A Journey of Rhythm and Purpose

The BYU Ballroom Dance Company recently completed an exhilarating tour across four African nations: South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique. With a total of 11 performances of their powerhouse show Rhythm, this tour was not only a display of incredible talent but also a beautiful celebration of cultural exchange and community outreach. The company had a standout moment when they took the stage and delivered two mesmerizing performances at the renowned Playhouse Company Opera Theatre in Durban, South Africa. The dancers were honored to have Ms. Gugu Ngcobo, representing the Zulu royal household, in attendance. Ms. Ngcobo addressed the company, shared words of encouragement, and presented gifts on behalf of the Zulu queen. Among the highlights of this tour was the company’s visit to the Bahurutshe Cultural Village in Botswana, where they enjoyed lunch with the US ambassador to Botswana, Howard A. Van Vranken. Later that day, they shared a cultural exchange and dinner with the Mafitlhakgosi Traditional Dance group and held a joint performance to a crowd of 1,500 people in Gaborone. This event was a powerful testament to the unifying nature of dance as they bridged cultures through art, all while celebrating both African heritage and the groups’ shared passion for performance. A core mission of the BYU Ballroom Dance Company is to promote cultural exchange, and they excelled in this goal throughout their tour. They collaborated with iThemba Labantu and later with the Usiko Dance Group, participating in incredible experiences where dancers exchanged their favorite moves and styles and celebrated the beauty of diversity in dance. In addition to sharing their love for dance, the company focused on serving the communities they visited. At Windybrow Arts Centre in Johannesburg, South Africa, the dancers shared their own beloved children’s books and stories and left a positive impact on the local youth. This commitment to serving through the arts was a defining aspect of their tour, teaching them that purpose can be found in every step and gesture. The company embraced their role as global citizens. Partnering with local missionaries from the Church, volunteers from Duma FM, and community members, they participated in a cleanup effort in Bokaa, a small village near Gaborone, Botswana. This initiative not only beautified the area but also strengthened community bonds and illustrated the power of collective action. The dancers also engaged in service projects with No Poor Among Us, which focuses on empowering local communities and promoting self-sufficiency, and with Iris Global, where they performed and toured the orphanage facilities. At the end of their visit, the pastor of the facility shared a prayer with the team. “The prayer was beautiful,” says company member Jacee Peterson. “I have never felt God’s love for me stronger than within that combined prayer.” Looking Ahead The BYU Ballroom Dance Company is preparing to tour Northern California in the early months of 2025. In the spring, they will depart for an extended tour to Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam. Click HERE for more info on the Ballroom Dance Company.

Choral Champions of Cork

The BYU Singers had an inspiring academic tour to Ireland. Full of collaboration, performances, sightseeing, and competition, their week-long journey ended with them winning the first-place award at the Cork International Choral Festival. A significant highlight of the tour was their first concert, held at St. Andrew’s Church in Dublin. When the BYU Singers arrived, they were welcomed by the local parish and the New Dublin Voices, a leading Irish chamber choir, making the group immediately feel welcome and at home. The Mt. San Antonio Chamber Singers, from Mt. San Antonio College in California, also arrived, and together these three choral groups prepared for a joint charity concert. The concert was held to support Focus Ireland, a nonprofit organization that works with people across Ireland who are homeless or at risk of losing their homes. It was a touching concert full of music spanning from the 1600s to the present day. The rest of the tour featured a series of concerts held in stunning venues, including St. Patrick’s Cathedral and the Christ Church Cathedral in Dublin. At these historic sites, the BYU Singers shared how awe-inspiring it was to be in buildings that were centuries older than the United States. Many students also noted the deep appreciation of culture and music that people in Ireland have. A student favorite was going to the Irish House Party, where they learned traditional Irish reels, jigs, and other dances. The BYU Singers also visited the Cliffs of Moher and explored Blarney Castle, where many students kissed the famous Blarney Stone. The group’s many months of preparation were celebrated when the BYU Singers received first prize in the Fleischmann International Trophy Competition at the Cork International Choral Festival, where they competed against choirs from across the world. This recognition not only honored their hard work and dedication but also served as a testament to the quality of their performances. One judge spoke about how they expected good tone, good intonation, and good diction, but beyond those basic requirements they were looking for “musical intelligence.” Winning this award reinforced the BYU choir’s reputation for excellence and provided a proud moment for the group and the university. Madison Paez, a soprano in the choir, opened up about how their director, Dr. Andrew Crane, encourages the students to make meaning with the music they sing. She shares, “We were constantly reminded that although we were there to compete, we were there first to share God’s love and message with the audience, and it was each of our jobs to do that.” Looking Ahead The BYU Singers now prepare for a performance as a featured artist at the 2025 American Choral Directors Association Convention in March and have been asked to premiere a prize-winning new choral composition. Additionally, they look forward to touring across Italy, Greece, Switzerland, and Belgium, including participating in the 14th World Choir Festival on Music and Competition in Greece in May 2025. Listen to the song that secured BYU Singers their win in Cork!

Celebrating Community

The BYU International Folk Dance Ensemble and BYU Mountain Strings spent their summer on an unforgettable tour through Mexico and the southern United States. The students had much to say about their experiences, revealing how the tour profoundly impacted their perspectives. Kicking Off in Mexico The ensemble started their tour in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, where they spent 10 days performing at a festival and connecting with groups from around the world. Bailey Tucker, a member of the ensemble, says, “It was a dream come true to represent the US at an international folk festival. I felt such a love for my country and opened my heart to love even more cultures as I met people from around the world.” The ensemble’s commitment to community engagement was evident at the Baila Conmigo event, where they fostered joy and connection as they danced with locals. Their performance at Teatro Vallarta further impressed attendees as the group enthusiastically showcased American dance traditions. The tour continued with a vibrant parade in Tomatlán, where the ensemble performed for over 800 people. Their performance garnered high praise from the president of the International Council of Organizations of Folklore Festivals and Folk Arts, further solidifying the ensemble’s reputation as ambassadors of cultural exchange. The last few days of the tour included visiting a local middle school, participating in a photo rally, and exploring San Sebastián del Oeste, where they performed for residents. “It has been a beautiful sight to see my team dance for those of my Mexican culture,” says Efrain Villalobos, a member of the ensemble. “I feel like both of my worlds collided and the purpose of our team has been fulfilled. We honor the world around us by dancing their traditional folk dances. Now, we get to meet and perform for them too!” The festival culminated with a meaningful religious ceremony for world peace, during which the ensemble sang “Irish Blessing,” a moving conclusion to their time in Mexico. Transition to the US After Mexico, the ensemble traveled to the southern United States, where they toured 12 cities throughout six states, starting in Greensboro, North Carolina. Each day was jam-packed with school outreaches and public performances, and while in Birmingham, Alabama, the ensemble was featured on Fox 6 News. In Atlanta, Georgia, they collaborated with the Uhuru Dancers, a nonprofit organization that focuses on sharing African cultures. The cultural exchange was enriching, with both groups learning from each other’s traditions and techniques. Throughout the tour, they performed at five different schools. One high school outreach that was particularly memorable was the outreach at Nolensville High School near Nashville, Tennessee, where the ensemble had a workshop with a special needs group. “Each one of the students had the biggest smile on their face, and you could tell that they loved to get up and moving,” says Levi Hancock, a dancer on the team. “Participating in such a great service activity as a team definitely boosted group morale and cheered us up before our show that night.” The ensemble also visited the Legacy Museum in Montgomery, Alabama, which highlights the history of slavery in America. Austin Johnson, a musician in Mountain Strings, reflects, “It was a unique experience in that it was simultaneously harrowing, humbling, and mind-expanding. Additionally, it helped me as a citizen of this country to better understand a large part of our history, in which so many have suffered so much.” The group made time for leisure activities throughout the tour, such as spending time at the Okefenokee Swamp and Daytona Beach. They concluded their tour by celebrating at Walt Disney World. Looking Ahead The International Folk Dance Ensemble plans to tour Idaho and Oregon in November 2024 and Türkiye, Croatia, and Italy in summer 2025. Click HERE for more from the International Folk Dance Ensemble.

A Unique Contribution to Europe

In June, BYU Living Legends went on an exciting tour through France and Belgium. This unique ensemble, featuring a Polynesian section, a Latin section, and a Native American section, brought a blend of diverse traditions to local European communities, making their performances a fresh and exhilarating experience for all audiences. The group began in Paris, where they participated in a workshop at the Ori Tahiti Dance Studio. This collaboration was a fun experience for the BYU students and the Tahitian dancers, who taught the students a contemporary Tahitian dance. To express thanks, the BYU students shared a Native American song, “Remember Me” by Cree and Salish musician Fawn Wood. Living Legends also dedicated time to outreach efforts at a refugee center. Melia Losik from the Native American section shares her reflections: “It was such a beautiful day being able to spend time with the children and with the people who offered their services to the program. I was taken aback by the incredibly kind and selfless people who shared with us. Although we were there to offer our service, I felt as though we were the ones being served. It was incredible to hear their stories and understand where they came from while also sharing our own stories.” During their stay in Paris, the ensemble explored iconic landmarks, including the Eiffel Tower and the Palace of Versailles, where they learned more about French history and culture. They also organized an outreach performance for local youth and families of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Many of the students expressed heartfelt gratitude for the warm welcome extended by the local Church members. For the performers, this experience went beyond tourism: It was about a mutual sharing of legacies with people on the other side of the world. The next leg of the journey took Living Legends to Belgium, where they participated in a festival held by the International Council of Organizations of Folklore Festivals and Folk Arts (CIOFF) in Saint-Ghislain. They performed multiple times a day at the festival, entertaining audiences of all ages. Ben Lopez from the Latin section says, “It was a really cool experience to perform as BYU Living Legends at the festival. Most of the groups that perform there only represent one country, but we represent several cultures—from islands to countries to tribes. The Native American section especially provided a unique experience as they shared rich parts of their heritage and culture with audience members who had never seen Native American dances before.” Their visit to Brussels included a significant performance at the Wolubilis theater, graciously hosted by the Church’s European Union Office and International Affairs Office. This event served as an invitation for international ambassadors and delegates to get to know BYU and build relationships between organizations. Before wrapping up their European tour, Living Legends held a devotional for the local youth of the Church and engaged in a meaningful service project in which they assembled hygiene kits for people experiencing homelessness in the city. Looking Ahead The tour of France and Belgium was a remarkable journey for BYU Living Legends, and they are now preparing for their tour to Wyoming and Colorado this fall and to Western Canada in the spring of 2025. Click HERE for more from Living Legends.

Sharing Light at Home and Abroad

Since April, Vocal Point and Noteworthy have been on the go. From performing locally to embarking on their first combined international tour, these groups have showcased their exceptional musical talents and fostered relationships that have left lasting impressions on both the performers and their audiences. Easter Weekend with Missionaries These vocalists spent their Easter weekend performing at the Missionary Training Center. “This performance was different for me,” says Noteworthy member Kassie Sanders. “We had the opportunity to use some of our favorite arrangements that testify of Christ to share with these elders and sisters. I loved feeling the testimonies of everyone in the room, especially on Easter Sunday. It reminded me of the great gift Christ gave us.” Sharing Light in Asia Noteworthy and Vocal Point’s performances continued with three weeks of shows across east Asia. The tour began in South Korea, where the two groups performed at the prestigious MBC Gyeongnam Hall in Seoul and the Cheongju Arts Center. However, their adventures extended far beyond the stage, delving deep into the cultures and histories of the regions they visited. One of the cultural highlights of the tour was their visit to the Korean Demilitarized Zone. This experience provided the groups with a deeper understanding of the complex dynamics of the Korean Peninsula and prompted reflections on peace and unity. The groups’ journey continued to Mongolia, where they participated in a workshop and special dinner with local youth in Ulaanbaatar. The groups shared stories and experiences, creating bonds that transcended geographical borders and cultural boundaries. Japan offered its own set of memorable moments. Noteworthy and Vocal Point interacted with local youth and young adults on a personal level through dinners and outreach events in Tokyo. At Ryogoku High School and Fuchu Nishi High School, the groups led interactive sessions and delivered mini performances, offering an engaging experience for local students and strengthening cross-cultural connections. In addition to these activities, Vocal Point and Noteworthy were able to visit the Tokyo Japan Temple. The tour resulted in two music videos, two devotionals, three outreach events, two workshops, a livestream, and 10 performances across the continent. Sanders encapsulates the tour by saying, “The Asia tour gave me experiences as a student performer that I could not have gotten anywhere else. I was impacted the most by the interactions I had with audience members. Through them, I gained a greater sense of gratitude to BYU for providing these opportunities to students. Through these experiences, we can connect with people around the world and improve our cultural competency skills.” Vocal Point member Jack Nelson adds, “The Lord magnifies our efforts. I’ve seen that the Lord has been able to do much more with our offerings of songs than I would’ve ever imagined. . . . That’s been a blessing in my life.” Looking Ahead As Noteworthy and Vocal Point tackle a new school year, the memories of their experiences will undoubtedly remain vivid as they prepare to tour Arizona at the beginning of 2025. Watch Noteworthy’s music video “The Feels”, filmed during tour. Vocal Point filmed their music video “Butter” while in Tokyo.

Captivating Audiences Across Western Europe

Jazz band BYU Synthesis spent the month of May touring Germany, Belgium, and the Netherlands, forging connections and captivating audiences along the way. This European tour not only showcased their exceptional talent and dedication to jazz but also created memorable experiences for both the performers and their audiences in each city they visited. Exploration in the Netherlands The tour began in the Netherlands, where Synthesis immersed themselves in the vibrant culture of Amsterdam. They explored the picturesque tulip gardens of Keukenhof and enjoyed a serene canal boat ride through the city. A highlight of their time in Amsterdam was participating in a master class at Conservatorium Maastricht. Here, they had the rare opportunity to learn from world-renowned jazz musicians Dave Kikoski and Alex Sipiagin, whose insights significantly enriched the students’ understanding of jazz. Building Bridges Through Music In their first week, Synthesis performed at the ZIMIHC Theater Stefanus in Utrecht, Netherlands, alongside student bands from Utrecht and from Stuttgart, Germany. The group also participated in two devotionals. In Brussels, Belgium, they performed a musical devotional at the first-ever sacrament meeting specifically for young adults in the city. Following this, they had a luncheon with local Church members. They continued their tour with performances in various venues, including a special outreach event in Brussels. There, the European Union Office and International Affairs Office of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints hosted them for a performance attended by international ambassadors. Elder Jack Gerard, General Authority Seventy, and Sister Jean Bingham, former Relief Society General President, spoke with the band members about the importance of their performance in building global bridges and friendships. Connecting Across Germany Moving on to Germany, Synthesis conducted a series of performances and workshops. In Hermeskeil, they held a master class followed by a joint performance with over 50 local band students from elementary through high school. The energetic crowd in the jam-packed gymnasium was so enthusiastic that afterward many attendees eagerly asked when Synthesis would return. In Stuttgart, they conducted a workshop at Stuttgart High School, where they provided individualized instruction and collaborated with students for a final performance. The concert concluded with cheers as Stuttgart band director Andy Held presented Synthesis director Dr. Ben Nichols with a Stuttgart hoodie. The band wrapped up their week at Jazzfest am Dom in Trier, Germany’s oldest city. They performed outside St. Peter’s Cathedral, built around 1,750 years ago. Festival organizers were amazed by the BYU students’ professional-level talent. End-of-Tour Reflections The tour concluded with a return to the Netherlands, where the BYU students had an impactful visit to the Anne Frank House in Amsterdam and reflected on the significance of preserving and sharing stories. They also explored Dutch art history at the Rijksmuseum, drawing inspiration from the works of Rembrandt, Vermeer, and Van Gogh. Throughout their tour, Synthesis delivered six memorable performances, conducted four engaging workshops, and participated in two devotionals and one outreach event. Their journey stands as a testament to the universal language of music and its power to bridge cultures and forge lasting friendships. The experiences and connections made during this tour left a lasting impact on both the students and their audiences. Click HERE to see the latest from Synthesis.

A Celebration of Excellence in Wind Music

In July 2024, the BYU Wind Symphony left for their week-long tour to South Korea for their highly anticipated performance at the World Association for Symphonic Bands and Ensembles (WASBE) convention. This renowned event showcases the finest wind music groups and serves as a platform where ensembles worldwide can connect with and inspire one another. The WASBE is a beacon of excellence in the wind music community, attracting top ensembles from around the globe. The BYU Wind Symphony’s participation was a testament to the students’ dedication and artistry. They were honored and deeply grateful to be featured at this convention. With each note they played, the BYU Wind Symphony not only proudly represented their university but also the rich tradition of wind music. The ensemble’s program included Rhapsody in Blue, which just celebrated 100 years since its premiere in New York City. BYU associate professor Jihea Hong-Park accompanied the ensemble for this piece. She says, “Performing this iconic piece with the BYU Wind Symphony at the WASBE was a profound moment for me, uniting three significant aspects of my identity: my deep affection for New York City, where I lived for 23 years; my pride in my Korean heritage; and my connection to the BYU community that I cherish. Though I’ve had the privilege of performing in Korea many times before, this occasion felt distinctly special. In that moment, I felt seen and heard by our loving Heavenly Father, who had guided my path to this very moment. My heart was filled with gratitude, pride, and joy, making this performance an unforgettable milestone in my journey.” In addition to their WASBE performance, the BYU Wind Symphony participated in the Fringe Festival at Gwangju City Hall Square. This outdoor concert highlighted a range of wind music and enriched the lively festival atmosphere. The BYU Wind Symphony’s tour offered a unique opportunity for cultural immersion that deeply impacted the performers. From a visit to the stunning Gyeongbokgung Palace to a peaceful sunset cruise on the Han River, the ensemble encountered the richness of South Korean culture. They also connected with the community by attending church services and participating in a devotional in Seoul. Hong-Park shares, “[The Wind Symphony’s] Korean tour guide remarked often on the unique spirit of the BYU students. She described them as ‘pure’ and ‘bright,’ noting how they radiated the Light of Christ wherever they went.” Looking Ahead The BYU Wind Symphony now prepares for multiple winter performances on BYU campus and looks forward to the BYU Band Concert Festival in March 2025. Click HERE to listen to the latest from the Wind Symphony.

Debut on the Global Stage

This summer, the BYU Women’s Chorus made history with their first international tour, spending nearly two weeks exploring the rich musical cultures of Switzerland and Germany. Under the direction of Dr. Sonja Poulter, a native of Germany, this journey not only highlighted the ensemble’s vocal talents but also strengthened their connection with the people in these wonderful countries. The tour was composed of five concerts, beginning with a spirited performance in Bad Nauheim, Germany, and following up with another in Frankfurt. After these two concerts, the choir visited the breathtaking Neuschwanstein Castle on their way to Marktoberdorf. A highlight of the trip was the special Mother’s Day concert they held at St. Martin Church in Marktoberdorf. They celebrated the significance of Mother’s Day through song, creating and strengthening bonds through their shared musical experiences. This performance was complemented by a workshop at the Bayerische Musikakademie, where members of the chorus engaged with local musical directors and honed their skills. The BYU Women’s Chorus also participated in a master class at Sankt Lioba Schule and a workshop with the Lioba Voices, expanding their musical horizons and fostering connections with fellow singers. On their way to Bern, the chorus indulged in the sweet delights of the Lindt Chocolate Factory, a favorite for many of the students. Sugared up and ready to go, they held a lively performance the next day at the Französische Kirche. On their last day in Europe, the Women’s Chorus visited the Bern Switzerland Temple before returning to Germany, where they visited the Frankfurt Germany Temple in the evening. They concluded their tour by performing at a devotional for the city’s youth, leaving a lasting impression on the rising generation and demonstrating the power of music to inspire and unite communities. Mikaela Dubreuil, an alto in the choir, encapsulated the tour’s emotions by sharing, “The tour was not just about performing; it was also a profound spiritual journey. Our director, Dr. Sonja Poulter, emphasized the importance of understanding the cultural contexts of the places we visited, which enriched our experience and deepened our appreciation for the diversity around us. We were not merely tourists; we were ambassadors of goodwill and faith, sharing our message through song.” Looking Ahead The BYU Women’s Chorus is now preparing for concerts in Provo, including performances at the Provo Missionary Training Center and the renowned BYU Celebration of Christmas concert on campus in December. Keep up with the Women’s Chorus on Instagram.

Unforgettable Harmony in China

This summer, the BYU Young Ambassadors embarked on a remarkable journey across China, engaging in an array of cultural experiences that highlighted the rich tapestry of Chinese heritage. Their tour, which stopped in nine cities and spanned nearly all of May, was not only an opportunity to showcase their talents but also a chance to dive into the cultural and historical wonders of China. Over the course of their tour, the Young Ambassadors had eight performances, two outreach events, and more than 16 cultural activities—each one offering a unique glimpse into China’s past and present. Among these activities, the group hiked the iconic Great Wall of China, marveled at the ancient Terracotta Army, and explored the serene Lingyin Temple and the intricate Fei Lai Feng in Hangzhou. Each experience allowed them to further enrich their learning by connecting with the local culture in meaningful ways. In Xi’an, the Young Ambassadors had the honor of representing the United States at the prestigious United States–China Tourism Leadership Summit. Their performance for the summit’s delegates featured a beautifully choreographed dance incorporating traditional Chinese parasols and fans and was met with great acclaim. The final days of their tour were filled with poignant moments. On their last full day in China, the Young Ambassadors attended an international branch of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Beijing. This was a meaningful experience for the group, and they were overjoyed to have an opportunity to worship with local Church members, connecting with their faith community in a new and distinct way. Reflecting on the tour, Young Ambassadors member Riley Holmes says, “It was really special for me to interact with people from other cultures in music and song, even if we couldn’t understand each other.” This sentiment captures the essence of the Young Ambassadors’ journey, where music and performance bridged cultural gaps and fostered mutual understanding. From energetic performances to immersive cultural experiences, the BYU Young Ambassadors’ tour of China was a resounding success. The trip not only showcased their talents but also underscored the power of cultural exchange in fostering global connections. The memories and lessons from their tour will undoubtedly continue to inspire and resonate for years to come. Looking Ahead The Young Ambassadors have a new show in the works, Imagine. They plan to tour with this show in southern California and Brazil in 2025. Click HERE to see the latest from the Young Ambassadors.

Returning in a New Location in 2025

Get ready for an exciting change as Winterfest returns January 14 to March 25, 2025, this time at the Mid-Valley Performing Arts Center in Taylorsville, Utah. This beloved event features performances on different days from individual BYU performing groups, including Noteworthy and Vocal Point, the Ballroom Dance Company, the International Folk Dance Ensemble, Living Legends, the Young Ambassadors, Theatre Ballet, and Contemporary Dance Theatre. While Winterfest has traditionally been held at the Conference Center Theater in Salt Lake City, this year’s new venue promises to bring a fresh atmosphere to the festivities. We look forward to seeing you come out and support these amazing students and enjoy their inspiring performances! Get Winterfest tickets HERE!

2025-2026 Tours and Map