While many have experienced unprecedented division and isolation in recent years, LMU’s Choral Music Program has found opportunities to foster virtual connections with choirs across the world. In a testament to those connections, the LMU Choirs, along with family, friends, and supporters, will soon embark upon its next choral adventure, traveling to Costa Rica this May for performances, workshops, and sightseeing opportunities.
This new artistic journey represents a long-standing friendship between the LMU Choirs and Costa Rican choral colleagues from National University in Heredia, which flowered at the height of the worldwide pandemic in 2020. During this time of collective uncertainty, the respective choral programs embarked upon an innovative and experimental artistic collaboration which culminated in two international virtual choir performances (Noche in 2020 and You Do Not Walk Alone in 2021) , highlighting a shared hope and faith in humanity. The bonds of artistic camaraderie and friendship that were established then continue to this day.
A Choral Music Hub
T.J. Harper, Associate Professor and Chair of LMU Music, as well as Director of Choral Activities at LMU, has spent considerable time fostering a relationship with the National University choral program and their director David Ramírez, even visiting the country to work with choirs there prior to the pandemic. As Harper explains, “Truly, they’re the hub for all the Central American choral music education, with students from countries all around the region and even from other regions attending the National University for their choral program. There is this incredible energy of choral music, education, core music performance, within a dynamic and growing program.”
The focus of the trip isn’t on simple “choral tourism,” but instead on forging connections with local communities and collaborating with the Costa Rican choral members. “The people are so warm and so lovely and inviting that the experience is really life-affirming and very positive. This tour is really going to be a celebration of the fact that we have all these people from different countries are coming together to share a love of choral music and performance,” said Harper.
The trip will include choral performances at the National Theater and National University of Costa Rica, but also so much more. Singers and supporters will get to experience tours of Eco Termales Hot Springs, La Paz Waterfall Gardens, National Theater of Costa Rica and Gold Museum, Doka Coffee Plantation, and Manuel Antonio National Park and Beach. The group will even get to experience a traditional Costa Rican folk dance performance. The tour offers something for everyone, even those not engaged in the choral activities. Regardless of the tours travelers choose to participate in, the group will come together daily for included meals, keeping the tour a cohesive and communal event for those traveling.
An Open Invitation
The hope is for every member of the LMU Choral Music Community, both past and present, to join as singers or supporters. This invitation to embark on this tour goes out to all current LMU students, faculty, staff, and community members as well. The invitation also extends to all family and friends who wish to be a part of this special performance celebration.
Fundraising is an important aspect of this tour, with a commitment that all students who want to participate are able to. The Choral Music Program is utilizing existing funds, but are also seeking donations with special attention being given to those students with a funding gap who need additional support. All donations will directly help students in need who otherwise wouldn’t get to be a part of this incredible international experience.
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Learn more about the LMU Choirs Costa Rica tour, including how to register to join or support our students here.
