FESTIVAL DATES
March 15-18, 2024
Welcome to Puerto Rico
Join choirs from across the United States and Canada at the Discover Puerto Rico Choral Festival. Perform for appreciative audiences in the culturally rich southern Puerto Rico city of Ponce. Broaden your understanding of the unique aspects of Caribbean and Puerto Rican choral traditions during a workshop at the Juan Morel Campos Institute of Music in Ponce. Choose between hotel accommodations in the historic city center of Ponce, or at a fabulous beachside resort.
The City of Ponce welcomes your choir at the opening event hosted by city officials and featuring local performances. The citizens of Ponce rejoice in the festival’s main event, where visiting and local choirs will both entertain the large and enthusiastic audience at the La Perla Theater on Sunday night. Celebrate Puerto Rico’s unique musical traditions during four days of singing. Discover the beautiful sights and people of this lovely Caribbean island! Ready to get started? Contact us today!
Itinerary
FRIDAY, MARCH 15, 2024 | WELCOME TO PUERTO RICO! | OPENING CEREMONY
Your Discover Puerto Rico experience starts with a flight to San Juan, where your Music Contact International tour manager will greet you at the airport.
Together, board a private motor coach and begin sightseeing in the historic center. Pass by La Fortaleza, the official residence of the Governor of Puerto Rico. Walk through the cobblestone streets of Old San Juan to El Morro, the 15th-century Spanish fort at the mouth of San Juan Harbor.
Drive across the island to Ponce. Attend the opening ceremony of Discover Puerto Rico with wonderful performances by local Puerto Rican musicians and welcoming words from host city representatives. After the presentation, you’ll be treated to a lovely dinner and have an opportunity to mingle with fellow attendees.
SATURDAY, MARCH 16, 2024 | PONCE: “LA PERLA DEL SUR” (PEARL OF THE SOUTH) | CONCERT
This morning, participate in a workshop on Puerto Rican music, and have fun learning about classic local genres such as bomba and plena. Also rehearse the festival theme song, to be performed by all choirs en masse on the last night of the festival.
Tonight, friendship concerts with local ensembles take place across Ponce. In a fabulous musical encounter, perform, socialize, and share dinner with new Puerto Rican friends!
SUNDAY, MARCH 17, 2024 | CLOSING CEREMONY | CONCERT
Start the day singing at a worship service in one of Ponce’s beautiful churches. The warm, friendly congregations are delightful hosts! Then, enjoy shopping in town or exploring at the beach.
Later, perform in the Discover Puerto Rico Grand Concert at the newly renovated Teatro La Perla! Present an individual program, then join voices on the festival theme song, composed by Puerto Rican composer and co-artistic director of the festival, Mr. Rubén Colón Tarrats. Concert celebrations continue at a farewell reception, bringing Discover Puerto Rico to a close!
MONDAY, MARCH 18, 2024 | DEPARTURE
Ask us about additional days of touring in Puerto Rico, and when it’s time to go, we’ll send your group off at the airport with memories to last a lifetime!
Package
Accommodations
•3 nights in a historic downtown Ponce hotel
Transportation
•A private, modern, air-conditioned motor coach with a professional driver is provided for all transportation as described in the itinerary.
Meals
•Breakfast each morning at the hotel
•Dinner on arrival night
•Dinner with host choir
•Farewell reception
Tour Manager
•Full-time Music Contact International tour manager to accompany your group during their entire stay, from arrival to departure
Special Events, Performances, and Exchanges that are unique and inspiring!
•Opening ceremony with entertainment in Ponce
•Workshop on Puerto Rican music
•Friendship concert with a Puerto Rican host ensemble
•Sunday worship service at a Ponce church (church and singing, optional)
•Performance of individual repertoire at the Grand Concert at Teatro La Perla
•Rehearsal and massed performance of the festival theme song
Complimentary Places
•Two complimentary land packages for every 30 paying travelers in single rooms
If your choir is interested in staying in Puerto Rico for additional days, please let us know. We will be glad to offer an extension tour, with singing or without, according to your choir’s interests.
Inclusions
Accommodations
•3 nights in a historic downtown Ponce hotel
Transportation
•A private, modern, air-conditioned motor coach with a professional driver is provided for all transportation as described in the itinerary.
Meals
•Breakfast each morning at the hotel
•Dinner on arrival night
•Dinner with host choir
•Farewell reception
Tour Manager
•Full-time Music Contact International tour manager to accompany your group during their entire stay, from arrival to departure
Special Events, Performances, and Exchanges that are unique and inspiring!
•Opening ceremony with entertainment in Ponce
•Workshop on Puerto Rican music
•Friendship concert with a Puerto Rican host ensemble
•Sunday worship service at a Ponce church (church and singing, optional)
•Performance of individual repertoire at the Grand Concert at Teatro La Perla
•Rehearsal and massed performance of the festival theme song
Complimentary Places
•Two complimentary land packages for every 30 paying travelers in single rooms
Additional Days in Puerto Rico
If your choir is interested in staying in Puerto Rico for additional days, please let us know. We will be glad to offer an extension tour, with singing or without, according to your choir’s interests.
Your Tour Includes
Traveler's Resource Website
The site is customized exclusively for your group and is full of exciting and interactive features that you will find informative and helpful before, during, and after the tour.
•Current tour itinerary with full descriptions of each day
•FAQ’s and things to know before you go
•Recommended books, movies, websites, and videos
Online Payment System
Group leaders have the option to use our Online Payment System, which enables you to effortlessly collect payments for your trip. Group leaders receive weekly automated reports with traveler balances and due dates.
Travelers can log in to our secure website to review the cost of their trip and all payment deadlines, register for the trip, and make credit card payments. All travelers receive automated reminders when payments are coming due.
Additional Materials
•Customized handbook for each person traveling with your choir, including a detailed program and travel information.
•Electrical adapters*
•Luggage tags
•Passport holder*
*for international travelers