Singing to Shanghai, Belting to Beijing

The Gonzaga University Chamber Choir traveled 5,773 miles to China during Spring Break to share their gift of music internationally. Photo courtesy GU music department.

By Mary Jantsch
Class of 2013

Stepping off the plane into Shanghai, the Gonzaga University Chamber Choir had just traveled 5,773 miles. They were going to see the Forbidden City, the Great Wall, indulge in foreign spices and culture, and most importantly share their gift of music internationally.

Traveling to China over spring break the Chamber Choir performed at three venues: Shanghai University, Jiatong University and a music conservatory in Beijing.

The Chamber Choir has been a tradition at Gonzaga since the University was founded in 1887. Its newest tradition is traveling abroad. Photo courtesy GU music department.

Beginning at Shanghai University, they sang a Chinese folk song called, “Crescent Moon Now Floating Bye” to the university choir. The Shanghai Choir then shared their rendition, ending in a collaborative piece between both choirs. The next stop at Jiatong University in Shanghai drew more than 1,000 people. The last stop in Beijing rounded out the trip.

The Chamber Choir has been a tradition since Gonzaga was established in 1887. Its newest tradition is traveling abroad. In May 2004, the Choir visited France, where their music echoed off the walls of the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, Chartres Cathedral and the Abbey Church at Mont Saint-Michel.

Breaking with tradition, with the help of Director Irene Messoloras, the Choir more than doubled from 70 members last spring to its current total of 164. Now back home, the Choir is working on “Mozart Requiem in D minor,” which they will perform at 7:30 p.m., Monday, April 19