St Andrew’s Cathedral School Music students had the trip of a lifetime, performing in historic and prestigious venues across four countries.
The School’s 2025 European Music Tour was more than a series of performances – it was a transformative experience that revealed the power of music to connect hearts, cultures and generations. For 85 students and 11 staff from St Andrew’s Cathedral School, the 17-day journey across Germany, the Czech Republic, Austria and Hungary was a living classroom, where the historic resonated with the present and music became the common language.
Berlin was their first stage. Beneath the vaulted ceilings of the Berlin Cathedral, students offered a choral performance that echoed with wonder. But it was in the quiet power of a bilingual Lord’s Prayer, spoken together in native tongues, that many felt the first glimpse of music’s deeper purpose: unity. From morning devotionals and spontaneous performances, to student-led conversations with peers at the Berlin Cosmopolitan School, Berlin became a city not only of history, but of human connection.
In Leipzig, the story of JS Bach was brought to life. Performing at Thomaskirche, where the composer worked as a Kapellmeister (leader of the chamber ensemble), students experienced the rare honour of sharing space with history. The Gewandhaus workshops, Mendelssohn House visit and Bach Museum tour gave insight into the lives of those who shaped the music they now sing. But more than that, it gave students the opportunity to reflect on their own place in music’s long tradition.
From the pastel streets of Prague to the grandeur of the Rudolfinum, the Czech Republic offered cultural treasures at every turn. Students explored vibrant Easter markets and soaked up the city’s artistic pulse, culminating in a memorable concert at the Czech Museum of Music.
In Salzburg and Vienna, the experiences and adventure continued. The sound of sacred works soaring through Salzburg Cathedral, the energy of the Sound of Music tour, and the golden halls of Vienna’s Musikverein demonstrated places of both discipline and joy. A standout moment was the choral workshop with Erasmus Baumgartner of the Vienna Boys Choir, who responded enthusiastically to the students’ skill and commitment – a proud affirmation of their months of preparation.
The journey ended in Budapest, where the Franz Liszt Academy and the Kodály Institute brought the tour full circle, back to music’s educational roots. The final concert, performed in the historic Minorite Church, was not just a culmination – it was a celebration of how far the students had come. As they stood overlooking the Danube during their farewell dinner, there was a shared understanding: they hadn’t just toured Europe, they had grown within it.
The 2025 European Music Tour was a testament to the value of international arts education. It was about performance, but also perspective. From student reflections on perseverance, faith and creativity, to staff sharing stories of quiet leadership behind the scenes, this was a tour immersed in gratitude.
“I’m thankful and proud to have travelled with such wonderful students and supportive staff.”
“The 2025 European Music Tour was an unforgettable experience for the students fortunate enough to join. Workshops with world-renowned institutions and musicians developed our choral and orchestral skills, and the opportunity to perform in stunning and significant venues brought the whole process together. I’m thankful and proud to have travelled with such wonderful students and supportive staff who worked so hard for our success and enjoyment,” said Zara Wu, Year 10 student.
“Everyone who attended this year’s trip was transformed by the people and places they experienced.”
“International music tours are a cornerstone of the St Andrew’s Cathedral School music programme, allowing students to showcase and workshop their talents in some of the world’s most esteemed musical and cultural venues. Workshopping and performing in the conservatoriums, churches and concert halls where musical giants Bach, Mozart, Schubert, Mendelssohn and Brahms have gone before them has been a surreal, transformative experience to treasure for many years to come,” said Jen Nelson, Music Tour Director and Head of Music.
Heartfelt thanks go to the dedicated staff, conductors, logistics team and Hayllar Tour Managers who ‘orchestrated’ every detail. Their tireless support ensured that every note played and every step taken was part of something far bigger – a journey that will echo in the lives of these young musicians for years to come.
