Upland High School Choirs Performance Tour 2011 to Germany and Prague

Welcome to the Incantato blog for the 2011 Upland High School Performance Tour. This is the first itinerary and thus very much a work in progress. Details are subject to change as this journey becomes more and more your tour and to enhance the overall experience. Enjoy!

DAY 1 Tuesday, June 14, 2011
Overnight flight to Germany

DAY 2 Wednesday, June 15
Willkommen in Berlin
Upon arrival in Berlin, meet your Incantato Tour Manager and explore the German capital city followed by check-in and welcome dinner.

DAY 3 Thursday, June 16
City Tour & ChorVesper
After a guided tour of Berlin’s many highlights featuring the Reichstag, the remains of the Berlin Wall, Charlottenburg Castle, etc., the UHS Choirs are the featured guest performers for the ChorVesper at the renowned Kaiser-Wilhelm Gedächtniskirche.

DAY 4 Friday, June 17
School Visit & Castle Party
Visit a German High School for a musical and cultural exchange, then head north to join the ChorFreude Festival and step back in time as you visit and celebrate the official re-opening of Castle Mirow.

DAY 5 Saturday, June 18
High Mass & Castle Concert
UHS will be the featured guest performers for a special ChorFreude service, then present a concert at a castle/palace, followed by a get together with other choirs and local youth.

DAY 6 Sunday, June 19
In Bach‘s Footsteps - Recital & Concert
Today is dedicated to composer J.S. Bach, beginning with a stop in Leipzig for a visit of and recital at Thomaskirche, and then continue to Arnstadt where a local guide will tell you all about Bach’s life here prior to a special highlight concert at his wedding church in nearby Dornheim, followed by an official reception.

DAY 7 Monday, June 20
Eisenach & Wartburg
Just a short drive away is Bach‘s Birthplace and Museum in the charming city of Eisenach. After a visit, recital and guided tour, explore the Wartburg Fortress where Martin Luther was once imprisoned. Return to Arnstadt for an exchange with local youth and overnight.

DAY 8 Tuesday, June 21
Via Dresden to Chlumec
Stop in beautiful Dresden, often referred to as the Florence of the North, for a visit of the famous Frauenkirche. Then for a small town experience like no other, head to beautiful Chlumec, where the mayor himself is the choir director. Exchange dinner & rehearsal.

DAY 9 Wednesday, June 22
Napoleonic Battle & Concert
After the re-enactment of this historical battle, the UHS Choirs present a televised concert in the marvelous Parish Church of Chlumec before continuing to Prague for a walking tour of the historic city center, dinner, and overnight.

DAY 10 Thursday, June 23
Prague in-depth & Concert
See more of Prague’s highlights with a local guide including a visit to the Smetana Museum and - if interested - nearby Theresienstadt. Finale concert opportunity in the evening.

DAY 11 Friday, June 24

Prague Leisure Day & Cruise Party
Experience Prague at your pace under the guidance of your tour manager, then gather for a special dinner followed by a sunset farewell cruise party on the Moldau river.

DAY 12 Saturday, June 25
Departure
Return flight to the US with memories to last a lifetime.

Highlights
• A series of up to four professionally organized and
promoted formal concerts plus participation in High Masses/Services & recitals in magnificent venues just for your choir
• Educational and entertaining sightseeing
• Participation in the ChorFreude2011 Festival and exchanges with German students, special receptions by local officials
• Plenty of opportunities for cultural immersion
• Entrances to many sights, museums, churches
• Quality hotel accommodations in closer to city center locations & great food

Likely Concert Venues
• Gedächtniskirche —BERLIN
• various venues from Castles and Palaces to
churches and cathedrals —CHORFREUDE
• Thomaskirche (Recitak) —LEIPZIG
• J.S. Bach Traukirche —DORNHEIM
• St. Havel —CHLUMEC
• St. Nicholas Church, St. Ann’s Chapel —PRAGUE
The above listed venues have been carefully selected by Incantato‘s Concert Managers and will be requested for your choir and travel dates. Final confirmation is based on submission of repertoire and recording as well as final approval by the local music directors.

Accommodation & Meals
Incantato‘s Hospitality Managers take pride in working only with pre-inspected hotels that fit your budget and selected restaurants frequented by locals. We promote to stay and eat in typical, ideally locally owned properties for a true immersion into the local cultures. Hearty European breakfasts and dinners are included daily, including a special welcome and farewell meal.