PLU’s choral ensembles head to Europe for their 2025 international tour
Image: PLU’s Choir of the West, conducted by Dr. Brian Galante, poses for a photo at PLU.
By Zari Warden '25
PLU Marketing and Communications
PLU’s choral ensembles head to Europe for their 2025 international tour since 2019!
From May 25th to June 7th, 71 students from Choir of the West, University Chorale, University Singers, and Knights Chorus will travel to Switzerland and Italy to perform songs of joy and praise in Lucerne, Milan, Venice, and Florence.
“This tour is different than in the past,” states Dr. Brian Galante, Associate Dean of the School of Music, Theatre & Dance and Director of Choral Studies. “It’s open to students in all choral ensembles, not just Choir of the West.”
Prior to their departure, dozens of students gathered to rehearse a few new songs and the traditional PLU “Beautiful Savior,” filling Lagerquist Concert Hall with resounding vocals as their voices ricocheted off the walls.
“I love singing with people I typically don’t sing with,” Ali Tyrell-Smith ‘27, a member of University Singers, exclaims. “It’s awesome hearing a new sound and bringing beautiful pieces to life.”
“I love the music we’re singing for this tour,” Cade Tate ‘28, a member of the Knights Chorus and the University Chorale, adds. “I also love looking at the music, putting myself out there, and just going for it!”
Additionally, each ensemble will perform its own set. Barry Johnson, Associate Professor of Music, will conduct the Knights Chorus. Dr. Raul Dominguez, Associate Director of Choral Studies and Assistant Professor of Music, will direct University Singers and the University Chorale.
“I cannot encompass how I feel with just the word excitement,” Dominguez says as he prepares for his first tour with PLU. “I never thought my life would lead to such an amazing opportunity.”
Cameron Bennett, Dean of the College of Professional Studies, and Ryan Marsh, Administrative and Performance Manager, will also venture with the ensembles, supporting the students with varying travel experiences.
“I look forward to watching the ensembles grow as they perform their repertoire in various venues and adapting to new circumstances. I hope they create memories together and warm their hearts.”
Many students, including Tate, will journey abroad for the first time. “I have some nerves about being somewhere new,” the music education major expresses. “But I’m also excited about doing and seeing new things, singing great music with my friends, and enjoying the last chances I have to perform with my graduating friends.”
This trip will mark Smith’s second time in Italy. Last summer, she traveled there with PLU’s Italian Music and Culture course. “I had such an amazing time, and I am so excited to go back,” she shares. “I remember being there last year and telling my friend, Gracie McDanold, how we’ll get to sing in Italy next time! I’m blessed to get to perform in a beautiful country.”
Smith, an elementary education major, also looks forward to making more memories as she travels abroad with the music department again, this time with her choral peers. “I want to get to know more people throughout the choir program,” she says. “It will be nice to talk with people I don’t normally talk with.”
“A trip like this would be more difficult and more expensive for students without the support of some very generous donors,” Galante adds. “These donors are delighted to help students with special experiences, and the number of students who can participate in this trip indicates that support has worked.”
With 71 students singing together for the first time, their dedication to sharing music with the world radiates as much as their voices. As Domiguez watches, he can’t help but smile.
“I look forward to watching the ensembles grow as they perform their repertoire in various venues and adapting to new circumstances,” Dominguez shares. “I hope they create memories together and warm their hearts.”