Calling All Singers

The Ministry for Culture and Education is rolling out the red carpet on the beautiful, historic, and musically rich German Baltic Coast in celebration of the 250^th anniversary of Queen Charlotte’s coronation, and the growing partnership between the greater Charlotte-Mecklenburg region and Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Germany. You are invited to join other outstanding vocal ensembles and singers to form the official ChorFreude Choir, under the direction of Professor Ginger Wyrick, and supported by the Charlotte International Cabinet. Collaborate with the Neubrandenburger Philharmonie, the state’s prime symphony orchestra, to present Mozart’s “Coronation Mass” and Boyce’s “The King Shall Rejoice,” composed especially for Queen Charlotte’s coronation.

Invitation from the Ministery of Culture, Education and Economics,

Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Mr. Staatssekretär Udo Michallik:

“The German Baltic Coast is not well known internationally, but a hidden treasure: Fairy-tale castles with beautiful gardens, medieval cathedrals and churches, and spectacular ocean boardwalk will not only impress you, but provide a stunning backdrop for unforgettable concerts.

The Ministry of Culture, Education and Economics Mecklenburg-Vorpommern supports the 2011 International Choral Festival celebrating the 250th anniversary of Queen Charlotte’s coronation who was originally from Mecklenburg-Strelitz. I look forward to welcoming many choirs from North Carolina to this unique cultural event in the home of Sophie Charlotte: Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Germany.”

Chorfreude auditions

The ChorFreude Choir is still auditioning qualified performers. Interested vocalists and conductors of university, college, high school, community, church, and children’s choirs may apply by contacting the Charlotte International Cabinet. Instrumental ensembles are also welcome.

Individual performances can be arranged during the festival. Custom pre- and post-tours to other destinations are offered to existing ensembles, with concert opportunities at magnificent venues in Germany, the Czech Republic, Poland, Scandinavia, Austria, and many other beautiful European locations. Family, friends, and other non-performers are also invited to take part. Please contact the Charlotte International Cabinet to be added to the ChorFreude Family and Friends mailing list.

Participation in the ChorFreude International Music Festival is limited. Lufthansa German Airlines is offering special airfare pricing to the first 90 participants to register with two departure dates: June 11-19 and June 12-20, 2011. Registration begins Monday, July 26 and ends September 15, 2010. To register, contact the Charlotte International Cabinet via email to cic@charlottenc.gov.

Click here for the ChorFreude Choir audition form and other important information.

ChorFreude travel packages

ChorFreude features

• Two special festival performances: One with full orchestral accompaniment by Germany’s renowned professional symphony orchestra Neubrandenburger Philharmonie, and one at the 12th century Schwerin Cathedral with accompaniment by the Domkantor and master organist on their 1871 Ladegast organ.

• The premier performance of an original work by American contemporary composer Richard Burchard, written personally for the ChorFreude Choir.

• Participation at the official grand re-opening celebration of the Castle Mirow, where Queen Charlotte was raised, official receptions, opportunities for exchanges with fellow musicians etc.

ChorFreude packages

Incantato Tours offers a festival travel package with three unique levels to accommodate the special needs of all attendees. All levels include:
• International economy class round-trip airfare from Charlotte via Munich to Berlin and back on Lufthansa of $450 (subject to change) (90 seats) with estimated taxes and fuel surcharges

• Participation in the ChorFreude Festival (rehearsals, concerts, receptions & party), professional concert management and marketing

• 8 nights accommodation (2 nights Berlin, 2 nights Rostock, 4 nights Schwerin) with daily breakfast and 5 dinners or lunches including welcome and farewell dinners

• Bi-Lingual tour manager and transportation starting and ending at Tegel-Airport

• Educational and entertaining sightseeing with entrance fees to major sights

• Official recognition by the Ministry of Culture & Education Mecklenburg-Vorpommern and the Charlotte International Cabinet

Pricing levels

Pricing varies by participant numbers and package level chosen. Single rooms are available for an extra cost.

Student: starts $2465 per person

Provides safe and clean stays in multi-bedded rooms in pre-inspected youth guest housing such as renovated castles, ships, a hay barn or even a hammock-hotel.

Classic: starts at $2665 per person

Shared twin or double accommodation in pre-inspected 3-star superior & 4-star hotels with continental breakfast, located within easy-reach to the city center.

Premiere: starts at $2865 per person

Shared twin or double accommodation in pre-inspected city center 4-star hotels with American-style buffet breakfast. Recommended for singers traveling with spouses. and friends.

Celebrate the Official Grand Re-opening of the Castle Mirow

In collaboration with the 250^th anniversary of Queen Charlotte’s coronation, the officials of Mecklenburg-Strelitz celebrate the grand re-opening of the Queen’s birthplace, the Castle Mirow. The merriment will commence Friday, June 17, 2011, in honor of the Queen and the castle’s historic legacy.

The ChorFreude Choir and friends will serve as the special American guests of Mirow’s highest officials. Experience a traditional feast and engage in unique cultural exchanges with the people of Mirow while visiting the royal duchy and birthplace of Queen Charlotte.

“The event in Mirow will be a sort of ‘Festakt zum Krönungsjahr,’ with regional VIPs and a feast at the castle the whole day.”

-Dr. Melanie Wuerz,

Ministery for Culture and Education

The Castle Mirow served as the home of the Dukes of Mecklenburg since 1587. Sophia Charlotte, born May 19, 1744, was the youngest daughter of Duke Charles Louis Friederich of Mecklenburg-Strelitz, Prince of Mirow, and his wife, Princess Elizabeth Albertine of Saxe-Hildburghausen. The future queen’s bloodline reigned over Mirow for centuries. Sophia Charlotte was the granddaughter of Adolf Frederick II, Duke of Mecklenburg-Strelitz, by his third wife, Christiane Emilie Antonie, Princess of Schwarzburg-Sonderhausen. Her father’s elder half-brother reigned from 1708 to 1753 as Adolf Friederich III.

The children of Duke Charles were all born at the Castle Mirow, a modest citadel comparable to a large country estate. The daily life at Mirow favored that of the family of a simple English country gentleman rather than prestige and royalty. The children practiced needlework, embroidery, and lace-making. The children were raised by the careful hand of their mother, with admirable education and grounded religious principles. They received further education by a Lutheran minister by the name of M. Gentzner who offered detailed knowledge of botany, mineralogy, and science. Sophia Charlotte ultimately developed a lifelong appreciation for botany and the performing arts.

Sophia Charlotte went on to fulfill an arranged, yet happy and faithful marriage, to King George III of the United Kingdom, who was attracted to her charm, intelligence, good humor, and sparkling eyes. Although the Queen spent her entire adult life serving the United Kingdom, her legacy prevails over the region of Mirow.

The city of Mirow lies on the southern shore of Lake Mirow, in the heart of the Mecklenburg Lake District. A calm oasis near the German Baltic Coast, Mirow is roughly translated to mean “peace town.”

Click here for the official ChorFreude audition form and other important information