ISU Choirs Experience Music, Culture, and Connection in Costa Rica

Organized and led by Dr. Jeffrey Francom, assistant professor of music and director of choral activities at Idaho State, the trip was filled with memorable performances and rich experiences. Highlights included concerts at the Teatro Nacional de Costa Rica, Teatro Eugene O’Neill, and Iglesia La Soledad, as well as collaborative performances with Costa Rican choirs such as El Café Chorale, Estudio Coral Armentum, Coro Intermezzo, and Kem B'ix. The singers also participated in the University of Costa Rica Choral Festival in San José and shared their music in La Fortuna, a town nestled near the Arenal Volcano.

Beyond performing, the group explored Costa Rica’s rich culture and natural beauty. They visited coffee plantations, historic sites, bustling markets, enjoyed rainforest tours, hanging bridges, botanical gardens, and hot springs.

One of the most meaningful aspects of the tour was the opportunity to deepen connections with Costa Rican choirs that have previously attended the Idaho International Choral Festival hosted at ISU. Inspired by the hospitality and generosity of their hosts, participants donated more than $3,200 to support a Costa Rican choir, helping foster the growth of choral music in the region.

Dania Ramírez, founder of Forest Melodies, the group that helped coordinate ISU’s visit, has spent her life working in the tourism industry, where she discovered a powerful connection between her two greatest passions: music and cultural exchange. From this vision, Forest Melodies was born in 2018 and has grown each year, bringing choirs and music groups to Costa Rica to experience the country’s natural beauty while contributing to something greater. “I truly believe that music creates a better world, and every group that visits helps make that belief a reality,” Ramírez shared with the choirs. “Thank you for being part of this harmony that transcends borders.”

Participants said they loved Costa Rica’s natural beauty and many praised the warm hospitality of the Costa Rican people, the fresh and delicious food, and the chance to explore the country’s culture and wildlife. Singing with local choirs and performing in stunning venues were described as unforgettable moments. Several mentioned building deeper friendships within the choir, enjoying the camaraderie, and appreciating how well the trip was organized.

“Being part of a community of curious minds, open hearts, and joyful singers in one of the most naturally beautiful places I’ve ever been,” shared one participant.

The College of Arts and Letters and the Department of Music made this international experience possible, and future tours are already being planned. These tours give ISU students and community members unique opportunities to connect with other cultures through music.

Ensembles at Idaho State are open to all students and the community is invited to participate in Camerata Singers. For more information about singing in a choir at Idaho State University or joining future tours, contact Jeffrey Francom at jfrancom@isu.edu.