(Neil’s Video and more photos)

Thursday
An early morning start from Swansea for Heathrow.  All well-organized and pleasant-but a huge blow that Chairman Richard was taken unwell at the airport!  We wish him a speedy recovery!
A short flight to Frankfurt to be met by lovely Teutonia Choir hosts who welcomed us warmly and outlined the tour itinerary.  Our hotel Best Western Plus, Mannheim ensured a swift check-in, and we were left to relax for the evening- dining, socialising and ‘scooter’ escapades on nearby streets!! (see video!)

Friday
An early breakfast for most! -and the day’s events started at 10.15 a.m. with a visit to Bad Dürkeim, the famous wine-growing Palatinate region.

We experienced a Sekt/Champagne reception at the historic ‘Wurstmarkt’, and then divided into two groups for the ‘Saline’ and ‘Vineyard’ tours.  All fascinating and enjoyable!

A hearty picnic snack at lunch-time, and a wonderful wine-tasting presentation at the prestigious Blad Dürkheim Fass late afternoon.  A 3-course meal completed a truly amazing day, mind-blowing hospitality!

Neil will undoubtedly remember his 68th birthday celebration!

Saturday
A leisurely morning/early afternoon before the Choristers headed for a concert practice at the Kulturhalle, Feudenheim, the ladies following half an hour later.
A very special evening lay in store!  The welcoming speeches from the Teutonia Choir Chairman Dieter Kern and Deputy Mayor with kind translations were heartfelt, and detailed the years of friendship and communication between the two choirs-and, once again, cemented the bond of camaraderie between Mannheim and Swansea.  Both national flags were raised as we sang the National Anthems.
We were then delighted to hear the Teutonia Mixed Choir initiating the evening concert with some fine singing, followed by the young members of Tea Tones and Tea Tonies thrilling us with their renditions.
The Gwalia Choristers were in good voice with their repertoire in the first half, with the power songs of ‘O Gymru’ and ‘There is a Land’ drawing rapturous applause.  Our Mannheim friends also greatly appreciated Nigel’s presentations and introductions in German.
‘Muss I Denn’ started the second half of the Gwalia programme, and there had been some trepidation beforehand about pronunciation etc, but it was well-received and appreciated!
The programme concluded with the Choir’s favourite ‘If we only have love’-with a standing ovation and shouts of ‘more’ from the German audience!
Gwalia responded with another rendition of ‘Muss I Denn’ with our German friends joining in! Also, Musical Director Matthew Sims sang one of the Choir’s favourite solos ‘Stars’ from Les Misérables-and we indeed finished on a high!  A class act from Matt!-and the whole auditorium in loud applause and appreciation!
The wonderful hospitality continued with a buffet and fine wines/beers, with our German friends keen to socialise and enjoy with us all!  Incredible!  A truly unforgettable evening!
Sunday
A very early start for the Johanneskirche in Feudenheim, and indeed an honour for the Gwalia Choir to participate in the Church service.  They were stood (almost all in full Choir uniform!) with a beautiful backdrop of stained- glass windows and lit candles at the front of the Church.  Listening to ‘Sanctus’, ’Y Darlun’, ’Cwm Rhondda’, and ‘Benedictus’ was truly mesmerising, and greatly appreciated by the congregation.  The acoustics highlighted the beautiful piano playing by Rhian, and fine singing of the Choir.

A lovely excursion to Heidelberg in the afternoon to enjoy the beautiful location on the river, and panoramic castle overlooking the town.

Hopefully, Roger enjoyed his 66th birthday celebration too!

Monday
A leisurely morning with an early afternoon visit to the prestigious Mannheim Palace Chapel where Mozart once auditioned to join the Sovereign Elect Orchestra.  A beautiful chapel with spectacular ceiling depictions of Biblical stories-and acute acoustics!  After a generous Sekt/Champagne reception courtesy of Teutonia Choir yet again, Gwalia Choristers were invited to sing a choice of three unaccompanied songs.  The wonderful harmonies and musicality of the singing were evident in that sublime setting.  A wonderful experience!

We visited the Crypt-and then left for Mayer Bräuerei, Ludwigshafen, a very interesting brewery tour with some samples of locally brewed beers.  To complete the evening we enjoyed a tremendous buffet courtesy of Gwalia Choir.  It was indeed sad to bid our Teutonia friends ‘goodbye’-but it’s already established that they will visit us in Swansea in 2025!

Tuesday
Arrived back safely in Swansea!  Time for everyone to recover after a wonderful tour!
‘Danke’ to the Teutonia Choir and Mannheim for incredible hospitality! – and a huge ‘thank-you’ to Rhian, Matt, Alan, Lawrence and team for all your hard work!
When and where is the next tour?