The competition ceremony begins with an opening celebration of the “Days of International Choir Music in Verona” highlighted by a welcome from the hosts, the Associazione Gruppi Corali Verona, after which choirs enjoy a concert performed by a well-known local choir, put together especially for this great event.  Choirs also enjoy a Verona sightseeing tour exploring the breathtaking Roman Arena and visit Juliet’s house where the famous scene from Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet” is reputed to have played out in 1302 and have a full-day excursion to Venice, one of the most beautiful cities in the world,made up of 118 islands, over 450 bridges and more than 180 canals. The Verona Choir Competition is held in the Mozart Hall of the Teatro Nuovo, where choirs have a maximum of fifteen minutes to perform their chosen pieces, judged by a panel of seven internationally acclaimed adjudicators. After your choir performs, you can enjoy listening to some of the other participating choirs perform and get a taste of the varied choral traditions from countries from around the world. During the competition closing ceremony, trophies are be distributed to all placed choirs, followed by performances by choirs who have received gold medals. Following the performances, participating choir members, judges and guests are invited to attend a reception which give all choirs the opportunity to mix and meet choirs from other nations. The Closing Ceremony ends with a grand procession from the reception through the city of Verona to the Roman Arena, where all guest choirs will join together to perform Va pensiero by G.Verdi, Inno Alla Gioia by L. van Beethoven and Amazing Grace by J.Newton.

The musical history of the city of Verona provides the ideal background for the Days of International Choral Music. As part of this festival, your choir can discover the beauty of Verona, Perform for an international jury, meet choirs from around the world, participate in a friendship concert with an Italian Choir. The romantic city of Verona was the setting to Shakespeare's classic love story, Romeo and Juliet. Red-roofed and pastel-shaded, Verona lies in a bend of the river Adige as it winds its way south from the Alps. Apart from Rome itself, Verona is Italy's best pre-served Italian city, with a Roman bridge, Roman gates and the famous Roman amphitheatre, the Arena di Verona. Verona is a well preserved Romanesque, Gothic and Renaissance city, with beautiful frescoed churches and houses. Rich with tradition, this city is a perfect choral destination.

 

Day 1 

Upon arrival in Italy, meet your local English speaking assistant at the airport for coach transfer to your hotel in Lake Garda for check-in. Take some time to see the sights before enjoying an optional welcome dinner in your hotel where you will have the opportunity to meet other guest choirs. This evening, attend the opening ceremony of the “Days of International Choir Music in Verona”. The highlight of the ceremony is a welcome from the hosts—Associazione Gruppi Corali Verona—and a concert performed by a local Italian choir.

 

Day 2  

Day 3  

Day 4 

Day 5  

Please note that this is a sample itinerary only. Groups participating in the festival are split in Group A and Group B and actual itineraries are tailored to individual choirs on departure.  Competition performances take place on day 2 and day 3 and choirs can be scheduled to perform on either day. Venues subject to change at organisers discretion.

 

Your festival ground arrangements include the following:

•4 nights in a 3* hotel situated south of Lake Garda (twin room with private bathroom, buffet breakfast and evening meal)

•Participation in the competition including all charges

•Participation in the opening concert

•Half day sightseeing in Verona (excludes any entrance fees payable locally)

•Day trip to Venice including a boat ride

•Reception with an Italian Choir

•Monetary Prize in Category 2

•Closing ceremony with snacks and wine, presentation of certificates for all choirs and a cup for every placed choir

•Translation service throughout the stay 

Once you enquire with CCI you will be given your own dedicated festival planner, and this planner will also assist you with the booking of flights for your group. Choir Contact experienced travel consultants are able to advise you on the most appropriate flight options and will advise best fares at time of booking. We use the most up-to-date modern technology for searching best fares including low cost carriers, allowing us to book you the best flights at the best fares for a fully co-ordinated service. We use both low-cost internet fares and our long-standing relationships with other carries to ensure that we can secure the best travel option for your choir. We will advise you on luggage allowance and all details relating to your flight booking. Travel Insurance CCI recommend that all travellers take out travel insurance at the time of booking.

A quotation costs nothing, so contact us today on 01 888 7830

 or email us at reservations@choircontactireland.ie