ISS Choir Dazzles Swiss Audiences

From centuries-old cathedrals and charming hotels to Alpine meadows and even the occasional airline terminal, the Indian Springs School Chamber Choir regaled audiences large and small during its recent 10-day tour as part of the American Celebration of Music in Switzerland.

 

Led by Music Director (and ISS alumnus) Dr. Tim Thomas ’67 and accompanied by award-winning pianist and Instrumental Music Director Dr. Alina Voicu, the 35-member group performed in Zurich, Lucerne, Einseideln, Wengen, Bern, and Interlaken.

 

When a faulty plane air-conditioning system caused a five-hour delay at the Atlanta airport, the choir entertained fellow passengers by singing the spiritual “Lonesome Road” while waiting at the gate. The choir's remarkably varied repertoire also included mystically beautiful a cappella works such as Norwegian composer Ola Gjeilo’s setting of “Ubi Caritas,” catchy pop songs including “When I’m 64” by The Beatles, major choral works like Franz Schubert’s “Mass in G,” and traditional songs from around the globe.

Accompanied by Director Gareth Vaughan, his wife, Dorrie Fuchs, and more than a dozen parents and faculty members, Chamber Choir members were inspired between performances by towering waterfalls, magnificent hikes, stunning Alpine views, cog-wheel train rides, fields of wildflowers, mountaintop sledding, and, of course, mouthwatering chocolate.