POLAND, THE CZECH REPUBLIC, GERMANY, AND AUSTRIA

“Both concerts were remarkable events in our cities. Shorter is an excellent and disciplined choir, with every piece, whether the Duruflé Requiem or folklore, showing a deep understanding of the music coupled with enthusiasm, artistry, and passion. The choir and orchestra were one ensemble, providing us a concert of impressive interpretation. The stirring standing ovations and numerous encores will be long remembered.” Jozef Wilkomirski, Conductor, Sudecka Philharmonia (Walbryzychu, Poland)

“A musical feast! This chorus has a profound knowledge of music, excellent interpretation, and a faultless, beautiful sound. From the lyric to the full rhythms of Africa, the audience was delighted. The Shorter Chorale, with its conductor, John Ratledge, gave Poland three hours of charm and beauty. Let us hope to have more events of this kind. The clapping shall never end!” —Alina Peretti (Stanmore, England)

“The Chorale pulled the cold out of unheated cathedrals and wrapped the warmth of beautifully blended sound around each of us. This group demonstrated a depth of feeling and an expanded artistic awareness that many do not achieve in a lifetime.” —Dr. Thelma Hall, Professor of English, Shorter College (Rome, Georgia)

“Their performances were described as ‘magical.’ Ratledge memorized introductory speeches in Czech, Polish, and German which impressed everyone from the start; however, the Chorale’s deeply emotional performances evoked strong responses in every city. One concert lasted three hours before the group was allowed to leave the stage. The conductor of the Walbrzychu Philharmonic was so impressed that he has invited the Chorale to tour Europe with his orchestra. Seven formal concerts—simply stunning!” Suzanne Robbins, ACFEA Tour Consultants (Tarrytown, New York)