Santa Rosa Children’s Chorus taking European tour

Twenty-five young singers from Sonoma County will bring their musical talents and goodwill to some of the oldest, most historic cathedrals and palaces in Europe during an upcoming performance tour.

The concert group of the nonprofit Santa Rosa Children’s Chorus will sing at engagements in Germany, Austria and the Czech Republic during a 12-day tour departing June 6.

Venues include Wormser Dom, a Romanesque German basilica dating to the 12th century; the Mondsee Cathedral outside Salzburg, Austria, where the wedding scene in “The Sound of Music” was filmed; and Haydn Hall in Esterhazy Palace, regarded as one of the top concert halls in the world.

The choral members, ages 11 to 17, also will have an opportunity for some sightseeing, with a cruise along the Rhine River among their plans. The trip represents countless hours of fundraising.

The European tour is a highlight for many of the singers, most of whom will be visiting the continent for the first time.

“For me, it’s not simply a matter of going on a trip and experiencing the wonders of the world, it’s about the fulfillment of all the hard work and dedication I have put into the chorus for a significant portion of my life,” Lindy Wandel, 16, said. “This is a highly anticipated trip.”

Performers will sing sacred Renaissance pieces, American spirituals and folk songs of several countries. The chorus sings a cappella and in several languages; performances will range from 15 minutes to an hour.

Now in its 32nd year, the chorus was founded by Juelle Hinman as a professional-level, non-denominational group. It has been under the artistic leadership of Choral Director Carol Menke since 1992.

The chorus is open by audition to youth 7 to 13 from throughout Sonoma County. In addition to its concert group, the 50-member chorus includes training and intermediate groups.

The European tour is part of a tradition of performances outside Sonoma County. The chorus has performed throughout California, in Seattle and British Columbia, and twice before in Europe.

It visited Italy in 1998 and Germany and Austria in 2003.

Locally, the chorus has presented numerous concerts and performed with professional groups, including the Santa Rosa Symphony.

The chorus will present “Spring Celebration,” a full choral concert, at 4 p.m. May 14 at the Glaser Center, 547 Mendocino Ave., Santa Rosa. Tickets, sold in advance and at the door, are $15 for adults, $10 for children and seniors.

For details, or to make a donation, call 527-8813 or visit srchildrenschorus.com or facebook.com/santa-rosa-childrens-chorus.