Prelude to Brazil

We are one week from departure on what promises to be an exciting, educational and musically rewarding tour. The bulk of my tour work having been completed, I am looking forward to experiencing Brazil firsthand and through the eyes of our boys. I have been asked to put together some thoughts on the upcoming tour, so here goes….

We have a total tour group of 65 people traveling to Brazil. This group is made up of 36 boys (ages 10-18), 8 chaperones, 2 directors and 19 “Friends” consisting of family and friends of Kantorei.

We will be visiting three very different cities while in Brazil, having one formal concert in each. Our first stop, Rio de Janeiro, is one of the most well-known cities in Brazil. With a population of approximately 6 million in Rio proper, plus an additional 5 million living in the suburbs ringing the city, it is sure to be an exciting few days. We will, of course, be visiting the famous Christ the Redeemer statue, Sugarloaf, and taking a hike in the rainforest. Our hotel is located within walking distance of the famous Impanema Beach. Although Brazil is technically entering their winter season, mild temperatures in the 70’s is expected, so I assume there will be activity at the beach. Our first formal concert in Rio will take place in the ornate ball room of the former Palace of Justice building which was recently restored and is one of the city’s major cultural centers.

Also while in Rio, we will be performing for a municipal school assembly before approximately 150 children between the ages of 9-13. I have been told that it is a school for children from very humble backgrounds who would never normally have the chance to hear a choir sing. It should be a very rewarding experience for our boys.

Our second stop will be the city of Parati, population 30,000. One tour book calls it “a colonial jewel that in 1966 was declared a national monument by UNESCO and today delights visitors from around the world”. Also located on the eastern coast of Brazil, we will be taking in the waters with a schooner tour of the surrounding islands and an opportunity to swim and snorkel. Our concert in Parati will take place in a very charming church built in 1646 that is located on the town’s historic main square.

Our last stop will take us to the mountain retreat of Petropolis, population 280,000. Petropolis was developed in the 1830’s as a summer retreat for Pedro II, emperor of Brazil from 1831 until his exile in 1889, to escape the summer heat. With Rio being at sea level, Petropolis is 2,660 feet above sea level, so it will be quite cool. The road to Petropolis is considered a prime scenic attraction with its concrete bridges that soar over green valleys and curving mountain roads. (No car sickness, please!!) Our concert in Petropolis will be a joint concert with a local boys’ choir performed in a Neo-Gothic cathedral built in the 1930’s. This choir will then host our boys in homestays for 2 nights. It will give our boys a chance to experience and form friendships on a personal level. It should be a very rewarding experience. (The Los Angeles Children’s Choir homestayed with this group and it was the highlight of their tour!)

It has been a pleasure (and a learning experience) managing this tour. When I agreed to be the tour manager, I really didn’t know what I was getting myself into, but I fully expect that the tour will proceed smoothly and we will have a GREAT time! Many people have put many hours into making this tour a success, including the chaperones, directors, board members and others I have used as sounding boards. In the 2 years that my son has been involved in Kantorei, I have heard many people say that Kantorei has become like family, and I now feel that way, too. Music does bring people together and I can’t wait for Kantorei to share their musical talent with Brazil. I’m so proud of our boys and how hard they have worked on such a challenging musical repertoire. Thanks to Mr. Ross and Mrs. Knight for their tireless work with our boys and the many hours it takes to continue the tradition Kantorei began 42 years ago.

That’s it in a nutshell. Please follow along with us daily during our trip from June 18-June 27, 2006. Photos and comments will be posted daily (as time permits), to keep you informed of our adventures!!!

Pam - Tour Manager