Members of Collegium Musicum, Taft’s showcase choir, traveled to London and Paris in June to perform in concert at London’s Holy Trinity Church and the American Cathedral in Paris. 

“This trip is truly Taft and Collegium at their best,” says Arts Department Head and Collegium Conductor Bruce Fifer. “This began two years go as an extraordinary partnership between our program and alumni in London, who were very eager to see Collegium perform there.” 

The concerts featured sacred music and American spirituals performed in breathtaking, historic venues. In between rehearsals and performances, Taft students explored both cities, taking in not just their history and culture through performances and museums, but must-see tourist destinations, including Buckingham Palace and Big Ben in London, and the Champs Elysees and Arc de Triomphe in Paris. 

“London was the centerpiece of our tour,” says Fifer. “It represents an extraordinary marriage of geography, venue, and audience. So many alumni attended our performances and the receptions after. Our welcome was warm, and our connection deep.”

The Collegium repertoire spans every period of music from Gregorian chant to James Taylor. They have toured extensively, delighting audiences across the globe, from China and Italy to France, Spain, and destinations throughout the United States. Travel this year was funded in part by a 2018 Whittemore International Youth Travel Grant from Connecticut Community Foundation, and the generous support of Collegium alumni, and Collegium parents, both past and present.

Enjoy a selection from the concert, featuring soloist Kaedi Dalley '18:

Click here to watch Collegium perform Ubi Caritas in London.

Learn more about Connecticut Community Foundation.