Katherine P. Frank Chancellor | University of Wisconsin-Stout
Katherine P. Frank Chancellor | University of Wisconsin-Stout
Thirteen University of Wisconsin-Stout Chamber Choir members embarked on a tour of Sweden, performing alongside local university choirs and engaging with the community. The tour included collaborations with choirs from Stockholm's KTH Royal Institute of Technology and Linköping University.
Choral Director Jerry Hui expressed hope that the tour would help students gain global confidence and a sense of belonging in the international community. “Multiple performances of the same program for different audiences are an invaluable experience as singers. There are so many beautiful venues with wonderful acoustics that can easily be the highlight of our students’ time as choral singers,” he stated.
The choir's initial performance took place at St. Johannes Kyrka in Stockholm, featuring a joint concert titled “Come and Stay Awhile” with the Kongl. Teknologkören choir from the Royal Institute of Technology. Denajah Smith, a senior, shared her enthusiasm for the music and camaraderie within the choir. “Music is a form of expression. It helps us to navigate the world around us as well as share our history and culture with those who want to learn more about the world,” she explained.
The group experienced cultural highlights such as a tour of RIT and the Stockholm metro system, often referred to as the world’s longest art gallery. Additionally, they visited the Vasa Museum, home to a 17th-century warship, and performed at St. Lars Kyrka in Linköping, including a brief concert for municipal dignitary Lars Vikinge.
Helen Wilson, another choir member, remarked on the universal nature of music after attending a rehearsal of the Linköping University Male Voice Choir. “Music is found everywhere and in everything. It has a way of bringing us all together, regardless of language barriers,” she commented.
While exploring Linköping, students visited local establishments and shared meals with fellow choirs, including a traditional Swedish meatball dinner. Wilson noted the cultural ties between her food science major and music, emphasizing the global diversity inherent in both fields.
The diverse modes of transportation used throughout their journey, including a Stockholm ferry, offered opportunities to appreciate Sweden’s scenic beauty. Smith encouraged others to participate in similar experiences. “This is a life experience like no other that I have ever had, and I am grateful for the opportunity to go on such an amazing journey,” she said.
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