St. Stephen’s very own orchestra traveled to Europe this past spring break, not only immersing themselves in culture but also getting the opportunity to perform abroad. They made their way across Germany and the Czech Republic, exploring the magical cities of Hamburg, Dresden, Berlin, and Prague. They performed a concert in each city, open to the public Prague was their most popular stop, and each night consisted of famous European classical pieces and a tango, captivating audiences with each performance. This trip was equal parts exploration and music, as the group spent 1-3 days per city and fully immersed themselves in local culture, all while ending the night with a breathtaking performance. 

Alina, a junior and pianist for the St Stephens orchestra, states: 

“I absolutely loved spending time with friends while exploring cities I’ve never been to. I especially enjoyed performing with friends because it was a good opportunity to connect as an orchestra.”

She also noted how performing back-to-back in various cities was both exciting and challenging for the group, “rehearsing 2-3 hours earlier than the concert” as soon as they got to a new city.

Visiting historic landmarks, such as the Berlin Wall, was definitely a highlight of the trip, as well as the several museums they went to, such as the Brahms museum, a vintage car museum, and numerous art museums. The group also had a lovely British tour manager, Tim, who guided the group across the two countries, making sure to teach them every random thing they needed to know. 

This orchestra trip was, without a doubt, a group favorite, as they got to spend their spring break doing what they love, visiting cities they’ve never been to, and spending time with their friends. This trip is one of several trips hosted by the school, but it’s the first time St. Stephen’s orchestra has gotten to tour Europe in many years, and definitely not the last.