From the King Street Chronicle: Highlights of the Madrigals Trip to Italy

Madrigals Vocalize their way through Lo Stivale

by Eleanor Kelleher ’28, Staff Writer

Over spring break, Sacred Heart Greenwich’s Madrigals, Chorus, Bell Choir, and Dancers journeyed through iconic sites of Italy. Throughout the trip, students displayed their artistic talent while immersing themselves in Italian culture. The trip remained action-packed and offered many opportunities to enjoy Italian food, learn about the culture and history, and perform. 

Miss Annette Etheridge, Middle and Upper School Music Director, Mr. Sean Lowery, Middle and Upper School Orchestra and Chorus Director, Mrs. Eva Carrasquero, Lower School Music Teacher and Arts Department Chair, and Miss Danielle Gennaro '05, Bell Choir Director and Technical Director of Upper School Theatrical Productions, chaperoned the 32 students on the trip. The group departed from Greenwich on March 6 and commenced their journey in Naples. There, they began with a driving tour of the stunning sights of Naples, from the bustling city streets to the landscape, including Mount Vesuvius and the Bay of Naples. Finally, they enjoyed some free time to explore shops, restaurants, and cafés in the city.

The group participated in mass on their first morning at the Duomo di Napoli, and the Madrigals sang during the service. The cathedral, built in the 13th century, is in the center of the city where it showcases impressive gothic architecture, according to naplespompeii.com. The group then journeyed to Pompeii, an ancient Roman city.  The eruption of Mount Vesuvius destroyed Pompeii in 79 A.D. The city became covered in volcanic ash that killed 2,000 people and left it abandoned, according to history.com. The students toured the excavation of the city and learned about what everyday life looked like in ancient times.

After returning from Pompeii, the group performed at a concert at the Basilica di San Lorenzo Maggiore.  Here, they enjoyed listening to songs by the local choir before performing. Miss Gennaro discussed why she thinks performing abroad holds significance. 

“I think these trips are a really significant part of the Sacred Heart Greenwich performing arts program because they allow students to really experience cultural immersion,” Miss Gennaro said. “The students have a great time exploring other countries and other cultures while also sharing their gifts with the world and preparing themselves as performers."

The group then visited the Amalfi coast, stopping in the picturesque coastal town of Sorrento for lunch.  Then, the group enjoyed a scenic ride along the coast, where they saw breathtaking cliffs, quaint beaches, and vibrant villages. Many students spent their time strolling through stores, purchasing souvenirs such as jewelry, or heading down to the beach for stunning views. 

The following day, the group transferred from Naples to Rome. They stopped at the Sicily-Rome American Cemetery, the resting place of 7,845 fallen American soldiers who served in World War II, according to ambc.gov. Once they arrived in Rome, they explored the city's ancient landmarks and experienced its historic grandeur. The students explored the iconic Roman Forum and the Colosseum on a guided tour, which taught them about the history of Imperial Rome. 

The group then attended the Wednesday Papal Audience with the Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV, at the Vatican. There, they joined pilgrims from around the world as Pope Leo shared a message and blessing with the crowd, bringing spiritual renewal to the students and faculty. The group then had free time to enjoy lunch in Rome before returning to the Vatican for a tour of religious sites throughout the city.

One their final day, the group visited Istituto Sacro Cuore Trinità dei Monti, the Sacred Heart sister school in Rome. Here, they enjoyed a recital by the school’s choir before the Madrigals, Chorus, Bells, and Dancers held performances for the students and teachers at the school. Afterward, the group enjoyed lunch at the school’s cafeteria before a tour of the convent, which included the Mater Admirabilis Chapel, home to the original Mater Admirabilis fresco, painted by Ms. Pauline Perdreau in 1844.  Finally, students performed a concerto at Chiesa di San Paolo dentro le Mura in Rome. Singing, dancing, and playing bells all together at the concerto provided a joyful way to end the trip. 

The Madrigals began traveling around the globe for Spring Break trips in 2009.  In 2008, the choir from the Sacred Heart Network school in Bregenz, Austria visited Greenwich. Students in the choir stayed with Sacred Heart Greenwich families to immerse themselves in the culture and learn about another Sacred Heart school.  This visit inspired Sacred Heart Greenwich to also take trips biannually to explore other countries, visit Sacred Heart schools, and share their musical talents. The group has now been to Austria, France, England, Spain, Ireland, and Italy. Sophomore Maeve Gallary shared why she enjoyed the trip. 

“I really liked going on tour with the Madrigals and singing at all of the beautiful chapels and really connecting with the community,” Maeve said. “I loved connecting with the girls on the trip and I feel like I deepened my relationships with friends in the group as well as met many new people. Also, I really liked going out and seeing all of the beautiful sights of Italy, enjoying the authentic food, and learning about the culture.”

Featured Image by Eleanor Kelleher '28

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