FESTIVAL DATES
July 4-7, 2024
Welcome to Austria
Salzburg is a city known worldwide for its music. Many great masters of the Classical Era lived and worked in Salzburg including Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Mozart, one of Austria’s greatest sons, was born here in 1756. Salzburg’s musicians carry on these great musical traditions on the stages and in the concert halls of the city today. We invite you to share in celebrating these rich musical and cultural traditions by bringing your choir or orchestra to Salzburg for the International Cantus Music and Culture Festival Salzburg.
Musicians from around the world come to Salzburg each July to perform in prestigious venues such as Salzburg Cathedral. Among the highlights of the festival are the ecumenical celebration in Salzburg Cathedral and the performance of “Song of Peace,” shared by all festival choirs.
In addition to singing in these historic venues, there will also be plenty of opportunities to sample Austria’s culture. Don’t miss Salzburg’s famous Mozart chocolates and enjoy the old-world atmosphere of its coffeehouses! Alternatively, embark on a custom concert tour to Vienna or Vienna & Salzburg. Ready to get started? Contact us today!
Itinerary
WEDNESDAY, JULY 3, 2024 | DEPART FROM NORTH AMERICA
THURSDAY, JULY 4, 2024 | ARRIVE IN MUNICH, GERMANY | FESTIVAL OPENING
Upon arrival in Munich, your Music Contact International tour manager will greet your ensemble at the airport and transfer with you via motor coach to Salzburg, Austria. Join the other festival groups for the International Cantus Music and Culture Festival Salzburg’s Opening Event. Meet and mingle with other participating musicians from a variety of countries over a typical Austrian Brettljause buffet for dinner. Conductors have the opportunity to meet and discuss the musical program with the festival artistic director.
FRIDAY, JULY 5, 2024 | REHEARSALS AND MOZARTEUM CONCERT
Meet your local guide for a walking tour of Salzburg’s Old Town. Visit St. Peter’s Cemetery, the inspiration for the dramatic escape scene in The Sound of Music. Visit Mozart’s Birthplace where the famous composer spent his childhood and youth.
In the afternoon, all festival participants gather in the “Great Hall” at the Mozarteum to rehearse the shared song, “Song of Peace,” to be sung at this evening’s concert. Each ensemble will also have time for rehearsal.
This evening, perform a selection of individual repertoire then combine voices on “Song of Peace” in the Mozarteum, Salzburg’s famous university for music and the dramatic arts. Enjoy a pre-arranged dinner of local specialties this evening.
SATURDAY, JULY 6, 2024 | SALZBURG CATHEDRAL | MIRABELL GARDENS | CLOSING CEREMONY
Gather at the Salzburg Cathedral for rehearsal followed by an Ecumenical Celebration where each ensemble presents one piece to showcase their respective cultural traditions.
After lunch, perform an outdoor concert in Mirabell Gardens, made famous by the movie The Sound of Music. There will be a chance to listen to the performances of other festival choirs before and after your concert.
In the evening, gather together for the Closing Ceremony of the International Cantus Music and Culture Festival Salzburg. This festive evening brings together all participating musicians for a delicious gala-buffet, Austrian dancing, folk music, and impromptu sing-alongs!
SUNDAY, JULY 7, 2024 | DEPARTURE
After breakfast, check out of the hotel and depart for the Munich Airport and your return flight to North America, or extend your stay in Europe.
Package
Accommodations
•3 nights in Salzburg in a 4-star hotel, double occupancy
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
•Welcome dinner for all ensembles
•Dinner served at the hotel or local restaurant on Friday
•Festive farewell buffet dinner with all participating guest ensembles, including awards presentation and group sing
Tour Manager
• Full-time Music Contact International tour manager to accompany your group during your entire stay, from arrival to departure
Performance Opportunities and Rehearsals
•Opening Ceremony
•Individual performance and massed sing of “Song of Peace” at the Mozarteum
•Ecumenical Celebration in Salzburg Cathedral
• Outdoor concert in Mirabell Gardens
Guided Tours & Special Events
•Half-day guided tour of Salzburg with a local expert
Complimentary Places
•Two complimentary land packages for every 30 paying travelers in single rooms
Please inquire about our exciting festival extension options to other European cities and let Music Contact International customize an extension program complementing your trip to Austria.
Inclusions
Accommodations
•3 nights in Salzburg in a 4-star hotel, double occupancy
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
•Welcome dinner for all ensembles
•Dinner served at the hotel or local restaurant on Friday
•Festive farewell buffet dinner with all participating guest ensembles, including awards presentation and group sing
Tour Manager
• Full-time Music Contact International tour manager to accompany your group during your entire stay, from arrival to departure
Performance Opportunities and Rehearsals
•Opening Ceremony
•Individual performance and massed sing of “Song of Peace” at the Mozarteum
•Ecumenical Celebration in Salzburg Cathedral
• Outdoor concert in Mirabell Gardens
Guided Tours & Special Events
•Half-day guided tour of Salzburg with a local expert
Complimentary Places
•Two complimentary land packages for every 30 paying travelers in single rooms
Additional Days in Europe
Please inquire about our exciting festival extension options to other European cities and let Music Contact International customize an extension program complementing your trip to Austria.
Extensions
A visit to Vienna is an educational and enlightening experience, giving a firsthand look into a city renowned for its musical traditions. Rich in character and history, Vienna is a major leader in the Arts, from theater to opera to classical music and fine arts. The legacies left by Mozart, Beethoven, and Haydn are alive in what many believe to be one of the most beautiful cities in all of Europe. Located on the River Danube, Vienna is a cultural haven, filled with glorious parks and museums, amazing baroque and art nouveau architecture and breathtaking cathedrals and palaces, all of which function as the backdrop for a lavish daily culture still found in the concert halls, opera houses, and cafes.
DAY ONE
Depart Salzburg for Vienna. You will have the option to stop en route in Melk to tour Melk Abbey and perform an afternoon concert in the Abbey Church. Upon arrival in Vienna, check in to your hotel before embarking on an orientation walk in the city center. Get your first glimpse of St. Stephen’s Cathedral with its “lace-in-stone” spire – the symbol of Vienna. This evening, your tour manager will be happy to make suggestions for where to have dinner.
DAY TWO
Following breakfast, enjoy a locally guided tour of Vienna. Your expert guide will explain historic sites including the Hofburg Palace, City Hall, the Parliament building, the regal Art History Museum, and the beautiful Opera House. Afterward, there will be time for lunch and exploring Vienna on your own. A visit to the spectacular Schönbrunn Palace, once the summer residence of the Habsburg dynasty, can be arranged upon request. Tonight, enjoy a traditional Austrian farewell dinner.
DAY THREE
After breakfast in the hotel, transfer to Vienna’s Airport and your return flight home. Your tour manager will accompany your group to the airport.
A stay in Prague, Czech Republic will add an exciting element to an already wonderful stay in Salzburg. When traveling to Prague, you will have the opportunity to sing in esteemed venues, tour glorious landmarks of the city and share delicious meals among friends. A post-extension to Prague will surely end your tour on a festive note and leave you with memories to last a lifetime!
Prague, reminiscent of a fairy tale city, has four breathtaking districts each with their own style: The Castle District, the Lesser Town, linking the Castle area to the Old Town, the Old Town across the Vltava River, and the New Town, aptly named as it was founded only in the 14th century!
DAY ONE
Arrive in Prague. Enjoy a guided walking tour of Old Town. Afternoon hotel check-in. Dinner in Old Town will give you a “taste” of the culture and traditions of this intriguing city.
DAY TWO
After breakfast, enjoy a guided visit to the Prague Castle District. The remainder of the day is free to stroll across the famous Charles Bridge, visit the Dvorak Museum, or explore Old Town on your own.
DAY THREE
After breakfast, embark on a guided walk of Prague’s Jewish Town. Following time for lunch, return to the hotel to refresh. This afternoon, perform a concert for the public in one of Prague’s historic churches. This evening, gather together for a festive farewell dinner at a local restaurant.
DAY FOUR
After breakfast in the hotel, transfer to Prague’s Airport for your return flight home. Your tour manager will accompany your group to the airport.
Two-night extension to Vienna, Austria
A visit to Vienna is an educational and enlightening experience, giving a firsthand look into a city renowned for its musical traditions. Rich in character and history, Vienna is a major leader in the Arts, from theater to opera to classical music and fine arts. The legacies left by Mozart, Beethoven, and Haydn are alive in what many believe to be one of the most beautiful cities in all of Europe. Located on the River Danube, Vienna is a cultural haven, filled with glorious parks and museums, amazing baroque and art nouveau architecture and breathtaking cathedrals and palaces, all of which function as the backdrop for a lavish daily culture still found in the concert halls, opera houses, and cafes.
DAY ONE
Depart Salzburg for Vienna. You will have the option to stop en route in Melk to tour Melk Abbey and perform an afternoon concert in the Abbey Church. Upon arrival in Vienna, check in to your hotel before embarking on an orientation walk in the city center. Get your first glimpse of St. Stephen’s Cathedral with its “lace-in-stone” spire – the symbol of Vienna. This evening, your tour manager will be happy to make suggestions for where to have dinner.
DAY TWO
Following breakfast, enjoy a locally guided tour of Vienna. Your expert guide will explain historic sites including the Hofburg Palace, City Hall, the Parliament building, the regal Art History Museum, and the beautiful Opera House. Afterward, there will be time for lunch and exploring Vienna on your own. A visit to the spectacular Schönbrunn Palace, once the summer residence of the Habsburg dynasty, can be arranged upon request. Tonight, enjoy a traditional Austrian farewell dinner.
DAY THREE
After breakfast in the hotel, transfer to Vienna’s Airport and your return flight home. Your tour manager will accompany your group to the airport.
Three-night extension to Prague, Czech Republic
A stay in Prague, Czech Republic will add an exciting element to an already wonderful stay in Salzburg. When traveling to Prague, you will have the opportunity to sing in esteemed venues, tour glorious landmarks of the city and share delicious meals among friends. A post-extension to Prague will surely end your tour on a festive note and leave you with memories to last a lifetime!
Prague, reminiscent of a fairy tale city, has four breathtaking districts each with their own style: The Castle District, the Lesser Town, linking the Castle area to the Old Town, the Old Town across the Vltava River, and the New Town, aptly named as it was founded only in the 14th century!
DAY ONE
Arrive in Prague. Enjoy a guided walking tour of Old Town. Afternoon hotel check-in. Dinner in Old Town will give you a “taste” of the culture and traditions of this intriguing city.
DAY TWO
After breakfast, enjoy a guided visit to the Prague Castle District. The remainder of the day is free to stroll across the famous Charles Bridge, visit the Dvorak Museum, or explore Old Town on your own.
DAY THREE
After breakfast, embark on a guided walk of Prague’s Jewish Town. Following time for lunch, return to the hotel to refresh. This afternoon, perform a concert for the public in one of Prague’s historic churches. This evening, gather together for a festive farewell dinner at a local restaurant.
DAY FOUR
After breakfast in the hotel, transfer to Prague’s Airport for your return flight home. Your tour manager will accompany your group to the airport.
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