La Canada HS 2015 Performance Tour: December 2012

Monday, December 10, 2012

Updated Itinerary for the LCHS Danube Cruise

Day 1, Wednesday, March 27, 2013

Overnight flight to Europe

Day 2, Thursday, March 28

Willkommen in Deutschland - Board cruise

Upon arrival in Germany, you will meet your Incantato Tour Manager at the airport and transfer to your floating 4 star superior hotel for the next 7 nights, the beautiful MS Mozart. Upon arrival to the ship, check-in, enjoy a welcome snack and make yourself comfortable prior to dinner. Those on the Lufthansa flights will have some time to explore the town of Passau where the Mozart is docked. After all LCHS travelers are on board, sail away in the direction of Budapest, Hungary.

Day 3, Friday, March 29 - GOOD FRIDAY

Scenic route to Hungary

A stunning panorama awaits you as you wake up in Austria and to the scenery of the Danube Valley - made a UNESCO world heritage site for a myriad of reasons. You will be cruising past stunning Melk Abbey, one of the most beautiful baroque cathedrals in the world that you will also be visiting later on in the journey. Most of today is spent aboard as you cruise into Hungary. Lunch and a "black tie" gala dinner feature local specialties, and there will be educational lectures on the towns to be visited and some special surprises. The La Canada Choirs will rehearse for their upcoming concerts and also prepare for a joint crew show with the Mozart staff. A disco party will conclude the day on the Danube.

Day 4, Saturday, March 30

Beautiful Budapest - Sightseeing

Also known as „the Paris of the East“, Budapest offers so much to see and do. Explore highlights such as the Fishermen‘s Bastion on the Buda side, as well as the historical part of the city with the stunning St. Stephen‘s Cathedral and the lively city center with lots of shops on the Pest side. The La Canada Choral Artists will be learning about Budapest‘s musical side, especially about the most famous Hungarian composers Liszt and Kodaly. The remainder of the evening is at leisure to get a feel for the city. Another magical moment will be seeing the city all lit up by night from the ship.

Day 5, Sunday, March 31 - NATIONAL HOLIDAY

Easter Mass Performance in Budapest - Journey to Bratislava - Embassy Concert

The La Canada Choral Artists may well be the featured guest choir for Sunday Mass at one of Budapest‘s major cathedrals prior to the ship setting sail again at lunch towards Slovakia and Bratislava. A choral salute at the US Embassy is being planned here in the evening after a brief introductory walk to Bratislava‘s historical town center.

Day 6, Monday, April 1 - NATIONAL HOLIDAY

Willkommen in Wien - Musical Vienna - Concert

This morning, your group wakes up in yet another country, Austria. „Musik macht schlau“, music educates, is the theme for today‘s guided walking tour in the footsteps of Mozart and Beethoven through the Austrian capital city. A highlight will be when the La Canada Choirs are invited to give a special Easter Concert in front of Schoennbrunn Palace as part of the "Voices of the World" series initiated by the city of Vienna. The setting could not be more picturesque as the performance is part of the traditional Easter Market. A formal concert is also scheduled today. Last but not least, there will be plenty of free time for exploring and souvenir shopping (the majority of retail stores will be closed as today is a national holiday) prior to boarding the MS Mozart again in the evening. A special Viennese dinner buffet will be served tonite.

Day 7, Tuesday, April 2

Danube Valley Castles and Cathedrals - Concert in Duernstein

The baby blue church steeple of Duernstein‘s Stiftskirche is one of THE Danube landmarks and the LCHS Choirs will be performing in this stunning baroque church today followed by plenty of free time to explore the town. Why not climb up to the fortress where Richard Lionheart was once imprisoned?

Day 8, Wednesday, April 3
Melk and Melk Abbey Recital - Cruise Farewell Party

No visit to this part of Europe would be complete without experiencing Melk Abbey. One of the finest baroque buildings in the world, Melk Abbey and the Stiftskirche (abbey church) are must sees. And what better way to say Auf Wiedersehen to the LCHS family and friends than by singing in the stunning church? Upon return to the Mozart, a gala farewell dinner and cruise party conclude the day.

Day 9, Thursday, April 4

Disembarkation in Passau - Travel to Prague for sightseeing

It‘s time to say Auf Wiedersehen to the MS Mozart after breakfast, but don‘t be too sad as you will be heading to Prague next. After an orientation tour, the travelers will check-in at the NH Prague Hotel that features - believe it or not - a cable-car connects the two parts of the property. Your hotel is also conveniently located next to a major shopping complex and guess what street it is located on? Mozartova Street. Now isn't that a great coincidence.

Day 10, Friday, April 5
Prague Sightseeing & Concert at St. Ignatius
There is so much to see and do in the capital city of the Czech Republic and your local guide will show you around town prior to a special farewell concert at the stunning Baroque church of St. Ignatius. Thereafter, the travelers will be dining together and maybe even dance a bit.

Day 11, Saturday, April 6
Return flight home from Prague
The good news about an early departure from Prague is that you will also be getting home at a decent time and thus have the evening and Sunday to rest and be ready when school starts again.

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, BelCanto Choir, Performance Tour to Central Europe 2010

“Our tour with Incatanto was unforgettable. They were able to not only secure for us the most popular and magnificent venues but also the hidden gems and special places only a company with passion and dedication can find. My Women’s Ensemble and Handbells (and even the parents) are still talking about the trip and all the wonderful memories. It has invigorated my program and I am deeply proud to have done business with Sandra and the entire team at Incantato.”

Brian Dehn, Cornelia Connelly, Performance Tour to England and Ireland 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 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

La Canada HS 2015 Performance Tour

Monday, December 10, 2012

Updated Itinerary for the LCHS Danube Cruise

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