Choir Exchange with the Bischöfliches Gymnasium in Graz, Austria

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Bischgym with conductor Valentin Zwitter

The second choir exchange between Bischgym, the mixed choir from The Bischöfliches Gymnasium Graz and the (Re)Mixed Choir of the Diocesan Classical Gymnasium took place from 10th-12th January 2017. On the first evening the guests took part in the rehearsals for the traditional  New Year’s concert in St. Stanislav’s Chapel. The next day they presented themselves to the school community at the lunch concert which attracted many students and teachers. For an energetic performance they were welcomed and rewarded with a loud applause. In the afternoon the sightseeing tour of Ljubljana took place, during which some even went up the castle hill to admire the stunning winter view of the capital city. After the common rehearsals, members of both choirs offered an unforgettable singing event.  To start with, Matija Tomc Hall was packed. The (Re)Mixed Choir of the Diocesan Classical Gymnasium presented itself for the first time this school year and sang same inspiring spirituals as well as the Queen medley for good old rock lovers. The guests came up with some Christmas repertoire, both traditional and modern as well as some eye-catching choreography. Both choirs sang jointly the introductory and closing pieces.

The occasion has proven that the exchanges are a good way to learn new things, broaden horizons and make friends. Most of the hosts welcomed their Austrian friends from last year and were most pleasantly surprised by their peers’ eagerness to see Ljubljana sights, the school and join the common endeavours for a lovely musical experience. Each and everybody invested in the event loads of energy, love for music making and kind understanding to which all member choirs, host families and above all both conductors, Valentin Zwitter and Helena Fojkar Zupančič, are highly beneficial. /Lily Schweiger Kotar/