11/12/2012

Incantato's Crista at the CruiseWorld show

For Travel Weekly's annual CruiseWorld show, Crista traveled to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, to learn about ocean, specialty and river cruising!
For all pictures from the show, be sure to check out Crista's facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/crista.hartenstein.





 

10/24/2012

Don't forget about the MS Mozart's FB page, by Incantato

Follow Sandra Weinacht and Ted Keppler, founders of Incantato Tours, as they travel the Danube aboard the MS Mozart. They are doing research for tour groups that will be journeying aboard this vessel for their performance tours in 2013 and 2014. Countries to be visited include Germany, Austria, Slovakia and Hungary!  


Weimar is Wunderbar

Ask anyone who’s been there and they’ll tell you the place is a gem. Weimar has a unique classical heritage and an air of elegance, but is also a very vibrant modern Thuringian town, on the river Ilm southwest of Leipzig, where enjoying life is as much a priority as celebrating culture.

Historically, Weimar is a bit of an overachiever, punching well above its weight. It may have only 65,000 inhabitants today but boy, has it left its mark.
One UNESCO World Heritage listing wasn’t enough, so the city has been given two: one for classical Weimar with 13 buildings and architectural ensembles, and one for its Bauhaus sites.

The Weimar classic period from 1775 to 1832 flourished under the reign of Duchess Anna Amalia, and her library with the exquisite Rococo Hall is probably the most famous in the collection of eminent classical buildings. And while on the subject of libraries, Weimar is still best known around the world for its associations with Germany’s ‘national poets’ Goethe and Schiller who lived and worked in the town during the classic age. Goethe’s Home, part of
the classical Weimar collection, also houses the Goethe National Museum. In August 2012, a new permanent exhibition was opened to honor the über-author, entitled ‘Floods of life, storm of deeds”’.

Fast forward into the 20th century and Weimar was again the birthplace of a movement, this time of the world’s most influential art and design school. In 1919, Walter Gropius established the Bauhaus School and assembled the whole of the European avantgarde of the time in Thuringia to teach at the new school of design. ‘Haus am Horn’, the most famous example of Bauhaus architecture, was built as a model house for the first architecture exhibition in 1923 and is one of three Bauhaus sites in Weimar.
As befits an institution that is dedicated to the roots of Modernism, the Bauhaus Museum, currently in a neoclassical building opposite the National Theatre, will finally get a new home. The winners of an international architectural competition for the new museum were announced in summer 2012 and the design sounds spectacular; a geometrically clear shape forming a dominant solitaire at the edge of the Weimarhallen park in the town centre.


Apart from all its elegant palaces, museums and beautiful parks, Weimar is also a very liveable town, keen on letting its hair down now and then. Every October since 1653 the Onion Festival (12 to 14 Oct 2012) celebrates the humble plant, and it is the biggest such festival worldwide. Onion garlands, decorated with colourful dried flowers, are popular souvenirs, there are stands selling handicrafts, food and drink, music and an Onion Market Queen who reigns for one year. The whole historic town centre is one big party and 350,000 visitors make this the biggest festival in Thuringia. Not quite UNESCO World Heritage material yet, but another reason why Weimar is more than worthwhile.

10/02/2012

Incantato's Crista Hartenstein at the NC ACDA

The 2012 North Carolina ACDA Fall Conference was held at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro in the School of Music, Theatre and Dance from September 21-22.
The conference included a concert by the East Carolina University choir under the direction of Dr. Andrew Crane, whose remarkable performance was rewarded with a standing ovation by the audience. 




9/25/2012

Great memories with VJ Rosales - Impromptu gig in Rieti


While the judges at NBC's THE VOICE did not pick our colleague VJ Rosales, we sure think he is a star. Imagine just getting on stage, like he did here at the magnificent Teatro di Rieti, in Italy, and singing without warm-up, rehearsal etc...

9/20/2012

Incantato Tours congratulates VJ Rosales for being on NBC's "The VOICE"



We could not be happier for our most talented colleague VJ Rosales for being one of the few selected talents to be featured on the 2012 season of NCB's "The Voice"!

8/28/2012

Ever wondered what "Carmina Burana" is really about?

Have a good laugh along with Incantato Concert Tours as we are planning our 2013 Performance Tours which will feature among other highlights a special performance of Carmina Burana in the beautiful German city of Weimar.


8/27/2012

See what happens on an Incantato Concert Tour

Here is the link to a parent video taken on the 2011 San Marino Chamber Choir Incantato Performance Tour to Italy. It sums up the events during their visit to Rieti, a truly special town in the very heart of this magical country. Enjoy!!!

7/06/2012

SJC from Newfoundland kicks of performance tour to Ireland with a concert in Donaghadee

ISLAND TO ISLAND 
A musical celebration of friendship between Northern Ireland and Newfoundland
Concert Time: Saturday 7th July at 7.30 pm at the first Presbyterian Church of Donghadee


 “Island to Island” is the musical theme as well as the motto for the 2012 Performance Tour of the St. John’s Choir from St. John’s (SJC), Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. SJC is a true adult community choir whose members represent a broad section of St. John’s and its surrounding communities. Thesingers range in age from early twenties to seniors and are from all walks of life. Founded over 25 years ago, the St. John’s Choir is now being lead by Ms. Maria Conkey. SJC sings in four part harmony and has a large and varied repertoire of songs ranging from Broadway show tunes to Classical pieces, gospel to Newfoundland folk songs; spirituals to popular music.


The love of singing and a desire to bring music to the community at home and now to audiences across Ireland are the threads that hold the choir together.


Here is some more info on beautiful Donaghadee:



What better place for the 32 singers from St. John's Newfoundland under the direction of Ms. Maria Conkey than to present the first concert of their 2012 Performance Tour at a fellow coastal town. First Donaghadee Presbyterian Church, located in beautiful Donaghadee which is about 30 minutes outside of Belfast on Northern Ireland's stunning coast is the locality. Donaghadee is a growing town on the north coast of County Down, six miles from the historic town of Bangor and approximately 20 miles east of Belfast.
With a population of about 8,000 inhabitants, Donaghadee is the closest point to Scotland, so close in fact, that the Scottish coast is visible to the naked eye on clear days. The town offers a rich history, having been one of the main ports of entry to the island of Ireland until the 19th Century. Aside from the historical buildings reflecting its rich heritage, the town has a picturesque seafront, a wide range of cafes and restaurants.

6/21/2012

Princesses for a day - Phoenix Girls Chorus concludes Incantato Tour at Castle Hohenzollern


Fortified with a multitude of towers and turrets, Hohenzollern Castle sits in splendour almost 900 metres above the Swabian Alb. This is a storybook fortress from the heyday of the neo-Gothic. On a balmy summer evening in 1819, the 24-year-old Prussian Crown Prince saw the crumbling walls of his forefathers' castle and decided to have it rebuilt. The future king Friedrich Wilhelm IV of Prussia was a clever, enterprising man with a passion for the fine arts. His heart belonged to the Middle Ages, which led him to commission leading Berlin architect Friedrich August Stüler to rebuild the castle. Stüler sought inspiration from medieval architecture in France and England, where the Gothic Revival or neo-Gothic style was very much in vogue. Building work began in 1852 and the restoration was completed in 1867. There are 140 rooms in the castle, most notably the library with its murals, the King's bedroom, a family tree hall and the Queen's Blue Salon. This has a stunning gilded coffered ceiling, an exquisite marquetry floor and portraits of Prussian queens. Prussian memorabilia displayed in the royal treasury includes the crown worn by Kaiser Wilhelm II. A painted Hohenzollern family tree adorns the walls of the castle's entrance hall. The Prussian kings, German emperors and their descendants are documented through to the present day. Nearby attractions: don't miss Ulm Münster, whose spire is the tallest in the world at just over 161 metres. Most of the building work was completed between 1377 and 1543 and it has retained its original character to this day. The town of Villingen-Schwenningen has a medieval centre, an early-Gothic minster, a late-Gothic town hall, the Franciscan Museum and a town hall to discover.


As the finale and another highlight performance of their 2012 Incantato Tours, Phoenix Girls Chorus' prime ensemble "Cantabile" will give two concerts at Hohenzollern Castle on Friday, June 22, first at 2:30 pm and then at 3:15 pm, thus supporting the local Prinzessin-Kira-von-Preussen-Stiftung.



6/18/2012

PGC "Cantabile" recital at the magnificent Stiftskirche Goettweig

What could possibly top this morning's concert experience for the Phoenix Girls Chorus' prime ensemble "Cantabile"? Could any church be as stunning as the Stiftskirche Duernstein with its blue steeple? The answer is yes and that's why the 31 talented girls from Arizona will be singing twice on Monday, June 18 as part of their Incantato Performance Tour to Germany and Austria. The second venue differs in color, now the church exterior is pretty in pink and white, but Stiftskirche Goettweig offers equal beauty in both looks and acoustics. The recital at the Benedictine Abbey starts at 5:30 pm local time and will be a sung Dankeschoen to the congregation of monks that are working and living at the abbey as well as visitors. It will also be a home concert for PGC in a way, as the girls are staying at the dormitory of the Abbey for yet another night - a special dinner awaits them after the performance at the gourmet restaurant which also features a stunning panoramic terrace overlooking the UNESCO world heritage are of the Danube Valley.

Here's a little background info:
The abbey, situated on the Göttweig Mountain, is - because of its location - sometimes called the Austrian Montecassino. The Monastery, founded in 1083 by Saint Altmann, sits on a hill 449 m above sea level in the Dunkelsteiner Forest south of the city of Krems, on the eastern edge of the world-famous Danube Valley called the Wachau. With the Wachau, Göttweig was in 2001 placed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. And today, PGC will be performing in the prestigious Stiftskirche pictured below.


Goettweig Abbey by Herr Specht.

At first, Augustines worked here, to be followed in 1094 by Benedictine monks from the Monastery of St. Blasien in the Black Forest. The Benedictines have been living, learning and teaching on Göttweig Mountain for more than 900 years. The goal of their life is to glorify God in prayer and work according to the Rule of their Order’s founder, Saint Benedict, the Patron Saint of Europe. Currently 54 monks belong to the monastic community. More than 30 of them give pastoral care to parishioners and pilgrims in the Dioceses of Vienna and St. Pölten. Forestry and viticulture have been the economic basis of the Monastery since it was founded - today completed by various touristic and economic efforts.

6/13/2012

Incantato hosts Tapas Reception for Emerging Choral Conducters at Chorus America Convention

Yummy Spanish food will be on the menu for the Emerging Leader Reception on Wednesday, June 13, 2012 at the Chorus America Conference in Minneapolis.

Together with Chorosynthesis, Incantato Tours proudly hosts the event at Solera Cocina de Espana in downtown Minneapolis for 80+ up and coming choral conductors.

To learn more about the event, the hosts and organizations we proudly partner with please visit chorusamerica.org or the facebook for Chorosynthesis.

This is just one of several sponsorships that Incantato Tours gives in order to support the choral world. 

Incantato Tours proudly presents: The Phoenix Girls Chorus in concert in Austria and Germany

31 singers from Phoenix Arizona's PGC, all members of the prime ensemble "Cantabile" under the direction of Ms. Danya Tiller, will be touring Austria and Germany with Incantato this June. Here is a first glance at their Incantato Tours Concert Poster.

For more information, visit: phoenixgirlschorus-incantatotour.blogspot.com

5/24/2012

News at the Mozarthaus in Vienna!


Only one of Mozart’s apartments in Vienna still exists today, where the composer lived from 1784 to 1787. Here, the life and works of this musical genius are presented in and around the apartment on four exhibition levels. The exhibition focuses on his years in Vienna, which marked a high point in his creativity. In addition to this permanent exhibition, the Mozarthaus Vienna will once again provide a range of new offers and services:

Special exhibition extended
Due to the high level of public interest, the current special exhibition "Between Fear and Hope - Mozart's rise and fall in the Viennese society" has been extended until January 6th, 2013. Visitors can view the exhibition with the regular ticket for Mozarthaus Vienna. The exhibition features letters and documents that illustrate the musical genuis' varying degrees of success.

Concert program for the 2012/23 season
A comprehensive concert program completes the offer of the Mozarthaus Vienna in the upcoming 2012/13 season. Click on the following link for the detailed program (available in the summer): Mozarthaus Vienna - Events - Concerts

Special "museum and concert" package
Our special "museum and concert" package combines a visit to the museum with an exclusive concert in the concert hall of the Mozarthaus Vienna. The standard package can be upgraded to include a guided tour and can also be booked to take place outside of regular opening hours. 
For further information you can either contact them under ticket@mozarthausvienna.at or take a look at the website section for special offers for groups.

5/22/2012

Phoenix Girls Chorus sings at Salzburger Dom

The Phoenix Girls Chorus' prime ensemble "Cantabile" will sing at the Salzburg Cathedral also known as Salzburger Dom in the city of Salzburg, Austria as part of their Incantato Tour to Germany and Austria. The 32 girls under the direction of Ms. Danya Tiller are presenting a recital on Wednesday, June 20 at 2 pm.

Located where Residenzplatz flows into Domplatz in Salzburg, Salzburg Cathedral (also known as Domkirche St. Rupert) is renowned for its harmonious Baroque architecture and 4,000-pipe organ. This site has hosted a Christian church since 774. The original was replaced with a late-Romanesque structure built in 1181-1200.The Romanesque cathedral burned down in 1598 and Prince-Archbishop Wolf Dietrich took advantage of (some would say caused) the destruction to demolish the rest and make plans for a grand new cathedral to reaffirm Salzburg's commitment to the Catholic cause in the face of the Reformation. However, Dietrich's overthrow prevented the completion of this project. The present cathedral was commissioned by Archbishop Markus Sittikus Count Hohenems and designed by the Italian architect Santino Solari. It was consecrated in 1628 by Archbishop Paris Count Lodron. The cathedral's plaza is a complete aesthetic concept and one of Salzburg's most beautiful urban set pieces. In the center rises the Virgin's Column with a 1771 statue of the Virgin Mary. Considered by some to be the most perfect Renaissance building in the German-speaking countries, Salzburg Cathedral has a marble facade, twin west towers topped with green domes and a large green-roofed dome over the crossing. The bronze doors (1959) illustrate the themes of Faith, Hope, and Love. Near the entrance, look for the Romanesque font at which Mozart was baptized. The great composer later served as organist here from 1779 to 1781. Some of his compositions, such as the Coronation Mass, were written for the cathedral, and many were performed here for the first time.

4/13/2012

Biola University Chorale presents concert in Chlumec today


V pátek 13. dubna od 17.30 hodin vystoupí spolu s CHDS a CHPS vynikající americké univerzitní těleso Biola University Chorale s dirigentkou Shawna Cross Stewart. V podání pěveckého sboru z Kalifornie zazní především kompozice starých mistrů a spirituály. Biola University Chorale přijíždí po 16. hodině do Chlumce a po vystoupení v kostele sv. Havla je pro hosty ještě sjednána večeře v restauraci „U Richterů – bowling“. Pátek i sobota tedy budou v Chlumci patřit sborovému zpěvu. Po pátečním sborovém koncertě se v sobotu se uskuteční Krajská přehlídka Celostátní přehlídky školních dětských pěveckých sborů.

4/12/2012

Biola to sing at J.S. Bach's tomb on Thursday, April 12 at noon



A special highlight awaits the singers of the Biola University Choral Ensemble on Thursday, April 12, 2012 as they continue their journey in the footsteps of the great composer Johann Sebastian Bach to Leipzig. Not only will the choir under the direction of Mrs. Shawna Stewart be visiting "his church", but also present a short concert at his tomb.
The great Thomaskirche is one of the main highlights of Leipzig, a town many refer to as the “City of Music.” Thomaskirche houses many renowned musicians, including the Boys Choir, as well as the final resting place of the grand composer Johann Sebastian Bach. Today people come from all over the world to the Church of St. Thomas to experience church services, unique performances from the Boys Choir and the Gewandhaus Orchestra, as well as intricate organ concerts.
Thomaskirche once served as a critical pawn during the Christian Reformation, as Martin Luther often preached in the 12th century church. In 1355 the original Romanesque chancel was remodeled in a Gothic scheme, coinciding with the congregation’s split from the Roman Catholic Church.
Johann Sebastian Bach served as the choir director at Thomaskirche from 1723 until his death in 1750. A statue of Bach standing outside the church’s entrance was dedicated in the composer’s memory in 1908. Although renovations in the mid-1800s resulted in the removal of all Baroque equipment, a commemorative Bach organ, in the style of the original used by Bach, was installed in the sanctuary in 2000. The older romantic organ also remains, but is considered “unsuitable” for playing Bach’s music and is only used when appropriate.
The roof’s unusual 63 degree angle and sanctuary’s intricately designed vaulted ceilings result in unbelievable acoustics and highly complimentary reverberation.
Photo courtesy of Wikipedia

"Alegria!" Concierto Coral Marina HS Choir y Coro de Cámara del Conservatorio Prof de Música de Oviedo

Concierto Coral "Alegría"
El concierto, broche final del Programa de Intercambio entre ambas formaciones, incluirá obras corales de ejecución conjunta, como “Pastor que estás en el monte”, con arreglos de Manuel del Fresno y Luis Ruiz de la Peña, o “Yonder Day”, espiritual tradicional. Además, el Marina HS Choir interpretará un repertorio variado: desde el Renacimiento (Lasso, Moore…) y el Clásico (Mozart), hasta música zambia o de los años 50. El Coro de Cámara del Conservatorio Profesional de Música de Oviedo,dirigido por Juan M. Cue, interpretará también una selección de coros de la zarzuela barroca española, "Acis y Galatea" del compositor español Antonio Literes, obra cuya puesta en escena esta prevista para el próximo día mes de junio en el Teatro Filarmónica de Oviedo, dentro del proyecto Espacio Escénico del Conservatorio Profesional de Musica de Oviedo. El Marina HS Choir estará de Gira por España y Francia en el mes de abril de 2012. En esta gira organizada por Incantato, ofrecerá también recitales en París, Burgos y Madrid. El Coro, integrado por 20 cantantes del Programa de Música de la Marina HS de California, está dirigido por el Maestro Eric Graham. El Instituto Marina HS tiene un reconocido programa de formación musical, y sus siete agrupaciones corales ofrecen anualmente un amplio programa de conciertos, habiendo actuado en la prestigiosa Golden State Choral Competition, en San Francisco, Nueva York, Seattle, Vancouver, Victoria, además de varios Festivales corales. (CSULB Chamber Invitational, Chapman Invitational, USC Chamber Invitational, Cerritos College Festival, Riverside Community College Festivals). , incluirá obras corales de ejecución conjunta, como “Pastor que estás en el monte”, con arreglos de Manuel del Fresno y Luis Ruiz de la Peña, o “Yonder Day”, espiritual tradicional. Además, el Marina HS Choir interpretará un repertorio variado: desde el Renacimiento (Lasso, Moore…) y el Clásico (Mozart), hasta música zambia o de los años 50. El Coro de Cámara del Conservatorio Profesional de Música de Oviedo,dirigido por Juan M. Cue, interpretará también una selección de coros de la zarzuela barroca española, "Acis y Galatea" del compositor español Antonio Literes, obra cuya puesta en escena esta prevista para el próximo día mes de junio en el Teatro Filarmónica de Oviedo, dentro del proyecto Espacio Escénico del Conservatorio Profesional de Musica de Oviedo. El Marina HS Choir estará de Gira por España y Francia en el mes de abril de 2012. En esta gira organizada por Incantato, ofrecerá también recitales en París, Burgos y Madrid. El Coro, integrado por 20 cantantes del Programa de Música de la Marina HS de California, está dirigido por el Maestro Eric Graham. El Instituto Marina HS tiene un reconocido programa de formación musical, y sus siete agrupaciones corales ofrecen anualmente un amplio programa de conciertos, habiendo actuado en la prestigiosa Golden State Choral Competition, en San Francisco, Nueva York, Seattle, Vancouver, Victoria, además de varios Festivales corales. (CSULB Chamber Invitational, Chapman Invitational, USC Chamber Invitational, Cerritos College Festival, Riverside Community College Festivals).

Mayfield Senior School Woman's Chorale at the Basilica of San Pietro in the Vatican

4/10/2012

Sunny day in Rieti for the MSS travelers

4/09/2012

Media coverage for the first Biola Concert in Germany


THEATER, OPER, KONZERTE

Konzert: Biola University Chorale

Der Biola University Chorale aus La Mirada, Kalifornien (USA)

Eintritt frei (Spenden für die Kirchgemeinde erbeten)

Mo 09.04.2012 19:30
Der Eintritt ist frei
Veranstaltungsort:
Lutherkirche (Apolda)
Der Biola University Chorale besteht aus 33 Sängerinnen und Sängern, alles Studenten und zum Großteil mit Spezialisierung in Stimme und Gesang haben. 

Der musikalische Schwerpunkt des Chors reicht von klassischer Literatur über zeitgenössische amerikanische Musik bis hin zu Jazz, Gospel und Spirituals. 

Der Biola University Chorale tourt jährlich national, alle 
vier Jahre international. In Europa war die Gruppe schon in Deutschland, Österreich, Ungarn, der Tschechischen Republik und Italien.

Jedes Jahr ist der Biola University Chorale Gastgeber eines zweitägigen Festivals fϋr Chöre aus Schulen und Universitäten.

Jeden Frühling präsentiert der Chor gemeinsam mit 
dem Biola Symphonie Orchester ein bedeutendes Werk, u.a. Waltons Belshazzar’s Feast, Beethovens Symphonie No. 9, Poulencs Gloira, Orffs Carmina Burana, Mendelssohns Elijah, Verdis Requiem, Mozarts ‘Coronotion’ Mass in C Dur und J.S. Bachs Magnificat. Zusätzlich zu vielen Konzerten an der Universität gibt der Chor auch Vorstellungen in umliegenden Kirchen.

Shawna Cross Stewart ist die Dirigentin sowie Leiterin Choral Activities an der Biola University in La Mirada, Kalifornien. Sie unterrichtet auch Kurse im Dirigieren, sowie Chor-Methoden und Chor-Literatur. Zuvor unterrichtete sie Chormusik an der John Brown University.

Frau Stewart erhielt ihren Abschluss in Choraldirektion von der Eastman School of Music. Zur Zeit arbeitet sie an ihrem Doktor in Musik an der University of Southern California, wobei sie die Gelegenheit hatte von Helmuth Rilling und Rene Clausen unterrichtet zu werden. Außerdem engagiert sich Frau Stewart in Kirchenmusik und hat in und um Los Angeles schon verschiedene Kirchenchöre geleitet.


Veranstaltungsort:
Dornburger Straße
99510 Apolda
Veranstalter:
Incantato Tours
12101 Baywoods Drive - Suite 101
Tega Cay, SC 29708

Biola University Chorale sings twice on Easter Monday in Germany

The Biola University Chorale
Easter Monday, April 9 is a busy day for the Biola University Chorale under the direction of Mrs. Shawna Stewart. The singers from La Mirada, California will first be the featured guest choir for the holiday service at the historical Ordenskirche in Bayreuth, then at 7:30 pm, they present a formal concert at the stunning Lutherkiche in Apolda.
The Biola University Chorale is comprised of 34 voices from various disciplines on campus, with nearly eighty percent being voice majors. Dedicated to excellence in performance and literature, the Chorale offers a varied repertoire from traditional choral works to contemporary genres such as jazz and gospel.
The Chorale tours domestically each year and internationally every four years. In Southern California, the Chorale annually participates in prestigious area festivals, as well as hosts a two-day invitational high school, community and Christian college choral festival every November. Each spring they join forces with the Biola Symphony Orchestra for the performance of a major choral-orchestral work. In addition to a yearly season of many Biola-related concerts, the Chorale also performs at notable area churches.



4/05/2012

San Marino Chamber Choir presents a Highlight Concert at Bosphorus University on April 5


Boğaziçi Üniversitesi Müzik Kulübü, Amerika'dan gelen misafirlerini Albert Long Hall'de ağırlıyor!
California merkezli Howard Cheung yönetimindeki San Marino Chamber Choir ve BÜMK Caz Korosu, 5 Nisan Perşembe akşamı saat 20 da en güzel şarkılarını Albert Long Hall sahnesinde seslendiriyor olacaklar.
Bu güzel konserde bizimle olun!
Boğaziçi Üniversitesi Müzik Kulübü
'Müziğin kalbinin attığı yer'



Boğaziçi University Music Club welcomes our guests from America at Albert Long Hall!
California based San Marino Chamber Choir conducted by Howard Cheung, and BUMC Jazz Choir will be singing you their nicest songs on Albert Long Hall's stage on Thursday night, April 5 at 20 pm.
Please be our guests at this wonderful concert!