‘Bon Voyage’ concert fundraiser for Thiel College students bound for Greece

Posted April 24, 2019 Print

GREENVILLE, Pa.-- A benefit ‘bon voyage’ performance and last-minute fundraiser is at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, April 27 at Thiel College’s William A. Robinson Theatre for the more than 50 members of the Thiel College Department of Music and Theatre who will perform abroad as part of an 11-day tour of Greece and the Aegean Sea in May.

The performance is free and open to the public, but donations will be accepted.

The students leave May 8 and will spend two days touring the Acropolis and other sites surrounding historic Athens, then they will hold concerts at venues in the Greek capital. Following a visit to Athens, students will journey to the islands of Mykonos, Naxos and Santorini.

“We are thrilled to offer the Greenville community a chance to enjoy the Music & Theatre department’s collaborative performance that will be delighting audiences in Greece,” Director of Thiel Choirs Julie Neish, D.M.A., said. “This special Thiel performance includes scenes from the Thiel Players 2018-19 season, songs by the Chamber Singers and choir, and music from the Thiel Concert Band.”

Director of Bands Brian Harris said the campus event will be a preview of the Greek performances.

“Can't fly to Greece to hear us? No problem, come for a preview on April 27th.”

Selections range from contemporary (Lady Gaga’s “Telephone” and “I Want It That Way” by the Backstreet Boys) to traditional (Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah” and John Philip Sousa’s “Gladiator March”) to sacred pieces such as “Praise to the Lord.”

Excerpts from The Christians and Next to Normal will also feature prominently in the performance. All proceeds from the concert will support students as they travel abroad.

“Students have saved their pennies and fundraised all year for this trip,” said Pete Rydberg, Ph.D., who has been coordinating the trip logistics. “At this point, we are raising funds to cover tour guide tips and gelatos. But every penny helps!”