for the inhabitants of the Czech Capital city. The singers from Long Beach California were invited to sing during a special service on June 6 at 9 pm.
From Wikipedia: The Church of Our Lady before Týn (in Czech Kostel Matky Boží před Týnem, also Týnský chrám (Týn Church) or just Týn) is a dominant feature of the Old Town of Prague, Czech Republic, and has been the main church of this part of the city since the 14th century. The church's towers are 80 m high and topped by four small spires. In the 11th century, this area was occupied by a Romanesque church, which was replaced by an early Gothic Church of Our Lady in front of Týn in 1256. Construction of the present church began in the 14th century in the late Gothic style under the influence of Matthias of Arras and later Peter Parler. By the beginning of the 15th century, construction was almost complete; only the towers, the gable and roof were missing. The church was controlled by Hussites for some time, including John of Rokycan, future archbishop of Prague, who became the church's vicar in 1427.The roof was completed in the 1450s, while the gable and northern tower were completed shortly thereafter during the reign of George of Podebrady. His sculpture was placed on the gable, below a huge golden chalice, the symbol of the Hussites. The southern tower was not completed until 1511, under Matěj Rejsek. In 1626, after the Battle of White Mountain, the sculptures of George of Podebrady and the chalice were removed and replaced by a sculpture of the Virgin Mary, with a giant holy made from by melting down the chalice. In 1679 the church was struck by lightning, and the subsequent fire heavily damaged the old vault, which was later replaced by a lower baroque vault.Renovation works carried out in 1876-1895 were later reversed during extensive exterior renovation works in the years 1973-1995. Interior renovation is still in progress.For more info, please visit: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Church_of_Our_Lady_before_T%C3%BDn

Home away from Home: Hotel Luník in Prague

The Hotel Luník - which hosts the CSULB singers in Prague - is a traditional middle category family-style hotel, which is situated in a peaceful part of the historical centre of Prague. In 1924 the apartment block was bought by Mrs. Marie Skrivanova and it was gradually converted into the Hotel Skrivan on five floors. During the Second World War ownership was transferred to her son Adolf Skrivan. In March 1948 the hotel was nationalized by the Communist government and the state took over ownership. Adolf Skrivan continued to live in the hotel with his family but as a tenant, not the owner. In 1962 the Skrivan family were forced to move out of the hotel. The hotel was owned by the state enterprise Prague 2 Hotels and Restaurants. In 1967 it was renamed as the Hotel Luník. In 1991 the Hotel Luník was returned in the restitution to the original owner, Adolf Skrivan, who passed it on to his daughter Milada Plzakova. In 1991 - 1992 the hotel was completely reconstructed. It was re-opened on 1st October 1992 and is run by a limited liability company. At the request of the original owner the hotel did not return to the name Skrivan and it continues to bear the name Luník.

CSULB Arrived Safely to Prague


Today, June 6th, The Bob Cole Conservatory Choir arrived safely to Prague, the capital city of the Czech Republic, and brought the sunshine from Austria with them! The group had beautiful warm weather for touring this wonderful city with their Incantato tour guide and concert manager, Karolina.

The group is getting ready for their High Mass participation at Basilica Our Virgin Mary before Tyn at 9:00 pm. The students helped distribute flyers for their concert this evening, and below is a picture of Leeav Sofer, the student who gave out the most flyers. Thank you for your help!