San Marino Chamber Choir is on its way to Germany: "Hallo Deutschland!"

Mito Daini Chorus Club Concert at Sant' Agnese in Agone Church on March 28 at 6 pm

70 young talented singers from the Ibaraki Prefectural Mito Daini Senior High School Chorus Club are presenting a concert of classic music for Women's Choir at the beautiful church of Sant' Agnese in Agone on Piazza Navona in Rome this Wednesday. The Japanese cultural organisation MCEC International (http://www.mcec-inter.com/) has brought this outstanding choir to Italy and the Vatican.

Concerto di Coro - 70 raggazze giapponese presentano un concerto alla Chiesa di Sant' Agnese in Agone questo Mercoledi alle ore 18. Cantano musica classica di varie compositori.

Iphone pictures and videos from the WRA concert in Lisbon

Western Reserve Academy presents highlight concert in Lisbon today at Palacio Foz

What a magical venue for the last formal concert of the 2012 Western Reserve Academy Choir and Ensemble Performance tour to Spain and Portugal: Under the direction of Mrs. Margaret Karam and Mr. Edward Wiles, the students from Hudson, OH will be performing at the beautiful Mirror Hall of Palacio Foz in Lisbon on Tuesday, March 20, at 8:00 pm.

The neo-classical Palácio Foz was designed by the Italian architect Francisco Xavier Fabri and built shortly after the great earthquake in 1755, for the Marquês de Castelo Melhor. It was purchased by the Marquês de Foz in 1886 when it received the first of many facelifts. It now houses, among other things, the Headquarters of Lisbon’s Tourist Information centres and an art gallery. It is magnificently decorated on the inside and the ballroom features outstanding paintings by Columbano Bordalo Pinheiro (1857-1929), one of the leading painters of his generation and a master of realism in Portugal.

Impressions and student reports from the WRA visit and performance at La Rabida Monastery in Huelva, Spain

Peter Thewissen: "Today we went to the monastery where the cross in the chapel came from. We listened to a beautiful Spanish church service and talked with a monk about the history of our cross. We had free time in Sevilla, and finished with a dinner of the tradicional spanish dish, tapas."

Alex Eliopoulos: "Hola!Today we sang in a monastery in Huelva; the same monestary that James Ellsworth got the cross that is currently hanging in the Chapel.  It was absolutely beautiful.  The sun was out, and the sky was bright blue all day. We had some free time downtown, and there was a medieval fair. It was very fun, and incredibly lively. Next, we spent some time in Sevilla, and got a little shopping done. It was also incredibly beautiful. Sevilla is definitely my favorite city in Spain."

Simon Boes" "Today we sang in the monastery where Christopher Colombus prayed for money before he departed. After posing with a monk for some pictures, we spent the next hour at a medieval festival! After that we returned to Seville and spent the next three hours wandering around the city. It was absolutely stunning!"

First pictures from the Western Reserve Academy Tour

Western Reserve Academy en Espana

CORO Y CONJUNTO WESTERN RESERVE ACADEMY: GIRA ESPAÑA Y PORTUGAL 2012 PRIMAVERA: DEL NUEVO AL VIEJO MUNDO 
Una celebración de música, tradiciones y amistad

De: Hudson, Ohio, EEUU Directora Coro: Dña. Margaret Karam Director Conjunto: D. Edward Wiles

RESEÑA SOBRE WESTERN RESERVE ACADEMY CHOIR AND ENSEMBLE

Western Reserve Academy es un Colegio de Enseñanza Secundaria e Internado Mixto cuya fundación data del año 1826. Situada en elHudson histórico, en el estado de Ohio, (EEUU), Western Reserve Academy cuenta con estudiantes provenientes de 17 países, y de 25 estados diferentes dentro de los Estados Unidos.

Casi la mitad de los estudiantes son miembros de los conjuntos del Programa de la Escuela de Música: Coro, Orquesta, Symphonic WInds y Jazz Band, de los cuales se compone el CORO Y CONJUNTO WESTERN RESERVE ACADEMY.

Estos artistas presentan una serie de conciertos amplia y variada cada año, colaborando con frecuencia en la interpretación de obras maestras de gran formato.

Entre sus actuaciones más recientes cabe destacar el Réquiem de Mozart, La Creación de Haydn, Carmina Burana de Orff, Las CuatroEstaciones de Vivaldi y de modo anual, el Mesías de Sing. Muchos antiguos miembros continúan actuando en algunas de las mejoresuniversidades y conservatorios en los EE.UU. El Coro y Conjunto de la Academia ha actuado en escenarios de todo el mundo, incluyendoel Conservatorio de Pekín, San Charleskirche en Viena, Basílica de San Marco de Venecia, o la Basílica de San Pedro del Vaticano, y ha realizado giras por toda Europa y China.

Los estudiantes de Western Reserve Academy escogen esta institución para sus estudios tanto por su excelencia académica en el arte, como por el compromiso de la escuela con un conjunto de valores fundamentales: la excelencia, la integridad y la compasión. La Directora del Coro, Doña Margaret Karam, es asimismo la Directora de la Misión Social, y Catedrática de Artes Interpretativas y Bellas Artes en la Western Reserve Academy.
ACTUACIONES

·       Miércoles 14, Toledo, Iglesia de San Pedro Mártir, Concierto a las 7,30 pm..

·       Viernes 16, Córdoba, Auditorio del Conservatorio Profesional de Música, Concierto Conjunto con la Orquesta del Conservatorio Profesional de Música de Córdoba, a las 7,30 pm

·       Domingo 18, Huelva, Monasterio de la Rábida, Misa Coral y Concierto, a la 1 pm.

·       Martes 20, Lisboa, Palacio Foz, Concierto a las 8 pm.

Acompañamientos en la celebración de la Misa:

Miércoles 14 marzo, Catedral de Toledo, 10,30 am.

Sábado 17 marzo, Iglesia del Salvador, Sevilla, 8 pm.

Domingo 18 marzo, Monasterio de la Rábida, Huelva, 1 pm.

Our 2012 Concert Season is about to begin: Incantato Tours welcomes the Western Reserve Academy Choir and Ensemble in Spain

What better way to start our 2012 Incantato Performance Tours Season than with dear friends. It is a great joy for all of us at Incantato Tours to welcome the Western Reserve Academy Choirs and Ensemble from Hudson, Ohio in beautiful Spain and Portugal. The singers and musicians from WRA in Hudson, OH start their journey in Madrid, Spain on Tuesday, March 13. What makes this journey even more special for all of us is that Incantato has been granted the second opportunity to work with and for the groups under the direction of Mrs. Margaret Karam and Mr. Edward Wiles; and it is already the third time that Incantato Tours co-founder Sandra Weinacht gets to work with and for Western Reserve Academy. The talented high school ensembles will be singing and playing in Toledo, Cordoba, Sevilla, Huelva and Lisbon. Here is a first look at their concert poster and a link to the actual WRA tour blog where our team shares daily updates and in-depth coverage of the journey.

"Joie, Joy, Alegria!" - Incantato Tours presents the poster for the Marina HS Touring Choir

Professional concert marketing is one of Incantato Tours' trademarks and even for a small choir, we go the extra mile. Here is a picture of the concert poster for the 2012 Marina HS Performance Tour to Paris and Spain which we hope the students from Huntington Beach, California like just as much as we do.  "Joy", ("Joie" in French and "Alegria" in Spanish) is the musical theme for the touring choir under the direction of Mr. Eric Graham.

New logo from Tourism Ireland

This is the new logo from Tourism Ireland, the agency responsible for marketing Ireland as a travel destination.

Whether you are looking for Things to See and Do in Ireland, or would just like a quick overview of the landscapes Ireland has to offer, Tourism Ireland's website can offer plenty of travel information in preparation for a visit. 

Young musicians welcoming the guests at the Luncheon with the Irish Prime Minister

One word says it all: MORE is what you get from Incantato Tours

In 2012, Incantato Tours will celebrate its fifth anniversary and we proudly look back to five seasons of enriching performance tours to many European countries. Essential Artistic Experiences have become our trademark. We often get asked "What sets Incantato Tours apart from other companies?" To make a long story short, we offer so much MORE in so many ways.

Most of all, we offer a unique and personal approach to international touring that gives every traveling group their very own experience and not a "cookie cutter" journey. If you want to learn more about Incantato, then speak to any of our clients or simply send us an email to info@incantatotours.com. We will gladly put you in contact with any of our past travelers, they can give you first-hand feedback on why and how Incantato goes the extra mile.

Incantato Tours presents the Mater Dei's 2011 Performance Tour Video!

Mater Dei's 2011 Performance Tour Video!

Incantato Tours premiered "Viva Italy, viva Mater Dei." This video, starring the Mater Dei Choirs, family and friends, captures many of the special moments experienced on your 2011 Performance Tour.

Incantato is very excited to share these tour memories with you, and hope you enjoy the video as much as we do.

New DOT Full-Fare Rules Explained

Finally - Incantato has always had a full transparency policy on airfare and unlike many other companies out there, we have always alerted our travelers of the real taxes and fuel surcharges awaiting them. Check out this story and we are thankful that the full-fare law will finally allow you to compare tour proposal so much better!

New DOT Full-Fare Rules Explained 

Starting Thursday, Jan. 26, prices for airfare, vacation and certain cruise packages will appear differently on Travelzoo.com and on other websites. At first glance, fares may appear to increase in price substantially, but in reality, the only aspect that has changed is how the fares are displayed.

The change is part of a Department of Transportation (DOT) effort to provide more transparency for the consumer on travel costs.

What’s now included in advertised pricing: Full-fare pricing, including fuel surcharges, taxes and mandatory fees

What’s not included in advertised pricing: Fees for carry-on or checked baggage -- which can add up to $120 per ticket on a roundtrip flight. It also does not include any entrance fees or visa fees that may be charged at international airports.

Any deal on Travelzoo.com that includes airfare – including certain vacation and cruise packages – will now list pricing that includes taxes and mandatory fees. Other types of deals, including those for hotels, car rentals and show tickets, are unaffected. 

Some travel companies -- including United Vacations, Lufthansa, Gate 1 Travel, LatinDestinations, Air France, British Airways and Continental Airlines -- began displaying pricing with taxes before the deadline.

A few examples are below. 

Domestic Airfare

For a $39 each-way fare from Los Angeles to San Francisco, the price will now be listed as $99 roundtrip. This is the total roundtrip cost of the $39 each-way fare.  

-       $39 (LA to SF) + $39 (SF to LA) + $21 (taxes) = $99 (roundtrip with taxes)

International Airfare

For a $249 each-way fare from New York City to London, the price will now be listed as $699 roundtrip. This is the total roundtrip cost of the $249 each-way fare: 

-       $249 (NYC to LON) + $249 (LON to NYC) + $201 (taxes) = $699

Vacation

For a $599 per person vacation to Jamaica from Miami, the price will now be listed as $714. This is the total cost of the $599 vacation including airfare taxes: 

-       $599 (Vacation from Miami) + $115 (taxes) = $714

Understanding Taxes

As a rule of thumb, on a nonstop domestic flight, taxes are generally about $21 roundtrip. On a one-stop domestic flight, taxes are $42. On an international flight, taxes can approach up to $200 roundtrip. Now these amounts are bundled into the fares displayed.

In some cases, the price listed may be a range, because taxes vary by airport, particularly on international flights. For example, a vacation to Prague could include a flight from New York connecting through Frankfurt, London or Paris. The taxes differ slightly for each itinerary.

The new DOT guidelines include other consumer-friendly changes. Here are a few of the more notable:

• Gives customers 24 hours to change or cancel a flight reservation without paying a change or rebooking fee -- as long as the flight does not depart within seven days.
• Bans price increases after a ticket has been purchased.
• Requires that airlines show any baggage fees during the online ticket purchase process and on e-ticket notifications.
• Airlines must provide prompt notification about flight cancellations, diversions or delays of more than 30 minutes.

As always, the deal experts at Travelzoo are looking through fare sales and deals with a fine-tooth comb to find the real value, and then test-booking deals to ensure that the price listed is the one paid by a subscriber. So, even if the prices you see on the website and on Top 20 list have changed, rest assured that we are still working hard to find the best deals for our subscribers.

Creative and inspiring Scotland

Did you know Scotland is a thriving hub for arts and cultural activities? Exciting and imaginative special events will take place throughout 2012—everything from music to drama and dance to art, designed to appeal to both visitors and locals. Explore some of Scotland's hidden gems including sculpture parks, museums, architecture and art galleries. Participate in ceilidh dancing, visit a weaver to make your own scarf or discover Scotland's rich literary heritage. Check out www.visitscotland.com to learn more about the creative opportunities Scotland has to offer you.

Merry Christmas from Incantato with a special video from our talented Virgil Rosales and his band

A glimpse of Spain during the holidays

As you know, Spain is one of Incantato's favorite destinations and in 2011, we proudly brought the University of Miami Frost Chorale to this wonderful country. Now let us share some holiday traditions with you: On December 22 almost everyone in Spain takes part in the Christmas Lottery, and prizes are celebrated in style out in the streets. Christmas Eve (December 24) and Christmas Day (December 25) brings families together. Traditional dishes such as lamb and sea bream are prepared, along with seasonal desserts such as turrón (rich sweet made with almonds), polvorones (crumbly shortbread) and marzipan. Many attend Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve, to commemorate the birth of Jesus.

December 28,  the Day of the Santos Inocentes, where people play pranks on each other similar to those of April Fools’ Day. Novelty items purchased at street markets add to the entertainment. Bid farewell to the year with the New Year’s Eve celebrations on December 31. Tradition has it that you have to eat 12 grapes one by one, in time with the striking of the clock at midnight on December 31. If you manage to eat all the grapes on time, you are in for a year of prosperity and good luck. People  also gather at the clock towers in their towns or cities (usually found in the main square) to toast and welcome the new year. Puerta del Sol Square in Madrid is a popular place to spend New Year's Eve. Thousands of people decked out with hats and squawkers joyfully toast in the New Year. Celebrations continue throughout the night at hotels, bars and clubs throughout Spain.

Another tradition is found in Alcoy, where young and old alike anticipate Christmas and the arrival of the Three Wise Men with special excitement. On the Sunday before January 6 (Epiphany), a  children’s parade called “les Pastoretes” (the little shepherds) is held. Children dressed up as shepherds parade with their flocks to give gifts to the new-born Baby Jesus. Excitement builds until January 4 when the Royal Envoy reads a royal proclamation announcing the coming of Melchior, Caspar and Balthazar, The Envoy is accompanied by “les Burretes,” small donkeys that carry letterboxes where the children put their letters to the Three Wise Men.

Finally, when night falls on January 5, the Three Wise Men make their spectacular entry into Alcoy, riding camels and loaded with presents. Torch bearers (antorcheros) light the way as the Wise Men ride through the streets of the town. Christmas carols fill the air as the royal pages (“les negres”) hand out presents to the children.

Here are some links for additional information on:
Holiday traditions in Spain, New Year's Eve in Spain, the Three Wise Men visit 
In 2012, Incantato Tours is honored to be sending the Western Reserve Academy Choir and Ensemble to Spain as well as the Marina High School Touring Choir. 

Introducing Incantato Dolce Vita: "Enchanted Christmas Markets of Germany and Austria"

Incantato Dolce Vita Tours proudly present the second opportunity for individuals and small groups to join our unique journeys that are usually reserved to already existing groups only. However, with the lauch of our Dolce Vita lines, we are now welcoming past travelers from our tours as well as new guests that appreciate our approach to international travel. Enchanting Christmas Markets is a tour that will run with as little as 30 travelers at a great low price. Since people from all over the US and Canada are invited to join, this is a land-only package. Here is a quick summary of the package: + Experience some of the grandest and most historical, well-known Christmas Markets as well as unique celebrations in charming off-the-beaten path towns and villages. Soak up settings, ambience and atmosphere unmatched in the U.S. and bring home memories to last a lifetime.

+ Ample opportunities to purchase one-of-a kind handmade Christmas decorations and unique presents at a fraction of the cost charged in the U.S.

+ Plenty of free time for sightseeing or just relaxing, last but not least German spa treatments are divine, but very affordable.

"Enchanted Christmas Markets of Germany and Austria" is a festive journey for all senses - see, feel, taste, smell, and hear what makes the European Holidays so very special. As you travel with a local Incantato Tour Manager throughout Germany and Austria, you will soon make new friends and experience the joy of being a real traveler and not just a tourist.

Taste traditional European Christmas specialities, warm up with mulled cider or traditional Gluehwein, grilled Bratwurst or crispy potato pancakes, learn how to make Stollen and other festive treats, meet local Artisans.

This unique seven day journey to Germany and Austria is currently scheduled for arrival in Frankfurt on December 2 and departure from Munich on December 8, 2012. Additional dates may be offered after this date fills up and as always we can gladly offer special departure dates for already existing groups.

As always, Incantato will provide all the arrangements in Europe — comfortable 4 star hotels, transportation in a private deluxe bus with Incantato driver, buffet breakfast daily and three traditional dinners,and you will be accompanied by an expert Tourmanager from arrival to departure, plus get to meet local expert guides for four city tours. Again, all you need to do is book your own flights from your nearest international airport to Frankfurt and back from Munich once the tour is confirmed.

The tour cost for this very inclusive package is $1616 USD per person in a shared double room based on 30 participants. We can offer single rooms at a supplement, but recommend you find a friend or two or three to travel with as it saves you this hefty surcharge imposed by the hotels (and not us as Incantato Tours does not mark-up single rooms supplements) and you do have more fun with your friends joining for sure.

Now here comes the important fine print: The tour cost is based on 1 Euro = $1.50 USD. Any currency fluctuation over +/- 2% affects the overall tour price and result in an increase or decrease. For more information, a detailed itineray and the registration form, please email us to dolcevita@incantatotours.com. We offer a $50 early sign-up discount if you register and deposit for your tour before January 7, 2012 as that is the closing date for most 2011 Christmas Markets in Europe. Your deposit is fully refundable if the tour does not operate due to lack of participants.

Experience the magic of Christmas - German Weihnachtsmaerkte

German Christmasmarkets are a centuries old tradition in Germany. The markets light up communities with fun, laughter, companionship, good food and drink during the advent season. Sparkling lights everywhere, Christmas music, choir and band performances. There is this special Christmas spirit in the air filled with the wonderful scent of gingerbread, roasted almonds, mulled wine and kids laughter.
Charming Christmas markets are a good antidote to holiday commercialism. Instead of mass-produced gifts, the markets feature unique, hand-crafted items, purchased from vendors who have often crafted the items themselves. During the Christmas season, there are Christkindlmarkets throughout Germany. Each Christkindlmarket has its own special charm, unique to the community and region. Visit a German Christmas Market to experience the sights, smells and sounds of an Old World Christmas. Not only Nuremberg, but Bayreuth, Munich, Coburg (picured), the Dresden "Striezelmarkt" (first mentioned in 1434) and numerous other cities and villages in Germany offer this unique experience. The Nuremberg Christmas Market is the most famous event in Nuremberg and is also famous well beyond the borders of Europe. The special charm of the most beautiful Christmas market in Germany lays in the historical backdrop of Nuremberg’s Main Market Square, the Church of Our Lady and the Schoenem Brunnen (Beautiful Fountain) with views of the gothic Old Town Churches of St. Lawrence and St. Sebald.
The traditional delicacies of Nuremberg include: Lebkuchen (Gingerbread), Früchtebrot (Fruit loaf), Nünberger Bratwürste (Nuremberg Grilled Sausages) and Glühwein (Mulled Wine). Above all, children will find what their heart desires in Nuremberg. The Sternenhaus (Star House) is awaiting the smaller visitor (4 years and older) and has a “Heavenly-Christmas” children’s cultural program with theater shows, puppet shows, fairy tales, ballet, as well as seasonal and classical music.

The city of Bayreuth, in the lovely Franconia region of Bavaria, is just 2 ½ hours north of Munich. Bayreuth is world-famous for the Bayreuth Festival, which celebrates Richard Wagner’s operas every summer. High-class and rich in culture, Bayreuth is particularly enchanting during the Christmas season. Shopping, sampling culinary delights, soaking in the festive atmosphere and enjoying the beauty of the holiday decorations - Bayreuth's Christmas market is truly an experience. The city has one of the longest chains of Christmas lights in Franconia. The market invites you to indulge with all your five senses. Come visit and be mesmerized by one of the most beautiful towns in Bavaria.

Or experience the Magic of Christmas in Coburg. During the Christmas season, the city of Coburg, just 3 hours north of Munich, develops a unique magic. The city’s market square transforms itself into a little city of Christmas boutiques. The Coburg Christmas Market (November 25 - December 23, 2011) is among the most atmospheric in the Franconia region of northern Bavaria. That’s not only because of the picturesque setting and the beautiful twinkling lights, but also because of the many special holiday activities around this festive time of year. In addition to the classic store booths at the Christmas Market, many artisans from the region are also present at the market. Visitors can watch basket weavers, glass blowers, porcelain painters and wood carvers - in a living workshop. For those who think that they’ve "been here, done that" when it comes to Christmas Markets in Germany, they haven't seen everything yet, if they haven’t been to Coburg. The performances and programs that are part of the Christmas Market change every year. If you'd like to "mingle" with the locals, the quickest way is by having a cup of Glühwein (mulled wine) beneath the starry skies - and next to Coburg’s large statue of Prince Albert. Visitors to the Christmas market can also experience a ride in a historical carriage - with real horsepower! - through the inner city, a truly romantic experience.

One of many reasons why Istanbul, Turkey is one of our new Incantato Tours destinations

Great Memories: The University of Miami Frost Chorale 2011 Incantato Spain Performance Tour

Johann Sebastian Bach up close at the Bachhaus in Eisenach - Germany

The Bachhaus in Eisenach (Bachhaus Eisenach) is the oldest museum devoted to the composer Johann Sebastian Bach, who was born and baptized in Eisenach and lived in the city until he was 10 years old. Today, Eisenach is home to the Bachhaus, which is the world's leading museum about the great composer and his works. It is located in a 550 year old half-timbered house on the Frauenplan that was purchased by the Neue Bachgesellschaft (New Bach Society) in 1906 and reopened as a museum in 1907. It contains original documents by Bach and provides a specialist library for researchers. In the summer, visitors to the museum can also visit a small Baroque garden behind the house. A modern wing, called the Penkues Building (after the architectural firm that designed it) opened in 2007. The exhibits will lead you through the life in Bach's time, musical instruments from the Bach era, the composer's works, and a few surprises (such as the step-by-step forensic reconstruction of Bach's head), or a movie that shows a rehearsal of the Thomaskirche Boys Choir in Leipzig, which Bach directed from 1723 to 1750.

As a bonus, you'll be treated to a mini-concert of Bach's music on a clavichord, a harpsichord and an organ during your visit to the museum. If you have time, you can sit in a "bubble chair" and listen to recorded music with headphones.

The Bachhaus also has a shop that sells recordings, books and posters. The "Café Kantate" will provide snacks and drinks after you've had your fill of history.

Hours: The Bachhaus Eisenach is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily, except for Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve (10 a.m. to 2 p.m.)

Fullerton College Concert Choir in Spittal