FESTIVAL DATES
November 23-27, 2023 / November 30-December 4, 2023 / December 7-11, 2023 / December 14-18, 2023 / December 21-25, 2023 / November 28-December 2, 2024 / December 5-9, 2024 / December 12-16, 2024 / December 19-23, 2024
Welcome to Vienna
Vienna is where Mozart found inspiration. Strauss wrote his famous waltzes in Vienna. Beethoven, Schoenberg, Berg, Haydn, Schubert, Liszt, and Bruckner lived and performed in Vienna for decades. Now it is your turn! Join the International Vienna Advent Sing so you can share your choir’s repertoire in this incredible city of music and culture!
Perform concerts in Vienna’s prestigious City Hall, where Strauss first presented his waltz to the world. Vienna’s City Hall also housed famous performances by Pavarotti, Carreras, and Domingo. Sing in the gilded Abbey of Melk, considered the most stunning example of Baroque architecture in Europe. Share holiday songs at the undeniably festive Christmas market. This market in front of Schönbrunn Palace is where a seven-year-old Mozart played for Empress Maria Theresa. Subsequently, become part of a quintessential European Advent season!
Also, exchange with other choirs attending the festival from around the world, and hear their unique musical presentations. Soak up the ambiance and magic of the season as you stroll the festively adorned streets of the city. Browse the many Christmas markets for souvenirs and specialty items from Austria. Later, enjoy a traditional dinner in the 800-year-old wine village of Gumpoldskirchen.
Take this opportunity to bring your choir to the home of classical music in Europe and add your voices to this festive celebration of the holiday season. Ready to get started? Contact us today!
Itinerary
WEDNESDAY | DEPARTURE FROM NORTH AMERICA
Depart in the afternoon or evening on your flight to Vienna, Austria. Dinner, snacks, and breakfast will be served on the flight.
THURSDAY | ARRIVAL IN VIENNA AND WELCOME DINNER
Your Music Contact International Tour Manager will greet you at the airport in Vienna. Together, transfer to your hotel to check in and refresh. Later, meet your tour manager for an orientation walk to the city center. Get your first glimpse of St. Stephen’s Cathedral with its “lace-in-stone” spire – the symbol of Vienna. Admire the beautiful holiday lights strung across the pedestrian roads, smell the scent of roasting chestnuts, and stroll along the popular shopping streets of Kärntner Strasse and the Graben, lined with fashionable boutiques, mouth-watering bakeries, and famous Viennese cafés. In no time at all, you will be drawn into a magical world of Vienna during Advent.
Tonight, a welcome dinner is served to your choir in the hotel restaurant.
FRIDAY | CONCERT IN SENIOR CENTER OR SCHOOL
Begin your day with a guided city tour revealing Vienna’s vast history. 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.
This afternoon, join other choirs from across Europe and Asia participating in the Advent Sing for a delicious lunch of Austrian specialties at the Rathauskeller Restaurant in Vienna’s City Hall. Later, adult choirs perform in local senior citizen centers, while youth choirs perform in Viennese schools. After your performance, enjoy time to meet the audience and share season’s greetings.
SATURDAY | CONCERT IN THE FESTIVAL HALL OF THE VIENNA CITY HALL
This morning, you may tour the spectacular Schönbrunn Palace, once the summer residence of monarchy of the Habsburg dynasty. Strolling from room to room, you are transported back to the days of the eighteenth-century when Haydn, Mozart, and Beethoven called Vienna home.
Perform a concert on the outdoor stage in front of this spectacular palace and its impressive Christmas tree. Before departing, take time to explore the spectacular Christmas market, where local vendors offer an array of ornaments, local food and drink, and a variety of handicrafts.
Alternatively this morning, you may prefer to visit one of Vienna’s outstanding museums, such as the Museum of Art History, Museum of Natural History, or the Belvedere Palace.
This afternoon, your choir performs in the Festival Hall of the Vienna City Hall in the magnificent room where Strauss first presented the Waltz to the world! There is also ample time to enjoy the music of other guest choirs from different countries.
Tonight, visit the 800-year-old wine village of Gumpoldskirchen, where you will dine on a traditional Austrian “Heurigen” dinner of grilled meats, sauerkraut, and bread, served family-style on long wooden tables. A local musician strolling through the restaurant inspires guests to sing along!
SUNDAY | CONCERT AT MELK ABBEY AND CLOSING CEREMONY
Start your day with a scenic drive to the town of Melk, located on the banks of the Danube River. Considered one of the most beautiful buildings in Austria, the stunning baroque Melk Abbey is perched on the hill above town. Upon arrival, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant and embark on a guided tour of the Abbey. The most breathtaking space in the Abbey is the magnificent Melk Abbey Church, decorated in sculptures and covered in gold leaf. The sheer beauty and outstanding acoustics of the church will leave your choir in awe. This is the venue for your choir’s afternoon performance.
Following your concert, enjoy listening to other choirs participating in the International Advent Sing. Each year, this popular concert is a highly anticipated event for the local community and visitors to the region.
This evening, all of the guest choirs meet at the Vienna City Hall for the official Closing Ceremony of the International Advent Sing. After the formalities of the ceremony, join together with all the guest choirs in singing Ode to Joy. Dinner may be arranged for your choir upon request.
MONDAY | DEPARTURE
Enjoy your final Austrian breakfast before departing by motor coach to Vienna’s Schwechat Airport for the return flight home.
Package
Accommodations
•4 nights accommodations in a 4-star hotel, double occupancy
Transportation
•A private, modern, air-conditioned motorcoach with a professional driver is provided for all transportation as described in the itinerary, including round-trip transfer between the airport and hotel
Meals
•Daily breakfast buffet at the hotel
•Dinner on the evening of arrival
•Lunch at the Vienna City Hall Rathauskeller
•Lunch in Melk
•Dinner in Gumpoldskirchen, including one beverage
Tour Manager
•A full-time Music Contact International Tour Manager to accompany your group during their entire stay, from arrival to departure
Performance Opportunities
•Performance in the Festival Hall of the Vienna City Hall
•Performance in the Melk Abbey Church
•Performance in a senior citizen center or Viennese school (for youth choirs)
•Performance in a pedestrian area in the city center or in front of Schönbrunn Palace
Local Guide and Special Events
•Sightseeing tour of Vienna with a local guide
•Participation in the Closing Ceremony
Complimentary Places
•Two complimentary land packages for every 30 paying travelers in single rooms.
2023 Dates TBD
The Orientation Trip begins in Salzburg – a favorite extension destination for the International Advent Sing Festival. Known around the world for its rich musical and cultural history, Salzburg is home to Austria’s most famous son, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. As you visit attractions such as Salzburg Cathedral, St. Peter’s Abbey and Mirabell Gardens and dine on a sumptuous meal based on recipes from Mozart’s time, while listening to a concert of some of Mozart’s most beloved compositions, you will understand the allure of this captivating city.
On the next day travel to Melk Abbey, a jewel of baroque architecture and a favorite venue for the International Advent Sing. After a tour of the Abbey Church, marble hall and library, continue your journey to Vienna. During your stay, you will have an opportunity to visit the Festival Hall in Vienna’s City Hall, where your choir will perform during the Advent Sing. You will also visit the festival hotels and embark on a guided tour to see highlights of this fascinating city with a local expert. Lastly, a meeting of all the participating choir directors from other countries is planned.
The Orientation Trip, which includes airfare from New York’s JFK Airport, accommodations in Vienna, transportation, guides, and most meals is complimentary for directors or official representatives of each registered choir and is a wonderful way to preview the venues, hotels and program points of the International Advent Sing Festival. Although participation is not required, you are encouraged to attend, as the weekend is extremely beneficial for visualizing the components of the Festival and it is a fantastic opportunity to meet other participating directors.
If you are unable to attend, Music Contact International would be happy to answer your questions about the Festival.
Please inquire about our fantastic festival extension options to other European cities and allow Music Contact International to customize an extension program complementing your trip to Vienna. Additional performance opportunities may be arranged for your choir at venues such as Salzburg Cathedral in Salzburg, Austria, St. Nicholas Church in Prague, Czech Republic, and at St. Matthias Church or St. Stephen’s Basilica in Budapest, Hungary, to name just a few exciting venues!
Inclusions
Accommodations
•4 nights accommodations in a 4-star hotel, double occupancy
Transportation
•A private, modern, air-conditioned motorcoach with a professional driver is provided for all transportation as described in the itinerary, including round-trip transfer between the airport and hotel
Meals
•Daily breakfast buffet at the hotel
•Dinner on the evening of arrival
•Lunch at the Vienna City Hall Rathauskeller
•Lunch in Melk
•Dinner in Gumpoldskirchen, including one beverage
Tour Manager
•A full-time Music Contact International Tour Manager to accompany your group during their entire stay, from arrival to departure
Performance Opportunities
•Performance in the Festival Hall of the Vienna City Hall
•Performance in the Melk Abbey Church
•Performance in a senior citizen center or Viennese school (for youth choirs)
•Performance in a pedestrian area in the city center or in front of Schönbrunn Palace
Local Guide and Special Events
•Sightseeing tour of Vienna with a local guide
•Participation in the Closing Ceremony
Complimentary Places
•Two complimentary land packages for every 30 paying travelers in single rooms.
Complimentary Directors Orientation Trip
2023 Dates TBD
The Orientation Trip begins in Salzburg – a favorite extension destination for the International Advent Sing Festival. Known around the world for its rich musical and cultural history, Salzburg is home to Austria’s most famous son, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. As you visit attractions such as Salzburg Cathedral, St. Peter’s Abbey and Mirabell Gardens and dine on a sumptuous meal based on recipes from Mozart’s time, while listening to a concert of some of Mozart’s most beloved compositions, you will understand the allure of this captivating city.
On the next day travel to Melk Abbey, a jewel of baroque architecture and a favorite venue for the International Advent Sing. After a tour of the Abbey Church, marble hall and library, continue your journey to Vienna. During your stay, you will have an opportunity to visit the Festival Hall in Vienna’s City Hall, where your choir will perform during the Advent Sing. You will also visit the festival hotels and embark on a guided tour to see highlights of this fascinating city with a local expert. Lastly, a meeting of all the participating choir directors from other countries is planned.
The Orientation Trip, which includes airfare from New York’s JFK Airport, accommodations in Vienna, transportation, guides, and most meals is complimentary for directors or official representatives of each registered choir and is a wonderful way to preview the venues, hotels and program points of the International Advent Sing Festival. Although participation is not required, you are encouraged to attend, as the weekend is extremely beneficial for visualizing the components of the Festival and it is a fantastic opportunity to meet other participating directors.
If you are unable to attend, Music Contact International would be happy to answer your questions about the Festival.
Additional Days in Europe
Please inquire about our fantastic festival extension options to other European cities and allow Music Contact International to customize an extension program complementing your trip to Vienna. Additional performance opportunities may be arranged for your choir at venues such as Salzburg Cathedral in Salzburg, Austria, St. Nicholas Church in Prague, Czech Republic, and at St. Matthias Church or St. Stephen’s Basilica in Budapest, Hungary, to name just a few exciting venues!
Venues
FESTIVAL HALL OF VIENNA CITY HALL
During the Advent Sing Festival concerts are performed in the splended Festival Hall at Vienna’s City Hall where choirs sing back to back, with choirs from around the world creating a truly international concert. The City Hall concert series has become a beloved Advent tradition for local residents and visitors alike over the past 30 years.
- Grand piano
Repertoire: Director’s choice 30 minutes.
MELK ABBEY CHURCH
The Benedictine monastery, Melk Abbey, has roots reaching back to the earliest days of Austrian history. It is the major historic and architectural highlight of the region and is listed as a UNESCO world heritage site. The Advent Sing Festival performances take place in the stunningly beautiful baroque abbey church, where choirs sing as part of an international concert on Sunday afternoon.
- keyboard or organ
Repertoire: Sacred. 30 minutes.
CHRISTMAS MARKET
This is a caroling-type performance opportunity for the choir – it is outdoors and a cappella. There are stages for performances at several Holiday markets that Vienna uses for the outdoor singing including the Christmas Market at Schönbrunn Palace and Market near the Karl’s Church in the city center.
- Program: A Cappella
Repertoire: Director’s choice, Holiday Music Recommended | 20-30 minutes
COMMUNITY VENUES
Your choir may choose to perform in a community setting such as a local school, senior citizen center, or church. These concerts afford wonderful opportunities to connect with local people in a more informal atmosphere. A repertoire of American holiday and non-holiday music is recommended for school and senior citizen center concerts; a piano or keyboard can be provided by prior arrangement (rental fees may apply).
- Piano or keyboard upon request
Repertoire: Directors choice for school or Senior center 30 minutes Repertoire for church service: sacred,selections depend on preferred denomination
Extensions
A two-night stay in Prague, Czech Republic will add an exciting element to an already wonderful stay in Vienna. When traveling to Prague, you will not only have the opportunity to sing in esteemed venues but also to embark on guided tours showing you the glorious landmarks of the city and to share delicious meals among friends. A post-extension to Prague will surely end your tour on a festive note and leave you with memories that are sure 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
Arrival in Prague. Enjoy a guided walking tour. Afternoon hotel check-in. Dinner in the Old Town will give you a “taste” of the culture and traditions of this intriguing city.
DAY TWO
After breakfast, the day is free to explore the sites of Prague. You may wish to visit Prague Castle, the Jewish Town, or the Dvorak Museum. Following lunch, return to the hotel to refresh. This afternoon a performance opportunity may be arranged for the group upon request (NOTE: concert arrangement and transportation fees will apply). This evening, dinner can be arranged for the choir upon request.
A two-night stay in Salzburg or additional nights in Vienna will add an exciting element to an already wonderful stay in Austria. Experiencing firsthand the vast musical history and culture of both Vienna and Salzburg is truly a gift. From the immense influence of Mozart in Salzburg to the genius of Beethoven, Schubert, and Haydn present in Vienna, it is clear that both cities are centers of the classical music world. When traveling to Salzburg and Vienna, you will not only have the opportunity to sing in esteemed venues but also to embark on guided tours showing you the glorious landmarks of each city and share delicious meals among friends. A pre or post extension in Austria will surely begin or end your tour on a festive note and leave you with memories that are sure to last a lifetime!
Vienna’s musical history and culture are so vast and interesting, you will just whet your appetite over a long weekend. Why not spend another night or two in Vienna exploring some of the places you have seen during the festival more in-depth and perhaps attend a world-class Opera in the Staatsoper
Additionally, follow in the footsteps of Mozart and extend your festival experience in Salzburg! The baroque city center played a starring role in the movie “The Sound of Music” and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
DAY ONE
Arrival in Salzburg. Enjoy a guided walking tour. Afternoon hotel check-in. Tonight, your tour manager would be happy to provide dining suggestions.
DAY TWO
After breakfast in the hotel dining room, you may wish to visit one of the following attractions: Mozart’s Birthplace or Salzburg Fortress. Alternatively, the Sound of Music Tour and excursions to the “Silent Night, Holy Night Church” in Oberndorf, or to the nearby Salt Mines are fun ways to see more of the countryside (additional fees apply). This evening, enjoy a Farewell Dinner at a local restaurant. Alternatively, a Mozart Dinner Concert is a wonderful way to celebrate the city’s beloved composer. Please inquire for further details.
Two night extension to Prague
A two-night stay in Prague, Czech Republic will add an exciting element to an already wonderful stay in Vienna. When traveling to Prague, you will not only have the opportunity to sing in esteemed venues but also to embark on guided tours showing you the glorious landmarks of the city and to share delicious meals among friends. A post-extension to Prague will surely end your tour on a festive note and leave you with memories that are sure 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
Arrival in Prague. Enjoy a guided walking tour. Afternoon hotel check-in. Dinner in the Old Town will give you a “taste” of the culture and traditions of this intriguing city.
DAY TWO
After breakfast, the day is free to explore the sites of Prague. You may wish to visit Prague Castle, the Jewish Town, or the Dvorak Museum. Following lunch, return to the hotel to refresh. This afternoon a performance opportunity may be arranged for the group upon request (NOTE: concert arrangement and transportation fees will apply). This evening, dinner can be arranged for the choir upon request.
Two night extension to Salzburg or additional nights in Vienna
A two-night stay in Salzburg or additional nights in Vienna will add an exciting element to an already wonderful stay in Austria. Experiencing firsthand the vast musical history and culture of both Vienna and Salzburg is truly a gift. From the immense influence of Mozart in Salzburg to the genius of Beethoven, Schubert, and Haydn present in Vienna, it is clear that both cities are centers of the classical music world. When traveling to Salzburg and Vienna, you will not only have the opportunity to sing in esteemed venues but also to embark on guided tours showing you the glorious landmarks of each city and share delicious meals among friends. A pre or post extension in Austria will surely begin or end your tour on a festive note and leave you with memories that are sure to last a lifetime!
Vienna’s musical history and culture are so vast and interesting, you will just whet your appetite over a long weekend. Why not spend another night or two in Vienna exploring some of the places you have seen during the festival more in-depth and perhaps attend a world-class Opera in the Staatsoper
Additionally, follow in the footsteps of Mozart and extend your festival experience in Salzburg! The baroque city center played a starring role in the movie “The Sound of Music” and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
DAY ONE
Arrival in Salzburg. Enjoy a guided walking tour. Afternoon hotel check-in. Tonight, your tour manager would be happy to provide dining suggestions.
DAY TWO
After breakfast in the hotel dining room, you may wish to visit one of the following attractions: Mozart’s Birthplace or Salzburg Fortress. Alternatively, the Sound of Music Tour and excursions to the “Silent Night, Holy Night Church” in Oberndorf, or to the nearby Salt Mines are fun ways to see more of the countryside (additional fees apply). This evening, enjoy a Farewell Dinner at a local restaurant. Alternatively, a Mozart Dinner Concert is a wonderful way to celebrate the city’s beloved composer. Please inquire for further details.
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
•Luggage tags and electrical adapters