Vienna Choral Society Strikes Chord with Sister Chorus in England

In July 1996, the Vienna Choral Society went on an 8-day concert tour in England. Several years before this, a talented British tenor began singing with two different choral groups as he travelled on business. This British connection resulted in a liaison which brought Gaudeamus, a 25-voice choir from Essex (in southeast England), to America in the Spring of '95, and sent the Vienna Choral Society to England in '96.

The two groups performed a joint concert at St. Saviour's Church in Westcliff-on-Sea on June 22. The following morning, the Vienna Choral Society sang at a church service, and later in the week gave two concerts in other area churches, one dating to the 12th century. "The thrill of singing in churches hundreds of years old can't be surpassed -- the acoustics are fantastic," said one Vienna Choral Society member. "The small size of the churches sometimes made positioning the choir a challenge, but that same intimacy really enhanced our performances."

There wasn't time for extensive sightseeing, yet the VCS members managed to squeeze in visits to nearby London and other famous areas. A day-long bus tour to the country villages of Clare and Finchingfield where VCS performed later that evening, enabled the singers to explore quaint areas beyond the bounds of London.

VCS members loved experiencing the "real" England, being graciously housed by members of Gaudeamus and friends. "Living with these wonderful, witty, hospitable people was an experience we'll never forget. We were treated like family and truly became a part of their lives while there."

The two choral groups came together for a BBQ, a brunch, and a joint dinner at a local restaurant. At the end of the trip, half of the 34 singers and spouses returned home while others extended their vacations and took off for other parts of the British Isles and Europe. By the time of the final dinner, plans were already underway for a return visit to Washington, D.C. by Gaudeamus -- for the common chord of music had forged a lasting friendship.

Link to info on Southend.

Gaudeamus Returns to Washington, D.C.!

We were lucky enough to have our "sister chorus", Gaudeamus, visit us again on 30 May, 1999. The group's schedule went something like

    • Mon. May 31 - Bar-B-Que with VCS from 3-6p.m. at the Leggett's home in Great Falls.
    • Tues. June 1 - Free day.
    • Wed. June 2 - Bus Trip to Annapolis from 8:30 to 3:30. Evening rehearsal at Vienna Baptist Church.
    • Thurs. June 3 - Free day; evening dinner in Leesburg for Gaudeamus folks and their hosts.
    • Fri. June 4 - Free until dress rehearsal in evening
    • Sat. June 5 - Andrew Chapel United Methodist Church Choir and full orchestra joined us in two Te Deums (by Kodaly and Verdi), plus a newly-commissioned work by Washington's own Daniel Gawthrup. (Daniel Gawthrup attended.)
    • Sun. June 5 - Gaudeamus attended and sang at a Sunday morning concert at Andrew Chapel United Methodist Church. Afternoon departure back to London.

    During their "free" time, individual hosts took guests to places such as Mt. Vernon, Charlottesville, local area parks, and downtown Washington, D.C.

    David Austin
    (10 October 1932 - 31 May 1999)

    David Austin started Gaudeamus in Essex, England in 1988. David was an accomplished director, organist, an avid composer, and he arranged a number of the Gaudeamus pieces. Apart from teaching music, he was also an organist and choirmaster at St. Saviours in Leigh-on-Sea, Essex, England. David chose the Latin name "Gaudeamus" as he felt that this aptly conveyed the message "Let Us Rejoice." David died in May,1999 directing a joint rehearsal with VCS, and we will not let a man of his warmth and many talents be forgotten.