In May of 2008, right after graduation ceremonies, the Smith College Orchestra
set off for their Tour of Sicily. They played five concerts in seven nights, enjoying plenty
of sunshine while sightseeing. The orchestra started their tour in Palermo after a long day
and half of travel, from Smith College to Boston Logan Airport to London Heathrow to
Rome Airport and finally to Palermo. Most of the first day in Palermo was spent getting
a driving tour of the city and visiting a nearby chapel. The orchestra had a rehearsal in
the afternoon, ate some delicious Italian food, and then gave a concert with a local
university choir.
From then on, the orchestra kept a busy schedule of beautiful
sightseeing during the day, with plenty of time to explore on ones own, a rehearsal in the
afternoon, delicious meals, and a concert in the evening. The group stayed in a wide
array of locations: from gorgeous hotels in the cities to spacious working farms and
resorts in the wine country. Despite the busy schedule, the orchestra spent one whole day
at a beach and viewing the ancient ruins nearby and another day exploring the city of
Catania. Everyday was full of absolutely wonderful food; on the groups last night in
Sicily, the hotel threw the orchestra a farewell dinner complete with five courses, dance,
and a traditional Sicilian band!
The orchestra members got to known one another better
than they had during the school year and many lasting friendships were started on tour. I
would venture to say that everyone had a blast on the orchestra’s 2008 Sicily Tour.
Currently in the works are plans to tour Trinidad and Tobago in 2011, either
in March or in May. It’s going to be yet another wonderful experience for the entire
orchestra. I know many people are looking forward to it!
Here are some pictures from our 2008 Tour of Sicily!
