Testimonials

Hear what some of our participants are saying...

Brian

"Holly, Paulo and I all attended Westminster Choir College together, so I knew Umbrian Serenades under their leadership would be a rewarding musical experience. I wasn't prepared, however, for the sensitive musicianship and refined leadership of the conductors in combination with the singers' responsiveness and willingness to push their musical limits plus the incredible spiritual power of the churches in which we sang. Standing under the centuries-old frescoes in the presence of all those saints who had sung and worshiped in the spaces, singing the music that feeds my soul, it was all I could do sometimes to master myself and concentrate on conveying the music to the audience. Singing with Umbrian Serenades was a highlight of my career and a musical experience of the caliber I have not taken part in since graduating from WCC. I've waited 19 years to make music on this level again, but I now know I won't have to wait that long for the next opportunity -- I can hardly wait for next year's music to arrive in the mail!"

Conie

"The Umbrian Serenades choral program truly is life-transforming. Every musical detail, every logistical accommodation, literally *everything* is hand selected as a labor of love. Paulo, Holly, Daniela and Pam get high marks for organizing our itinerary thoughtfully and making considerate adjustments along the way — rehearsals and free-time were well spaced with dashes of a wide variety of cultural experiences. This sets the stage for every participant to be at ease and immerse oneself in the depths of beauty, stretching ourselves in ways we only dreamed were possible. This has primed and encouraged me to nurture my own calling in the world. With supportive friends and honest hard work, your dreams can become reality. My dreams of bringing music to life, embodying it as fully as one can and sharing it with others, were realized in those two weeks."

Ben

"Umbrian Serenades was a perfect blend of musical artistry, cultural experience and gastronomic tastings in beautiful areas in central Italy. From the very beginning I could see that the trip was well planned and upon arriving I was not disappointed. Getting the chance to sing in some of the most famous churches in Italy was an experience I knew I couldn't pass up. I am a big fan of rehearsal, and I LOVED the time we were able to spend as musicians in our own little rehearsal church. Making music is not about learning notes or about singing at the same time, but about connecting with each other and communicating a vocal line as well as a text to our audience. Having the intense rehearsal time allowed us to make that connection as a group before reaching out to our audiences. I would absolutely consider returning to this program! I would say that it is worth everything you would pay for the two weeks in Italy with a great guide, fantastic directors and a perfect setting to sing some of the most beautiful music there is!"

Vicki

"The entire choral experience along with a chance to savor the culture of Italy attracted me to this unique program. I was also very intrigued by the wonderful itinerary on the website. I was very nervous in the beginning because I had limited formal vocal training, but worked very hard to prepare myself and felt challenged, yet comfortable at the same time. Performing in some wonderful churches in Italy with others who shared my love of music and singing was an amazing experience—an experience of a lifetime, I'd say! I loved being part of a group that came from all over the U.S., but grew into a very tight ensemble. Most of our concert repertoire is on YouTube and I'm proud to say I was part of that group. I came back feeling like I grew and improved as a choral singer. I participated again this summer, had an amazing time, and I hope to make next year #3! I would say this off-the-beaten-path program is for those who love to sing and are willing to work hard, be challenged, and have fun at the same time. It's one of the best life experiences I have ever had!"

Adam

"From the moment we began rehearsing in San Giovanni e Paolo in Spoleto, and heard the sound of before unacquainted voices embracing each other in this timeless music, I knew that the week before me would be nothing less than life transforming. To be culturally immersed in Umbria with a choir of devoted singers who also have a passion for quality choral music was both indescribably soul nourishing and artistically rewarding. The conductors' immense knowledge and deep love for the music shone, and the cultural experiences, while being historically unique and infinitely wonderful on their own, united us to the music and our performances in a profound and beautiful way. There existed a magic to these twelve days that escape rhetorical description and necessitates just going, being open, and unapologetically tasting life."

Dennis & Sue

"2008 was our second trip with Umbrian Serenades. We had gone on Serenades' maiden trip in 2006 and had a terrific time. Our 2008 trip was even better! The artistic highlight was our inspired concert performance in the Upper Basilica of Assisi. However, when the group visited the Sacred Woods on Monteluco Mountain and sang 'Heleluyan', there wasn't a dry eye around — that was a unique moment for both the singers and the non-singer friends! The non-singers have some open schedule days, which are ideal for easy-to-arrange day trips with Daniela's assistance; Sue and some friends went to Spello and Norcia. Sue also enjoyed speaking the Italian she was studying. There is a comfortable camaraderie, respect, and ready laughter among the "Serenaders" that makes it easy to make new friends. We look forward to returning to Umbrian Serenades. To anyone thinking about going on Umbrian Serenades, we say that this trip is ideal for any lover of music, art, history, scenery, people, food and wine who wants a genuine, romantic, in-depth experience of Italy."

More About Umbrian Serenades