This April, the S. Anselm’s Chapel Choir took part in a five-day musical and cultural tour to Lisbon, Portugal. This memorable trip offered pupils the opportunity to perform internationally, experience new cultures, and grow in confidence, teamwork and independence – values at the heart of life at S. Anselm’s.
The choir was joined by a supportive group of parents, grandparents and siblings, creating a warm and memorable shared experience both on and off the stage.
Day 1 – Arrival, Cabo da Roca and Sintra
Following our arrival in Lisbon and a brief luggage drop at our hotel, the group travelled west to Cabo da Roca, the most westerly point of mainland Europe. From there, we continued to the enchanting town of Sintra, nestled among the hills just outside Lisbon.
Portuguese pastries and ice creams were enjoyed before the choir gave an impromptu outdoor performance of Ubi Caritas, sung a cappella to passers-by. The day ended with dinner at the hotel and a well-earned early night.
Day 2 – Concerts at Salesianos do Estoril and Oeiras International School
An early start saw the choir walk to Salesianos do Estoril School for the first major performance of the tour. This concert took place in the school’s magnificent church and featured a large collaborative programme alongside a local choir. The repertoire included Acreditar (“To Believe”), a choral work by the school’s retired musical director, António.
This was a demanding and highly rewarding opening performance, with Head Chorister Rita delivering a beautiful solo rendition of Fauré’s Pie Jesu. The choir rose superbly to the occasion.
That afternoon, we travelled into the hills to Oeiras International School for the second concert of the day. After a swift rehearsal, the joint performance was delivered to a packed audience of pupils, staff and school leaders.
The choir wowed the audience with their performances of Stand By Me (soloist Niamh), Adiemus, The Lord Is My Shepherd, Caresse sur l’océan, À la carte, and the duet Panis Angelicus, performed by Nancy and Martha.
Day 3 – Cultural Experiences in Lisbon
A planned performance at the British School of Lisbon was unfortunately cancelled at short notice due to major issues with the school’s water supply. While the choir were disappointed to miss this opportunity, the change in plans allowed for a rich and varied cultural day in Lisbon.
The morning was spent sightseeing and shopping in the city, followed by a hands-on workshop learning to make the famous Portuguese pastel de nata custard tarts. The afternoon brought a further highlight in the form of a surf lesson – an unforgettable experience for many of the choristers.
Day 4 – Jerónimos Monastery and Basilica da Estrela Concert
Day 4 began with sightseeing at Lisbon’s extraordinary Jerónimos Monastery. Built over the course of a century and completed in 1601, the building left the group in awe of its scale and intricate craftsmanship. A visit to the Belém pastry factory followed, and the choir once again shared an a cappella performance of Ubi Caritas with passers-by.
That afternoon, the group enjoyed a tour of the city aboard Lisbon’s well-known ‘Hippo Bus’ – an amphibious vehicle that travels both through the streets and along the Tagus River.
Later that day came the musical pinnacle of the tour: a collaborative concert with the British School of Lisbon at the magnificent Basilica da Estrela. The programme included a joint performance of Pachelbel’s Peace Canon, SA soloist Rita performing Fauré’s Pie Jesu, Panis Angelicus performed by Nancy and Martha, and choral classics such as Lindley’s Ave Maria, Mozart’s Ave Verum Corpus, and Rutter’s A Clare Benediction.
The combination of exceptional singing and accompaniment by a professional organist, set within the grandeur of the Basilica, created a deeply moving experience for performers and audience alike.
Day 5 – Farewell to Lisbon
On the final morning, the choir enjoyed a relaxed breakfast before a walk to the beach in glorious sunshine. More ice cream was enjoyed, followed by an energetic, albeit brief, dip in the chilly Atlantic Ocean. A smooth journey home followed, bringing the tour to a close.
Thank you to Catarina and her family for their extraordinary planning, generosity and hospitality throughout the tour. A native Lisboeta, Catarina – mother of Head Chorister Rita – played a central role in organising the itinerary and welcoming the choir into her home city.
Our thanks also go to Mr Percival and Miss Pink for their leadership and support throughout the tour, and to all members of our extended choir family whose encouragement and enthusiasm helped make this experience so rewarding.
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