Contributed photo: Choir Director Rebecca Ryan and 22 members of the choir performed in the Lublin Partner Cities Festival held in Poland over the summer.

A recent trip to the Lublin Partner Cities Festival in Poland had Mercyhurst University’s current and past choirs singing.

While the rest of campus was relaxing for the summer, choir director Rebecca Ryan and 22 members set off on a Polish adventure.

Ryan received a formal invitation to be honored as the Polish government’s guests for the festival.

The festival was held from May 23-25 and featured choirs from Siberia, Romania, Russia and Lublin, Poland.

“It was a beautiful cathedral and a beautiful experience overall,” said Ryan. While attending the festival, the ensemble performed a solo concert in the cathedral as well as multiple appearances around the city of Lublin. Although the group performed classical works throughout its stay, Kathleen Reveille also performed a solo concert.

Accompanied by Ryan, she performed a compilation of African-American works inspired by Erie native Harry Burleigh, a composer of that genre.
Ryan feels the experience was an opportunity that each member, including herself, found beneficial.

“The experience was extraordinary- culturally, musically, and emotionally- for everyone,” Ryan said.

The choir was composed of current students, alumni, friends and family, each of which contributed differently to the group.

Ryan and the choir have traveled to Honduras, Italy, Ireland and Poland, among other international stops.

They are currently looking into southern Germany or Ireland for next year’s escapade.

In the meantime, however, the choir will be performing locally. With Ryan at the lead, these Mercyhurst students perform at many concerts around campus and the Erie community.

They are featured often in the Walker Recital Hall, the chapel and in the Performing Arts Center during the Christmas season for local enjoyment.