Platinum Boys' Choir Venice Tour 2012 | Day 2

Another fulfilling day here in Venice. After a much-needed sleep and a really hearty breakfast we set off on a bus to Venice before riding our first Vaporetto down the Grand Canal. It was really breathtaking to see those views for the first time. We took a lot of photos on that first boat trip! We arrived at San Giorgio Maggiore and climbed the tower (actually, I must admit, there was a lift!) to be greeted by panoramic views of the highest order. What a stunning place this is! A quick impromptu performance on the steps leading to the church attracted an intrigued bunch of tourists, some of whom attended our concert later in the evening. 

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After another pizza lunch (we're really getting into the Italian way) we headed to St George's Anglican Church with butterflies in our tummies. Yes, it was time for our first concert of the tour! We were very excited to see our poster on the notice board - we're famous! The boys worked really hard in the rehearsal and we perfected the balance between choir and organ. It is really important to judge the length of reverb in these large churches, so that the organist can play 'ahead of the beat', therefore creating a perfect ensemble. It's all very technical but the boys coped well and didn't complain one bit when we had to repeat phrases over and over again!

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So it was time for the concert. Programmes ready, organ working (after a short and scary bout of pipe indigestion) and boys looking really smart. We were blessed with a large and appreciative audience - it is not an exaggeration to say that it was standing room only! We were also very happy to welcome some of our own parents and families to the concert. There were a number of solo appearances by the boys this evening - congratulations to them for some really confident singing. Highlights of the concert were the world premiere of Richard Bates' Holy Is The True Light and the performance of Mozart's Ave Verum - this one really is a croud pleaser!

We are looking forward to Day 3 - some more sight-seeing, including the amazing San Marco, and a concert at the water-side church of San Stae. Stay tuned for more....!

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