FESTIVAL DATES
April 3-7, 2024
Welcome to Verona
Perform before an international panel of esteemed judges at Verona’s historic Teatro Nuovo or Palazzo Gran Guardia in this friendly choral competition. Receive valuable feedback from the jury and compete for a cash prize and trophies. At the Verona International Choral Festival, everyone returns home a winner with new choral friends from around the world! In addition to the adjudication, individual concerts and Friendship Concerts with Italian hosts round out this exciting performance opportunity.
Each day of the festival is filled with music and sightseeing. See Juliet’s House in Verona, believed to be the inspiration for the famous balcony scene in Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. Spend a day in Venice discovering sites such as St. Mark’s Basilica, the Rialto Bridge and gondolas along the Grand Canal.
Join us for this incredible choral opportunity! Ready to get started? Contact us today!
Itinerary
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 3, 2024 | DEPART FOR ITALY
Your Verona International Choral Festival experience starts with an overnight flight from North America to Italy.
THURSDAY, APRIL 4, 2024 | WELCOME TO ITALY | OPENING CELEBRATION
Upon arrival in Italy, your Music Contact International Tour Manager will greet your choir
at the airport. Together, travel by private motor coach to your hotel near the shores of Lake
Garda, one of Italy’s largest and most scenic lakes framed by high alpine peaks.
After a welcome dinner of fresh Italian cuisine, attend the Opening Celebration of the
Verona International Choral Festival with a warm welcome from the hosts,
Associazione Gruppi Corali Verona, and a night of special entertainment.
FRIDAY, APRIL 5, 2024 | COMMUNITY CONCERTS & VERONA COMPETITION
Enjoy breakfast in the hotel dining room, followed by a full day of festival activities in the stunning city of Verona. See the breathtaking Roman Arena and Juliet’s courtyard balcony where the famous scene from Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet played out in 1302. Stroll along the open piazzas lined with 14th-century buildings and visit the open-air market displaying fresh produce and crafts.
Over the course of the day, perform a concert in the community and socialize with local residents. Adult choirs perform at senior centers while youth ensembles perform in schools. This is a great introduction to real life in Italy!
Later, choirs compete for trophies and prize money before a distinguished, international jury in the Palazzo Gran Guardia concert hall. Choirs from many countries participate in the competition and ensembles are invited to listen to each other’s festival presentations. Dinner at the hotel rounds out this exciting day!
SATURDAY, APRIL 6, 2024 | VENICE | FRIENDSHIP CONCERT
Visit Venice, one of the most beautiful cities in the world! Venice is made up of 118 islands, over
450 bridges, and more than 180 canals. A guide will show you the highlights including gorgeous
Basilica San Marco, the Rialto Bridge, and the Canal Grande dotted with gondolas. Enjoy time for
lunch and independent exploration on Venice Island before returning to Verona.
Tonight, wonderful musical memories are made at friendship concerts. These unique musical
exchanges are hosted by Italian choirs throughout the region to enhance bonds and camaraderie
among singers. Spend a splendid evening singing for each other and a local audience before
sharing drinks and snacks with new friends from Italy!
SUNDAY, APRIL 7, 2024 | CLOSING CEREMONY, GRAND PROCESSION & GROUP SING
Musical festivities continue this morning at the Festival Closing Ceremony. All participants are officially
recognized, awards are distributed, and ensembles who place Gold are invited to sing on stage!
A reception with food and beverages follows, before the Grand Procession with cheering, ag waving
and singing in the streets. The festival culminates in the Roman Arena where choirs join voices for a
traditional Group Sing!
Ask us about additional days of touring in Italy, and when it’s time to go, we’ll send off your choir with
memories to last a lifetime!
Package
Accommodations
•3 nights in a high-quality Lake Garda 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
•Continental buffet breakfast each morning at the hotel
•Delicious multi-course Italian dinner each evening at the hotel
Tour Manager
•A full-time Music Contact International Tour Manager to accompany your group during their entire stay, from arrival to departure
Performance Opportunities
• Adjudicated performance in Verona’s premier Palazzo Gran Guardia
• Concert in a traditional community location: an Italian school or senior center
• Friendship concert with an Italian host choir
• Grand procession to the Roman Arena where all singers join voices in song
Guided Tours and Special Events
•Local English speaking guide to assist with festival-related activities and events
•Participation in the Opening and Closing Ceremonies
•Evaluation by an international jury with awards presentation
•Guided walking tour of Verona
•Full day excursion to Venice
Complimentary Places
•Two complimentary land packages for every 30 paying travelers in single rooms.
Please note that most flights from Italy to North America depart in the morning. Therefore, North American choirs attending closing festivities should plan to spend an additional night in Italy. Please let Music Contact International know if your choir is interested in extending their stay in Italy or elsewhere in Europe.
Inclusions
Accommodations
•3 nights in a high-quality Lake Garda 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
•Continental buffet breakfast each morning at the hotel
•Delicious multi-course Italian dinner each evening at the hotel
Tour Manager
•A full-time Music Contact International Tour Manager to accompany your group during their entire stay, from arrival to departure
Performance Opportunities
• Adjudicated performance in Verona’s premier Palazzo Gran Guardia
• Concert in a traditional community location: an Italian school or senior center
• Friendship concert with an Italian host choir
• Grand procession to the Roman Arena where all singers join voices in song
Guided Tours and Special Events
•Local English speaking guide to assist with festival-related activities and events
•Participation in the Opening and Closing Ceremonies
•Evaluation by an international jury with awards presentation
•Guided walking tour of Verona
•Full day excursion to Venice
Complimentary Places
•Two complimentary land packages for every 30 paying travelers in single rooms.
Additional Days in Europe
Please note that most flights from Italy to North America depart in the morning. Therefore, North American choirs attending closing festivities should plan to spend an additional night in Italy. Please let Music Contact International know if your choir is interested in extending their stay in Italy or elsewhere in Europe.
Venues
TEATRO NUOVO or PALAZZO GRAN GUARDIA
Located in the heart of Verona, choirs perform adjudicated concerts at the Teatro Nuovo, or Palazzo Gran Guardia for a renowned panel of international judges, concert goers and other participating choirs.
Staging:
The stage of the Teatro Nuovo, or Palazzo Gran Guardia will have 2 risers in addition to the main stage floor. Choirs enter the stage from the back and exit stage right.
Instruments:
A grand piano will be available for your accompanist to play. A music stand is available for the choir director. The choir will be introduced by a representative from the City of Verona. Additional announcements may be made by the choir; however, any time used to make an announcement will reduce the time available to sing. Due to time constraints, additional instrumentation is generally not possible, as there will not be any opportunity to set up or perform a sound check. Please discuss any additional instrument needs with us early on in the registration process.
Repertoire:
Each choir chooses its own repertoire for this concert from the four categories offered. The program length is 15 minutes maximum including any time you need to set up on the stage. *Changes to repertoire may be made after the initial submission.
Extensions
Enhance your Verona International Choral Competition experience with an extension to Florence! See Michelangelo’s David, the stunning Duomo, and the famous Ponte Vecchio Bridge. Sing at a local venue in this enchanting Tuscan Renaissance city.
When festival activities conclude, enjoy a final afternoon and night at leisure in Verona. Overnight in your festival hotel. A sumptuous Italian dinner can be arranged upon request
DAY ONE
After breakfast, check out of the hotel on Lake Garda and proceed to Florence. Enjoy time for lunch in the city before embarking on a guided walking tour of Florence’s historic city center. Later, perform a concert, possibly as part of Mass in a beautiful Florentine church. A group dinner can be arranged upon request.
DAY TWO
The day is free to explore the famed leather markets and visiting other magnificent sites in the city. Entrance to the Galleria dell’Accademia or the Uffizi can be arranged upon request. Tonight, a festive farewell dinner at a Florence restaurant ends your tour in Italy on a high note!
DAY THREE
The following morning, transfer to the airport and check in for your return flight to North America.
Enhance your Verona International Choral Festival experience with an extension to Venice! Cruise along the Grand Canal, cross the Rialto Bridge with its colorful shopping stalls, and perform a concert or sing for mass in an iconic venue such as St. Mark’s Basilica.
When festival activities conclude, enjoy a final afternoon and night at leisure in Verona. Overnight in your festival hotel. A sumptuous Italian dinner can be arranged upon request.
DAY ONE
After breakfast, check out of the hotel on Lake Garda and proceed to Venice. Travel by private water taxi to Venice Island. Enjoy time for lunch before embarking on a guided walking tour of Venice’s magnificent highlights. Later, perform a concert, possibly as part of Mass in St. Mark’s Basilica. A group dinner can be arranged upon request followed by gondola rides in this romantic city on the water.
DAY TWO
The next day is for exploring the famed Murano glass workshops and visiting other magnificent sites in the city. Tonight, a festive farewell dinner at a Venice restaurant ends your tour in Italy on a high note!
DAY THREE
The following morning, transfer to the airport and check in for your return flight to North America.
EXTENSION to FLORENCE
Enhance your Verona International Choral Competition experience with an extension to Florence! See Michelangelo’s David, the stunning Duomo, and the famous Ponte Vecchio Bridge. Sing at a local venue in this enchanting Tuscan Renaissance city.
When festival activities conclude, enjoy a final afternoon and night at leisure in Verona. Overnight in your festival hotel. A sumptuous Italian dinner can be arranged upon request
DAY ONE
After breakfast, check out of the hotel on Lake Garda and proceed to Florence. Enjoy time for lunch in the city before embarking on a guided walking tour of Florence’s historic city center. Later, perform a concert, possibly as part of Mass in a beautiful Florentine church. A group dinner can be arranged upon request.
DAY TWO
The day is free to explore the famed leather markets and visiting other magnificent sites in the city. Entrance to the Galleria dell’Accademia or the Uffizi can be arranged upon request. Tonight, a festive farewell dinner at a Florence restaurant ends your tour in Italy on a high note!
DAY THREE
The following morning, transfer to the airport and check in for your return flight to North America.
EXTENSION to VENICE
Enhance your Verona International Choral Festival experience with an extension to Venice! Cruise along the Grand Canal, cross the Rialto Bridge with its colorful shopping stalls, and perform a concert or sing for mass in an iconic venue such as St. Mark’s Basilica.
When festival activities conclude, enjoy a final afternoon and night at leisure in Verona. Overnight in your festival hotel. A sumptuous Italian dinner can be arranged upon request.
DAY ONE
After breakfast, check out of the hotel on Lake Garda and proceed to Venice. Travel by private water taxi to Venice Island. Enjoy time for lunch before embarking on a guided walking tour of Venice’s magnificent highlights. Later, perform a concert, possibly as part of Mass in St. Mark’s Basilica. A group dinner can be arranged upon request followed by gondola rides in this romantic city on the water.
DAY TWO
The next day is for exploring the famed Murano glass workshops and visiting other magnificent sites in the city. Tonight, a festive farewell dinner at a Venice restaurant ends your tour in Italy on a high note!
DAY THREE
The following morning, transfer to the airport and check in for your return flight to North America.
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
Check out another festival in Italy, the Tuscany International Choral Festival.