PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC :: JUNE 18-23, 2018

A CAPPELLA ABROAD

ARTISTIC DIRECTOR

DR. RYAN BEEKENDirector of Choral StudiesIndiana University of Pennsylvania

THE SETTING

THE ARTISTIC EXPERIENCE Peter Christian Lutkin, dean of the Northwestern University School of Music, helped popularize a cappella music in the United States by founding the Northwestern A Cappella Choir in 1906. It was the first permanent organization of its kind in America. More recently, a cappella music was popularized by media hits such as the TV show The Sing-Off, the musical Perfect Harmony, and the musical comedy film series Pitch Perfect. The A Cappella Abroad choral event in Prague is dedicated to celebrate a cappella choral music and give ensembles the opportunity to perform traditional and modern compositions to an appreciative audience of music lovers. The Gala Concert allows for spotlight performances by select individual ensembles. Additionally, the combined Festival Chorus will rehearse and perform a cappella repertoire under the inspired direction of Dr. Ryan Beeken.

PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLICPrague is a city that is rich in European history and musical culture. Mozart had a special relationship with this city and its people. He often said that the people of Prague more completely understood and appreciated his music. Prague hosted the premiere of Mozart’s opera “Don Giovanni in 1787 and the city is a delight for those who love the arts as well as the beauty of historic European architecture.

THE ORGANIZERS :: Perform International

“Building Bridges and Transforming Lives through the Power of Music”Boldly informed by the belief that music inherently speaks as an expression of the human spirit beyond borders and in all cultures, Perform International seeks to empower music directors and ensembles to realize meaningful and life-changing immersion experiences and performances around the world.• We empower music directors, music ensembles and individual musicians to share and grow in their artistic

expression and understanding of people and cultures. • We design and create rewarding performances as well as educational and cultural immersion opportunities

by building and maintaining relationships with domestic and international musicians and music education organizations.

• We partner with concert venues, publicity teams, airlines, hotels, and tour guides to plan and implement operational methods that enhance rather than distract from the artistic experience.

• We provide meaningful and life-changing performance tour experiences that are personal, thoughtful, and efficient in the processes of conceptual artistic and educational development.

FACULTY

DR. RYAN BEEKEN :: Artistic Director

Ryan Beeken proudly serves as Director of Choral Studies at Indiana University of Pennsylvania where he conducts the University Chorale, Chorus, and Chamber Singers and teaches graduate and undergraduate choral conducting. Beeken also serves as Artistic Director for the Blair Concert Chorale, whose mission includes fostering a growing appreciation of quality choral music for the population of south central Pennsylvania. He received Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance and Bachelor of Music Education degrees from Drake University and Master of Music and Doctor of Musical Arts Degrees in Choral Conducting from Michigan State University.

Beeken’s choirs have performed at state, regional, and national conventions of the American Choral Directors Association and have been invited to perform for state and regional conferences for the National Association for Music Education. A frequent clinician and festival director, Beeken is regularly engaged as a conductor, clinician, and adjudicator throughout the United States; since 2013, his engagements include more than 30 All-States and Honor Choirs in twelve states and many invited presentations for symposia across the United States and in Ljubljana, Slovenia. He has served on the executive committee of the American Choral Directors Association at both the state and regional level and is currently serving as the District 3 President-Elect for the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association.

Prior to his appointment at IUP, Beeken taught at Michigan State University, where he conducted the Women’s Glee Club. Also, while residing in Des Moines, Iowa, he directed the Drake Chorale at Drake University. He also taught elementary, middle school, and high school music for sixteen years, most recently serving as Director of Vocal Music for Waukee Schools in suburban Des Moines where he lead a program of over 300 students and twelve ensembles to national distinction.

ITINERARY OPTIONS

A CAPPELLA ABROAD PROGRAM :: JUNE 18-23, 2018

JUNE 18: USA to Prague, Czech Republic.

JUNE 19: Upon arrival transfer to the hotel. Time permitting, enjoy a panoramic tour of Prague with your tour manager. Welcome dinner & overnight Prague.

JUNE 20: Morning rehearsal with Dr. Ryan Beeken followed by a half day guided sightseeing tour of Prague including entrances to Prague Castle & St. Vitus Cathedral. After dinner second rehearsal of the festival chorus. Overnight Prague.

JUNE 21: Morning excursion to the Terezin Concentration Camp (Theresienstadt). In the afternoon a final rehearsal with Dr. Beeken. Dinner & overnight Prague.

JUNE 22: Morning cruise on the Vatlav River. Afternoon dress rehearsal/sound check and A Cappella Abroad Gala Concert Performance. Farewell dinner & overnight Prague.

JUNE 23: Begin your journey back to the USA, taking with you lifelong memories of performing in Prague or start of post tours by the individual ensembles.

POST FESTIVAL PROGRAMSTour B – June 23-25, 2018From Prague drive south through the Bohemian countryside to Vienna, The City of Music. Spend two nights in Vienna exploring its deep music history by visiting the Central Cemetery where composers such as Mozart, Beethoven and Haydn are buried as well as majestic Schönbrunn Palace, which served as the summer residence of the Habsburg Family.

Tour C – June 23-26, 2018Extend your stay in Europe by three days visiting Germany’s music capital, Leipzig. J.S. Bach was the cantor at St. Thomas Church, Mendelssohn spent some of his most creative years in Leipzig, Wagner was born here and Robert and Clara Schuman were pillars of the city’s musical elite. You will also visit Dresden and spend one night in Berlin to view the remnants of the Berlin Wall and see the magnificent Brandenburg Gate.

Tour D – June 23-27, 2018Complete the journey through all three of the Habsburg capital cities by travelling south to Vienna and Budapest. Spend two nights in Vienna exploring its deep music history by visiting the Central Cemetery where composers such as Mozart, Beethoven and Haydn are buried as well as majestic Schönbrunn Palace. In Budapest visit the Franz Liszt museum as well as Matthias Church which served as the coronation church for many of the Habsburg emperors. *during all post tour programs performances for your individual ensembles can be arranged.

ATLANTA l 2344 Perimeter Park Drive Atlanta, GA 30341 phone 770.220.2242COLORADO SPRINGS l 8825 Liverpool Lane Colorado Springs, CO 80920 phone 719.481.0107 fax 719.531.5374

HONOLULU l 50 S. Beretania Street, Suite C-211 B Honolulu, HI 96813 phone 808.479.3414www.perform-international.com l www.reformation-music.com l info@perform-international.com