The Choir stayed in Bratislava, the capital City, which was perfectly positioned by the Danube, very close to Vienna and also on the borders of Hungary. Two concerts were performed, one in the main square in Bratislava itself, and the other in the partially restored Cathedral in Nitra.  The Choir visited the Esterhazy Palace in Eisenstadt, Austria, where Haydn worked for nearly forty years and composed many of his works, and also visited Hungary.  On the final day the morning was spent in the magnificent Schonbrunn Palace, learning more about the long reigns of the Empress Maria Theresa in the eighteenth century, and Franz Joseph in the nineteenth century.  Throughout the tour the Choir was reminded of the turbulent and complicated history of Central Europe.  They stood on the banks of a tributary of the Danube, from which refugees from behind the Iron Curtain tried to escape during the Cold War.

Some photographs of the tour sent by Wendy Stephens to David N Hall, the Web Master:
 

The Choir on the steps leading up to St Emeram Cathedral, Nitra

Nick Danks playing the organ during the Nitra concert

The Choir performing at the Jesuit Church, Bratislava

 

Pre rehearsal group on the steps of the Jesuit Church, Bratislava

The concert in St Emeram Cathedral, Nitra

The concert in St Emeram Cathedral, Nitra

 

Choir performing in Nitra

Making the climb to Nitra Castle

Devin Castle

 

Cereny Kamen Castle

Rehearsing in the Jesuit Church, Bratislava (photo by Helen Espir)

Meal on the final evening in Grinzing

 

the banks of the Danube outside Devin castle walls

 

Some photographs provided by Richard Fanshawe