The University of Montevallo delivers a vibrant and creative energy with a rich small-town charm. It provides a superb educational background for students to experience the world, and it is time to share that message again through international travel and performance. Performing abroad offers students experiences that cannot be replicated in the classroom: sharing music across cultures, singing in historic and inspiring venues, and developing a broader understanding of the world through meaningful cultural exchange.

As the Department of Music and Theatre continues to prepare the next generation of musicians and educators, an international choir tour will reaffirm Montevallo's commitment to artistic excellence while creating unforgettable memories and strengthening bonds that make choral singing such a transformative experience. It is time for the University of Montevallo Choir to once again represent the university on the world stage.

This trip, priced very affordably, offers UM students and faculty a unique opportunity to visit the historic cities of Berlin, Leipzig, and Prague and compete in their first international competition in Wernigerode, Germany.

From the cosmopolitan energy of Berlin and the medieval charm of Wernigerode to the breathtaking beauty of Prague and the rich musical heritage of Leipzig, this tour blends world-class performance opportunities with cultural discovery. Join the University of Montevallo Choir for an unforgettable musical journey through the heart of Central Europe. Sing in inspiring historic venues, explore cities that shaped the course of music and history, and experience the power of choral music to connect people across borders. This is more than a concert tour, it is an opportunity to represent the University of Montevallo with distinction while creating memories that will last a lifetime.

The University of Montevallo Concert Choir is the premier choral ensemble of the University of Montevallo and is composed of outstanding undergraduate and graduate singers representing a wide variety of academic disciplines. Selected through a competitive audition process, the ensemble is dedicated to the highest standards of choral artistry and performs a diverse repertoire spanning the Renaissance to contemporary works, including major masterworks, a cappella literature, spirituals, folk traditions, and newly commissioned compositions.

Dr. Melinda S. Doyle is Professor of Music and Director of Choral Activities at the University of Montevallo, where she conducts the Concert Choir and University Chorus and teaches courses in choral conducting and choral methods. Recognized for her artistic leadership and commitment to excellence in choral music, she has led ensembles in performances throughout the United States and Europe, earning invitations to perform for state and regional conferences, prestigious festivals, and renowned concert venues.

Group flight departs from Atlanta International airport on May 15, 2027, traveling to Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER).

Since 1999 the International Johannes Brahms Choir Festival and Competition has been attracting choirs and music ensembles from all over the world. The host city of Wernigerode captivates visitors with its unique charm of medieval architecture and with its musical characteristics: It is home of three renowned German choirs.

The historical town hall and the timber-framed city center give the festival its unique setting. At the same time dedicated locals acting as individual choir assistants add a sense of familiarity to the event.

The competition, named after Johannes Brahms, puts a musical focus on this German composer and the German romantics of the 19th century.

Welcome to Leipzig, one of Germany's most vibrant and inspiring cultural cities. For centuries, Leipzig has stood at the crossroads of commerce, education, and the arts, earning an international reputation as a center of music, scholarship, and innovation. Today, the city beautifully blends its rich historical heritage with a youthful, creative energy, making it one of Germany's most dynamic destinations.

For choir members and music lovers, Leipzig holds a special place in history. This is the city where Johann Sebastian Bach spent the final twenty-seven years of his life as Cantor of St. Thomas Church, composing many of his greatest sacred works and shaping one of the world's most enduring musical traditions. It is also the home of the world-renowned St. Thomas Boys Choir (Thomanerchor), founded in 1212, and the historic Gewandhaus Orchestra, one of Europe's oldest and most celebrated orchestras.

Welcome to Prague, one of Europe's most beautiful and historically significant capitals. Nestled along the banks of the Vltava River, Prague is renowned for its remarkably preserved medieval architecture, vibrant cultural life, and rich musical heritage. Often called the "City of a Hundred Spires," the city offers a captivating blend of Gothic, Baroque, Renaissance, and Art Nouveau architecture that reflects more than a thousand years of history.

As you explore Prague's winding cobblestone streets, you'll encounter iconic landmarks such as the majestic Prague Castle, the historic Charles Bridge, the Old Town Square with its famous Astronomical Clock, and the charming Jewish Quarter.

One of the highlights of the tour will be the opportunity to perform in one of Prague's magnificent historic cathedrals. Surrounded by soaring Gothic architecture, centuries-old stained glass, and remarkable acoustics, singers will experience the unique privilege of sharing their music in a sacred space that has inspired worship and artistry for generations. Performing in such a setting offers more than an exceptional concert venue—it provides a memorable cultural and spiritual experience, connecting performers with the rich musical traditions that have shaped Prague as one of Europe's great centers of sacred and choral music.

May 17 2027 Monday - Travel Day. Montevallo - Atlanta - Berlin

May 18 2027, Tuesday - Berlin, Germany

May 19, 2027 - Wednesday. Travel from Prague to Wernigerode, Germany. Opening night of competition! Opening Concert!

May 20, 2027 - Thursday. Competition activities; Friendship concerts, performances in Wernigerode, Gala Concert

May 21, 2027 - Friday. Stage rehearsals, evaluations, competition events.

May 22, 2027 - Saturday. Grand Prize Competition, Closing Concert and Open Singing Event

May 23, 2027 - Sunday. Friendship Concerts, Departure from Wernigerode, travel to Leipzig

May 24, 2027 - Monday. Walking tour of Leipzig, free day.

May 25, 2027 - Tuesday. Travel to Prague.

May 26, 2027 - Tuesday. Walking tour of Prague, evening concert.

May 27, 2027, Thursday. Travel day, Prague - Atlanta - Montevallo.