Chapel Choir have just returned from a hugely successful tour to Belgium.
Travelling by coach through the Channel Tunnel, the choir arrived in Belgium just in time for a tour of a chocolate factory - what better way to start? The children even had the opportunity to create their own chocolate bars.
The second day was spent in Bruges, where a boat ride provided a fascinating view of the city. The first concert, in Bruges Cathedral, was proof of just how hard the choir has worked over the past few weeks, with many tourists commenting on how professional the choir sounded. The following day the choir ventured to Brussels, where they gave a concert to a large audience at Brussels Cathedral, before spending time exploring the Grand-Place and stocking up on chocolate souvenirs!
The last concert of the tour, at Ypres Cathedral, came after the choir spent time at the Passchendaele War Memorial and graveyard. A sobering experience for all, but an important one nonetheless. The concert was a great success, and after dinner at a local restaurant it was time to robe up again. This time the choir provided the music at the Last Post Ceremony at the Menin Gate, on the outskirts of the city. This ceremony, which has happened daily since the end of the First World War, was a very moving occasion, with the choir on splendid form. It also gave two of our choir members the opportunity to lay a wreath on behalf of the school community.
A wonderful week for all concerned, and we look forward to the next tour, wherever that might be…
