Ming Tombs

Our next sight-seeing adventure was to the burial grounds of the Ming Emperors. Situated in a most beautiful rural setting, the site was steeped in history and cultural tradition. As with most of the historical places that we have visited, the tombs were representative of Chinese traditional philosophy.

Rabbit Droppings at the Great Wall?

A two hour drive to the Great Wall of China was made thoroughly worthwhile when we scaled a steep section of it and enjoyed the amazing views that resulted. The ascent was surprisingly steep and tested most climbers – although Jumpin’ Jack Dewsbury took great delight in running most of the way! However, it was a little embarrassing that our students reported to our guide that this Wonder of the World was constructed to ‘keep the rabbits out’.

Final Concert and Awards Ceremony

The Chorale, by request of the adjudicating panel, performed Chindia and Tabulum to the large audience of other performers at the festival. Again, the Chorale performed to a very high standard. Four levels of achievement were acknowledged during the presentation ceremony – Gold, Silver, Bronze and Participation – and the Chorale was successful in obtaining a Silver award for their competition performance. This award is a most significant achievement in an international competition and is a credit to their hard work and talent. Dr Braham expressed his own delight in their achievement when he addressed them later in the evening. Buoyed by this achievement we made our way to the Beijing Duck Restaurant for the Festival Farewell Dinner. The ceremonial presentation and carving of the Peking Duck was a feature of the evening. The boys later commented on their delight at savouring this oriental delicacy.

Forbidden City

We then joined the large crowd and entered the main palace of the Imperial family that consists of a series of pagodas, courtyards and residences. It is the largest and best preserved collection of ancient buildings in China. This area was home to the Ming and Qing Dynasties for 500 years. The main residence includes 9999 rooms that served as a different bedroom for each night of the first 27 years of the ruling Emperor.

TC at Tiananmen Square

Our next day morning of sight-seeing included a visit to Tiananmen Square and history lesson from our very informative tour guide David. We witnessed the vast multitude of Chinese ‘pilgrims’ that visit Chairman Mao’s mausoleum on a daily basis. This most significant site was both fascinating and daunting as we heard of the events that occurred in 1989. It also provided us with an opportunity to see the Parliament of the People of China and the impressive monument erected in remembrance of those that participated in the ‘cultural revolution’.

Acrobatics

In the evening we were treated to an exhilarating Acrobatics performance in Beijing theatre. This breath taking performance kept all of us on the edge of our seats. Rich in colour and movement it was greatly appreciated by all and certainly included stunts that should not be attempted at home! Unfortunately photos or video of the show are not to be taken by the audience, however, we were able to purchase a DVD of the show. The performers derive from only three or four families from all of China and commence their formation as acrobats from the time that they can walk. A number of the members of these families make-up the National Acrobatics team of China that recently won the gold medal at the World Championships.

Tea Anyone?

Students and staff were treated to the delights of a traditional Chinese tea ceremony and tasted the different varieties available. Parents can expect to be enjoying Green, Oolong or Jasmine Tea on our return.

Summer Palace

After lunch we undertook a trip to the Summer Palace. This beautiful palace is surrounded by garden and includes a very large man-made lake. We used this opportunity to recharge our batteries. The trip to the Summer Palace included a crossing of the lake in a Dragon Boat.

Workshops

Our next day commenced with a series of vocal workshops in collaboration with Girton Grammar from Bendigo, Vic. These were by internationally experienced choral directors.

Sounds of China

The formal music competition concluded with a breath taking performance by classically trained traditional musicians from the Conservatory. So impressed were our students with these performances that featured wind and string instruments that many reported it as the highlight of the tour to this date.

The Competition

We returned to our hotel in a refreshed and buoyant mood and prepared for the night’s competition. The Chorale was the first of the vocal groups to perform in the Choir Section before the international adjudicators. The students rose to the occasion and delivered the performance of their lives. Dr Braham was delighted with the quality of their singing and their composure under the expectation and pressure of the competition, added to by the drama of Curtis Novacsek fainting during penultimate item of their set. You will all be pleased to know that Curtis has made a speedy and full recovery and is ready to go at our next engagement.

Temple of Heaven

After an early rise for some and Mass at the Southern Cathedral we left to visit the Imperial Palace and the Temple of Heaven, centre point for the offering of sacrifices to the ancestors of the Emperor. This sacred site is surrounded by a public garden filled with a hype of activity including traditional folk music, dance, games and relaxation. The boys appreciated this R&R and the photographs of the various activities are attached.

Musical Feast

Our musical feast commenced with an entrée of Scat during our first work shop conducted by the renowned Australian Jazz vocalist Jacki Cooper. The highlight of this session was the emergence of the very smooth Mr Talented Mat Rechichi who leaning on the piano Harry Connick Jr style wooed his audience to the tones of ‘Beep-bop-da-do-bop’.

This was followed by an enlightening workshop with Singaporean Vocal Teacher Jennifer Tam, Director of the Singapore Youth Choir.
The day culminated with a master class concert performed by the National Prodigies Chamber Orchestra and Children’s Chorus of China. These outstanding students are in residence at the Conservatory and attend Middle School 101 in Beijing. With Rachmanov’s Piano Concerto ringing in our ears we retreated to an evening banquet at a very good local Chinese restraint and then our hotel, all touched by the virtuosity of these young performers. A relatively early night was appreciated by all!

Waltzing Matilda

We joined the rest of the Australian Schools and members and students from the Bejing Conservatory for a Chinese banqet – total of 480! There was no hesitation from the boys to sample the local cuisine, and they also took up the opportunity to size up the competition as we shared our meal with students from Waverley College (Sydney), Girton Grammar (Bendigo), Illawarra Grammar, Canberra Grammar, St Aloysius College (Adelaide). Well fed and watered we departed for the Beijing Conservatory. Coach Braham grasped the opportunity to apply some scoreboard pressure with the Chorale performing and welcome with ‘Waltzing Matilda’ that was designed to intimidate the opposition whilst strategically keeping a little in reserve for the upcoming competition.

Olympics

Day 2 commenced with a flying visit to the Birds Nest (Beijing Olympic Track & Field venue) and the Water Cube (swimming venue). It was also our first interaction with the multitude of persistent hawkers flogging their Beijing Games souvenirs. This was a trap for young players with a number walking away from the experience with lighter wallets. However, some of our more shrewd punters scored enough cheap home coming presents for the next Olympiad. There was a glint in the eye of our Olympic hopeful Mat Cowie as he rehearsed his shot put technique by the side of the freeway exit and chanted ‘Aussie, Aussie , Aussie, Oh, Oh, Oh!

The Departure – The Long March

The prospect of an early start and seventeen hours of flight and stopovers did not seem to dampen anyone’s enthusiasm at Perth Airport. However, our flight was smooth and we arrived in one piece – no thanks to Dr Braham (also known as Dr Graham – see official program for the Beijing Music Festival) who left his ticket and passport on the plane on arrival in the monstrous Beijing Airport.

All were very pleased to arrive at the palacious Beijing Novotel and climb into bed at 2:00 am. With a 7:00 am start in prospect all knew the value of a few hours sleep.