Some Information on our 2010 tour of Morocco
The 2010 Tour of Morocco of the New Hampshire Friendship Chorus took 79 singers and guests. The
travel dates of the fifteen-day tour were May 16 and June 7, 2010,
spring-time in northern Africa.
At this time in our world, it is important to learn as much as we can about Islam and the Muslim way of life, and Morocco is a safe place to do so. Morocco lies at the crossroads of Africa, Europe, and the Middle East. It is a magical country, yet very real; it has a unique heritage shaped by the influence of Berbers, ancient Jews, Muslims, Andalusians, Bedouin Arabs, sub-Saharans, and colonial Europeans. Life each day in that part of the world is a rich mixture of surprises and diversity. This amazing land of contrasts has ancient ruins and sacred mosques, endless deserts and striking mountains, imposing casbahs and spirited souks. The tour took the singers from Casablanca to the imperial cities of Rabat, Fez, Marrakech, to other medieval and modern towns and cities, and to the High Atlas and the vast Sahara. The tourers saw the wondrous sights and hospitable people in an age-old culture.
Musical direction for the Morocco tour was under the energetic and talented baton of Dr. Dan Perkins, who also conducted in 2008 and three previous NHFC choral tours. Dr. Perkins is Professor of Music at Plymouth State University, and conducts the New Hampshire Master Chorale, the Manchester Choral Society, and the Hanover Chamber Orchestra.
Since its inception in 1987, NHFC has undertaken eleven international tours, the most recent in June and July of 2008 to the Southern Adriatic coast. The group was enthusiastically welcomed by host ensembles, singing in cities and festivals in Croatia, Slovenia, Montenegro, and Bosnia-Herzgovina.