ChorFreude 2013 in Germany: October 2010

Wednesday, October 13, 2010

Calling All Singers

The Ministry for Culture a nd Education is rolling out the red carpet on the beautiful, historic, and musically rich German Baltic Coast in celebration of the 250^th anniversary of Queen Charlotte’s coronation, and the growing partnership between the greater Charlotte-Mecklenburg region and Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Germany. You are invited to join other outstanding vocal ensembles and singers to form the official ChorFreude Choir, under the direction of Professor Ginger Wyrick, and supported by the Charlotte International Cabinet. Collaborate with the Neubrandenburger Philharmonie, the state’s prime symphony orchestra, to present Mozart’s “Coronation Mass” and Boyce’s “The King Shall Rejoice,” composed especially for Queen Charlotte’s coronation.

Invitation from the Ministery of Culture, Education and Economics,

Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Mr. Staatssekretär Udo Michallik:

“The German Baltic Coast is not well known internationally, but a hidden treasure: Fairy-tale castles with beautiful gardens, medieval cathedrals and churches, and spectacular ocean boardwalk will not only impress you, but provide a stunning backdrop for unforgettable concerts.

The Ministry of Culture, Education and Economics Mecklenburg-Vorpommern supports the 2011 International Choral Festival celebrating the 250th anniversary of Queen Charlotte’s coronation who was originally from Mecklenburg-Strelitz. I look forward to welcoming many choirs from North Carolina to this unique cultural event in the home of Sophie Charlotte: Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Germany.”

Chorfreude auditions

The ChorFreude Choir is still auditioning qualified performers. Interested vocalists and conductors of university, college, high school, community, church, and children’s choirs may apply by contacting the Charlotte International Cabinet. Instrumental ensembles are also welcome.

Individual performances can be arranged during the festival. Custom pre- and post-tours to other destinations are offered to existing ensembles, with concert opportunities at magnificent venues in Germany, the Czech Republic, Poland, Scandinavia, Austria, and many other beautiful European locations. Family, friends, and other non-performers are also invited to take part. Please contact the Charlotte International Cabinet to be added to the ChorFreude Family and Friends mailing list.

Participation in the ChorFreude International Music Festival is limited. Lufthansa German Airlines is offering special airfare pricing to the first 90 participants to register with two departure dates: June 11-19 and June 12-20, 2011. Registration begins Monday, July 26 and ends September 15, 2010. To register, contact the Charlotte International Cabinet via email to cic@charlottenc.gov.

Click here for the ChorFreude Choir audition form and other important information.

ChorFreude Itinerary

DAY 1, Saturday, June 11
Overnight flight to Germany on Lufthansa via Munich to Berlin. Tourmanager welcomes the group at Tegel-Airport. After a panoramic orientation tour of Berlin’s many highlights, check into your hotel for the remainder of day at leisure. Dinner and overnight in Berlin.

DAY 2, Sunday June 12

City tour of Berlin with a local guide, free time for lunch and strolling. Afternoon and evening at leisure for individual exploring under the guidance of your Tourmanager. Overnight in Berlin, dinner on own.

DAY 3, Monday, June 13

Continue to Mecklenburg-Vorpommern and the hanseatic town of Rostock for a welcome reception and lunch with the ChorFreude Choir members. After a guided city tour, check into your home for the next two nights. Exchange and performance opportunities this evening.

DAY 4, Tuesday, June 14
Leisure Day with optional group excursions to either nearby Heiligendamm, Rügen, Kühlungsborn, Stralsund or Wismar to sightsee, shop and go for a swim in the Baltic Sea. In the evening, gather for a friendship concert with local choirs in or near Rostock followed by a fun dinner at a traditional German eatery with beer garden.

DAY 5, Wednesday, June 15
Drive East to Neubrandenburg for sightseeing and orchestra rehearsal with the Neubrandenburger Philharmonie, then continue to Schwerin for check-in followed by a welcome reception.

DAY 6, Thursday, June 16

Festival Concert with Orchestra
Explore Schwerin, the capital city of the state of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern with a local guide followed by free time for additional sightseeing and relaxation. After a light dinner, prepare for tonight’s highlight festival concert at magnificent church or concert hall in Schwerin.

DAY 7, Friday, June 17
There is lots to see and do in Schwerin, so why not visit the famous castle, one of the many museums. In addition, today is ideal to meet with local students and experience a typical German high school. This evening, the ChorFreude Choir will gather for a special re-opening party at Castle Mirow, Queen Charlotte’s birthplace.

DAY 8, Saturday, June 18
It is up to you to either take it easy on your last full day in Europe and experience some German “Gemütlichkeit” as you simply enjoy some more time in Schwerin or embark on an optional excursion to Neustrelitz for a traditional Float Tour. The finale Festival concert is presented tonight at beautiful 12th century Schwerin Cathedral with master organist Jan Ernst as your accompanist. A farewell dinner party with local specialties is the perfect ending.

DAY 9, Sunday, June 19
As your flight leaves early from Berlin, you’ll leave in the very early morning for the airport with a breakfast and coffee break at Tegel-Airport. Lunch and snack will be served on the Munich-Charlotte flight along with your choice of movies. You are scheduled to return home in the late afternoon.

Endorsements for Incantato Tours

“The trip was everything I hoped for and more. Everything promised was delivered. I realize that this tour gave you a number of challenges due to the low number of participants, but you always seemed to find a way to make things happen. I appreciate the positive ‘Can Do’ attitude. You showed what a tour company can do when it really cares about the quality of the performing venues and comfort and satisfaction of its clients.”

Bruce Koliha begin_of_the_skype_highlighting end_of_the_skype_highlighting, BelCanto Choir, Performance Tour to Central Europe 2010

“Once again, thanks to you and all the Incantato team for the great tour you arranged for CIC this summer. I truly feel that Incantato delivered a lot for our money on this trip. All of the hotels were nice ones with good locations. What a great idea to give us a night in Vienna near the Prater! And the concert venues were varied and all beautiful. The dinner cruise on our last night was magical and we enjoyed the food, the company, and the views. Thanks for making this a part of our tour. You are so skillful in finding the unique, off the beaten path, towns and villages. These are some of the best memories.”

Sue Klausmeyer, Carolina International Chorale, Performance Tour to Central Europe Summer 2010

"Dear Incantato-Team, the Choir of the Sound and I want to thank you for all you did to make our tour to Northern Italy so incredible. I’ve worked with many other tour companies, but this trip exceeded even my most optimistic expectations. The singers will remember their time in Italy the rest of their lives. To have had the opportunity to perform in those amazing cathedrals with large appreciative audiences was truly memorable. In reflecting on our trip this year, I realized that past tours that I had considered successful fell short when compared to the trip that you put together for us. Incantato provided a consistently high level of organization and personal attention both during the planning stages and on the trip. Other exceptional aspects of the tour were:
- The right amount and high quality of the performances. Our concerts and masses were wonderful.
- Outstanding tour managers that were a wonderful combination of knowledgeable, flexible, personable and fun!
- Beautiful posters and flyers as well as superb advertising of the concerts that resulted in large audiences
- Excellent pacing of the tour—thanks for anticipating when we would need some time to recover
- The included activities were interesting and created a change of pace for the singers
- Great meals, consistently. My vegetarians were very pleased also.
- The choir manager and I are very appreciative of your personal attention to our questions during the planning stages of the trip.
- Terrific bus drivers who made us feel safe and who enjoyed the group
It was a pleasure to work with everyone at your organization and I would be happy to share my experience with Incantato with other potential clients."
Judy Filibeck, Director "Choir of the Sound", Seattle, WA

"Having recently returned from a successful tour of Ireland, I can say without a doubt that this was my finest tour experience. I have used several different tours companies in my years of performance tours, and none have matched the attention to detail, the thoughtful planning, excellent venues & marketing, meal & hotels, and overall management by Incantato Tours. Their pricing was excellent, and when the US currency dropped, they did not raise any of our cost. I would recommend this company to anyone planning a tour, whether they are a large professional ensemble, or a small church choir."

Nathan J. Kreitzer - Director of Choral Activities Santa Barbara City College, CA

"It was a true pleasure working with Sandra and Incantato on our Italy Tour 2008. She is very detail oriented and surpassed many of our expectations. I would recommend Incantato to anyone planning a concert or performance tour."
Rick Christophersen, Director Conservatory of Music at Chapman University, Orange, CA

“My sincerest and deepest thanks to you and all your staff for making this tour for the Quire of Voyces our very best yet! Your attention to every detail, special offerings each day, fine accommodations and outstanding tour guides all made for a very gratifying experience for all of us.”
Susan Kuehn, Quire of Voyces Performance Tour to Italy, June 2010

“I’ve worked with many other tour companies, but our Incantato Tour exceeded even my most optimistic expectations. The singers will remember their time in Italy the rest of their lives. To have had the opportunity to perform in those amazing cathedrals with large appreciative audiences was truly memorable.“
Judy Filibeck, Choir of the Sound, Seattle, WA

"I have only wonderful things to say about Incantato Tours! The UGA Chamber Choir traveled to Italy in 2009. From the marvelous concert venues to the excellently managed tour, this was really a dream trip. The highly professional and expert Incantato tour manager who was with us throughout the entire trip, the fantastic bus drivers, and the knowledgeable city tour guides all helped to make the tour run exceptionally smoothly. Probably most important was that this entire trip was really a specialty tour designed especially for this particular choral group. Incantato Tours made it possible for us to sing in some very remarkable places, including the Sistine Chapel. Planning a tour takes incredible dedication and Incantato Tours would definitely be my choice again!"
Dr. Martha Thomas, UGA School of Music, Athens, GA

“We had the wonderful opportunity to go to Spain, sing in great venues, experience an amazing culture, and eat great food. There is always a special element of magic that happens with Incantato Tours.”
Andrew Crane, Director of Choral and Vocal Activities, California State University, San Bernardino; Performance Tour to Spain, June 2010

“Incantato Tours has created the most musically satisfying tour we have ever taken. For the singers touring is about the music in the wonderful cathedrals and the exchanges with the local kids. A toast to Incantato for fulfilling your dream, and for making so many people so happy - now and in the future.”
Arlene Jacobs, SCS Touring Choir, Akron, OH

“Incantanto facilitated maximum educational, religious, and just plain fun experiences among youth and adults alike.”
Ed Bettendorf, Western Reserve Academy, Performance Tour to Italy March 2010

"There are at least four essential ingredients for a successful and rewarding concert tour for young people and their sponsors —appropriate concert settings, advance publicity, opportunities for learning abut the areas visited (including exchanges with the local youth), and good logistical planning. The recent tour of the Akron, Ohio Summit Children's Touring Choir through Germany, the Czech Republic and Austria was successful indeed. The venues were most impressive and beautiful. The publicity produced large responsive and appreciative crowds as well as mayor’s receptions with recital opportunities at city halls. The knowledgeable tour guides and the visits with local youth and choirs provided an experience for the choir members that will not be soon forgotten. The schedule for travel, meals, concerts and touring were planed and flexible enough to accommodate for unexpected delays without loss of any scheduled tour, exchange or concert. Finally, a "shadow tour" of parents and sponsors was also a success and allowed those who wished to do so to attend every reception, recital and concert while being guided on a separate tour, well planned and executed. As one who worked with Sandra Weinacht begin_of_the_skype_highlighting end_of_the_skype_highlighting and her staff at Incantato I can assure you it would not have been such a success without their planning and execution of our tour. They are to be commended and I would highly recommend Incantato Tours to anyone considering a group tour, especially a performance tour.
C.A. Ridge Jr., A Summit Choral Society Sponsor

“Incantato Tours impresses me because their clients come first. Their advantage lies in the selection of venues, impressive itineraries and the ability to tend to details.”
Dr. Gary L. Unruh, Professor Emeritus, CSU Fresno

“I can't speak highly enough about Incantato Tours. They were with us every step of the way, tailoring a tour that was perfect for our wants, needs and budget. I would recommend Incantato to anyone serious about a choir tour, especially if you want a tour that provides wonderful indelible memories of the best that a tour can be.”
Stan DeWitt, Minister of Music, Grace First Presbyterian Church, Long Beach, CA;
Performance Tour to Ireland, April 2010

"Of the eight international tours I've taken as both singer and conductor, last summer's CSULB tour to Naples, Rome, Florence and the Amalfi Coast with Incantato was the best organized and the most fun. Our tour manger and guides were professional, wonderful teachers, and our venues were beautiful. We saw stunning posters for our events everywhere we walked. The marketing for our concerts was incredible! Our audiences were huge and exuberant, and Incantato made all the pieces fell into place beautifully. Thank you Incantato Tours for the personal attention, for the flexibility that allowed us to chose exactly where we wanted to go and what we wanted to see. We're already planning for 2010."
Dr. Jonathan Talberg - Director of Choral, Vocal, and Opera Studies, Bob Cole Conservatory of Music, California State University, Long Beach

"Canticum Novum, The tour choir of Central Church in Phoenix just completed its most successful tour in 35 years of contertizing abroad, solely due to the excellent management of Incantato. Their attention to every detail, response to every request, superb International Staff, and excellence in concert management are singularly distinctive. Theirs is a professional concert management group who are also excellent providers of travel services. That is a distinctive difference. Travel agents are for travel; Incantato provides concert management in stunning venues, and the organizational minutia supporting these artistic events in addition to fine tuned travel experiences filled with special amenities. If music making in superb acoustical spaces to wonderfully receptive audiences is your priority, Incantato is the professional tour group for your ensemble."
Donald. E. Morse, Central United Methodist Church, Phoenix, AZ

"The San Marino Chamber Singers have been very fortunate to travel several times already with the director of Incantato Tours, Ms. Sandra Weinacht. She was our personal tour and concert manager when we traveled to Italy in 2005 and then designed, organized and oversaw our tour to Central Europe in 2007. It was another huge success. Aside from selecting and working with prime venues only, Ms. Weinacht's staff also put in great time and effort in promoting our concerts through beautiful designed and professionally printed concert posters and cards. Incantato's marketing of our performances became highly visible to the public and contributed to the success of every concert. I have been more than impressed with their professionalism and highly recommend Incantato Tours to everyone. They definitely cater to each choir member's personal needs and watch every detail. The hotels were carefully selected, the meals were beyond our expectation. If there were ever any problems, they were dealt with beautifully and professionally on the spot. We were very impressed with how well the whole tour was executed. The next time we go back to Europe, it will be with Incantato Tours."
Howard Cheung, San Marino Chamber Choir, CA

"Well, you did it. I don't know how, but you did it! You accepted the challenge, and performed a small miracle. My hat is off to you and Ted for creating what is, for me, the most musically satisfying tour we have taken. All of the kids who have been on the three tours (Italy, China,and Europe) agreed, hands down, that this was the best ever. For them it's about the music in the wonderful cathedrals and the exchanges with the local kids. In festival-type situations they are not really "up close and personal" with other kids - they're mostly rehearsing. At any rate, a toast to Incantato, to you and Ted for fulfilling your dream, and for making so many people so happy - now and in the future. Thank you!"
Arlene Jacobs, Artistic Director, Summit Children’s Touring Choir and Co-Founder of the Summit Choral Society (SCS)

"Incantato stresses the small town experience as well as the traditional larger cities, but it wasn't until I looked out on the valley and town of Salice Terme spread out below us as we enjoyed a wonderful home-cooked Italian meal that I truly understood or appreciated that element. At that moment, "Italy" became much more than a series of famous cities to check off my list; it became a real world, a place of rolling hills as well as marble cathedrals, time-honored traditions and modern technology. A true mix of culture and heritage unknown and unappreciated by those in the United States --- until you arrive! The experience we had of singing in the Sistine Chapel is absolutely indescribable, yet I must try. It's been almost three months since the last note of Gregorio Allegri's Miserere echoed off Botticelli's walls and Michelangelo's awesome ceiling, but to the choir it is still as vivid a memory as if we sang there last night. I can't thank Sandra and the Incantato Team enough for arranging such a poignant moment"
David Okun, student at UGA Hugh Hodgson School of Music, Athens, GA

About Incantato Tours

Incantato Tours and Concerts: Tega Cay, SC, United States; ESSENTIAL ARTISTIC EXPERIENCES Incantato is a boutique tour operator. As an innovative and creative organization, Incantato is dedicated to a new approach towards overseas group travel. At Incantato Tours, we custom-design every itinerary, because no two groups are alike and every traveler deserves to get excellent value. Performance Tours are our specialty. These journeys bring together people that have a lot in common, but come from various backgrounds, travelers with diverse interests and needs. We have and take the time to carefully listen to our clients, get to know the travelers and organization that brought them together for this very special journey to make sure it will be the experience of a lifetime thanks to perfectly matched destinations, spectacular performance venues, remarkable sights, perfectly matched hotels and meals, expert guides etc. We create day by day schedules that work for you and allow for essential artistic experiences both as a group and as individuals. For more information and to request a custom proposal for your group, please contact Incantato via email to info@incantatotours.com

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ChorFreude 2013 in Germany

Wednesday, October 13, 2010

Calling All Singers

ChorFreude Itinerary

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