Welcome to London
A concert tour of London, England offers diverse and quality performance venues for your ensemble.
Originally settled by the Romans nearly 2,000 years ago, London is rich with both history and tradition. Today, London is the largest city in Western Europe. London’s growing population is now over 7 million people. Even still, in some ways, London life goes on as it has for centuries. Britain’s monarchs have been crowned here since the coronation of William the Conqueror on Christmas day in 1066!
This historic city is the setting for innumerable works of literature, boasts a myriad of galleries and museums, and is one of the major music capitals of the world. Fantastic performance opportunities abound for you and your group in this culturally rich and diverse city.
Enjoy a concert tour of England. Bring your ensemble to experience all that London has to offer as you share your music with local people.
Itinerary
Depart North America for London, England.
Welcome to London! Board your motor coach and enjoy an introduction to London and the United Kingdom with your Music Contact International tour manager. There will be a guided visit to Windsor Castle this morning en route from the airport to central London.
Continue to London this afternoon and check-in to your London hotel. Pass such sites as the Tower Bridge en route to the hotel.
After check in, a rehearsal can be arranged at the hotel.
This evening enjoy a welcome dinner of local specialties as your tour manager previews the days ahead.
Begin your first full day in London with a guided panoramic tour of London. Pass by such sites as, St Paul’s Cathedral, Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, and Parliament.
Following time for lunch in Borough Market, your ensemble will perform a concert at a local venue such as Southwark Cathedral.
This evening there will be time to explore the Covent Garden Market area and have dinner on your own in one of the great restaurants or pubs in the area. Tickets to a theater performance can be arranged tonight for your group.
This morning enjoy a visit to the Tower of London.
Next, embark on a sightseeing cruise along the Thames River where tea and scones will be served for your group on board!
In the late afternoon return to the hotel and prepare for your evening concert.
This evening perform a friendship concert with an English ensemble at a local venue.
This morning enjoy a visit to Westminster Abbey with your tour manager.
In the afternoon, transfer to the Victoria and Albert Museum, where your ensemble will perform for visitors at the museum.
An afternoon visit and tour of the Globe Theater or a ride on the London Eye can be arranged.
This evening enjoy a festive farewell dinner of local specialties.
Check out of your hotel this morning and depart for the airport and your return flight to North America.
Concert Tour Highlights
FRIENDSHIP CONCERT IN LONDON
Our friendship concerts are a featured experience on our tours and are at the heart of our mission to foster cultural connections through music. We benefit from a vast international network in the choral world built over our thirty years' experience of helping choirs share their music both in the United States and abroad. Your choir will share a venue and a concert program with a host choir from the region. Your singers will have the chance to hear their host choir's repertoire (often showcasing local musical styles) and to share your own repertoire in turn. Fellowship time usually follows the friendship concert, giving both choirs the chance to mingle and enjoy the camaraderie of creating cross-cultural connections through a shared love of music.
SOUTHWARK CATHEDRAL
It is estimated a place of worship sat on this site along the bank of the River Thames as early as the 6th century AD. The current cathedral was first built in 1106 and was under the care of the Bishops of Winchester. The cathedral saw many repairs and held service for many congregations until 1905 when it was given its current name of Southwark Cathedral. The current structure offers outstanding acoustics and the large steps leading to the alter act as built in risers. The Cathedral holds 5 services daily and is known for hosting large musical events. The Cathedral offers a stunning venue for visiting performance groups in the heart of central London.
WINDSOR
On the south bank of the River Thames lies the town of Windsor, famous for the Windsor Castle, which has housed the royal family for more than 900 years, and for Legoland Windsor, a theme park. With over 1,000 years of history, this amazing city also has much more to offer from Eton College to the Savil Garden to the Ascot and Royal Windsor Racecourses. And, certainly, do not leave out the amazing shopping and fine dining! The main shopping street, Peascod Street, is very old, pre-dating the Castle itself by many years. Windsor is a much-welcomed destination by visitors and tourists alike who travel there to experience its charming atmosphere, a multitude of sporting events, shopping and cuisine.
WINDSOR CASTLE
The castle was begun by William the Conqueror in the 11th century, modified by Edward III in the mid-1300s, and transformed from a medieval castle to a royal palace by George IV between 1824 and 1837. Windsor Castle is the only royal residence which has been used continually by the royal family since the Middle Ages. The Round Tower is its central figure, and surrounding the Tower is the Moat Garden. The lower ward houses St. George’s Chapel, a gorgeous 15th-century building with a breathtaking wall of stained glass dedicated to the Order of the Garter. When the Queen is in official residence, The Changing of the Guard takes place daily at 11 a.m.