Happy Summer Solstice! We started the longest day of the year off with another fairly early start, picking singers up at the same two locations as yesterday. The kids were sad to leave their host families, but eager to get on the road to Herning. Anna pointed out her host mother’s bakery on the way out of town, which was fun for all of us to see. The singers had plenty to discuss on the quick one-hour bus trip to the Energimuseet – the Danish Museum of Energy.

We arrived at the several building, mostly outdoor museum around 10am. The Electricity Museum is a world of activities, experiences, games, good storytelling, and fun objects to interact with. The 3.500 square meters of exhibition gave all of us plenty to explore. We learned about how the use of electricity has changed our everyday life, how electricity is produced, and how form, design, and comfort have changed during time as a result of different forms of energy. We got to see Denmark’s biggest hydroelectric power station, Tangeværket, which has been producing electricity for more than 80 years! At noon, we all congregated at one of the buildings for our very own “lightning show” put on by one of the guides at the museum. Several of our singers, including Ruby, Anna, Jack, Jan, and chaperone Chris volunteered to take part in experiments and fun participatory experiences (ask your singers if they have videos to share!). After the show, we all enjoyed a picnic lunch. Singers were happy to chow down on sandwiches, and tons of fresh summer fruit.

We had one more bus ride (and mandatory nap/rest period), which took us to Herning. We arrived at the Singing School, where we were met by the Midvest Pigekor, our hosts for the next three nights. Bob and their conductor, Dorte, led a joint rehearsal, part of which was in the Singing School, and part of which was at the church where our joint concert will be held on Saturday.

After a long day filled with sight seeing, rehearsal, and road tripping, singers were eager to meet their host singers for the next three nights. There were some loud squeals and hugs, and they were off! Tomorrow, Ensemble will get to spend the entire day with their host families, exploring Herning, and even attending school with their host singers.

Videos from the Energy Museum: https://youtu.be/oYcjvuv5ctQ https://youtu.be/9CCPivB77pg

Click through the slideshow below for highlights: