Friday, July 1: Pau Casals and Magnum Bars

When we tour, we try to make sure that the girls not only learn about the history of the region, but also the musical influences from that area. This led us to the Museu de Pau Casals, the famous cellist and maestro who changed the way cellists play today.

His home is Sant Salvador has been converted into an interactive museum where you can view rooms in his house, but also hear his music and watch him conduct. It sits right on the shore of the Sea and is a truly stunning place. We could all see why he loved his home in Catalonia so much. Learning about his life and dedication to his music as well as his political beliefs really resonated with the girls. Watching his performance at the U.N. was inspiring.

We walked across the street to the Auditori Casals and sang just one song to experience the venue. It’s a very beautiful space that perhaps one day we can sing a full concert in.

Mr. Metallo wanted the girls to get a little extra beach time on this particularly hot day, so we left Sant Salvador a little early and within 15 minutes of getting back to Sitges, the girls were in their swim suits and off to the beach. It’s truly a good tour moment when everyone gets a chance to relax for a few hours, especially when it’s on a beach as beautiful as this. Girls and chaperones (and staff) were grateful for some fun in the sun. There may have been some Magnum Bars consumed during this time frame but I’m not telling…

Once the girls were all good and tired from swimming, we made them change into their formal attire and board the bus to El Vendrell for our final concert. Our venue was the Escola Musica Pau Casals, which we shared with Zongora, our host choir for the night. We had a short rehearsal and then a bit of downtime before the concert.

Sometime when the girls are starving from being in the sun all day and only grocery store within a half mile of the venue only sells frozen foods, you have to make some quick decisions. There may have been more Magnum Bars consumed before the concert, but again, I’m not saying.

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Oftentimes when we tour we can forget about the outside world and live in our own little tour bubble. However, the world keeps going for better or worse. It would be inconsiderate to not tell you that a good friend of Mr. Metallo’s lost her husband while we were in Spain. The service was held when we were in rehearsal Friday afternoon and so Mr. Metallo was unable to attend. Knowing this was happening made our concert take on a whole new meaning for the girls and I could tell the power behind the music was felt by the whole audience. We hope it was felt all the way in New Jersey, too.

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For six seniors, this was their final concert as members of PG. It was a stunning performance that I think will shine brightly in the memory of these girls for many years.

The girls were in high spirits following the performance, singing and dancing in the streets on the way to dinner.

Now that we are finally getting to know Catalonia, of course it is time to leave. We have loved our time here and have grown immensely as a choir and have become closer as friends.

To all of our family and friends reading, thank you for following our travels- we’ve enjoyed sharing them with you! The girls have lots of stories to regale when we get back, but I hope this held you over in the meantime.

“Sisters, oh, fare ye well, for I’m on my journey home.”

Until next time,
Kelly, Mr. Metallo, and PG