Chorale to Travel to Estonia

Chorale at Fall 2006 Alumni Concert

The Chorale, under the direction of Dr. Paul Head, will be competing in Tallinn 2007, the 10th annual international choir competition hosted by the Estonian Choral Association this April.

“What do you do after you sing at a national convention?” asked Dr. Head, referring to the splash made by the Chorale at the 2002 American Choral Directors Association [ACDA] convention in Los Angeles. The Chorale's success in LA created a succession of honorable invitations that lead to the upcoming tour in the Baltic Region.

“The competition was chosen from many great ones all over Europe,” said Head, “but it really came down to timing.” Many European competitions are held around UD's finals. Although students will have to miss some class time to travel to Estonia, the competition falls shortly after spring break. Tallinn has choirs compete in three categories: mixed choir; contemporary music and renaissance and baroque. A grand prix round requires competitors to have another separate piece prepared. It is open to amateur choirs in all choral categories (mixed, chamber, female, male, children's and youth choirs).

“It is a nice compliment to be invited,” said Head. The invitation to compete against other international choirs is a great honor, but an equally great honor has arisen from within the University of Delaware, itself. The tremendous support that has come from President David Rosselle and the Dean’s Office has made it possible for every member of the 54-person choir to afford the trip.

The students need for financial support was taken very seriously, whichis very fortunate and generous. Now not only can the students compete in Estonia, but partake in short-term study abroad experience including experiences in Finland, family stays in Southern Sweden and travel to Copenhagen which all lead to the competition in Estonia.

For Chorale Officer, Kelly Strayer, this is her first opportunity to travel outside of the U.S. “My parents are jealous,” she said. Strayer is looking forward to the ‘mini concerts’ they will be performing throughout the tour, as well as the time to travel and just be together with the other members.

Last year’s winner was Voces Musicales Chamber Choir of Estonia. This year, competitors will come from within Estonia, all over Europe and Asia. At this point, it is understood that the Chorale is the only representative of the Americas.