We woke up early to another delicious breakfast in our hotel, looking forward to the prospect of driving a a short distance to the walled city of Lucca, and performing for a choir of students our age. The scenery of Tuscany is beautiful, and as we drove through the countryside, we were surrounded by nurseries and vineyards. It certainly set the scene for a true taste of Italy.
In Lucca we were greeted by the director of the Choir, and were quickly ushered into the classically walled school, that was enhanced by a generous courtyard and Juliet balconies. Before we saw the Choir, we heard them. Accompanied by a string quartet, they were massive in size and sound. They performed many traditional Italian songs, which we enjoyed immensely. Afterwards, the Grifftones and Chorus performed our repertoire.
We were all treated to pizza after the performances and we made many friends. We learned that all of the students attended a musically-focused school, and most played multiple instruments. It was inspiring being surrounded by so many serious musicians who were our age.
After lunch, we were given the rest of the afternoon free to enjoy Lucca. Many of us took advantage of the opportunity to rent bicycles and cruise the walls surrounding the city, and get to know it on a more intimate level. Shopping and gelato were also popular, and many of us were given tours by the local students.
In the evening we returned to Florence, and were given the night free to get dinner and have one last night before we made our way to Rome. Most of us met up with the students from our first school performance, and enjoyed a later check-in while making many new memories with our Italian friends.
In Lucca we were greeted by the director of the Choir, and were quickly ushered into the classically walled school, that was enhanced by a generous courtyard and Juliet balconies. Before we saw the Choir, we heard them. Accompanied by a string quartet, they were massive in size and sound. They performed many traditional Italian songs, which we enjoyed immensely. Afterwards, the Grifftones and Chorus performed our repertoire.
We were all treated to pizza after the performances and we made many friends. We learned that all of the students attended a musically-focused school, and most played multiple instruments. It was inspiring being surrounded by so many serious musicians who were our age.
After lunch, we were given the rest of the afternoon free to enjoy Lucca. Many of us took advantage of the opportunity to rent bicycles and cruise the walls surrounding the city, and get to know it on a more intimate level. Shopping and gelato were also popular, and many of us were given tours by the local students.
In the evening we returned to Florence, and were given the night free to get dinner and have one last night before we made our way to Rome. Most of us met up with the students from our first school performance, and enjoyed a later check-in while making many new memories with our Italian friends.