NORWICH – Next July can’t come soon enough for seven select members of the Norwich High School Choir, as the group of friends continue to raise funds for their journey to the Prague Choral Festival.

Held annually in the musical mecca and capital of the Czech Republic, the week-long adventure will feature a number of clinics, musical workshops and concerts under the direction of famed American conductors Dr. André Thomas and Dr. Anton Armstrong, culminating with performances of Leonard Bernstein’s “Chichester Psalms” and W.A. Mozart’s “Requiem” in Prague’s legendary Smetana Hall.

Approximately 400 vocalists, hailing from the United States of America, Russia, the Czech Republic and Slovakia, will attend the event and NHS Musical Director Mary Mayo, along with Pennies For Prague Committee Chairman Betsy Mahannah, are working with the students, their parents and the community to raise money in an effort to offset costs associated with the voyage.

This will be Mayo’s third trip to the “City of a Hundred Spires,” and the high school choir director said she believes the experience will be an outstanding one for her students.

“Prague was one of Mozart’s favorite places to visit and it will be meaningful to perform in the same city where he spent so much of his time,” stated Mayo, who added she’s excited to be working with such world-class conductors. “I’ve been really pleased with the students’ preparation so far and they’ve rehearsed throughout their summer vacation with joy and enthusiasm.”