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Carole Mikita ReportingFrom Salt Lake City to the Vatican, the Madeleine Choir travels, once again, to Europe -- this trip even more prestigious than the last. The young singers got some help today from Utah's First Lady, who helped them know how to best represent our state.
Already internationally-recognized, this group of 80 5th through 8th graders is striving constantly for artistic perfection. The Madeleine Choir School travels next month to Italy where these young singers have the honor of performing Sunday Mass at St. Peter's Basilica, The Vatican.
Erin Tomas, Madeleine Choir School, 8th grade: "It's really special because the Pope says mass there a lot, and a lot of people will be visiting there and I am really excited to show them what we can do."
What they do has already wowed audiences in Austria and Germany, where rave reviews followed them. This time they are conquering a difficult musical score and more.
Miles Sharette, Madeleine Choir School, 8th grader: "My voice has changed from the last time I sang in the choir and I have to move to a totally different part to sing, which is a huge challenge."
David Payne, Madeleine Choir School, 5th grader: "Seeing all of these people from another country who have their own choirs who have really good reputations, and so I'm always wondering what they think."
Just to give their concert tour an added boost, the children visited with the First Lady, who has international experience. She gave them a protocol lesson. Now, along with the music, they'll have some rules to remember. They say they're ready and hope to impress.
Jaclyn Tani, Madeleine Choir School, 5th grader: "It's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity."
The Madeleine Choir School leaves November 3rd and returns the 13th. The singers perform at The Vatican, also in Rome, Assisi, Florence and Milan.
