Château Vaux-le-Vicomte a top destination not just for Incantato Tours

The long anticipated 2014 Enchanting Europe Tour with Belcanto directed by Mr. Bruce Koliha came to an end.

The group arrived safely back home in California, visited vibrant European capital cities such as London, Paris and Rome and made wonderful experiences along the way.

One of their top destinations during their tour with Incantato Tour was the privately owned legendary Château Vaux-le-Vicomte located in Maincy, France where they had a wonderful concert on Saturday July 5, 2014 in the stunning Grand Hall. This surely was a royal experience. If you are interested in the wonderful acoustics the château has to offer, please have a look at one of the Belcanto performances here on our Facebook page.

The baroque château was built from 1658 to 1661 for Nicolas Fouquet, Marquis de Belle Île, Viscount of Melun and Vaux, the superintendent of finances of Louis XIV. It was an influential work of architecture in mid-17th-century Europe. 

At Vaux-le-Vicomte, the architect Louis Le Vau, the landscape architect André le Nôtre, and the painter-decorator Charles Le Brun worked together on a large-scale project for the first time. Their collaboration marked the beginning of the "Louis XIV style" combining architecture, interior and landscape design. 

It is no wonder why every year many visitors travel to the château, which is located 1.5 hours outside of Paris, or why celebrities travel here for their destination weddings. When you step onto its grounds, you get an immediate royal feeling. It is almost like you are the living character of a fairytale. Where ever you look there is something interesting and incredibly beautiful to discover.
Even high-end magazines such as the Jetset Magazine, which is the number one affluent lifestyle print and online resource writes an article about this magnificent place as you can see here.

Incantato Tours recommends everyone who is traveling France to take the time and visit Château Vaux-le-Vicomte. You will not regret it!

NEW Security Regulations on British Airways Flights to the United States

British Airways has been advised by the US Transportation Security Administration of additional security regulations for travelers on their inbound flight to the United States.

All British Airways flights continue to operate as normal but travelers may be subject to additional searches and questions. British Airways are asking travelers to arrive in good time  (3 to 4 hours prior to the departure time) for the various stages of their journey, including check-in, main security search areas and at the boarding gate.

The main change is that customers with any electronic or battery powered devices (mobile telephones, tablets, e-books, laptops, etc.) may be required to turn on their device in front of security teams and/or demonstrate the item’s functionality.
If, when asked to do so, customers are not able to demonstrate that their device has power, they will not be allowed to take their device with them on their planned service. Please note, it will not be possible for customers to place the item in their hand or hold luggage - they will have to leave the item behind or rebook an alternative flight.
Customers will still be able to use their electronic devices on board subject to the normal operating rules. Please click here for the British Airways guide on how you can use electronic items on board.

Therefore the travelers are asked to ensure that items they bring with them are fully powered before they arrive at the airport. Please keep in mind that in case of a connection flight, there will be very limited charging points at airports. Also, do not bring broken electronic items with you.

2014 JSerra Catholic HS Spain and Portugal Performance Tour

Since Wednesday, June 25, 2014 the JSerra Catholic HS Chamber Singers and Advanced Women's Ensemble under the direction of Mr. Brian Dehn are traveling to Spain and Portugal with Incantato Tours. 

Today they enjoyed a guided city tour in Madrid and were featured guest choir for Mass at Basilica de Nuestra Senora de Atocha. Tomorrow the singers are going leave Spain's capital city and drive with their tour manager Alicia to Córdoba, a city that changed the world and witnessed the dawn of western civilization, where they will spend their next two nights. 

If you are interested in more information and live tour updates, please have a look at our Facebook page. 

Fête de la Musique - There is music in the air

The Fête de la Musique – the European and worldwide Music Day – is an annual festival held on 21 June, the start of summer. It transforms cities around the globe into theatres of enchantment and magical sounds.
It sounds simple. All the events are free and open to the public. All musicians waive their fee and all the concerts take place in unusual venues – mostly outdoors. Everyone is welcome at the Fête de la Musique or Festa della Musica how the Italians say.
That this formula would grow into a worldwide movement that reaches out to millions of people every year must have been beyond the wildest dreams of former French Culture Minister Jack Lang, who organised the first Fête de la Musique in Paris in 1982.
The seed was sown and now the event unites people in over 340 towns and cities worldwide, 60 of them in Europe.
There's nothing that can not be heard. Bands, orchestras, choirs, soloists and DJs perform music of every genre. One other thing remains the same - the Fête de la Musique is a non-profit, non-commercial event. Like everything at the Fête de la Musique, it is about friendship, joy, respect and in short, humanity in music.

One of our upcoming touring choirs to Italy this year, the Phoenix Girls Chorus Cantabile, is going to participate in this wonderful celebration in Rieti, Italy.
Festa della Musica in Rieti celebrates its 14th anniversary this year. Concerts will be held in following locations:
Auditorium dei Poveri, Auditorium Varrone, Piazza S. Rufo, LungoVelino, Piazza Cavour, Via Paolessi, Largo S. Giorgio, Via Terenzio Varrone and Piazza Beata Colomba.

Concerts on Friday, June 20, 2014 all free of admission:
  9:00 pm  - M* Eleonora Podaliri Vulpiani and students of the Conservatory concert at Auditorium Varro
10:00 pm - Joy Stick concert at Long Velino Café
10:30 pm - Duo Voce and piano Maria Rosaria De Rossi and Paolo Panicon concert at Be'er Sheva, via delle Stelle


Concerts on Saturday, June 21, 2014 all free of admission:
  7:00 pm - Phoenix Girls Chorus Cantabile concert at Largo San Giorgio Rigodon Café
  7:30 pm - Insidious Trap concert at Via Paolessi at Café Luwak
  9:00 pm - Mononoke concert at Auditorium dei Poveri
  9:15 pm - THE KEY 9 concert at S. Rufo Square
10:15 pm - RITMIX concert at S. Rufo Square (free admission)
10:15 pm - Alessio Guadagnoli concert at piazza Cavour at the Grand Café La Lira
10:45 pm - Casale 136-Negramaro Tributo concert at Club Café Bonobo
11:15 pm - Depero DJ Set at via Terenzio Varrone


Concerts on Sunday, Jun 22, 2014 all free of admission:
  9:00 pm - Parole e Musica with Musì Duo-Sandro Sacco (flute) & Paolo Paniconi (piano) concert at Auditorium Varrone
10:00 pm - Postal Docs concert at Cafe LungoVelino

Mountain View Presbyterian Church Choir on their 2014 Germany and Czech Republic Performance Tour with Incantato Tours

The Mountain View Presbyterian Church Choir travelers under the direction of Mrs. Kay Randolph from Scottsdale, AZ made it safe to Europe. On Friday, June 5, 2014, they were awaited by their tour manager Ivo Janousek at Frankfurt Airport and spent their first night in Germany in the beautiful city of Weimar.

They have a 12-day performance tour ahead of them with wonderful hotels, lots of delicious German and Czech food and magnificent musical experiences. This is a summary of their venues and performances, which are hand-selected and organized by Incantato Tours.


1. Saturday, June 7, 2014 - Musikalische Vesper at Herderkirche in Weimar, Germany at 6:00 pm.

2. Sunday, June 8, 2014 - Highlight Concert at Traukirche in Dornstein, Germany, where J.S. Bach got married at 7:30 pm.

3. Monday, June 9, 2014 - Recital at Thomaskirche and the tomb of J.S. Bach in Leipzig, Germany around 12:30 pm.

4. Tuesday, June 10, 2014 - Concert at St. Johanniskirche in Dessau-Rosslau, Germany at 7:30 pm.

5. Wednesday, June 11, 2014 - Recital at the famous Berliner Dom, main altar prior to the Andacht at 11:30 am.

6. Saturday, June 14, 2014 - Concert at St. Nicholas Church in Prague, Czech Republic at 11:00 am.

7. Sunday, June 15, 2014 - Sunday Service at St. Salvator at Salvatorska Stret in Prague, Czech Republic at 9:30 am.

For more information about their tour, please have a look at their tour blog here and also check out our Incantato Tours Facebook page. 

MAGNIFICO - BCCC of CSULB on their 2014 Italy and Vatican Performance Tour with Incantato Tours

The Bob Cole Conservatory of Music at California State University, Long Beach Choir, under the direction of Dr. Jonathan Talberg, is going to embark on a 11-day Italy and Vatican Performance Tour proudly presented by Incantato Tours. They will depart on Saturday, May 31, 2014 and return on Tuesday, June 10, 2014 with memories that last a lifetime.

They are going to stay in wonderful hotels and are able to perform in amazing venues. If you are interested to see where they are going to perform, please have a look below. For more information and live updates as soon as their tour starts, please have a look at our Facebook page and our Incantato Tours tour blog.

1. Monday, June 2, 2014 - Mass

at Basilica di San Pietro in Vatican City at 5:00 pm

2. Monday, June 2, 2014 - Concert

Durufle Requiem with Choir and Organ Concert at Basilica di Sant'Apollinare in Classe at 8:00 pm

3. Thursday, June 5, 2014 - Highlight Concert

Theatre Performance with piano at Teatro Flavio Vespasiano in Rieti at 6:00 pm. 

4. Saturday, June 7, 2014 - Concert

at Santa Maria Maggiore, a medieval church, in Florence at 8:00 pm.

5. Sunday, June 8, 2014 - Concert

at Basilica di San Gaudenzio in Novara co-organized by the US Consulate in Novara at 9:00 pm

Performance Overview for the 2014 SBCC Italy Performance Tour with Incantato Tours

First of all we would like to wish the SBCC travelers, singers, family and friends a great time in Italy. They arrived yesterday in Florence and their wonderful tour manager Stefania LaRosa welcomed them at the airport.

They have a 11-day performance tour ahead of them with beautiful hotels, lots of delicious food and magnificent venues. To give you a little insight in their tour please have a look at the blog entry regarding their hotels here.

Below you will find a short summary of their venues, which are hand selected and organized by Incantato Tours.

1. Friday, June 30, 2014 - Concertino
at Santa Maria Maggiore, a medieval church, in Florence at 8:00 pm.

2. Sunday, June 1, 2014 - Mass
at Sant’ Agostino, which is dedicated to Saint August, in Rieti at 11:30 am.


3. Sunday, June 1, 2014 - Highlight Concert
at Teatro Flavio Vespasiano in Rieti at 6:30 pm.

4. Monday, June 2, 2014 - Recital

at Basilica of St. Francis, the mother church of the Roman Catholic Order, in Assisi at 1:00 pm

5. Thursday, June 5, 2014 - Concert

at Santa Barbara Dei Librari, a 17th century former confraternity church, in Rome at 8:30 pm

6. Friday, June 6, 2014 - Mass

at St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City at 5:00 pm

For more information and live updates regarding the 2014 Santa Barbara City College Choir Tour, please have a look at our Facebook page.

Basilica of San Gaudenzio in Novara, Italy - Dedicated to Novara's Patron Saint and one of the venues of BCCC of CSULB on their 2014 Italy Performance Tour

For more than four centuries, the Basilica of San Gaudenzio has been testament to the civil, artistic and religious life of Novara, Piedmont, northern Italy. It also marks the highest point in the city.

The basilica is dedicated to the patron saint of Novara, Gaudenzio of Novara, considered to be the first Christian bishop of the city. Tradition states that he was born to a pagan family, and then converted to Christianity after meeting Eusebius of Vercelli.

The story of its construction, starting with a project by Pellegrino Tibaldi in 1577 and finally finished in 1690 following the destruction of the old Basilica, ordered by Emperor Charles V. The monumental cupola was designed by Alessandro Antonelli, who also designed the Mole Antonelliana in Torino, the architectural symbol of Torino.

On Sunday, June 8, 2014 at 9:00 pm the Bob Cole Conservatory of Music at California State University, Long Beach Choir, under the direction of Dr. Jonathan Talberg is going to perform at this magnificent basilica.

Ever wondered where Puccini learned how to compose La Bohème or Tosca?

Did you ever dream of singing at La Scala? Or would you like to play in an important orchestra or learn how to conduct it? Milan offers the opportunity to study in Italy’s largest music academy Conservatorio Giuseppe Verdi, which is located at Via Verdi. Yes, a street named after the famous composer.

The music college was established by a royal decree of 1807 in Milan, capital of the Napoleonic Kingdom of Italy. It opened the following year with premises in the cloisters of the Baroque church of Santa Maria della Passione.
During the past centuries, it has educated many of Italy's most important musicians and composers such as Giacomo Puccini, Giovanni Bottesini or Amelita Galli-Curci.

Basilica di Saint Apollinare in Classe, Italy - One of the BCCC of CSULB venues this year

Incantato Tours is proud to announce that Bob Cole Conservatory of Music at California State University, Long Beach Choir, under the direction of Dr. Jonathan Talberg, is going to perform on Monday, June 2, 2014 at Basilica of Sant' Apollinare located in Classe, a small harbor town of Ravenna located about 4 miles south of the city center.

The church was built in the sixth century by order of Bishop Ursicinus, using money from the Greek banker Iulianus Argentarius, and was originally the palatine chapel of Theodoric. The Basilica of Sant'Apollinare is dedicated to St. Apollinaris, patron saint of Ravenna.
It is an important monument of Byzantine art near Ravenna, Italy.  Like most Ravenna churches, it is known for its exceptional Byzantine mosaics. It also has elegant architecture and a fine collection of early Christian sarcophagi.
When the UNESCO inscribed eight Ravenna sites on the World Heritage List, it cited this basilica as "an outstanding example of the early Christian basilica in its purity and simplicity of its design and use of space and in the sumptuous nature of its decoration".

Hotel Overview for SBCC for their 2014 Italy Performance Tour with Incantato Tours

The Santa Barbara City College Choir is traveling to Italy under the direction of Mr. Nathan Kreitzer from May 28 to June 7, 2014. One of the highlights will be a visit to Rieti - la nostra città - known for its stunning Teatro Flavio Vespasiano Rieti, but also one of the Italian cities with Santa Barbara as its Patron Saint. 

In addition to performances in beautiful venues such as St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican, the Basilica of Saint Francis in Assisi, the travelers will experience the many flavors of Italy through artisan food tastings, unique dining experiences etc. 

If you are curious to see where the choir is going to stay, please have a look at their hotel overview below:

Their first home away from home will be NILHOTEL. The 4-star hotel was built in January 2009 and offers facilities such as meeting rooms, restaurant, American bar, high speed internet access, an internet point and the WI-FI connection in all the common areas. 
It is located in the business area of Novoli, on the North/West of Florence, nearby the new University district, the Court and Local Authorities. The hotel is well connected to the historic city center, the Congress Palace, the exhibition area of Fortezza da Basso and to Santa Maria Novella train station by public transportation.
It has 246 newly furnished guest rooms. 4 lifts available for 7 floors. All guest rooms are soundproof and equipped with safe, satellite TV, self controlling air conditioning, high speed internet connection and hairdryer.

Hotel Cavour is situated on the bank of the river Velino. Its strategic position allows to reach the Rieti's historical city center in few minutes walking along its winding streets.
Each of the 34 rooms have LCD satellite TV, mini bar, safe, direct dial phone, hair dryer, air conditioning and internet connection.  Some rooms overlook the river Velino on the historical part of the city with the ancient Roman Bridge, others look out onto Piazza Cavour, that is one of the main points of junction to reach the institutions and the commercial areas of the town. The hotel also has a restaurant with panoramic view, breakfast room and a gym. 

The 4-star H10 Roma Città Hotel is located in the Marconi neighborhood just a short distance from the district of Trastevere and features all amenities travelers enjoy including comfy beds, solarium, national and international newspaper, ice machines, laundry service and also a rooftop swimming pool.

The hotel has 181 rooms, which are equipped with flat-screen LCD TV with international channels, smart temperature control, pillow top, MP3 (audio) and PC connection, safe box and professional hair dryer.

Have a look at the hotels for the 2014 BCCC of CSULB Italy Performance Tour

Next month, in June 2014, the Bob Cole Conservatory of Music at California State University - Long Beach Choir - under the direction of Dr. Jonathan Talberg, will be traveling to Italy on a 11-day performance tour proudly presented by Incantato Concert Tours.

Please find below a hotel overview for their homes away from home in beautiful Italy.

 From June 1 to June 3, 2014 the choir will stay at the 4-star Domus Mariae Palazzo Carpegna in Rome. The hotel is housed in a Renaissance-inspired mansion, surrounded by a seven-hectare Roman garden that overlooks the Villa Carpegna park.
The hotel offers guests 200 rooms divided between Classic Rooms, Executive Rooms and Tower Prestige Suites, ample car parking facilities and free wireless internet connection in the hotel’s public areas.
Two restaurants are located within the hotel: Le Restaurant and Il Colonnato, together with “Il Chiostro” Café & Bistro and open from 9:30 am to 12:30 pm offering a selection of light, tasty dishes for lunch, dinner or aperitifs.

Their next home away from home will be in Rieti from June 3 to June 6, 2014 at Hotel Grande Albergo Quattro Stagioni. The hotel is located inside a nineteenth-century building, situated in the historical center of Rieti between the City-hall square and that of the Prefecture, and next to the Romanic Cathedral of Saint Mary.
The hotel has 43 rooms, most of which providing views over the gardens of the Prefecture with its historical Vignola Loggia, and other rooms overlooking the City-hall building and square with the famous Dolphin Fountain.  The rooms are equipped with indipendently controlled air conditioning, minibar, flat screen LCD TV’s with satellite channels, Wi-Fi internet connection, direct-dial telephone and hairdryer. The hotel breakfast offers an extensive variety of items such as eggs, bacon, ham, cheeses, brioches, home made cakes, cereals and many more products.

In Florence they group will stay at Villa Pitiana from June 6 to June 8, 2014. It is located in the Tuscan countryside. The villa still retains the articulated architecture of a millenary history, from the foundation as a fortified farm, to the utilization as Benedectine monastery and eventually to the conversion in nobleman elegant Villa in the 19th century. Architecture, decorations and furniture maintain memory of past ages and styles. Each room is furnished in antiques. The exclusive room in the Medieval Tower, Junior suites with a view over Valdarno landscape, Superior rooms with antique furniture and Classic rooms.




The last home away from home will be 4-star hotel Michelangelo from June 8 to June 10, 2014 in Milan. The hotel is located at 33 Via Scarlati, just down the block from the central rail station. It offers over 300 rooms including singles, doubles, triples and even luxurious suites. The rooms are equipped with magnetic key card entry, satellite television, mini bar, soundproof walls, individually controlled air conditioning and direct phone lines etc.

Happy Easter from Incantato Tours!

Incantato Concert Tours wishes everyone Happy Easter or "Frohe Ostern" how we would say it in Germany.

Here are some interesting worldwide Easter facts you may not know:

1. It is said that Australians are the largest consumers of Easter eggs in the world, but as the Easter bunny is known to have a bad history of destroying the vegetable crops, the eggs are strangely provided by the Easter Bilby (an endangered species in Australia).

2. Germans decorate their trees with colored Easter eggs, some even with 9,000 eggs on one tree as seen in Saalfeld, Germany. The egg is used a symbol for the ideas of rebirth and resurrection associated with Easter.

3. Greeks dye their Easter eggs all in one color: red (as a symbol for Jesus’ blood).

4. Parts of Switzerland, Austria and Germany have an old Easter tradition of decorating wells in order to celebrate the gift of water: life. They decorate the wells with beautifully painted eggs and spring flowers.

Incantato wishes MDHS Choirs safe travels!

Willkommen in Deutschland und Frohe Ostern!

Today the Mater Dei HS Choirs from Santa Ana, California, under the direction of Mr. Scott Melvin and Mr. Justin Miller is going to embark on their Enchanting Easter Performance Tour 2014 to visit countries such as Germany, Austria, Slovenia and Italy with Incantato Concert Tours.

The choir leaves today in two groups for their overnight flights to Munich, Germany. Their tour managers Stefania, Kelsey and Hildrun will welcome them at the airport tomorrow on Friday, April 18, 2014. Since it is a national holiday in Germany - Good Friday- they will enjoy a traditional Good Friday dinner after their arrival.

More pictures and updates about the choir and its Enchanting Easter Performance Tour 2014 can be found on their blog, but also on our Facebook page.

San Marino Chamber Choir Spain and Portugal Tour 2014 - Concert Overview

The San Marino High School Chamber Choir directed by Mrs. Tammi Alderman will be traveling to Spain and Portugal from Friday, March 28, 2014 to Sunday, April 6, 2014.
Incantato Concert Tours is honored to continue the tradition to bring this fine choir from San Marino, California, on its European performance tours year after year. Please also have a look at our Facebook page where we will be uploading photos of our travelers from SMCC.

Are you interested to see where the choir is going to perform on their tour? Then have a look at their concert overview below:

1. Sunday, March 30, 2014 - Featured Guest Choir for Mass
Where? Cathedral de la Almudena, Madrid (Spain)
When? 7:00 pm
http://www.catedraldelaalmudena.es/

2. Monday, March 31, 2014 - Recital 
Where? Cathedral de Leon, Leon (Spain)
When? 12:30 pm
http://www.catedraldeleon.org/

3. Monday, March 31, 2014 - Rehearsal
Where? Teatro Filarmonica, Oveido (Spain)
When? 6:30 pm
http://www.oviedocultural.es/index.php?activ=5

4. Tuesday, April 1, 2014 - Concert
Where? Joven Coro Fundación Príncipe de Asturias, Oviedo (Spain)
When? 8:00 pm
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Coros-de-la-Fundaci%C3%B3n-Pr%C3%ADncipe-de-Asturias/272291924258

5. Wednesday, April 2, 2014 - Featured Guest Choir for Mass
Where? Cathedral de Santiago de Compostela, (Spain)
When? 7:30 pm
http://www.catedraldesantiago.es/

6. Thursday, April 3, 2014 - Concert
Where? Igreja do Sao Francisco (Church of Saint Francis), Porto (Portugal)
When? 7:00 pm

7. Saturday, April 5, 2014 - Concert
Where? Escola de Música do Conservatório Nacional
When? 3:00 pm
https://www.facebook.com/escolademusicadoconservatorionacional

Incantato wishes Mayfield Senior School safe travels!

Benvenuti in Italia! The Mayfield Senior School under the direction of Ms. Denise Darnell is going to leave Los Angeles at 8:25 pm today for their overnight flight to Europe. Incantato Tours Italia tour manager Stefania is going to welcome the travelers in the eternal city of Rome. They will spend their first night away from home in Rieti, an Incantato favorite, at Hotel Cavour.

More pictures and updates about the choir and its 2014 Italy Arts Immersion Tour can be found on their blog, but also on our Facebook page.

Incantato proudly presents: the Orange County Youth Chorale 2014 Performance tour to Spain

The Orange County Youth Chorale, under the direction of Mr. Keith Hancock, will be presenting their 2014 Performance Tour. as well as enjoying choral exchanges, in many venues around Spain. Here you have a short summary:

Alegría Musical - Musical Joy:
A joyous collection of sacred and secular selections spanning 500 years of choral music from Spain and all over the world

Sunday, April 6, MADRID

Main Mass at the Royal Monastery of San Jerónimo el Real Church, at 1pm.

The Iglesia Parroquial de San Jerónimo el Real  belongs to the magnificent Royal Monastery of St Jerome, and was founded in Madrid in 1503 during the time of Queen Isabella I, and popularly known as "Los Jerónimos." 

San Jerónimo el Real, Madrid

Monday, April 7, LEÓN

Exchange and Concert with the Conservatorio Profesional de Música.

The students of the Elementary and Professional Conservatories of León will be meeting and attending our singers at 6pm. Surely they will be delighted.
Concert will be held at the Conservatory Auditorium, at 7 pm, open to all audiences.


Tuesday, April 8, OVIEDO

Exchange with Coro de Cámara del Conservatorio and Coro Universitario.

Both the Chamber Choir of the Conservatorio Profesional de Música and the University Choir, will be receiving us for the exchange at Oviedo Conservatory, followed by some relaxing time to get to know each other and share experiences.

University Paranymph, Oviedo

Wednesday, April 9, OVIEDO

Joint Concert with Coro de Cámara del Conservatorio Profesional de Música and Coro Universitario, at University Paranymph, 7:30 pm.

As a great finale for their Exchange, the Joint Concert will be held at the beautiful University Paranymph, in the Historical Building of the University. The University of Oviedo, among the oldest in the country, started operating in 1608. The Paraninfo hosts a very important number of cultural activities, playing a central role in the life of the city during the whole year. 

Thursday, April 10, BURGOS

Recital at the Cathedral of Burgos, 1,30 pm.

Orange County Youth Chorale singers have been granted permission to present a special recital at the gothic masterpiece Cathedral of Burgos. Heart of the ancient Kingdom of Castilla, burial place of the famous Cid Campeador, and central knot for the Pilgimage to Saint James in Compostela, the cathedral is breathtaking.

Royal Palace, Olite

Thursday, April 10, OLITE

Exchange and Concert in the Royal Palace of Olite, 8 pm.

Upon arrival in Olite, the choir will be received in the Castle of Olite by the Choir of the city of Olite. After some exchange time,our singers will present a concert to the public.
Concert will take place at the very Palacio Real de Olite, at 8pm.


Friday, April 11, MONTSERRAT SANCTUARY

Ofrenda Coral a la Virgen de Montserrat, Montserrat Basilique, 3,30 pm.

The Orange County Youth Choral has been granted extraordinary permission to present the Choral Offering to the Black Virgin of Montserrat, at the main altar. Very beloved by all catalanes, the Sanctuary of Monsterrat is located on a stunning and peculiar mountain range.

Friday, April 11, BARCELONA

Concert at Centre Cultural Golferichs, 7 pm. 

As a finale highlight concert, the choir will be presenting their Choral Concert at the very renown Cant i Clàssica musical program of the Golferichs Main Concert Hall. A beautiful modernist venue for a great finale concert.

We are sure the singers, families and friends of Orange County Youth Choral will keep longlife memories of their performance tour!

Incantato's home away from home summary for the Orange County Youth Chorale

The Orange County Youth Chorale and their family and friends under the direction of Mr. Keith Hancock are going to embark to a 10-day performance tour to Spain. Starting on Friday, April 4, 2014 they will discover wonderful cities such as Madrid, Leon, Oviedo, Olite and Barcelona and perform in stunning venues such as San Jerónimo el Real in Madrid, a Roman Catholic church from the early 16th-century. They will return to California on Sunday, April 13, 2014 with memories that last a lifetime.

Have a look at their itinerary highlights below:

Day 1, Friday, April 4, 2014
Lufthansa flight LH453 leaves Los Angeles (LAX) for Munich (MUC), Germany, at 5:20 pm, arrival is at 1:40 pm the next day (Saturday, April 5, 2014).

Day 2, Saturday, April 5, 2014

The group connects from Munich (MUC), Germany at 2:55 pm with Lufthansa flight LH1804 to Madrid (MAD), Spain, with an arrival time of 5:35 pm local time.
¡Bienvenido a España! The group embarks on an orientation tour and enjoys Spain's capital city Madrid prior to check-in at their 4-star hotel Husa Paseo del Arte (see picture on the right) and a special welcome dinner.

Day 3, Sunday, April 6, 2014
They enjoy a half day sightseeing tour with their Tour Manager, coach and local guide around the city, including the Royal Palace prior to singing for Mass in the city‘s stunning cathedral named San Jerónimo el Real (see picture on the left).

Day 4, Monday, April 7, 2014
After leaving the capital city of Spain, the journey continues to Leon. This amazing town was founded by the Romans and is because of the Gothic cathedral and romantic monuments a must-see. A special highlight will be the exchange with the Conservatorio Profesional de Música. Overnight at the 4-star Hotel Conde Luna.

Day 5, Tuesday, April 8, 2014
After spending the morning in Leon, OCYC continues further North to Asturias and the beautiful Costa Verde. Upon arrival, they meet fellow singers at the Conservatorio Profesional de Música in Oviedo and rehearse for a highlight performance the next day.  The Coro Universitario will join them for the exchange. Home away from home is the Hotel NH Principado, at the heart of the city.

Day 6, Wednesday, April 9, 2014
After seeing the old town‘s various monuments and traditional shops, the group prepares for a concert and exchange with Conservatorio Profesional de Música in Oviedo and Coro Universitario. The concert will be held at the historical and beautiful University Paranymph.

Day 7, Thursday, April 10, 2014
They enjoy the magnificent town of Burgos with its stunning cathedral (see picture on the left) and rich history. The Orange County Youth Chorale could be the featured guest choir for Mass at the Cathedral before continuing on to the medieval town of Olite. The home away from home is the 4-star Hotel Hola Tafalla (see picture of a room above on the right).

Day 8, Friday, April 11, 2014
The group visits the magnificent monastery of Montserrat perched high upon an unusual rock mountain, then continues to the vibrant city of Barcelona. This very afternoon OCYC prepares for their final highlight performance at Centre Cultural Golferichs.

Day 9, Saturday, April 12, 2014
The guided tour of Spain‘s second largest city will include many well-known highlights such as La Rambla, the Boqueria Market or La Sagrada Familia. A tapas dinner introduces them to the local cuisine of Catalonia.

Day 10, Sunday, April 13, 2014
There is so much to see and do in Barcelona therefore the group enjoy another day with their tour guide in this stunning city. The day will end wit a farewell dinner party featuring local specialties and Flamenco music. Home away from home in Barcelona is Ayre Hotel Caspe.

 Day 11, Monday, April 14, 2014
Lufthansa flight LH1817 departs Barcelona (BCN), Spain, at 7:55 am for Munich (MUC), Germany, to arrive at 9:55 am local time. The group then connects from Munich (MUC) at 12:15 pm with Lufthansa flight LH452 to Los Angeles (LAX), with an arrival time of 3:30 pm local time.
The group then connects from Munich (MUC) at 12:15 pm with Lufthansa flight LH452 to Los Angeles (LAX), with an arrival time of 3:30 pm local time.

Château de Chantilly - a beautiful gem in France

The Château de Chantilly is a historic château located in the town of Chantilly in France. The site comprises two attached buildings: the Petit Château built around 1560 for Constable Anne de Montmorency, a comrade in arms of Francis I in Marignan, who plays a distinguished political role under Francis I and Henri II; and the Grand Château, which was destroyed during the French Revolution and rebuilt in the 1870s.
Owned by the Institut de France, the château houses also the Musée Condé. It has a painting collection with of over 800 masterpieces of French, Italian, Flemish, English paintings, which makes it the number one museum of ancient paintings (prior to 1850) in France after the Louvre Museum.

Since the medieval ages, the Chantilly Estate has belonged to the great Prince families of France such as the Orgemont, Condé or Orléans family.

During the Revolution the Chantilly Collections are seized as emigrant property and transported to the Louvre. The Chateau served as a prison. In 1799, the buildings are sold to demolition workers who demolish the Grand Chateau all the way down to the terrace.
After 1815, Prince Louis-Joseph, returning from emigration, decides to restore the apartments and obtains the restitution of portions of the collections held at the Louvre. He asks architect Victor Dubois to design the English Garden in 1817 and to fill the gap separating both chateau.

Did you know that Château de Chantilly also had a dairy factory which was built in 1754, within the park of the Château of Chantilly? Unfortunately the building and the factory no longer exist. Back in the days, when visiting the premises, the princes' guests were offered ice cream, fruits and all sorts of cream delicacies. The first mention of the now infamous Chantilly whipped cream appears June 18, 1784, in a text written by the Baroness of Oberkirch about a lunch at the Hameau.

Bienvenido a Madrid! Incantato Concert Tours welcomes the Occidental College Glee Club in Spain!

Incantato Concert Tours wants to wish the Occidental College Glee Club, our first touring choir this year, safe travels. They are leaving Los Angeles International Airport today and will arrive in Madrid, Spain tomorrow.
The choir travels to Spain, and Portugal visiting cities on the way such as Córdoba, Seville, Évora and Lisbon. One of the main highlights of their tour is the performance in the magnificent Palácio Foz in Lisbon and singing main mass at the Royal Monastery of San Jerónimo el Real Church, in Madrid.

Updates can be found on our facebook page, but also on their very own tour blog. Please feel free to check it out.

Happy New Year from Incantato Concert Tours to you!

Incantato Concert Tours wants to wish all of you a Happy New Year. What better way to start the new year than with this wonderful New Year's concert video of the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra?

Happy Halloween from Incantato Concert Tours!

It is the time of the year where houses are decorated with vampires, bats, skeletons and scary craved pumpkins. It is also the time where a scary amount of candy is consumed and late night TV host Jimmy Kimmel showed us what can happen if parents prank their kids by telling them they ate all their Halloween candy.

Halloween which was originally introduced to the United States by Irish immigrants in the 19th century, began as a pagan festival honoring the dead. It is a big celebration in the United States and millions of children (and adults) look forward to dress up and enjoy the spooky days every year.

Since we are specialized in traveling to Europe, we thought we show you how and if Europeans celebrate it. US-Halloween customs have spread since the 1990s in continental Europe, starting in France the holiday has become increasingly popular in Belgium, Sweden, Norway, Netherlands, Germany, and Austria. Before 1990 the holiday was fairly unknown. Nowadays, on October 31 you will find people dressed up for Halloween parties and kids go with their parents for trick or treating in their neighborhood but it is definitely not as common and wide-spread as it is in the United States. Europeans have their own spooky celebrations such as Oíche Shamhna literally "Samhain Night" in Ireland. On Halloween night, adults and children dress up as creatures from the underworld and enjoy spectacular fireworks displays. In Romania, Halloween is celebrated around the myth of "Dracula" on October 31. The spirit of Dracula is believed to still live in the country and Romanians love to celebrate this special day.

The Incantato Concert Tours Team wishes you a HAPPY HALLOWEEN and just for you and because it is a special day we revealed who we really are... SUPERHEROES :)

News presented by Incantato: the Switzerland App

Switzerland Tourism launches new free app

The Swiss Tourism Board has recently launched My Switzerland, an app that is designed to side-step the tourist traps and help you see the destination through a local’s eyes. The hands-on app will take you straight into the heart of the city and offers a multitude of expert advice, insider tips, as well as recommendations from 30 local contacts throughout the country and from all backgrounds. Whether you are a foodie, enjoy cultural activities or just want to go shopping, the My Switzerland app is designed to lead the way.

The app also customizes its recommendations according to your preferences and even mood, which you can choose. Or, just let the app inspire your daily activities with its random mode. You can also search by city, access interactive maps, and much more.

To read the full article, including a link to download the app, please click here.