Hodonín, Czech Republic

Saturday, May 30, 2015

On Saturday, May 30, the Concert Choir arrived in the charming city of Hodonín, located in the Maravian region of Czech Republic. Known for its wine production and folk traditions, Hodonín was the birthplace of T. G. Masaryk, the first President of the Czechoslovak state. It was also the home of Gustav Mahler for several years.

Representatives from the choir were warmly welcomed at a reception with the town’s Vice-Mayor, Mr. Salajka, and the town’s Public Relations Deputy, Mr. Holûsek.

The evening’s concert took place at the Church of St. Lawrence, and was very well attended by people from the area.

Church of St. Lawrence, Hodonín, Czech Republic

Fountain on the square in Hodonín

L to R: LeeArron Klosterman, Dr. Roderick George, Dr. Melinda Doyle, Vice-Mayor Mr. Salajka, Public Relations Deputy Mr. Holusek, Calliope Pettis, Blane Freeman, Jesus Loyola, Sami Anselmo

 Following the concert, the choir enjoyed a three-course meal with a Folklore Dinner Show at the Templars’ Cellars in Čejkovice. We continued on to Budapest, Hungary today, after a brief stop in beautiful Bratislava, Slovakia.  While in Bratislava, the choir enjoyed free time to eat some of the local food and shop for handmade souvenirs.

Our first stop upon arrival in Budapest was the Hungarian State Opera House, where we were given a guided tour of the beautiful venue. Some choir members were fortunate enough to purchase tickets to the evening performance of Faust. Others returned to the hotel where we enjoyed a three course meal and some down time after several days of travel, sightseeing, and performing.