2025 Tour: Travelogue 1 - Berlin
Dear Friends,
Luggage in tow and sporting their new navy tracksuits and irrepressible smiles, the boys and young men of the Georgia Boy Choir arrived at Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport radiating anticipation for the journey ahead. After a very full season of making music and Bringing Beauty to Life in and around Atlanta, these young cultural ambassadors were bound for northern Germany, the Czech Republic, and Austria, eager to see new sights, meet new people, and share their music with that part of the world.
Their first destination was Berlin, but a slight mechanical delay caused them to miss their connecting flight in Frankfurt. Instead of disappointment, this presented an opportunity to head into the old town, stretch their legs, and see a little of Frankfurt. At last, they touched down in Berlin. Even through the weariness of travel, the boys were buzzing with excitement as they stepped into this historic capital for the very first time. The first order of business: dinner at Schleusenkrug, a charming restaurant nestled in Tiergarten Park. Beneath the Berlin sky, over schnitzel and pommes, they got their first real taste of Germany—both literally and figuratively. With full bellies and tired eyes, the travelers were grateful to settle in to their hotel and rest.
Next morning, they dove headfirst into discovery. A guided coach tour took them through Berlin’s most iconic landmarks: the Brandenburg Gate, the Reichstag, the Victory Column, Charlottenburg Palace. The boys peered out the windows of their big double-decker bus, absorbing history at every corner. Lunch in Alexanderplatz offered time to explore local food stands, practice a few German phrases, and soak in the vibrant heart of the city.
That afternoon, the boys went to Checkpoint Charlie and walked somberly through an exhibition call DIE MAUER – The Wall Experience. The museum’s immersive design and powerful storytelling gave them a deep, emotional understanding of life during the Cold War. It was one of many moments that would remind us this tour is not just about music—it’s about learning and growing as citizens of the world. Dinner at a lively Italian restaurant near the hotel lifted their spirits with pizza and laughter.
With their inner clocks beginning to adjust to the time, Saturday would mark their first performance of the tour, but first, it was time to climb—literally and figuratively. The morning began at Mount Mitte, a high-ropes adventure course where the boys pushed themselves across wobbly bridges, swinging beams, and vertical climbs. There was shouting, laughter, and cheering from below as teammates encouraged one another to finish strong. It was a highlight of the trip so far and a perfect metaphor for what this tour is all about: challenge, support, and triumph. After a change into concert attire, it was time to focus on what they had traveled so far to do.
Berlin’s Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church is a cultural landmark that stands as a reminder both of the destruction and devastation of war, and the resilience of the human spirit. Following World War II, Berlin was largely left in ruins and the Memorial Church was no exception. Most of the once majestic building was completely gone, but much of its tallest steeple remained and still remains as an ugly reminder. Some years after its destruction, the people of Berlin built a new, modern looking church building and tower right next door. It was here, in this stunning space, marked by both its wartime destruction and its modern glass restoration that the Choir’s first concert was to take place.
The bells in the big tower rang loud and long calling people to leave their daily routines in order to come sit in the blue glow of the church’s stained glass, bask in the beauty of that light, and immerse themselves in the ethereal sound of boys’ voices. Those who responded to that clarion call were rewarded with an experience they would long remember. The Choir began in the organ and choir loft in the rear of the church and the power and warmth of their voices filled the room. Midway through the program, they made their way to the front of the church and continued from the wide steps in front of the altar. The audience, seated in silence beneath the glowing blue windows, erupted in cathartic applause, grateful for a moment of beauty in a place once marked by brokenness.
VIDEO PREMIERE at 6:00 PM EST
The Georgia Boy Choir - Introit and Kyrie from Requiem by Maurice Duruflé
The atmosphere at the post-concert dinner was ebullient. The young singers had an inner sense of satisfaction, joy, and accomplishment. The first concert was a success and they went to bed happy, but rose early the next morning to begin their final day in Berlin. This morning, they made their way to the majestic Berlin Cathedral, where it was their honor to lead the worship during the Sunday morning service. The enormous domed sanctuary was filled with worshipers and the young Americans filled the massive space with sacred song. The atmosphere was reverent, the acoustics astonishing, and the moment unforgettable.
With full hearts full, the young singers bid “auf wiedersehen” to Berlin, loaded their bags, and climbed aboard the coach once more, bound for Hamburg and the next chapter of their journey.
Until next time,
The Georgia Boy Choir Germany, Czechia & Austria Tour Team
