Today, the choir began their day by practicing under the palm trees in the main downtown park, the Plaza Colón. The park is across the street from the concert venue at the Antofagasta Cathedral. Although the facade of this cathedral appears modest from the street, once inside, it opens up to this gorgeous space with vaulted ceilings and numerous shrines and adornments along the sides of the cathedral. The space adjacent to the Cathedral – where the choir put the final touches on their performance – are brightly decorated and inviting. During the concert, we recognized the homestays, and sang “Si Vas Para Chile” to the delight of the crowd, many of whom sang along.
The choir capped the day off spending the afternoon and evening with their homestay families. They had a great time! Some of the cool activities that they shared were Christmastime on the beach where some swam in the Pacific for the first time, watching the latest Star Wars movie (in Spanish with English subtitles), checking out an auto club, not to mention the many pools, barbecues, and family gatherings that they experienced. One of the joys of the tour experience is time the boys spend with their homestay families. Many of them are using their high school Spanish, and having great conversations with their homestays.
Next up…a journey into the driest place on the planet – the Atacama Desert!
Antofasta Cathedral. Day of Keystone State Boychoir singing at at Antofagasta Cathedral , Antofagasta, Chile on December 19, 2015. (Photo by E Bryan Crenshaw III).
Inside the Cathedral.
Ironing out a few last minute details just prior to concert on the grounds of the cathedral.
The crowd joins the choir singing “Si Vas Para Chile,” and, by the look on their faces, are enjoying the song tremendously.
The crowd shows Andy, our accompanist, the appreciation he so richly deserves.
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