Another spectacular day in Cork–we are getting spoiled. Although not all have been brave enough to try the black (blood) sausages, everyone is certainly enjoying the rest of the buffet. What a great way to start the day! Another good way is to rehearse, and the choir managed to fit into a very small room and have an excellent 90-minute rehearsal as they continued to prepare for tonight’s first concert of tour and tomorrow night’s competition concert. Dr. Staheli never ceases to work for perfection.
Walking to the train station
Still walking
Still walking. Love the Cork clouds.
Soon after the rehearsal, we all made the trek to the train station, guided by our unflappable cultural advisor, Rosalind Hall. As we were gathering to leave the hotel, we realized that the impossible was happening yet again: the rain of the morning had stopped, and the clouds were decreasing. It began to warm up a bit and turned into another gorgeous Irish day. Two in a row! Who would have thought that could happen?!
First castle sighted on tour
We trained down to the coast to Cobh—more or less pronounced “Cove” but with some extra fun happening on the “v.” The ride down was so pretty. We loved seeing all the different styles of houses, and spotted our first castle. And of course, lots of gorse. This time I have photos to prove it, though they were taken through a dirty train window while in motion.
On train
Arrival in Cobh
Looking towards the bay and cruise ship
This is a beautiful little town from whence the Titanic set sail on its ill-fated maiden voyage, and also from whence the first immigrants left during the potato famine that hit Ireland so hard during the mid 1800s. We had a couple of hours to wander the streets and just enjoy the beauty of the town.
Posing by the cathedral
Row houses in Cobh
Another view of cathedral
Rose window inside
Our only disappointment so far is our inability to find authentic fish and chips. But we shall persevere; after all, there are still almost three weeks left on the tour.
More beautiful homes
Our fearless leaders
A gorse is a gorse, of course, of course...!
We returned in time to grab a snack, change clothes, and walk to the City Hall where a bus met us to take us to St. Michael’s Church, Black Rock. After so many rehearsals lately in small hotel rooms, it was a pleasure to be anywhere else, let alone a cathedral.
Singers performed a program of just American music. The audience came from the parish in which we sang; their enthusiasm and warmth exceeded their numbers by far. For Singers, it was a treat to be performing again after what seems like a very long time. Days on tour without a concert are extra long! I’ve had to assure a few people we’ve met that Utah is not a town in Nevada, but my level of ignorance about Ireland probably equals theirs of Utah. It makes for interesting conversations. This was a wonderful first concert of tour—obviously a joy to sing, and very much a joy to hear. There is nothing like hearing glorious music sung by these great students, and looking into their faces while hearing it.
St. Michael's Church
"Love Walked In"
St. Michael's Church
Greeting one of the audience
Back to the hotel with a plea from Dr. Staheli to get sleep tonight as tomorrow is the competition concert.
Another wonderful day in Cork.
13 comments
Beautiful photos, Sandefur! It’s great being able to catch up with y’all on the blog. I send my love to all of you!
Thanks for the wonderful updates! We love seeing the pictures of Ireland and the Singers! Have a wonderful trip and we hope the sun keeps shining down on you.
Thanks for the up date. It sounds like you are having a great time. Tell Jacob that Ian made Bonnivaires as bass II.
Thanks
The blog is great. I still wish I was there with you all but it’s great to have the updates. Keep it up with the awesome photos!
Good luck at the competition! Like others here, I really appreciate the updates too.
I love the pictures of the majestic country and everyone’s beautiful singing faces. I do miss you all, but I feel a sense of joy in seeing that Singers is ever-fulfilling their mission around the world. Thank you, Sandefur, for making sure we get to share in these special times.
Every day I just can’t wait until I get to see your blog. This is such an adventure for all of you. You are awesome to take so much time to share with us. It’s like we are a part of it all. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. GOOD LUCK tomorrow!!!
Wow! These daily accounts with photos are truly wonderful. Thank you, Sandefur, and thank you Ireland and Singers for providing the wonderful material to photograph. I think I can almost appreciate the sonorous quality of the Singers’ sound through these well-taken photographs. I really hope all goes well at the competition tomorrow, and that many hearts and lives are touched and blessed for being there to hear the excellence that springs from Brigham Young University.
Hi, Singers,
Sandefur, thanks for the lovely blog! It makes me feel like I’m in Singers again and experiencing a tour. I must say that the tour clothing has evolved most delightfully! I so enjoyed reading about Ireland and your adventures yesterday that we popped in our very favorite Irish movie, “Waking Ned Devine.” I wish I could be there! The closest I’ve ever been was England and Scotland on the Chamber Orchestra tour in 91 or 92 (has it been that long?!). Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Best of luck tomorrow night! I know you’ll sing with all the incredible technique but more importantly with the spirit. Love, Viv
Enjoying the updates! Keep ’em coming!
Thanks for the updates, Sandefur! How wonderful that the experience can be shared almost real-time.
A request from a lonely fiance and a family missing their oldest daughter: more pictures of Danielle Jorgensen, please 🙂
What wonderful pictures! Great updates. I wish I could be there to enjoy the music and the sights. Thanks for sharing the experience with us.