Musical ambassadors

Every other summer since 1990, Dr. Robert Gifford has taken the best high school musicians in the state on a performing tour across Europe that in many cases was the teenagers' first trip abroad. This year the students will perform in London, Paris, Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Liechtenstein and Italy and no doubt will deepen their understanding of the world.

The world could use more understanding.

In 2000, Gifford took 300 students and adult chaperones on a tour of seven European countries, performing in churches and concert halls. Two years later, only 116 performers and chaperones signed up to go to Europe. Many Americans still were afraid to travel abroad after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.

Thankfully, the numbers were back up over 200 when this year's Missouri Ambassadors of Music left for Europe last week.

Gifford just retired Southeast Missouri State University after a 22-year career but appears not to be interested in taking a vacation from music. When the tour is over, he will remain in Europe and serve as a guest conductor for the Ukrainian National Wind Orchestra's performance in Austria.

During his career, Gifford often brought European conductors and composers to Southeast to teach and lead performances, exposing audiences here to new cultural experiences.

The musical exchange continues.