Road to Roma: Gig Harbor Meistersingers Needs Your Help

Visiting the St. Peter's Basilica in Italy may be a special experience. Singing at the St. Peter's Basilica is a once in a lifetime opportunity. 

The Meistersingers at Gig Harbor High School (They even have a Wikipedia page!) have recently been invited to perform at the famous church in Vatican City next spring, and they’re currently raising money to make it a reality.

According to Meistersinger Boosters co-chair Erin Reetz, the trip would cost about $3,000 for each child. With 67 students in the class, the non-profit organization is hoping to raise $70,000 at this Saturday’s La Dolce Vita! Dinner Auction.

The event will take place at The Inn at Gig Harbor at 5 p.m. with dinner and auction. The members of the Meistersingers are also expected to perform at the fundraiser.

The Meistersingers, made up of mostly upperclassmen, is the top choir class in Gig Harbor. The singers are required to audition and must demonstrate a wide variety of vocal techniques.

Instructor Wayne Lackman, who has been teaching at Gig Harbor High School since 1989, said he’s never been to Italy and is looking forward to the trip in the spring.

“What an honor for us to get invited,” Lackman said. “It’s really overwhelming if you stop to think about it.”

He said they also hope to perform in Florence and Venice on their Italian trip during spring break.

Senior Anna Mikkelborg, who currently serves as the president of Meistersingers, has traveled to New York with the choir two year ago. She said it’s surreal to think that would be performing in Italy in the next few months.

“It’s absolutely incredible,” she said. “Touring with the choir is the best way to travel.”

If you can’t make it to the auction on Saturday, be sure to check out the Meistersingers Fall Concert on Tuesday, Oct. 23, at 7 p.m.

La Dolce Vita! Dinner Auction

Date: Saturday, Oct. 20

Time: 5 p.m.- 9 p.m.

Location: The Inn at Gig Harbor

Tickets:  $40 per person (includes appetizers, 3-course dinner* including salad, one complimentary drink ticket. *Vegetarian option included.) Contact Erin Reetz at 206-499-6665. RSVP by Tuesday, Oct. 16.

If you would like to donate to the Meistersinger Boosters, contact Erin Reetz at 206-499-6665.

For more information, visit the Meistersingers website.