Sunday, June 7, 2009

BUSY COUPLE OF DAYS!































































































































































































Whew....Crazy busy these past couple of days!!!



















The day after seeing Christ the Redeemer, we went to Sugar Loaf (Pao de Acucar) We went up in glass walled cable cars to the top of the mountain for an amazing view! I have only been up that high in a plane!






































Then our first concert in Brazil at the Candelaria Cathedral...It has be seen...one of the most amazing Cathedrals I have ever seen. Concert was well received and the students had a great time!






































On Thursday, we spent the day working with the kids from the Cidade de Deus (City of God) slum. Made famous by the movie City of God. The Yale Alumni Chorus sponsors a choir here and we went to do some more work with them. The choir is from the community center CASA DE SANTA ANA - run by an amazing woman named Maria.






































I had the great opportunity to go into the slum with our cameraman during the day..... This is one of the most dangerous places in Rio...these slums are run by drug dealers and murderers.....Right now it is under police occupation, so we were allowed to go in...The poverty and living conditions are overwhelming. Witnessing how these kids live, was life changing... That evening we performed with the kids and had dinner with them....Having seen how they live and what they have to deal with, and then watching them have an incredible time singing and dancing with the Glee Club, I was speechless and could not hold it together during the concert. We had dinner with the kids after the concert at a local restaurant........What a great evening, singing and joking, no barriers...they went past the language.




































































On Friday, up early and to rehearsal with the Brazilian Symphony, voices are tired and folks are sick with colds, but they made it through! That evening a concert in Ipanema...beautiful church and a well attended concert.






































Last night we opened our concert....Haydn's Creation with the Brazilian Symphony.....Candelaria cathedral was packed with standing room only and the Glee Club performed at top of their game!






































Today, barring the weather, we are off to the legendary HIPPY MARKET, a large flea market and arts market of local talents, then the second night of the Creation and off to Campinas tomorrow!

2 comments:

  1. 3:58 AM?????? OMG! Are you exhausted?? The blog was great. I was very anxious to know that you guys got out of that area safely. This tour really sounds like the best one ever!
    The pictures are wonderful and it looks like everyone is having a ball. Hope everyone is feeling better - especially you my love!!! Dinner was fun last night - came home and fell sound asleep! TOday I am attacking your office:) Wish me luck!
    I love you and miss you!

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  2. We really appreciate the fact that you are still awake at almost 4 am and posting pictures for us. They are amazing. I had no idea that Yale had connections with choirs in other parts of the world. You certainly got to view and visit the extremes. Looking forward to hearing stories and seeing more pics. Stay well and for heaven sakes---get some sleep!!!

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