The UGA Chamber Choir Incantato Tour Blog

Friday, May 29, 2009

UGA in Cremona

Enjoy the slideshow showcasing the Duomo di Cremona, local specialties, the choir on tour and singing at the Monteverdi Theatre, the Stradivarius Museum etc.

Thursday, May 28, 2009

Milan sightseeing and a rustic welcome dinner Italian-style

The UGA Chamber Choir singers, friends and family explored Italy's fashion and design capital Milan both on their own and with local guide Esther today. Highlights included an inside visit of the Duomo, the Scala Museum and short recital in the lobby. After leaving the city, the group headed to the picturesque town of Nazzano where a welcome dinner awaited them at the Agriturismo Belvedere. Home-made quiche, pizza and a lemon risotto were served on the outside terrace and the choir thanked the cooks with an impromptu performance Monteverdi's "Cantate domino". Daniel E. commented on dinner: "Everything I had tonight was my favorite."

Milan sightseeing and a rustic welcome dinner Italian-style - PICTURES

Wednesday, May 27, 2009

UGA Chamber Choir arrived safe and sound in Italy

Just a quick note from the Incantato Italy Team: The 21 UGA Chamber Choir singers, friends and family who traveled as a group from Atlanta via Frankfurt to Milan on Lufthansa ha

ve arrived safely in Milan. Tour manager Stefania de la Rosa welcomed the group at the airport waving a Bulldogs' flag. They are now re-united with Dr. Andaya and the other tour participants that arrived independently. Together with Prof. Masciadri and some of his students, the travelers from Athens, GA are exploring Milan and Da Vinci's Last Supper in particular prior to continuing to their base for the next few days, the town of Salice Terme where a dinner is awaiting them at the hotel.
More updates, especially about the performances will follow in the days to come.

Tuesday, May 26, 2009

In Italy, change is always for the better, especially when it comes to the concerts

We just received news that there has been a change in venue during the UGA Chamber Choir's special appearance for the Ultrapadum Festival because of an Italian political meeting. The Sale Comunale Polivalente is now needed for a political meeting and this results in a special upgrade to a prime concert venue.

The recital that was to be held in the Sala Comunale in Vigguzolo is now relocated to the Oratorio Di San Francesco in the charming town of Pontecurone at 6 pm on Saturday, May 30. The Festival Director confirmed advised us of the venue change on Tuesday and also mentioned how happy your local contact, Prof. Masciadri is with this change as he is familiar with this venue already. And we are sure you will like singing in this beautiful church too!

The Oratorio Di San Francesco was built in the early 17th century and contains the original choir stalls still. It holds up to 100 people and with over 300 invitations being sent out - and now in a revised version - the UGA Chamber Choir may well be performing to a full house in the opening concert for this unique international choral festival in the Pavia region of Italy.

Monday, May 25, 2009

Safe travels - and remember to stay hydrated

We wish all the members of the 2009 UGA Performance Tour to Italy a very safe journey as you travel to Italy on Lufthansa. A busy day in Milan awaits you upon arrival, and it is very summery in the city with temperatures between 80-95 degrees Fahrenheit. Remember to drink plenty of water, both on and off the plane as staying hydrated is not only good for your voice, but also your overall well-being. Arriverderci in bella Italia.

Friday, May 22, 2009

The UGA Italy Tour Poster & Concert Postcard

"Musica oltre i confini" is the theme for the 2009 UGA Chamber Choir Italy Performance Tour. Incantato Tour proudly presents the custom-designed poster for the highlight concert as part of the Ultrapadum Festival.
Our graphic designer, Mrs. Marti Naughton drew her inspiration from the University of Georgia school colors red and black as well as the musical theme chosen by Dr. Mitos Andaya, the director of the UGA Chamber Choir.

On the right are the front and back of the UGA

Concert Postcard which highlights all performances arranged by Incantato and serves both as a marketing tool while on tour, but also as a memory keepsakes for the singers, the organization t

hey represent and the members in the audiences.

Wednesday, May 20, 2009

UGA Chamber Choir sings in beautiful cathedrals and churches during the 2009 Italy Performance Tour

The UGA Chamber Choir under the direction of Dr. Mitos Andaya will be performing in both major cathedrals and off-the-beaten path gems. Here is an overview of the performance venues for the 2009 Italy Tour.

May 30th at 6:00PM Reception and Recital as part of the opening ceremony for the Ultrapadum Festival at Oratorio di San Francesco in the charming town of Pontecurone

May 30th at 9:15PM Ultrapadum Festival First international concert at San Michele Arcangelo Church in Montú Beccaria

May 31st at 6:45PM High Mass at St. Mark's Basilica

June 2nd at 6:00PM High Mass and Recital at Florence Duomo

June 4th at 5:00PM High Mass at St. Peter's Basilica followed by a private visit of the Vatican Museums and highlight recital in the Sistine Chapel

Tuesday, May 19, 2009

UGA Concert Venue on Saturday, May 30: San Michele Arcangelo

The Church of Montacuto, today called Montù Beccaria, was erected in honor of St. Michael the Archangel (San Michele Arcangelo) in August 1303 by Pope Boniface VIII, as declared in the will of Count Manfredi Beccaria. The building features numerous architectural styles ranging from Medieval to Baroque. The church seats about 300 people and is known as a prime concert venue in the Pavia region of Lombardia. San Michele Arcangelo is located in a beautiful yet rather unknown area of Italy. At Incantato, we encourage the fine choirs traveling with us to step off the beaten path for a full immersion into the local culture.

UGA Performance Tour Itinerary - Updated

DAY 1 Tuesday, May 26 2009
Overnight group flight to Italy with Lufthansa - or on your own

DAY 2 Wednesday, May 27
Benvenuti a Milano - Group arrives MXP at 1:35 pm
Your tour manager welcomes you in Italy. Prof. Masciadri and his students arranged to meet you and organized a special visit to see the Last Supper at Santa Maria delle Grazie. Then continue to Salice Terme to check in your hotel and for dinner. Overnight at Hotel Clementi.

DAY 3 Thursday, May 28
Bellissimo Milano
Morning rehearsal at the hotel, the head to Milan. Learn about this beautiful city during your guided tour to La Scala, Milano Duomo, and Castello Sforzesco. After some free time, head back towards the hotel and enjoy a wonderful buffet at a charming local restaurant called "Belvedere" - beautiful vista/view. Overnight at Hotel Clementi.

DAY 4 Friday, May 29
Cremona & Exchange Concert with Alessandria Students
Enjoy a guided tour through Cremona and then it's off to Alessandria for your exchange concert! Overnight stay at Hotel Clementi.

DAY 5 Saturday, May 30
Certosa di Pavia Visit - Festival Concert
Experience the beautiful Certosa di Pavia prior to two performances in the Ultrapadum Festival, a special reception, tasting of local foods in two unique ways and surely very appreciative audiences.

DAY 6 Sunday, May 31
Viva Venezia
After saying "arrivederci" to the Pavia area, head East to the magnificent island of Venice. Explore the island with a local guide and then enjoy the afternoon and early evening at leisure prior to singing High Mass at St. Mark's Basilica at 6:45 pm. You'll have some extra time to experience Venice island by night. Overnight in nearby Mestre at Hotel Albatros.

DAY 7 Monday, June 1
Under the Tuscan Sun
Enjoy a full-day in beautiful Tuscany with stops in Siena and San Gimignano and a rustic farm dinner in the countryside near Lucca. Late evening at leisure in Montecatini Terme - a spa town very much beloved by Verdi. Overnight stay at Hotel Francia & Quirinale.

DAY 8 Tuesday, June 2
Florence in-depth - Performance
Guided city tour of Florence’s many highlights, including entrance to the Accademia. Free time. 6:00 PM High Mass at the Duomo today followed by free time to enjoy Florence in the evening.

DAY 9 Wednesday, June 3
Off to Rome
Your journey continues south as you travel to Rome. After an orientation tour of the Eternal city, enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure. Overnight at Hotel Portamaggiore.

DAY 10 Thursday, June 4
Rome Sightseeing - High Mass
Guided sightseeing tour of „Ancient Rome“ featuring the Colosseo and Foro Romano. Free time for lunch, individual sightseeing etc. The choir sings High Mass at St. Peter's Basilica at 5 pm followed by a very special private visit to the Vatican Museum and a highlight recital in the Sistine Chapel. Thereafter, enjoy a fun farewell dinner with local specialties, wine and music.

DAY 11 Friday, June 5
Return Flight to USA

Friday, May 8, 2009

Rehearsal Schedule!

Hi all -- this is information from Dr. Andaya's email:

Short Rehearsals:

May 10, Sunday, 2-5pm -- read straight through music. Please come prepared!

May 11, Monday, 10am-12pm -- Sectionals with Claudio

All-Day & Night Rehearsals (MANDATORY):

May 22, Friday, 10am-9pm -- with breaks for lunch and dinner

May 23, Saturday, 10am-9pm -- with breaks for lunch and dinner. Pre-Tour Concert!

**Please invite your friends and family to our pre-tour concert Saturday night. It would be lovely to share this music with them before we go!**

**We will meet in the Choral Suite unless otherwise directed by Dr. Andaya or Claudio.**

Sunday, May 3, 2009

Who needs a place to crash after rehearsals?

Hey guys! With our 2 back-to-back rehearsals fast approaching, now is the time to let me know 1) if you need overnight accommodations, and 2) if you live in Athens and can host a fellow Tour member.

The dates are as follows:

The night of Sunday, May 10 -- We have rehearsal 2:00-5:00 pm
The night of Friday, May 22 -- We have 2 All-Day rehearsals the 22n and 23rd --Check your emails!!

Right now I've only heard from Katie that she can host!

Thanks everyone!

Endorsements for Incantato

“The trip was everything I hoped for and more. Everything promised was delivered. I realize that this tour gave you a number of challenges due to the low number of participants, but you always seemed to find a way to make things happen. I appreciate the positive ‘Can Do’ attitude. You showed what a tour company can do when it really cares about the quality of the performing venues and comfort and satisfaction of its clients.”

Bruce Koliha, BelCanto Choir, Performance Tour to Central Europe 2010

“Once again, thanks to you and all the Incantato team for the great tour you arranged for CIC this summer. I truly feel that Incantato delivered a lot for our money on this trip. All of the hotels were nice ones with good locations. What a great idea to give us a night in Vienna near the Prater! And the concert venues were varied and all beautiful. The dinner cruise on our last night was magical and we enjoyed the food, the company, and the views. Thanks for making this a part of our tour. You are so skillful in finding the unique, off the beaten path, towns and villages. These are some of the best memories.”

Sue Klausmeyer, Carolina International Chorale, Performance Tour to Central Europe Summer 2010

"Dear Incantato-Team, the Choir of the Sound and I want to thank you for all you did to make our tour to Northern Italy so incredible. I’ve worked with many other tour companies, but this trip exceeded even my most optimistic expectations. The singers will remember their time in Italy the rest of their lives. To have had the opportunity to perform in those amazing cathedrals with large appreciative audiences was truly memorable. In reflecting on our trip this year, I realized that past tours that I had considered successful fell short when compared to the trip that you put together for us. Incantato provided a consistently high level of organization and personal attention both during the planning stages and on the trip. Other exceptional aspects of the tour were:
- The right amount and high quality of the performances. Our concerts and masses were wonderful.
- Outstanding tour managers that were a wonderful combination of knowledgeable, flexible, personable and fun!
- Beautiful posters and flyers as well as superb advertising of the concerts that resulted in large audiences
- Excellent pacing of the tour—thanks for anticipating when we would need some time to recover
- The included activities were interesting and created a change of pace for the singers
- Great meals, consistently. My vegetarians were very pleased also.
- The choir manager and I are very appreciative of your personal attention to our questions during the planning stages of the trip.
- Terrific bus drivers who made us feel safe and who enjoyed the group
It was a pleasure to work with everyone at your organization and I would be happy to share my experience with Incantato with other potential clients."
Judy Filibeck, Director "Choir of the Sound", Seattle, WA

"Having recently returned from a successful tour of Ireland, I can say without a doubt that this was my finest tour experience. I have used several different tours companies in my years of performance tours, and none have matched the attention to detail, the thoughtful planning, excellent venues & marketing, meal & hotels, and overall management by Incantato Tours. Their pricing was excellent, and when the US currency dropped, they did not raise any of our cost. I would recommend this company to anyone planning a tour, whether they are a large professional ensemble, or a small church choir."

Nathan J. Kreitzer - Director of Choral Activities Santa Barbara City College, CA

"It was a true pleasure working with Sandra and Incantato on our Italy Tour 2008. She is very detail oriented and surpassed many of our expectations. I would recommend Incantato to anyone planning a concert or performance tour."
Rick Christophersen, Director Conservatory of Music at Chapman University, Orange, CA

“My sincerest and deepest thanks to you and all your staff for making this tour for the Quire of Voyces our very best yet! Your attention to every detail, special offerings each day, fine accommodations and outstanding tour guides all made for a very gratifying experience for all of us.”
Susan Kuehn, Quire of Voyces Performance Tour to Italy, June 2010

“I’ve worked with many other tour companies, but our Incantato Tour exceeded even my most optimistic expectations. The singers will remember their time in Italy the rest of their lives. To have had the opportunity to perform in those amazing cathedrals with large appreciative audiences was truly memorable.“
Judy Filibeck, Choir of the Sound, Seattle, WA

"I have only wonderful things to say about Incantato Tours! The UGA Chamber Choir traveled to Italy in 2009. From the marvelous concert venues to the excellently managed tour, this was really a dream trip. The highly professional and expert Incantato tour manager who was with us throughout the entire trip, the fantastic bus drivers, and the knowledgeable city tour guides all helped to make the tour run exceptionally smoothly. Probably most important was that this entire trip was really a specialty tour designed especially for this particular choral group. Incantato Tours made it possible for us to sing in some very remarkable places, including the Sistine Chapel. Planning a tour takes incredible dedication and Incantato Tours would definitely be my choice again!"
Dr. Martha Thomas, UGA School of Music, Athens, GA

“We had the wonderful opportunity to go to Spain, sing in great venues, experience an amazing culture, and eat great food. There is always a special element of magic that happens with Incantato Tours.”
Andrew Crane, Director of Choral and Vocal Activities, California State University, San Bernardino; Performance Tour to Spain, June 2010

“Incantato Tours has created the most musically satisfying tour we have ever taken. For the singers touring is about the music in the wonderful cathedrals and the exchanges with the local kids. A toast to Incantato for fulfilling your dream, and for making so many people so happy - now and in the future.”
Arlene Jacobs, SCS Touring Choir, Akron, OH

“Incantanto facilitated maximum educational, religious, and just plain fun experiences among youth and adults alike.”
Ed Bettendorf, Western Reserve Academy, Performance Tour to Italy March 2010

"There are at least four essential ingredients for a successful and rewarding concert tour for young people and their sponsors —appropriate concert settings, advance publicity, opportunities for learning abut the areas visited (including exchanges with the local youth), and good logistical planning. The recent tour of the Akron, Ohio Summit Children's Touring Choir through Germany, the Czech Republic and Austria was successful indeed. The venues were most impressive and beautiful. The publicity produced large responsive and appreciative crowds as well as mayor’s receptions with recital opportunities at city halls. The knowledgeable tour guides and the visits with local youth and choirs provided an experience for the choir members that will not be soon forgotten. The schedule for travel, meals, concerts and touring were planed and flexible enough to accommodate for unexpected delays without loss of any scheduled tour, exchange or concert. Finally, a "shadow tour" of parents and sponsors was also a success and allowed those who wished to do so to attend every reception, recital and concert while being guided on a separate tour, well planned and executed. As one who worked with Sandra Weinacht and her staff at Incantato I can assure you it would not have been such a success without their planning and execution of our tour. They are to be commended and I would highly recommend Incantato Tours to anyone considering a group tour, especially a performance tour.
C.A. Ridge Jr., A Summit Choral Society Sponsor

“Incantato Tours impresses me because their clients come first. Their advantage lies in the selection of venues, impressive itineraries and the ability to tend to details.”
Dr. Gary L. Unruh, Professor Emeritus, CSU Fresno

“I can't speak highly enough about Incantato Tours. They were with us every step of the way, tailoring a tour that was perfect for our wants, needs and budget. I would recommend Incantato to anyone serious about a choir tour, especially if you want a tour that provides wonderful indelible memories of the best that a tour can be.”
Stan DeWitt, Minister of Music, Grace First Presbyterian Church, Long Beach, CA;
Performance Tour to Ireland, April 2010

"Of the eight international tours I've taken as both singer and conductor, last summer's CSULB tour to Naples, Rome, Florence and the Amalfi Coast with Incantato was the best organized and the most fun. Our tour manger and guides were professional, wonderful teachers, and our venues were beautiful. We saw stunning posters for our events everywhere we walked. The marketing for our concerts was incredible! Our audiences were huge and exuberant, and Incantato made all the pieces fell into place beautifully. Thank you Incantato Tours for the personal attention, for the flexibility that allowed us to chose exactly where we wanted to go and what we wanted to see. We're already planning for 2010."
Dr. Jonathan Talberg - Director of Choral, Vocal, and Opera Studies, Bob Cole Conservatory of Music, California State University, Long Beach

"Canticum Novum, The tour choir of Central Church in Phoenix just completed its most successful tour in 35 years of contertizing abroad, solely due to the excellent management of Incantato. Their attention to every detail, response to every request, superb International Staff, and excellence in concert management are singularly distinctive. Theirs is a professional concert management group who are also excellent providers of travel services. That is a distinctive difference. Travel agents are for travel; Incantato provides concert management in stunning venues, and the organizational minutia supporting these artistic events in addition to fine tuned travel experiences filled with special amenities. If music making in superb acoustical spaces to wonderfully receptive audiences is your priority, Incantato is the professional tour group for your ensemble."
Donald. E. Morse, Central United Methodist Church, Phoenix, AZ

"The San Marino Chamber Singers have been very fortunate to travel several times already with the director of Incantato Tours, Ms. Sandra Weinacht. She was our personal tour and concert manager when we traveled to Italy in 2005 and then designed, organized and oversaw our tour to Central Europe in 2007. It was another huge success. Aside from selecting and working with prime venues only, Ms. Weinacht's staff also put in great time and effort in promoting our concerts through beautiful designed and professionally printed concert posters and cards. Incantato's marketing of our performances became highly visible to the public and contributed to the success of every concert. I have been more than impressed with their professionalism and highly recommend Incantato Tours to everyone. They definitely cater to each choir member's personal needs and watch every detail. The hotels were carefully selected, the meals were beyond our expectation. If there were ever any problems, they were dealt with beautifully and professionally on the spot. We were very impressed with how well the whole tour was executed. The next time we go back to Europe, it will be with Incantato Tours."
Howard Cheung, San Marino Chamber Choir, CA

"Well, you did it. I don't know how, but you did it! You accepted the challenge, and performed a small miracle. My hat is off to you and Ted for creating what is, for me, the most musically satisfying tour we have taken. All of the kids who have been on the three tours (Italy, China,and Europe) agreed, hands down, that this was the best ever. For them it's about the music in the wonderful cathedrals and the exchanges with the local kids. In festival-type situations they are not really "up close and personal" with other kids - they're mostly rehearsing. At any rate, a toast to Incantato, to you and Ted for fulfilling your dream, and for making so many people so happy - now and in the future. Thank you!"
Arlene Jacobs, Artistic Director, Summit Children’s Touring Choir and Co-Founder of the Summit Choral Society (SCS)

"Incantato stresses the small town experience as well as the traditional larger cities, but it wasn't until I looked out on the valley and town of Salice Terme spread out below us as we enjoyed a wonderful home-cooked Italian meal that I truly understood or appreciated that element. At that moment, "Italy" became much more than a series of famous cities to check off my list; it became a real world, a place of rolling hills as well as marble cathedrals, time-honored traditions and modern technology. A true mix of culture and heritage unknown and unappreciated by those in the United States --- until you arrive! The experience we had of singing in the Sistine Chapel is absolutely indescribable, yet I must try. It's been almost three months since the last note of Gregorio Allegri's Miserere echoed off Botticelli's walls and Michelangelo's awesome ceiling, but to the choir it is still as vivid a memory as if we sang there last night. I can't thank Sandra and the Incantato Team enough for arranging such a poignant moment"
David Okun, student at UGA Hugh Hodgson School of Music, Athens, GA

About Incantato Tours

Incantato Tours and Concerts: ESSENTIAL ARTISTIC EXPERIENCES Incantato is a boutique tour operator. As an innovative and creative organization, Incantato is dedicated to a new approach towards overseas group travel. At Incantato Tours, we custom-design every itinerary, because no two groups are alike and every traveler deserves to get excellent value. Performance Tours are our specialty. These journeys bring together people that have a lot in common, but come from various backgrounds, travelers with diverse interests and needs. We have and take the time to carefully listen to our clients, get to know the travelers and organization that brought them together for this very special journey to make sure it will be the experience of a lifetime thanks to perfectly matched destinations, spectacular performance venues, remarkable sights, perfectly matched hotels and meals, expert guides etc. We create day by day schedules that work for you and allow for essential artistic experiences both as a group and as individuals. For more information and to request a custom proposal for your group, please contact Incantato via email to info@incantatotours.com

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