Bergen (by Public Transportation)
It was decided that we could get around Bergen on public transportation. This usually involves a little more work than charter buses and a few more frayed chaperone and staff nerves, but is worth the trade off. Being on buses, trams, and subways is the best way to break out of the tourist bubble and experience a culture’s every day way of life. We had our garment bags with our formal attire for our evening concert, and so the bus turned into the inside of a closet. See picture. It was funny to hear every Norwegian who got on the bus utter what sounded to me like some Norwegian version of “oy.”
Once we arrived in the city, there was free time in chap groups, with a variation. Trebles have been assigned tour big brothers from the Graduate Choir. The hope is that the connection between younger and older boys will continue into next season. It also gives the chaperones some support.
Early afternoon we met at the Bergen Castle and did a sing in a very cool room where Viking Kings were crowned. Right out of a movie. Then, on to rehearsal.
Our venue in Bergen was over a thousand years old. We learned that during the War of 1812, American sailors took refuge in the church for several months. Apparently they inspired Norwegians with their American brand of democracy, which in turn helped democracy take root in Bergen and then all of Norway. The sexton at the church said that, with all those American boys in the space, he could see those sailors camping out and inspiring the locals with tales of freedom. The smell was the same I bet.
Bergen – Bus, Rehearsal, and Market
After a very good rehearsal we had a delicious meal at a nice restaurant around the corner. Very expensive. But worth it. We had the second floor to ourselves, where a buffet of salad, chicken skewers, bread and salad were served. We had sixty very happy boys. They deserved a good meal. They’ve been doing great on every level.
The audience at the concert was small, but extremely appreciative. I can’t remember a crowd that was so thoroughly enchanted by the boys. They sang extremely well – the best in recent memory. The setting inspired them I believe. The nine foot grand piano didn’t hurt either, nor did the risers which gave the boys plenty of room to hear themselves and each other and to let their bodies sing with their voices. And of course, singing every day, the boys really start to put out polished performances no matter the venue. It’s one of the great joys of tour that you have the same group of boys day after day, without soccer practice, play practice, and the like getting in the way of musical progress. A level of ensemble takes hold that is impossible at home. The boys become in sync, with each other, with their directors, with themselves. And that is a gift to all – including audiences.
After the concert, the Grads headed up the funicular for a sunset above Bergen (gorgeous) and a late night run to McDonalds. You never saw a McDonalds as quaint as the one in Bergen. No golden arches! This morning the Trebles are headed up to the funicular while the Grads sleep in. VERY HAPPY GRADS.
More later…
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