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Notre Dame's Arts & Letters London Program

London Symphony Chorus

Alex Powell, a junior in the Arts & Letters London Program this past spring of 1999, didn't need to worry about getting tickets to the best concerts in London; his problem was getting his friends tickets to his own performances.

Powell sang with the London Symphony Chorus throughout his stay in London, holding the dual distinction of being the youngest member and one of only two Americans in the 220-member chorus. He clinched his spot as a tenor by singing for the chorus's director at the group's monthly audition in January. He sang with the chorus until late May.

During Powell's stay, the chorus performed a number of concerts with the London Symphony Orchestra, as well as singing for a PBS special rehearsed at the Beatles' famous Abbey Road studios. Tickets to the concerts sold out quickly, Powell says, so the best he could do for his friends was to sneak them into a dress rehearsal.

Powell had to devote at least five hours a week to practice, but he insists that it was well worth it. "It's been the most rewarding experience I ever could have imagined in London," he says. "I've met so many British people."

Other members of the chorus ranged in age from late 20s to 60s. After rehearsal, they would often adjourn to a pub, where Powell would answer questions about Notre Dame, the Midwest and American football.

At Notre Dame, Powell sings with the Chorale and Jazz Band and takes private voice lessons. A history/music double major, he hasn't decided yet whether he'll pursue a singing career.

"I'm definitely going to continue singing; I just don't know on what level."

-- Liz Nagle

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