Tonight our tour officially ended, minus the travel day tomorrow which doesn't count. The empty feeling of graduation and leaving friends finally hit me tonight after the concert walking out of the cathedral tonight. The guys left it all on the stage. The concert appropriately closed out an absolutely amazing tour. This tour and our performances during it exceeded everyone's expectations. We wowed audiences in Italy and Croatia, and our international fan base is growing.
Now for some final thoughts from me as a graduated senior:
To the guys: Thank you. Thank you to all of you who I have had the privilege to make music with over the last 4 years. None of you know what this group has meant to me, except those who feel the same way about it as I do. Coming to Pitt and joining the Glee Club has been one of the most important, meaningful, and positive experiences I have had in my life. One word about the future: Never settle. Always keep performing and living to your best. Perform for each other. Realize that you all are not music majors, and that you are just 50 guys who are passionate about music and want to share it with others. Be proud of yourselves, you deserve it. If we have learned anything on this tour, it is that we love what we do, and we are darn good at it. Always remember your brothers in song, we'll remember you. Don't let these moments go by too quickly, don't complain too much. Always look for opportunities to share and grow in areas such as music and other forms of expression. This is to exercise your humanity: this is what it means to be alive.
To friends and family: Thank you for your continued support of these guys who came on tour and had their lives changed. Unfortunately, your guys will not be able to adequately describe what happened on this tour. We will all try, but some of us will just give up because the experience was so beyond words. You had to BE there. On the other hand, use our experience as a challenge. Do something that nobody else will understand. Be passionate about something that nobody else will get when you try to tell them. We sing and make music, but there are countless other ways. Be proud of yourself for something, as we are proud of ourselves for the music we make.
We of the PMGC hope that you have enjoyed sharing in our experience through this blog and other forms of correspondence. We appreciate all of your support you have given us from the mothers that were at our first concerts as elementary students to the friends that just want us to have a good time in Italy. Thank you.
Signing off for the final time,
Matthew Keeny
PMGC
Bass/Baritone 2006-2010
Sunday, May 16, 2010
Hrvatska Republika- Zagreb
So, apparently, Croatia is one of those peculiar nations whose name in its own language is not obvious to english-speakers. Who knew? Also, to say "Croatian" in Croatian is "Hrvatski" -Yeah, we're not trying out luck on things that could get us REALLY lost like subways or trains.
We walked around Zagreb, Croatia today as the rain continued to fall. This has been a theme of sorts for this tour, as it has rained at least a little literally every day this entire tour.
Sunday afternoon markets, however, must go on.
Also, in the theme of the tour, we saw another church today. However, this one was cool because the roof looks like its made out of LEGOs.
And I thought my X-wing fighter LEGO set was cool, this one is like life-sized!
Croatia should seriously consider a Legoland-Croatia, except it would be called Legoland-Hrvatska, and nobody would know where it actually was.
We walked around Zagreb, Croatia today as the rain continued to fall. This has been a theme of sorts for this tour, as it has rained at least a little literally every day this entire tour.
Sunday afternoon markets, however, must go on.
Also, in the theme of the tour, we saw another church today. However, this one was cool because the roof looks like its made out of LEGOs.
And I thought my X-wing fighter LEGO set was cool, this one is like life-sized!
Croatia should seriously consider a Legoland-Croatia, except it would be called Legoland-Hrvatska, and nobody would know where it actually was.
Saturday, May 15, 2010
Gene Kelly would be proud
This is my best rendition of a 3rd graders what I did last Summer report.
B-
Things We Can't Pronounce...
Today we visited the stunningly beautiful Plitvice (told you we can't pronounce it) lakes and National Park in Croatia. This park is actually on the UNESCO list of world heritage sites.
Fortunately, the rain broke and we had an unbelievably sunny and beautiful day to observe these waterfalls and lakes.
HAHA good one. It actually poured the ENTIRE time we were there, but they were still very beautiful.
Tomorrow, we prepare for our final concert of the year in the Zagreb Cathedral in Zagreb, Croatia. For me, this is especially bittersweet as it will be my last concert ever with the Pitt Men's Glee Club. I, and the rest of the guys will attempt to savor every moment of it, and solidify our worldwide reputation. Remember to check with your boys on flight times, as there are two, and keep checking the mail for postcards!
Fortunately, the rain broke and we had an unbelievably sunny and beautiful day to observe these waterfalls and lakes.
HAHA good one. It actually poured the ENTIRE time we were there, but they were still very beautiful.
Tomorrow, we prepare for our final concert of the year in the Zagreb Cathedral in Zagreb, Croatia. For me, this is especially bittersweet as it will be my last concert ever with the Pitt Men's Glee Club. I, and the rest of the guys will attempt to savor every moment of it, and solidify our worldwide reputation. Remember to check with your boys on flight times, as there are two, and keep checking the mail for postcards!
Friday, May 14, 2010
The Euchre-ist
Somebody notify the people at Guinness, the Glee Club has probably clocked the most games of Euchre in two weeks time. If you don't know Euchre, look it up, it will fill that gap in your life. Also a large percentage of us have been in mourning robes following the Pens game 7 loss.
St. Anthony in a motion which can only be described as slamming baby Jesus.
We have been in Porec the past few days, and it has been to lovely for me to bother with the blog much. Before we left Italy for good we sang two masses at the beautiful St. Anthony's.
After mass we took a short trip to lake Garda, where our string of bad weather related luck continued and it rained. Then the next day we traveled for a very long time on the Knight Bus for Porec, Croatia.
The Adriatic is so nice even Richard decided to take a dip in his jorts.
Last night was also nicknames, a sacred tradition in the group. It's kind of like the Skull and Bones, but we actually control the world. As per tradition Chad knighted them, but this was probably the most epic location yet, just around sunset on a pebble beach.
I'll assume Keeny posted a beast picture of the PMGC so here are The PantherRythmns doing what they do best.
Porec has been lovely. Yesterday we swam in the Adriatic and played Tips, an awesome Ultimate Frisbee warm-up. We also took a short tour of the town today and then had one of the best concerts so far at the Euphrasian Basilica. This Basilica is also the oldest building the Glee Club has ever sang at. As a senior, and this being our second to last concert I will not lie and pretend I was not sad and moved during the performance.
So close to the end, why do good things never seem to last as long as they should?
Trying to get more guys on the blog.
When in... Croatia....?
If you didn't get it from Mike's post, we are here on the beach, and you readers are most likely not. (Just thought I'd rub it in a little more).
To recap, since Venice, we have sung in two back-to-back masses at St. Anthony's Basilica in Padua.
We then clamored over to Croatia and finally landed on the beach.
Yeah, the water is cold, but it's worth it.
The next day, we walked around Poreč and a few of us escaped to get some rays. The meals here are buffet-style, and the hotel is catered to tourists. (That means there was bacon and eggs this morning).
This evening, we sang a well-attended concert in Eufrazijeva Bazilika.
Although it is one of the more modest churches we have seen on this tour, it is among the oldest, dating back to sometime in the 6th century A.D.
Tomorrow we leave the coast and head inland to Zagreb, the capital of Croatia. On the way, we will wander around a Croatian national park which is known for its lakes and waterfalls. But now, we bid you good evening from the sunny beaches of the Adriatic Sea.
To recap, since Venice, we have sung in two back-to-back masses at St. Anthony's Basilica in Padua.
We then clamored over to Croatia and finally landed on the beach.
Yeah, the water is cold, but it's worth it.
The next day, we walked around Poreč and a few of us escaped to get some rays. The meals here are buffet-style, and the hotel is catered to tourists. (That means there was bacon and eggs this morning).
This evening, we sang a well-attended concert in Eufrazijeva Bazilika.
Although it is one of the more modest churches we have seen on this tour, it is among the oldest, dating back to sometime in the 6th century A.D.
Tomorrow we leave the coast and head inland to Zagreb, the capital of Croatia. On the way, we will wander around a Croatian national park which is known for its lakes and waterfalls. But now, we bid you good evening from the sunny beaches of the Adriatic Sea.
Thursday, May 13, 2010
Hrvatski - Porec and the Beach
Hey all!
Greetings from Croatia! Today, we left a rainy Verona behind around 8:30 in the morning for about a six hour bus ride (including two stops for the bathroom and lunch as well as customs in both Slovenia and Croatia) to Porec, Croatia.
Some of the guys on the beach near the hotel.
Porec is a small town on the Istrian Peninsula with about 12,000 inhabitants. We're staying at the Zagreb Hotel which is very close to the beach and about a 15 minute walk from the center of the village. Its also within walking distance of the historic 1500 year old basilica where we will be singing Mass and a concert tomorrow evening.
After arriving at Porec, many of the guys got a chance to head down to the beach to soak up the sun, toss some frisbee, run, or even venture out into the water despite the cool temperature of the water. This evening we had a dinner buffet which included all sorts of salad, fruit, beef, fish, potatoes and desserts.
After dinner, the guys went down to the beach again where we had our traditional nickname ceremony where all of the new guys on tour got their new "fake" and "real" nicknames from the old guys. Tomorrow we'll be touring the city and singing our concert at the basilica!
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Ma-ma-ma My Verona and Venice Envy
The first thing which hits you when entering the main square of Verona is the Arena. The Arena is a smaller version of the Coliseum. However unlike its Roman counterpart the interior of the Arena is still intact. Originally used for Gladiatorial battles it is now used as an Opera house during the summer months.
Ben Greenwood enjoying his chocolate mousse
Across from the Arena was an outdoor Café with the some of the best chocolate mousse. I had a spoonful and I must agree that it is worthy of its title of World’s Best. At €5.80 and a €1.80 service fee, Ben and James give this dessert two thumbs up.
Tons of lovers’ letters pasting the archway leading to Juliette’s balcony.
As you are probably aware Verona is the location of the story of Romeo and Juliette. During our walking tour of the city we saw the real residences of both families. While the truth behind the story is highly debatable it is true that the Montague and Capulet families both lived in Verona. Every year the 50 best letters on the archway leading to the statue of Juliette are selected and their author’s are invited back to Verona. For some reason our tour guide thought we had never heard the story and decided to tell it to us during our bus tour coming down from Santuario Nostra Signora di Lourdes.
When we got to Santuario Nostra Signora di Lourdes we were allowed to have an impromptu concert. We sang for the small group of worshipers and the parish priests.
A group of Glee Clubbers rest after singing inside of Santuario Nostra Signora di Lourdes.
VENICE
Sadly today was a very rainy day in Venice. However the rain let up during our walking tours and most of the free time we had when we first arrived in the city. Venice is not one island, but actually a series of 120 islands. On each island there was typically a square with a bell tower and at least one well. The main square was Saint Mark’s Square, in the second picture below.
The two pillars of Venice in Saint Mark’s Square. Walking between them is considered “ill luck” because prisoner’s used to be executed in between them,
The wells were once used to capture rain water for the local populace since there is no suitable ground water in Venice for drinking. Also during the walking tour we saw the houses of two famous Venetians, Marco Polo and Casanova.
Casanova's house for 9 of his years in Venice.
This next part is really only for the guys in Glee Club, Lauren and the Hill family, but if you want to see the typical day in the life of a Glee Clubber on tour go ahead and venture on.
PICTURES OF ARTIE
Venezia!!!!!
Today we wandered around the wonderful pedestrian and boat-only city. Also, for those of you following along at home who think Pittsburgh still has the most bridges, try having no highways...or roads. I'm pretty sure even if Venice doesn't have the most "bridges" in the world, it's so cool that ought to have 1st place on the list.
And yes, if a sidewalk doesn't go to your house, well, get a boat.
We took a tour of Venice and got completely and utterly turned around. Luckily, our guides knew where we were the whole time and took us down narrow streets (even for Europe, they're really narrow. We're talking like 4-5 feet wide.)
We peeked inside St Mark's Cathedral, including the 28,000 (yes, 3 zeros) square feet of glass mosaics.
We were treated to a glass blowing demonstration by a local "maestro", or "master". He made it look ridiculously easy, but I guess if you need to apprentice for 15 years in order to become a master, you get kinda good at something. He made two pieces while we watched, one was a vase, and the other was a horse (it needed to be completed in under 1 minute because of the style before the glass would harden. I'm pretty sure he did it in about 30 seconds.) We went to the store adjacent to the factory and looked at some of his original works. Those of you following along at home might know the phrase "Venetian glass" or "Murano glass". Well, this is how it's made, and why it's so expensive.
(if you don't believe this is the guy, notice the heat rising off the glass- it was 1000 degrees C about a minute before that)
Oh yeah, apparently gondolas are kind of a big deal over there too...
Our journeys tomorrow will include:
Singing 10:00 and 11:00 masses at St. Anthony's Basilica in Padua -Padova- (Padua as in St. Anthony of Padua)and then taking a break by the lake near our hotel. We've had a little rain recently, but we've also had an extremely hectic schedule. The time to relax will be greatly appreciated by all of us.
And yes, if a sidewalk doesn't go to your house, well, get a boat.
We took a tour of Venice and got completely and utterly turned around. Luckily, our guides knew where we were the whole time and took us down narrow streets (even for Europe, they're really narrow. We're talking like 4-5 feet wide.)
We peeked inside St Mark's Cathedral, including the 28,000 (yes, 3 zeros) square feet of glass mosaics.
We were treated to a glass blowing demonstration by a local "maestro", or "master". He made it look ridiculously easy, but I guess if you need to apprentice for 15 years in order to become a master, you get kinda good at something. He made two pieces while we watched, one was a vase, and the other was a horse (it needed to be completed in under 1 minute because of the style before the glass would harden. I'm pretty sure he did it in about 30 seconds.) We went to the store adjacent to the factory and looked at some of his original works. Those of you following along at home might know the phrase "Venetian glass" or "Murano glass". Well, this is how it's made, and why it's so expensive.
(if you don't believe this is the guy, notice the heat rising off the glass- it was 1000 degrees C about a minute before that)
Oh yeah, apparently gondolas are kind of a big deal over there too...
Our journeys tomorrow will include:
Singing 10:00 and 11:00 masses at St. Anthony's Basilica in Padua -Padova- (Padua as in St. Anthony of Padua)and then taking a break by the lake near our hotel. We've had a little rain recently, but we've also had an extremely hectic schedule. The time to relax will be greatly appreciated by all of us.
Monday, May 10, 2010
We've been MIA
Sorry for the lapse in posts, but we have had little down time in the past couple of days. Since my last post we have seen a number of cities.
Siena was founded during the middle ages, and because of this it has 17 distinct contrades. Every year they have a horse race between 10 of the contrades. Each section contrade has a time of year for a festival and decorates its district with lights and flags.
Like most Italian cities Siena had a founding myth. The attempted to connect the city with Rome by saying the sons of Remus founded Siena, and because of this the same sculpture of the twins being fed by the she-wolf.
Pisa was a one horse town. I would venture a guess that few would visit the town had they not built the tower on such insufficient soil. It was originally supposed to be the the bell tower for the nearby cathedral.
The hustle and bustle of Bologna during the Music Festival.
The next day we sang at the Bologna Music Festival. The women's choir from the Bologna University opened for us. We were very well received, and ended up performing two encores. The city was very busy, with numerous stands and street performers.
TJ and Michal looking for new blogposts.
To save everyone from reading too much, I'll add Verona to tomorrow's post.
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