Classical Choir Cruise Casts off for Antarctica in December 2017

What began as an April Fools' joke will culminate in an uncanny classical music tour to Antarctica. Concert touring company Classical Movements is recruiting a group of adventure-seeking choristers to embark on the "magnificent adventure" of the unprecedented Antarctica Choir Tour, which is scheduled to take place from December 29, 2017, to January 14, 2018.

As reported by The Washington Post, Classical Movements first tested the waters for an Antarctica trip two years ago. As the company has "worked in 140 countries on six continents as concert planners, presenters, and travel agents for orchestras and choruses," the idea of tackling the frigid seventh continent was meant as good-humored lark for April Fools' Day, 2014.

That is, until a deluge of calls and emails began inquiring as to the specifics of the Antarctic tour. The intended joke quickly took on a life of its own. Now, Classical Movements is making the cool classical cruise a reality. They began accepting applications in April for the Antarctica Choir Tour that will have choral contributors singing in Argentina before departing to the South Pole:

"50 participants -- who will be asked to demonstrate their singing ability -- will fly to Argentina; rehearse for a few days under the tour's conductor, Oscar Escalada; give a concert in Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world; and then embark on a boat trip through Drake's Passage to give what may be the first public choral concerts in Antarctica."

Per a press release from Classical Movements, the cruising choristers will also sing in Antarctica, conditions permitting. The Antarctic recital may very well be the first performance of its kind:

"The next nine days will be spent on board a cruise ship, where the singers will give two concerts and a weather (and penguin) permitting performance on the mainland of Antarctica. Classical Movements will also facilitate any possible tours and explorations to view some of the continent's stunning scenery and rare wildlife, and provide the opportunity to hear lectures by scientists, biologists, photographers, and other expedition staff."

For more information on Classical Movements' Antarctica Choir Tour, please visit www.classicalmovements.com/antarctica.htm.

TagsAntarctica, Classical Movements, Classical Music