The University of Miami Frost Chorale: Where the Sun will never go down ...

Likely recital venue: Notre Dame Cathedral, Paris

Notre Dame Cathedral, or Notre Dame de Paris, located in Paris, stands as the official chair of the Archdiocese of Paris. The Notre Dame Cathedral is widely considered one of the finest examples of French Gothis architecture in France and throughout Europe. It was one of the very first Gothic cathedrals, and its construction spanned the entire Gothic period. Its sculptures and stained glass windows show a heavy influence of naturalism, unlike that of the earlier Romanesque architecture.

The cathedral suffered extensive desecration during the radical phase of the French Revolution in the 1790s, during which much of its religious imagery was damaged or destroyed. An extensive restoration project was completed in the 19^th century, returning the cathedral to its original state.

Although several organs have been installed in the cathedral throughout its existence, many were inadequate for the size and acoustical structure of the building. The current organ, installed in the 19^th century, is the master work of Aristide Cavaille-Coll. This organ boasts 7,800 pipes, 900 of them classified as historical, 111 stops, five 56-key manuals, and a 32-key pedal board. A two-year restoration of the instrument was completed in 1992, making the organ completely computerized under three local area networks.

 
The Notre Dame Cathedral bell towers house five bells. The great bourdon bell, Emmanuel, is located in the south tower, weighs just over 13 tons, and tolls to mark the hours of the day and various special occasions. On the night of August 24, 1944, as the Ile de la Cite was taken by an advance column of French and Allied armored troops and elements of the Resistance, it was the tolling of the Emmanuel that alerted the city that liberation was under way.




Photos courtesy of Wikipedia and Superstock.com

Marina HS Choirs 2012 Paris and Spain Performance Tour Itinerary

Welcome to the Incantato Tour blog for the 2012 Marina HS Choirs Performance Tour to Paris and Spain! The itinerary is a work in progress, dates and details are subject to change as this journey becomes more and more your tour and to enhance the overall experience. Enjoy!

Day 1, Friday, April 6 

• Overnight flight to Europe 
  

Day 2, Saturday, April 7: Bienvenue a Paris 

• As you arrive in the evening, you will see Paris at its best on your way from the airport to your hotel. Also known as “The city of lights”, France’s capital is stunning when illuminated. 
• Your Incantato Tour Manager will assist with the transfer, check-in and also be your host for the first French dinner.
  

Day 3, Sunday, April 8: Easter Sunday Celebrations & Sightseeing    

• After a good night of sleep, start with an orientation tour of Paris‘ major attractions, then attend Easter Sunday Mass at Notre-Dame Cathedral followed by a recital opportunity for your choir. 
• The afternoon is at leisure for exploring and an optional visit to the Louvre Museum (cost not included). 
• Evening concert opportunity.
  

Day 4, Monday, April 9: Paris Exchange — Overnight train to Spain

• Enjoy another full day in Paris starting with a cultural exchange and more time to see the sights. Your group will take a walk along the Seine and may picnic in one of the many beautiful parks. 
• Overnight stay at the Evergreen Hotel
  

Day 5, Tuesday, April 10: Bienvenido a España — Scenic route via Bilbao to Oviedo 

• Meet your new tour coach and driver, then stop in Bilbao - a buzzing city of arts and music where you must try the local specialty Pinxtos. 
• Overnight stay in Bilbao at the Abba Parque Hotel

Day 6, Wednesday, April 11: Oviedo sightseeing, exchange and concert

• Transfer to Oviedo
• The churches and monuments in and around Oviedo, the ancient capital of Asturias, are a collective World Heritage site and the city is also home to the Prince of Asturias Royal Conservatory of Music. 
• After a guided tour of the city‘s many highlights, you‘ll meet with students from the conservatory and prepare for the joint concert tomorrow.

Day 7, Thursday, April 12: Oviedo Highlight Concert   

• Visit nearby Gijon and the famous Cova-donga Music School (recital opportunity), then return to Oviedo to prepare for your joint highlight concert at the Auditorio Principe Felipe followed by a get together with the local singers.
• Overnight in the Husa Hotel in Oviedo

Day 8, Friday, April 13: Via beautiful Burgos to Madrid    

• Visit the city that is home to Spain’s finest Gothic Cathedral (recital) and experience the region of Castilla-LaMancha famous for its windmills, then head to Madrid.
• Overnight in Madrid

Day 9, Saturday, April 14: Madrid in-depth — Farewell performance and dinner    

• Take in all the sights of Spain’s capital city, from the Royal Palace and Gran Via to the famous squares, then present a finale concert or be the featured guest choir in one of the major cathedrals followed by tapas farewell dinner.

Day 10, Sunday, April 15: Return to USA

• Return home with memories to last a lifetime!