Basel Day 3: Day Trip to Riehen

In the first two days of our trip to Basel, YPC had many wonderful opportunities to meet and interact with singers in other choirs from around Europe as well as our homestay families. Thursday was a special day because we had the chance to visit with other members of the community in and around Basel. In the afternoon, we took the tram through scenic countryside to Riehen, a small community about half an hour outside of the city.

Beautiful Swiss countryside!

In Riehen, we were treated to a delicious lunch at a local restaurant, but it wasn't just any restaurant: this one had a theater attached to it, where we would perform that evening.

YPC singers enjoying lunch in Riehen

After lunch, we took advantage of the beautiful weather and setting and moved outside for a rehearsal in preparation for the evening.

Relaxing in Riehen before rehearsal

Like all of the other performances at the Festival, YPC sang to a completely full and very enthusiastic audience in Riehen. After the concert, choristers enjoyed spending some time visiting with local fans and learning about life in Switzerland.

Visiting with audience members after the Riehen concert

For dinner, the Festival welcomed all of the visiting choirs for a dinner party at a beautiful park in Basel. Members of YPC shared a favorite chorus tradition with singers from other ensembles. Samantha from Concert Chorus describes the experience:

"As a long time chorister, I learned the 'original' Run Run Run, My Baby game a long time ago. When a group of choristers and I got together to teach members of the other choirs the game, I was once again reminded of why we play it. Music is a truly universal language and everyone just had a good time singing and playing together!"

--Samantha, 17 years old

YPC singers after a successful performance in Riehen