Saturday was an big performance day for YVT! The day started with a packed workshop led by Zimfira for international choral conductors, jurors, and choirs. Zimfira and Allegria perfectly demonstrated the amazing range and potential of the human voice - even young singers - by singing pieces using different vocal techniques, voice placements, and experimenting with sound colour. The crowd was very impressed by the workshop and Zimfira and choir have already been informally invited to future events around the world.
Following the successful workshop, we arranged for a little surprise meet and greet with The Real Group just before they left town. Allegria was beyond thrilled; they swarmed the group with adoration, and sang a song for them. The Real Group who was really impressed with the experience - even moved to tears - and imparted some inspirational words of wisdom to the choristers: Keep singing as long as possible, and to always listen to our fantastic director! :)
In the afternoon Allegria had a helpful individual coaching workshop with a prominent Singaporean conductor to work on songs they were going to perform at the Friendship Concert later on that day.
At the Open Air Esplanade Stage Friendship Concert, Allegria performed their own set for a large crowd following five other international groups from South Africa, Italy, China, Latvia, and another Canadian group - Oakville Children's Choir - with whom we performed a joint song. The concert was a great success! It's clear that the time and experiences together on this tour has really helped the group grow both musically and interpersonally. After this concert, the group had a well-deserved supper out at a Latvian burger place in Old Town, followed by some free time, and finally a nice sleep in the next morning!