An audience member in Hermeskeil, Germany, films Synthesis in concert.
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.
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