The Twelve Days of Isthmus Tour '09:
May 19 - June 1, 2009
Now coming to the close of its 147th season at the University of Pennsylvania, the Penn Glee Club is preparing to take its talents on tour to Colombia, Panama, and Costa Rica. Marking the 50th year since the Glee Club’s first international tour, this tour promises to continue the Glee Club’s tradition of excellence abroad in spreading the spirit of the University; the Glee Club has performed countless times in over 37 different countries around the world. Serving as musical ambassadors of the University, the Penn Glee Club has immersed itself in international culture over the years of international tours, engaging in cultural exchanges with the people around the world.
And although truly defining and unique for the members of the Club, the international tour experience expands beyond the confines of the Glee Club to the Penn alumni and local residents of each country the Club visits. Penn alumni revisit one of the defining musical traditions of the University at each Glee Club performance. Locals experience a sometimes once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see a diverse array of young men perform a unique repertoire of music, ranging from Broadway show tunes to traditional classical and folk melodies. Its blend of singing, dancing, and acting has distinguished the Penn Glee Club from countless other Glee Clubs in the world; with a deep pool of talent and a dedicated undergraduate membership, the Glee Club’s performances always bring an enjoyable experience for all audience members, young and old.
To the delight of both the alumni and locals of Colombia, Panama, and Costa Rica, the University of Pennsylvania Glee Club is proud to announce its international tour of 2009: The Twelve Days of Isthmus.
Tentative Itinerary:
May 19 - Depart from JFK and arrive in Bogotá, Colombia
May 20 - Host music workshop for underprivileged children and performance in the evening
May 21 - Concert at University of the Andes in Colombia
May 23 - Arrive in Panama City, Panama
May 25 - Concert in for Penn Alumni of Panama City, Panama
May 26 - Performance for Panamanian schoolchildren
May 27 - Arrive in San José, Costa Rica
May 28 - Cultural exchange with University Students of San José; Concert in evening
May 29 - Morning concert; Arrive in Quepos, Costa Rica
June 1 - Arrive Back in Philadelphia
Bogotá, Colombia: May 19 - May 22
Bogotá, the capital city of Colombia, is known to many as "The Athens of South America" with its many universities and libraries. Located near the geographic center of Colombia, the city is bordered on the east by the Andes mountains, on the west by the Bogotá River, and on the north and south by hills parallel to the Guadalupe and Monserrate Mountains.
On this first stop of the tour, the Glee Club will spend the first two days working with underprivileged children. The Glee Club will start off the tour on the evening of May 20th with a performance at a cathedral. The University of the Andes will host the Glee Club the next day, May 21st, for an evening performance.
Panama City, Panama: May 23 - May 26
Panama City, the largest and capital city of the Republic of Panama, is the second stop of the tour. With a beautiful skyline of highrises and hotels, Panama City is home to numerous world-class restaurants and hotels; the renowned old quarter features such attractions as Las Bóvedas, a scenic waterfront promenade, El Teatro Nacional, an intimate performance center, and the National Institute of Culture.
This stop of the tour features a performance at 8 PM on the 25th of May in Panama City and a morning performance for Panamanian schoolchildren on the next day.
San José, Costa Rica May 27 - May 29
After a long bus ride from Panama City, the Glee Club will arrive in San José, Costa Rica. San José, the largest and capital city of Costa Rica, is a bustling city of industry and commerce, as well as a frequent stop for tourists. El Pueblo, in downtown San José, features more than 50 bars, clubs, restaurants, art galleries, and shops. Undoubtedly, the city will prove a lively stop for the Glee Club.
Here, the Club will interact with local university students and perform for them on the evening of the 28th of May. Friday, May 29th will feature a concert in the morning prior to departure for Quepos.
Quepos, Costa Rica: May 30 - June 1
Quepos, Costa Rica, home of Marina Pez Vela, the largest marina in Costa Rica, marks the final stop of the tour, where the Glee Club will just kick back and enjoy the scenery. Surrounded by rainforest, scenic Quepos is mostly known for its sportsfishing, though it is frequented by families, surfers, backpackers, and ecotourists alike. Here, the Glee Club will truly begin summer break, relaxing by the beautiful sights of the area.
