First Coast Wind Symphony 2017 Tour to Austria!

From June 21-30, the First Coast Wind Symphony embarked on its first international tour! The group visited both Salzburg and Vienna, Austria, the cities of Haydn, Mozart and Beethoven, and performed three concerts in historic venues. Highlights of the tour included St. Andrä Church, the Salzburg fortress, Mozarthaus, Haydnhaus, Hallein Salt Mine, Lake Region, Schönbrunn Palace, St. Stephen’s Cathedral, the Vienna Musikverein and Esterhazy Palace. The touring ensemble also performed in a masterclass conducted by Vienna Philharmonic member, Mr. Christoph Koncz.

The tour ended with a fun and memorable cultural exchange concert in Zillingtal, Austria hosted by the community band Musikverein Dorfmusic Zillingtal, whose members were very warm and welcoming! In addition to the FCWS, the event included a special performance by the Croatian folk group Tamburica Celindof.

The FCWS touring group also presented a “Bon Voyage” concert at the Friday Musicale in Jacksonville on June 15 to an enthusiastic, standing-room only audience. The touring program included music of Beethoven, Pezel, Telemann and the Weber Concertino, featuring clarinetist Dillon Acey. The ensemble also performed Americana selections by Stephen Foster, Scott Joplin and John Philip Sousa.

Some photos of the trip are shown below.


A friendship toast

A toast to friendship with Zillingtal peach schnapps after our concert!

Concert in St. Andra Church, Salzburg

Concert in St. Andra Church, Salzburg

Belvedere Palace visit in Vienna

Belvedere Palace visit in Vienna

Dinner Serenade

Dinner Serenade

Fabulous Flutes

Fabulous Flutes

FCWS with Tamburica Celindof

FCWS with Tamburica Celindof

Masterclass with Christoph Koncz

Masterclass with Christoph Koncz, Vienna Philharmonic member

Singing at Dinner

Singing at Dinner

Standing on the Do-Re-Mi Steps from the Sound of Music

Standing on the Do-Re-Mi Steps from the Sound of Music

A resounding success

A Resounding Success!

Hallein Salt Mine

Hallein Salt Mine

Trumpets at Beetoven's grave

FCWS Trumpets at Beethoven's grave in Central Cemetery, Vienna