In the final weeks of 2025, more than 70 Meriden musicians embarked on an extraordinary journey across Hungary, Slovakia, Austria and the Czech Republic – a two‑week immersion in Europe’s musical heritage that blended world‑class tuition, remarkable performance opportunities and moments of cultural wonder the girls will never forget.
From 10 to 24 December, the tour offered students a rare chance to rehearse, perform and learn in some of Europe’s most historically and acoustically significant spaces. It was, as Year 11 music and choir student Sarah Lin reflected, “An experience that changed the way I hear and think about music.”
Budapest: Workshops, architecture and the first notes of the tour
The adventure began in Budapest, where students worked with Máte Hámori, Conductor and Artistic Director of the Óbuda Danubia Orchestra. His insights into phrasing and orchestral cohesion set a high bar for the weeks ahead.
A visit to the renowned Kodály Institute in Kecskemét followed, where the girls took part in a choral workshop that challenged and inspired them. “It was a very helpful workshop,” one student shared, “revealing both what we are doing well, and definitely what we can improve on!”
Performing in the magnificent St Stephen’s Basilica was a highlight – its clear, resonant acoustics making every line of music feel elevated.
The group also absorbed Budapest’s history: wandering through the medieval lanes of the Buda Castle District, admiring the sweeping city views from Fisherman’s Bastion, and marvelling at the striking Neo-Gothic beauty of St Matthias Church. The first of many Christmas markets added seasonal colour and festivity to an already memorable day.
The final evening in Hungary was topped off with goulash and folk musicians – the perfect farewell.
Bratislava and Vienna: Cathedrals, masterclasses and music-making at its finest
In Bratislava, students were honoured to sing during Sunday Mass at St Martin’s Cathedral, one of the city’s oldest Gothic treasures.
Then came Vienna, a city that many students described as the musical heart of the tour. They attended a performance of Bach’s Christmas Oratorio in the world-famous Musikverein and participated in an orchestral workshop with Tobias Lea, Principal Viola of the Vienna Philharmonic.
A choral workshop followed with Erasmus Baumgartner, Artistic Director of the Vienna Boys’ Choir, whose enthusiasm left a profound impression on the girls. “His energy was unmatched,” Sarah recalled. “He pushed us to think about intention – not just singing the right notes but understanding the emotional architecture of the music.”
Performing at St Stephen’s Cathedral was transformative for many — and for Sarah, unforgettable.
“The sound wrapped around us and echoed back in a way that made me so much more aware of balance, articulation and resonance,” she said.
The tour’s Vienna concert at the Minoritenkirche drew a full audience of 300 and featured repertoire from Strauss and Mozart to a whimsical arrangement of Waltzing Matilda. “It was incredibly moving,” another student shared. “Sitting in that space made me appreciate how the dome shaped the choir’s sound.”
Salzburg: Mozart, Workshops and snow-dusted streets
The next stop was Salzburg, where students toured Mozart’s birthplace and stood in the rooms where the composer lived, practiced and wrote. “Seeing his real instruments and handwritten manuscripts deepened our understanding of Mozart’s life,” Sarah proclaimed.
A workshop with Australian violinist Scott Stiles at the Mozarteum Orchestra offered the girls new perspectives on phrasing and ensemble playing – lessons that were equally valuable for both vocalists and instrumentalists.
A lunchtime concert in the Salzburg Cathedral, with its immense scale and breathtaking interior, became one of the most memorable performances of the tour,offering the girls a rare opportunity to sing in one of Europe’s most iconic sacred spaces.
Prague: Final performances and lasting memories
The final leg of the journey brought students to Prague, following a brief stop in the medieval town of Český Krumlov. In the capital, they sang at morning Mass in St Vitus Cathedral—the Czech Republic’s spiritual and cultural heart, and a stellar setting for choral music
The girls visited Prague Castle, attended a performance of The Barber of Seville at the National Theatre, and took part in one last workshop with Ondřej Vrabec of the Czech Philharmonic, who joined when he was only 17 years old and has been the orchestra’s principal horn player ever since.
Their final concert, held at Saints Simon and Jude Church, was met with the largest and most enthusiastic audience of the entire tour. “It was bittersweet performing our final concert,” a student shared, “but so rewarding to end on such a high note.”
A tour to remember
The 2025 European Music Tour was more than a performance trip; it was a masterclass in European history, cultural understanding, musical excellence and shared experiences. From the soaring acoustics of ancient cathedrals to the guidance of Europe’s most inspiring conductors, our students returned enriched, challenged and changed.
We extend heartfelt thanks to the staff who planned and accompanied the tour, the families who supported it, and the extraordinary young musicians and singers who represented Meriden with such skill, grace and enthusiasm.
The memories and the music will echo for years to come!
