Mastersingers USA in Central Europe – 2007

Sunday, July 8, 2007
Final Banquet

Each of the tours of Mastersingers USA ends with a banquet.  This one took place on Sunday evening on a boat on the Vltava River (also known as the Moldau).  As we entered the boat, we were greeted by the music of an accordion and clarinet.  A buffet was already spread out down the center of the main cabin of the ship, and tables of 6 were set and waiting for us.  Most of us took our drinks topside to the open deck that ran almost the full length of the ship.  From here, we had incredible views of Prague as the boat slowly made its way toward the Charles Bridge and early evening light began to fade.  Eventually, everyone helped themselves to the buffet, and the leisurely dining stretched out until the announcement came that "festivities are about to begin."

Top deck of our dinner boat	Bruce McInnes wrapping up the tour
Bruce with St. Vitus in the evening sky (source: JD Vogt)	Our final view of Prague from the dinner boat (source: JD Vogt)

We all crowded into the open top deck of the boat and directed our attention to the center.  With David Baron as MC, there was one "act" after another:  a musical blessing from Geoff Piper, Jim Mixter's "Top 10" list of Bruce's rehearsal comments, Bruce Towner's epic verse summarizing the tour, a poem from Jon Linn, a song from the Zumbye alumni, a song from his drinking buddies about Troy Rustad's interest in Zuzana.  Perhaps the highlight was the ladies of the tour singing about their experience to the tune of "Tancuj, Tancuj, Tancuj," with emphasis on their shopping adventures.  With the light fading, Assistant Conductor Kerry Brennan, made a presentation of gifts to Bruce on behalf of all of us.  Finally we were addressed by our leader, commenting as he has done in the past, on the miracle that is Mastersingers USA:  65+ men from all over the US (and Germany!), who have enough of a love of music, of each other, and of their director to spend weeks and months learning music on their own, to sacrifice their precious free time, and to pay the considerable cost — all to make music together for the delight of foreign audiences.  And not just music, but something profound enough to occasionally bring tears to the eyes of grown men, as they sing to the glory of God and to the wonders of this unique fellowship.  Where to next?