The Briton singers gathered in the airport on their way to Budapest.  Photos by Doug Rose

Briton Singers Make Music in Budapest
Director Doug Rose Reports on International Choir Competition
Wednesday, April 4, 2007

Hello from Hungary!

The students have been model citizens - just a delightful group to travel with. On Monday, we performed at the ‘Palace of the Arts’ for the formal competition. Even though I arranged the transportation beforehand, something got messed up, language-wise. We did all get there for the competition itself, though some of us missed the all-important warm-up before the competition.

Because of the taxi fiasco and its effect on our performance, we will probably not advance into final rounds, which is too bad. However, on the bright side, our students heard some great choirs yesterday - and some GREAT repertoire. We sang again with two of those choirs Tuesday evening at a “Friendship concert” at the Reformed Church in Budapest, and I must say, the Briton Singers really gave their finest performance. We were last on the program, and got extended applause -- several times. They were a real hit!! I was very proud of them.

This particular performance was among the very best I have heard from the Briton Singers in the 11 years I have been at Albion. I am particularly happy that this concert happened, especially after the disappointing day we had yesterday. I know that the students felt proud of themselves as well - especially since they received much longer applause than the choir from Slovenia that preceded them this evening. This choir from Slovenia was incredible - it was the choir that I think may have given the finest performance at the festival yesterday. I only wish tonight’s Briton Singers performance was judged as part of the competition, because they definitely were as good tonight.

Please be proud of your Albion College representatives in Budapest - I certainly am!

Cheers, Doug