In April 2001, the Bowling Green High School Madrigal Singers, their director, Jim Brown,
and several chaperones traveled to the former communist countries of Romania, Hungary and the Czech Republic. There they experienced different cultures and met many amazing people, while spreading good will through their music.

In Romania, the Madrigals performed in the town of Recus. They were greeted by the mayor, and participated in a parade held in their honor. Many of the singers were "mobbed" for autographs and addresses by the local youth. In the city of Timisoara, the singers performed at the Performing Arts Center, and were then treated to the soulful basses of a Romanian men's chorus.

The group then traveled to the vibrant country of Hungary. Highlights of this
leg of the tour included a moving performance at a local orphanage and
at a senior center. Impressive Hungarian basilicas provided locations for
impromptu exhibitions of spiritual
music by the Madrigals.

The last part of the tour took place in the Czech Republic. The youngsters toured the Prague State Opera House where Mozart first performed Don Giovanni. They also performed before a Czech choir at the Kolowart Music School. Later in the evening, both choirs dined aboard a river tour boat as it cruised by the magnificent castles and structures along the Moldau River. Under a blanket of darkness, everyone moved topside to sing popular American songs, as well as each other's national anthems. The tour ended the next day as the Madrigals rendered, perhaps their best concert, at the Church of St. John of Nepomucky in Kutna Hora.

Tony Howard, producer/director at WBGU-PBS, traveled with the Madrigals
and is the producer/director/writer of Madrigal Memories Of Eastern Europe.
Melissa Kidder, one of the Madrigal singers, is the narrator. WBGU’s studio
during the program.

Watch the Video

Learn more about the Madrigal Singers in Breathe On Me, Breath of God