Leipzig

A little update as to what we have been up to recently! We recently left Germany where we got the opportunity to visit both Leipzig and Berlin and wow was I amazed with both.  Leipzig was fantastic as we got to explore more of a city area that was quite modern and fast paced. Leipzig the home of Bach provided our group with the opportunity to explore a city rich with history and opportunity. While there we went to some exciting performances the first of them was the Danceperados of Ireland. The Danceperados performance had typical Irish dancing, some background about Whiskey in Ireland and many songs about whiskey in barrels. This performance was polar opposite of anything else we have seen and it was a fun change of pace and mood.

 The next performance we got to watch was the Leipzig university symphony and choir performing Beethoven and Stravinsky. The symphony orchestra was insane! The level of musicianship from each student was extremely high and it was clear how hard they worked to put on a performance that fantastic. Going into the performance I expected them to be at a high level but my expectations were surpassed as they sounded just as good if not better than professional ensembles back home. The choir on the other hand was good but I believe the choir program at PLU surpasses this particular group in terms of tone and maturity in their voices. The soloists chosen sang beautifully and were quite enjoyable to watch.

Other than music Leipzig was great for shopping! A few friends and I made our way through the shopping centers and picked up some goods including Birkenstocks (much cheaper in Germany than back home)! We went to the Primark in town as well which was so fun and difficult to not make any purchases, so let’s just say I may have made some purchases in Leipzig I didn’t make anywhere else. 

Finally, one of my favorite experiences in Leipzig was getting the opportunity to play dress up in the Mendelssohn museum. At the museum we got the opportunity to pick out some outfits of the time period and pose with a friend and take a picture. Janelle and I happily threw on some dresses and got our picture taken as well as messing around with some of the other costumes and props.

Mendelssohn museum dress up