Day 5: Singing and Shopping!

Day five!! After sleeping in a tiny bit, the singers grabbed some hotel breakfast, and we embarked on a tour of San Jose. Our couriers gave us a bus tour of the city, and then we walked around some of the parks in the middle of the city, learning about the history of San José. Our tour guide Alejandro captivated the group’s attention with historical facts, specifically noting a monument memorializing the Costa Rican citizens who protected the values of their country against mercenaries from Tennessee who intended to bring slavery to Costa Rica. Alejandro specifically noted that this may not be taught in history classes, and it was enlightening for the singers to hear his perspective.

We went to a beautiful food court for lunch, where singers were able to enjoy traditional Costa Rican food as well as a wide variety of other cuisines. Across the street there were some neat stores, so many of the singers enjoyed perusing the vintage clothes and small boutiques. Genevieve found a really cool shirt at the vintage shop, spending the rest of her money. (JK, Mom!!)

Our next stop was the Teatro Eugene O Neil, where both choirs had rehearsal time to familiarize themselves with the space before performance. The concert was stunning, with Ensemble and Ancora both bringing tears to audience members. Ensemble performed Canticum Novum, Gritos, Factum est silentium, and Nagasaki, which elicited a rousing ovation. Ancora shared a musical journey from welcome to farewell, singing The Moon-Welcome, Faith is the bird that feels the light, In Anchor Bay (with great dance moves!) and Abuelita Says Goodbye. They performed alongside the Coros del Instituto Músico Vocal del Occidente, our newfound friends from San Ramon! The concert concluded with the singers from San Ramón joining us for Homeward Bound and a rendition of Congori Shangó, complete with dancing led by one of their singers.

We then returned to our hotel for dinner, which was also our farewell meal with our couriers, since we are parting ways with them tomorrow for the start of the festival. Everyone is looking forward to the next few days of music and connecting with the other choirs, who we will meet at the Inaugural Concert tomorrow evening!

Click here for today’s photos and videos: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/zxl5a0fq3tcp0ft/AACVaa92Imfm2a_kmn0iHow_a?dl=0