Last May, alumni (between 1972 to 2022) and students traveled across three countries in Europe to share their talents under the direction of James Niblock ’97, professor of music and director of choral activities. The choir ensemble explored the unique culture of Scandinavia and performed in several historic venues.
“Getting to sing with our alumni, some from 40 years ago, gave me the opportunity to hear their stories and what their Allegheny education meant to them,” remarks NealeyClare Wheat ’25, a psychology major. “We worked and dedicated ourselves to perfecting our music and art, so finally getting to present that to audiences across the globe, and see their reactions, meant that everything we prepared for was worth it.
Set to tour Scandinavia, the choir stopped at the following locations between May 13 and 23:
- Copenhagen, Denmark
- Hillerod, Denmark
- Oslo, Norway
- Karlstad, Sweden
- Stockholm, Sweden
- Uppsala, Sweden
Numerous students received financial support from alumni to attend the life-changing trip, with some having never flown before in a plane or gone abroad.
“This tour reminded me of the impact an experience abroad can have on a student. I was lucky enough to participate in a choral music tour 20 years ago, and that experience shaped the way I view the world. It was a privilege to witness another generation of students discovering this for themselves,” says Kurt Hatcher ’07, Allegheny College sustainability coordinator. “Our first venue, the Church of Our Savior in Copenhagen, is older than the United States, and has a 17th century organ. I think we all felt honored and humbled in those moments.”
Interested in joining the flagship vocal ensemble? Click here to learn more about Allegheny College’s choirs!
