Rather than dive right into performing, the BYU Wind Symphony spent their first day in Portugal climbing turrets, hiking through labyrinths, and admiring statues and fountains of royalty in the hilltops of Sintra. The ensemble performed twice that weekend and put on their Saturday show in the chapel located on the grounds of the Lisbon Portugal Temple. The concert was such a success that the audience gave four standing ovations.

After spending two days on the road making their way to Barcelona, the group experienced one of the highlights of their tour: performing at the Palau de la Música Catalana, one of the most renowned attractions in Barcelona and an icon of Catalan modernist architecture. The Wind Symphony donated all ticket sales to two local organizations that work with people who have issues with hearing, vision, or mental health. The group ended their second week on tour with another concert, numerous cultural excursions, and a visit to the Madrid Spain Temple under their belts.

The group’s last week overseas was bittersweet. They started their Monday off exploring Plaza Mayor and Retiro Park. After their adventurous morning, the group departed for the Teatro EDP Gran Vía to perform their final concert, where the attendee line extended far up the parkway. One member of the symphony says, “The thing I’m going to remember the most is the people. One woman came up to me after a concert and said, with tears in her eyes, ‘Me sentí la música en mi corazón,’ which means, ‘I felt the music in my heart.’ I have never been able to see before just how music can unite people from all corners of the earth.”

The Wind Symphony spent their last day volunteering at the Fundación Madrina, organizing donations and preparing the facilities to accept new expectant mothers—a top tour experience for the students. With their diverse itinerary and many concerts complete, the group prepared for their long flight home—hearts filled with treasured memories from their time abroad.