May 16 - Hailey Hughes & Anna Golebiewski

Today was a fantastic day. The past two days for me have been just about staying awake but today I truly felt as if I was immersed in the Florence culture. I had my first espresso this morning at a café, and then we went to our first rehearsal this morning. Honestly, the rehearsal we had today was the best one this year so far. The music we created today sent chills down my spine and reminded me why I joined choir in the first place. The passion I have for music was rediscovered today after singing one of our pieces, Mural of Change. After rehearsal, we had an amazing workshop session with Susanna Rigacci. Individual singers brought a piece and performed it and she gave them tips and told them what they need to fix. She was very constructive but also very kind and encouraging and even though I didn’t sing, I got a lot from the session. The highlight of my day would have to be just walking all around Florence and getting gelato with my friends. Today has been an amazing day and I can’t wait to see what the rest of this trip brings.

- Hailey Hughes

Buongiorno!

Today was such a fantastic music-filled day! We began the day with a wonderful rehearsal at the Gonzaga in Florence Campus to prepare for our press release performance tomorrow. The afternoon was full of even more music at a wonderful master class with Susanna Rigacci at Accademia Europa di Firenze. So many incredible soloists sang, and had the opportunity to be coached by her. The entire workshop was full of beautiful music, laughter, and rounds of applause. Listening to her coaching and to our soloists singing was the highlight of the day, and truly a once in a lifetime experience. In the evening we had a welcome dinner with the dancers and our special guest, Alec Roth. It was a lovely way to end the day--which for many of us was the first day we weren't jetlagged.

The sights of Florence are so beautiful and we are having a wonderful time enjoying the scenery as we walk everywhere!

Ciao!

- Anna Golebiewski