NCB Switzerland/France Tour - May 18 - Zürich

The National Capital Band of the Salvation Army (Bandmaster James Anderson) is touring Switzerland and France, 17 – 27 May 2007.

The band arrived in Zürich at around 0830 local time, after an uneventful flight from Washington Dulles Airport. Upon arrival, we were greeted by two bandsmen from the Zürich Central Corps, Willi Erzberger and Daniel Mettler. We also met up with our tour manager from American Express, Ilona Brenner, who will accompany use throughout the tour. We traveled by bus (with extra trailer for some of the equipment) to the Swisshôtel Zürich, where we dropped off our luggage and equiment (as we could not check in until 1500).

Led by Ilona, the majority of the band purchased day passes for the public transport and set off for the Bahnhofplatz. We walked from there down to the lake. The group boarded a lake boat for a 1½ cruise around the lake, giving us some much-needed relaxation after our long journey. Upon returning to the city, Ilona took us to the Fraumünster, where there is a chapel with stained glass windows by the famed artist Marc Chagall. By the time we had finished at the Fraumünster and returned to the hotel on public transport our rooms were ready and we retired for some rest, before going out for a free evening in Zürich.

Waiting for the train - Art Henry, Jonathan Sears, Kevin Affum, Maria Mathieson	Willi and Ilona conferring at the train station
Hotel Schweizerhof, shot while coming up from the tram	Group meeting at the Paradeplatz before going on to the lake
Willi and Daniel at the lake	Looking astern of the boat as we leave the shore
View from the boat	Another view from the boat
Chagall windows in Fraumünster	Chagall window – detail of Christ Crucified
Chagall window – detail of Madonna and Child	The pipe organ at the Fraumünster