ORANGE, Calif., July 31, 2006 -- The Chapman University Wind Symphony, under the baton of Dr. Robert Frelly, just returned from a triumphant 10-day tour of Australia, highlighted by a standing-ovation performance in the famed Sydney Opera House. “This was the Wind Symphony’s first international tour, and we couldn’t be more proud,” said Dr. Frelly. “The invitation for this ensemble to play in the Sydney Opera House is a testament to the quality of Chapman’s student musicians and to the School of Music. Performing in the Opera House is a musician’s dream, which was made even more special by the memorable sight and sound of a standing ovation following our concert. Truly a life-changing experience!”


Rande Shaffer, father of Wind Symphony member Teren Shaffer ’08, agreed: “We all had a wonderful time and were very impressed with the manner in which the students conducted themselves during this international adventure.”


Following the Sydney success, the group traveled to Cairns, where they enjoyed some R&R and snorkeled the Great Barrier Reef.


Dr. Frelly reports that as a result of the tour, he has been invited to serve as the artistic director of Orchestrating Sydney, an international music festival that brings together the best youth and college musicians from around the world for musical and cultural interactions at the Sydney Opera House. “An added benefit,” he says, “is that individual Chapman students will be able to participate in this unique experience.”

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