Wednesday, December 21, 2016

Happy Holidays and cheers for a great 2017

KIconcerts - Happy Holidays, through the years video

Clients, colleagues, friends

Let’s say goodbye to 2016 confident that together we’ll continue finding ways to share the love, intensity and beauty of music around the world as we have over previous years.

The KI family honors your talent, your dedication and your vision. Good people, resolute in partnership, can achieve anything. We look forward to continuing to serve your community of performers and the good people of our musical world as we stage concerts on 4 continents in the traditional destinations of Europe as well as the newer ones such as Vietnam, Cuba and Iceland.

We are indebted to our Festival Leaders for directing our festivals around the globe – from Rome to Sydney, Dublin to Vienna and many cities in between. They are some of the finest conductors, directors, music educators on the planet and we are thrilled to be able to present them to you in this unique way.

We celebrate your spirit from world premieres in the Sydney Opera House, singing Masses at the Vatican, presenting the Evensong choir at Westminster Abbey through to countless other performances in grand venues with appreciative audiences as well as more intimate exchange concerts in community settings with local ensembles.

May the holiday season shine kindly on you and may we have the continuing privilege of your friendship and collaboration in the years ahead.

Fondly
The KI team

PS We are open between Christmas and New Year as we know that is a great time for some people to be thinking about their next tour.


Wednesday, December 7, 2016

2018 concert touring options

KIconcerts: Custom ToursCUSTOM TOURS
KI stages great custom tours across Europe, in China & India, Central & South America, Australia & New Zealand as well as throughout the UK & Ireland.
KIconcerts: FestivalsWINTER 2018 FESTIVAL
Simon Carrington – Barcelona (Dec 2017)

SUMMER 2018 FESTIVALS 
Henry Leck – Cuba
Larry Wyatt – Spain
Rollo Dilworth – Passion of Italy 
Angela Broeker – Vienna/Salzburg
Z. Randall Stroope – Ireland
Henry Leck – Iceland
Craig Hella Johnson – Australia
Jake Runestad World Premiere

2018 SACRED REPERTOIRE OPTIONS
ROMAinCANTO
 – The Vatican
Saint Paul, Greece – sing in his footsteps
Cuba celebrates Pope John Paul's 1998 visit

Tuesday, November 1, 2016

US & Australian Wind Band perform ‘The Composers Concert’ - Sydney Town Hall, 22 February – free entry

Wednesday 22 February is a date your musicians will not want to miss. A free USA/ Sydney band concert at the Sydney Town Hall celebrating great band compositions and featuring:
  • Scarsdale High School Wind Ensemble (one of America’s finest) - Jason Noble 
  • Australia's Fort Street High School Wind Ensemble - Matthew Manchester 
  • A world premiere in Australia "Wanderlust" by Brandon Scott Rumsey (USA) 
  • John Mackey in attendance 
  • Guest conductor John Lynch (Sydney Conservatory of Music) 
  • Composers Q&A from 6.15pm 
If your musicians/students would like to attend can you reply with the approximate numbers attending so we can reserve you a block of seats.

This great concentration of wind band talent and energy offers a fantastic start to the year and we hope you are able to join us


The Composers Concert
7pm, Wednesday 22 February

Composers Q&A 6.15pm
Centennial Hall
Sydney Town Hall

FREE ENTRY


Contact us for more information

Oliver Scofield


Thursday, October 20, 2016

Roads less travelled - Cuba, the Americas, Asia, Australia, more Europe!

Trail blazing tours have never been easier, safer 
and more stimulating for ensembles. 

Custom Tours
THE AMERICAS
Cuba – a fascinating land in transition – experience its culture and people while still largely untouched
Argentina – a fusion of South American traditions and Spanish grandeur
Peru – connect with an indigenous people and marvel at Machu Picchu
Costa Rica – cost effective, mountainous rain forests, pristine beaches, community exchanges

ASIA
China – 5000 years of history await you, great concerts, venues, audiences and exchanges
Vietnam – inviting US ensembles, partner concerts, reshaping destinies through music
India – a land like no other we offer – breathtaking, life changing, profound

DOWN UNDER
Australia – 3 movies, 2 meals and a nap away from the West Coast
New Zealand – The untouched backdrop for the Lord of the Rings

MORE EUROPE
Iceland – Straddling two continents – peaceful, safe & close
Portugal – The jewel of Southern Europe
Northern Europe – Finland, Estonia, Sweden and Latvia

SOUTH AFRICA
The rhythms of a nation beat unceasingly 


Festivals
Craig Hella Johnson – Sydney Opera House – July 2018
Henry Leck – Iceland – Early July 2018
The China Festival – Summer 2018 

The Roads Less Travelled are the ones to travel now. Performance opportunities your performers could not experience without you!

Be in touch for further information


Tuesday, October 18, 2016

Sing at St. Peter’s Basilica, celebrate with Cuba or follow the footsteps of Saint Paul


Choirs of faith are uniquely invited to sing in one of three events or indeed any of our custom tour destinations.


ROMAinCANTO
A festival led by one of the Vatican’s organists featuring singing of Holy Mass, concerts and workshops.

Cuba
Celebrating the 20th anniversary of Pope John Paul’s historic visit in 1998. A profoundly Catholic country whose faith gives it strength and which honors Pope Francis bringing the USA and Cuba closer together.

Sing in the footsteps of Saint Paul
Travel as did he – Athens, Corinth, Patmos and more. Live the history, sing the passion.


Choirs of faith are especially welcome in Spain, France, Costa Rica, Australia and Ireland and throughout KI’s World of Music.

Be in touch for further information


Friday, October 14, 2016

Cuba-USA…Voces Unidas–Voices United choir festival with Henry Leck & Alina Orraca, June 2018


Dear Friends

Alina Orraca and I are delighted to join in inviting you to Cuba to sing in Voces Unidas/Voices United - a festival of great choral music for mixed choirs.

School, youth and college choirs will especially enjoy workshops, exchanges, rehearsals and two significant combined concerts with Cuban choristers… the people of two lands singing Voces Unidas! This will be a unique coming together of Cuban and U.S. musical talent.

Cuba abounds with culture and the Cuban spirit is imbued with rhythm and song. There has never been a more dynamic time to get to know Cuba; to hear its sounds and to see the friendship grow between the people of both countries.

We welcome you to Unite in Voice in this festival of spirit and goodwill!

Henry Leck
Voces Unidas Festival Co-Conductor
KIconcerts Distinguished Music Advisor


Download Prospectus | Facebook | Contact KIconcerts


Tuesday, October 11, 2016

European tours cheaper as the US Dollar strengthens against the Pound/Euro

A place of timeless musical offerings

Europe and the UK haven’t been cheaper in years. We continue to be able to cut the price of European concert tours as the dollar strengthens against a declining Pound and Euro.

We welcome the chance to prepare quotes for you based on the changing exchange rates - packaging the European concert tours of your dreams – safely, interactively, culturally and more cheaply!.


CUSTOM TOURS
Central Europe
A land of riches in its own right including Vienna, Salzburg, Prague, Budapest, the diversity of Germany and countless welcoming towns in between.

Southern Europe
Italy, Spain, Greece and much more. Sing at St. Peter’s in the Vatican, cruise the canals of Venice, admire Florence and perform alongside Italian choirs in the rolling hills of Tuscany. Spain tantalizes for instance with Barcelona, Madrid and Valencia while Greece still feels as though it cradles civilization itself.

Northern Europe
Another world of long summer days, distinct cultures and unique singing traditions. Estonia/Latvia & Lithuania make up the Baltics, Finland and Sweden just a ferry away while Poland and Scandinavia have their own unique appeals.

UK/Republic of Ireland
The British Isles offers choirs so much:
Ireland’s lyrical beauty,
the distinct culture of Wales,
Scotland’s Highlands and
Britain’s jewel in the crown…London.


FESTIVALS
Simon Carrington – Barcelona – December 26 2017
Angela Broeker – Vienna/Salzburg – June 2018
ROMAinCANTO – The Vatican – June 2018
Larry Wyatt – Spain – June 2018
Rollo Dilworth – Passion of Italy – Early July 2018
Z. Randall Stroope – Ireland – Early July 2018

Be in touch for further information

Friday, October 7, 2016

Jake Runestad’s world premiere piece for the 2018 Sydney Opera House Choir Festival led by Craig Hella Johnson

Greetings Friends

As you probably know, I am very enthusiastic about conducting my first festival down under in the Sydney Opera House in July 2018. Having Jake Runestad agree to write a world premiere piece for us for this breathtaking venue adds to the excitement.

This is my invitation to you and your singers to join us in Australia. Full choirs are very welcome and have options for individual concerts in addition to the opportunity for their own cameo performance on the stage of the magnificent Sydney Opera House Concert Hall Stage. Smaller groups of singers will equally love the combined elements of this festival over the four festival days in Sydney. Rehearsals, sectionals, sightseeing (sailing the Harbor and seeing the kangaroos/koalas), meeting locals, optional individual concerts, the Dress Rehearsal (as we take over the venue for the day) and finally the gala concert in the hallowed halls of one of the world’s iconic halls are some of what we will be doing.

Please feel free to be back in touch with me via this email address or directly with Oliver@KIconcerts.com for further details.

We have had so much fun at the previous KI festivals that we know this will be another exceptional opportunity for you and your singing community.
See you ‘down under’

Craig Hella Johnson
Artistic Director & Conductor

DOWNLOAD PROSPECTUS 


Wednesday, October 5, 2016

ICELAND - CHILDREN’S CHOIRS – SECURE – NEARBY – SPECTACULAR - Henry Leck Choir Festival 2018

Dear friends

Iceland is all that children’s choirs crave. You couldn’t create a destination more suited to children’s and treble choirs!
  • A small population of gentle, friendly and welcoming Europeans
  • Only 5 hours easy flying from North America
  • The world’s most magnificent waterfalls, shooting geysers and unique geo thermal activity
  • Unique and breathtaking postcard vistas
  • Distinctive culture, great musical venues
We will make great music together bringing a style of performance and repertoire to this island country that will be celebrated for its freshness, vitality and quality. Also, I would love to create an opportunity for any interested choirs to perform separate concerts prior to the gala combined performance.

Some participating choirs will wish to view this strictly as a festival tour experience returning home in just less than a week. Others will wish to continue touring Iceland on custom tour extensions. For those choirs wanting an extended tour into Europe, it is only 3-5 hours of flying from Reykjavik. Truly, this festival can be tailored to meet your specific needs.

Your singers and families may not know much about Iceland, (as I had not) but I guarantee that with a little investigation they will be as excited as I am to explore this beautiful country and share this wonderful musical experience.

I am thrilled to present this very special destination, custom made for the touring needs of treble youth choirs.

Regards

Henry Leck
Artistic Director & Conductor
KIconcerts Distinguished Music Advisor


Download Prospectus | Contact KIconcerts

Thursday, September 22, 2016

Your invitation to perform in the British Isles! Custom & Festival Choir Tours

The British Isles offers choirs so much: Ireland’s lyrical beauty, the distinct culture of Wales, Scotland’s Highlands and Britain’s jewel in the crown…London.

CUSTOM TOURS
Ireland
Ireland brings out the whimsy in us all. Whether tracking down that elusive four leaf clover or rumored ancient relatives, Ireland holds us in its palm and charms us with its culture, music, history and love of life.

Scotland & Wales
Distinct cultures far from the hustle and bustle of London. The Welsh choirs are welcoming and reflect a proud culture. Edinburgh and Glasgow boast great venues and are the gateway to the mysteries of the highlands.

England – London
The iconic sites of London dazzle all who see them. A city like no other surrounded by further jewels: Canterbury, Oxford, Cambridge, Stratford on Avon, Stonehenge, Bath offering exchanges and commanding historic spaces in which to perform.


IRELAND FESTIVAL

Z. Randall Stroope
Sing with the composer!

Dublin Festival Concert + Individual Concerts
Belfast or Galway touring options
Early July 2018


Perform in the British Isles. Different yet alike; a country of pageantry with deep cultural roots and breadth of history.

Be in touch for further information

Wednesday, September 14, 2016

Dublin's Christ Church Cathedral – An invitation to your singers to join Z. Randall Stroope - July 6, 2018

Friends,

Christ Church Cathedral joins me in inviting you and your singers to join my2018 Dublin Choir Festival concert.

Ireland brings out the whimsy in us all. Whether tracking down that elusive four leaf clover or rumored ancient relatives, Ireland holds us in its palm and charms us with its culture, music, history and love of life.

I will program 30 minutes or so of repertoire that captures the Irish spirit also sharing the music of America and the rest of the world. You will also be invited to perform in your own right in the prelude to the combined festival choir on July 6 in addition to Belfast or Galway concert options.

KIconcerts and I collaborate in a way that brings you the best combination of musical and touring experiences. Above all we will ensure a safe, fun and informative stay in the land of leprechaun! And as the Irish say more eloquently than could we:
May the road rise up to meet you.
May the wind be always at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face;
the rains fall soft upon your fields
and until we meet again,
may God hold you in the palm of His hand

Until we meet in Ireland.

Z. Randall Stroope
Artistic Director & Conductor



Monday, September 12, 2016

Share my PASSION for ITALY – sing in St. Peter’s Basilica, Rome concerts & around Italy – Choir Festival with Rollo Dilworth

Fellow Choristers

Let’s join together in song for Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica, The Vatican, on July 4, 2018 prior to staging our gala festival concert in Rome.

The gala festival will feature the individual choirs before we combine as the festival choir in one of Rome’s grand venues. In addition, you are invited to perform other concerts in Rome, Florence, Venice as well as Italy’s other great cities.

Europe is very cost effective now and Italy is the origin of so much of our music and way of life. We literally walk through history as we tour the Sistine Chapel, the Coliseum, the Roman Forum, Pantheon, Trevi Fountain and much much more – and that is only in Rome!

I look forward to working with you and your singers. Let’s share the energy and magic which comes from joining in voice – amplified through the eons in the historical context that is uniquely Rome.
Kind regards

Rollo Dilworth
Artistic Director & Conductor

Tuesday, September 6, 2016

SING AUSTRIA with me as we tour the land of Mozart - June 16-23, 2018 - choir festival with Angela Broeker

Dear Directors

Vienna & Salzburg…places beating within the hearts of all conductors, music educators and singers.

I am looking forward to rehearsing and conducting the combined festival choir in Vienna before presenting our gala concert again in Mozart’s hometown of Salzburg. I am also excited to hear our individual participating choirs sing their own concerts or in exchange/partner concerts in Vienna (as well as in extension cities if post-tour options are chosen).

Presenting this festival in Austria combines two of my passions: joining in community with musicians to create beautiful choral music and exploring amazing locations overseas. I have toured my own choirs happily with KIconcerts for many years now and am looking forward to this new collaboration with them.

Please feel free to be in touch with any questions you might have. I look forward to working with you and your choristers as we sing a festival choir program filled with wonderful music from around the world including Europe and the US.

I look forward to greeting you in Europe.

Angela Broeker
Artistic Director & Conductor



Friday, September 2, 2016

ROMAinCANTO Choir Festival - The Vatican - June 2018

Dear Choir Directors

On behalf of the Associazione Musicale ROMAinCANTO, I wish to invite you and your singers to the 2018 International Festival of Sacred Music. This will be a great musical event in St. Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican where I am one of the organists and in other iconic Rome locations. The Festival is under the patronage of the Pontificio Istituto Liturgico - Università Sant’Anselmo di Roma, the Pontificio Istituto di Musica Sacra di Roma and the Istituto Nazionale di Studi Romani.

We invite choirs of the world who sing sacred literature as a part of their repertoire to join with me as we rehearse together prior to animating Mass at the main alter of St. Peter’s Basilica (singing the Entrance, Offertory, Communion, Recessional) as the Festival Choir. In addition, we will stage concerts for the participating choirs and you are invited to a be reviewed by expert judges in a non-competitive setting as well as to attend a workshop on the Schola Romana of Palestrina which I will lead for you. This workshop will involve the study of a motet in the context of the era and characteristics of the Palestrina style.

A DVD of the Mass will be provided to each choir in addition to a plaque and a certificate will be given to every workshop participant.

KIconcerts: ROMAinCANTO Choir Festival - Maestro Fabio Avolio with the PopeI am delighted to be working with KIconcerts to host choirs from North America and Australia along with choirs from other countries and would be happy to cooperate with them to answer any questions you may have.

I am looking forward to welcoming you to the home of so much of the world’s sacred music

Fabio Avolio

Thursday, September 1, 2016

An invitation to sing Haydn Theresienmesse in Barcelona 2018 with Larry Wyatt

Dear friends,

I am pleased to have been asked to conduct a festival performance in Barcelona, Spain in early June of 2018. Barcelona is one of the most interesting cities in the world. In 2017 it will host the World Symposium on Choral Music. It is a very choral friendly city. Perhaps the most interesting site in Barcelona is Gaudi’s Church of the Sacred Family.

I have now done four of these festivals for KIconcerts and I can tell you that they are a first rate organization. They find great hotels and wonderful concert venues. These projects work well for choirs, as each choir has its own tour schedule and concerts plus the festival performance provides an opportunity for them to come together and perform a major work with other choirs, professional orchestra and soloists. I have tentatively selected the Haydn Theresienmesse for the festival concert. Because of the flexible nature of the festival performance, smaller choirs or choirs with some balance issues may choose to participate only in the mass choir concert and choose not to do individual performances.

Your tour can be extended to the Madrid area or virtually any other area of Europe. Believe me however, there is more than enough in the Barcelona area for you and your singers to have a spectacular time. I hope that you can join us in June, 2018 in Barcelona.

Larry Wyatt
Artistic Director & Conductor



Thursday, August 18, 2016

Touring young singers abroad safely: Henry Leck choir festivals in Ireland, Iceland & Hong Kong

Having worked with young people all my life I know of the additional responsibilities when on tour internationally with this age group.

In my capacity as Distinguished Advisor to KIconcerts I sought to ensure that our forthcoming tours for our younger singers were to places that we had confidence would avoid the concerns that parents might have. My next four festivals with KIconcerts therefore are to:


In many respects the furthering of international understanding through music has never been more important.

I feel these are currently the right destinations to be planning for student singers and would be pleased to talk with you about hosting your full choir or smaller groups of singers in these unique summer festivals settings.

Henry Leck



Monday, August 15, 2016

An invitation to 'Sing in the New Year' 2018 Barcelona Choir Festival with Simon Carrington

Welcome back to the academic/singing year!

I wanted to ensure you had the information on our 2018 New Year’s festival (12/26/17 – 01/01/18) as early as possible to give you almost 18 months to plan if you’re able to consider joining us.

I have chosen the mild climate of Barcelona to contrast the North American winter over New Year and great airfares that time of year enabling KIconcerts to offer $2895 per person from selected East Coast gateway cities. Having worked with KI on our winter festivals previously in England and Greece I know that this is a winning formula and commend KI to you.

Barcelona is a city of great hospitality and charm featuring the Gothic Quarter which boasts many fine festival venues, La Rambla, beaches, Gaudi, fine food and a proud Catalonian culture. Our tour is timed to enjoy the friendly exuberance associated with New Year’s Eve in this part of the world.

In addition to the touring options in Barcelona (and through the Madrid optional extension) we will create great music together. After our combined rehearsals of the 30-40 minutes of Festival Choir literature we stage our concert featuring individual performances from those participating choirs that wish them.

Let me know if you have any questions.

I look forward to the possibility of hosting you in Spain!

Simon Carrington

YOU - TICHELI - AUSTRIA

Frank Ticheli Austria 2017 and Mid-EuropeJULY 2017
Frank TICHELI FESTIVAL Austria
  • Combined band concert conducted by the Maestro
  • Rehearsals/workshops with Ticheli
  • Optional individual concerts
  • Option to attend Mid Europe Festival (with Ticheli)
  • Reduction in price of $100 per person
  • Smaller groups of instrumentalists and full bands equally welcomed
  • Great venues
  • Register interest now for a proposal to be sent.




Friday, May 27, 2016

KIbands on the move over summer - wishing you great holidays


KIconcerts - Council Rock marching in ItalyDear Director

We know the academic year is winding up for you so we wanted to update you on some of our great festival opportunities as well as remind you of the many destinations ideal for bands and orchestras.

We were proud to stage the Pennsbury High School Marching Band and Jazz ensemble in Sydney over Easter. At the same time Council Rock Marching Band and Winter Guard were in Tuscany and Rome earlier this year – they sounded great parading from the Coliseum forecourt. This week The UST Wind Symphony plays Dubrovnik, Mostar, Split and Zagreb in Croatia and Bosnia while the Orange County Youth Orchestra starts to pack for their tour to Spain.
KIconcerts - Orange County Youth Orchestra, Pennsbury marching in Australia, University of St Thomas

FRANK TICHELI
Leads our 2017 festival band festival in Vienna with options to accompany him to Schladming for the Mid Europe Band Festival

EASTER
The Sydney Royal Easter Show (Australia) offers unique performances for bands, jazz ensembles, marching bands
The Harrogate International Youth Festival (England) invites quality instrumental and choral youth ensembles
The UK Band Championship features international ensembles

IRELAND
St. Patrick’s Day is made for marching bands.
Ireland offers bands performances throughout the land and across the year.
KIconcerts - Sydney Royal Easter Show, Harrogate International Youth Festival, Frank Ticheli, NCBF, St Patrick's Festival

CUSTOM TOUR DESTINATION OPTIONS
Central EuropeEnglandIrelandItalySpain
KIconcerts in Germany, UK, Italy, Spain

While I am on the road through June & July visiting with groups across Europe Lance and Tanya are in the office working on your 2017 and 2018 concert touring plans. Let us know what you have in mind and we will put some proposals together for you.

Be safe, happy and relaxed over the summer.

Oliver Scofield
President

Tuesday, May 24, 2016

KIconcerts on the move over summer - wishing you great holidays

We wish you a happy and healthy summer while we welcome back ensembles and prepare others for travel over the next 8 weeks.

Highlights so far this season include: Simon Carrington leading the Athens festival, the Grosse Pointe Show Choir dazzling Ireland, Southwestern University singing at Notre Dame in Paris after a triumphant France tour, Concordia University singing in Stephansdom, the Votivkirche and the Mozarteum.
KIconcerts - Simon Carrington (Greece), Concordia University Irvine (Austria), Grosse Pointe (Ireland)
This week we host the Wyatt Festival in Budapest then custom tour ensembles in Croatia, England and Ireland. Next month sees Rollo Dilworth, Craig Hella Johnson, Janet Galván and Elena Sharkova lead great festivals all over Europe while CREDO heads to Australia and ACC wows a discerning audience in Harrogate before performing with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra in London under Christopher Tin’s baton.
KIconcerts - Larry Wyatt, Rollo Dilworth, Craig Hella Johnson, Janet Galvan, Elena Sharkova
While I am on the road through June & July visiting with groups across Europe Lance and Tanya are in the office working on your 2017 and 2018 concert touring plans.

In addition to our custom tours (featuring Cuba, Iceland and Vietnam) we have amazing festival leaders programming festivals around the world in 17 and 18 including: Z Randall Stroope, Craig Hella Johnson, Rollo Dilworth, Henry Leck, Heather J. Buchanan, Ian Loeppky and John Dickson.
KIconcerts in Cuba, Iceland, Vietnam
Be safe, happy and relaxed over the summer.

Oliver Scofield
President

Wednesday, May 18, 2016

Introducing Iceland concert tours - as close as Europe gets

KIconcerts - Iceland choir tours

Europe: 5 hours from the E Coast, stunningly different, comfortably safe, culturally sophisticated, naturally pristine


A stepping stone to the UK and continental Europe or a unique destination in its own right!

Perform in one of the great venues of Reykjavik, tour the breathtaking sights within an hour of this most northerly capital city in the world and then, just 3 hours later, find yourself in any of the great cities of Europe.

OR

Spend a week performing and touring this island of natural beauty venturing north where time spans millennia with vistas as vast as the glaciers that formed them.

Iceland boasts great venues, grand pianos in abundance, a choral tradition steeped in Northern traditions, a language descended from ancient Norse and a courteous warmth from times gone by.

Horses as distinctive as when the Vikings brought them, whales swimming close by, a geyser that erupts every 7 minutes or so, steam that seemingly comes from the very centre of the earth and geothermal water for lagoons, swimming pools in every community and to power the country.

Perform and enjoy cultural exchanges far removed from the worries of the world and be forever changed by the traditional land that Iceland remains.

Be in touch for more information on custom tours and for information about 2018 festival programs with Henry Leck and Simon Carrington in Iceland (tbd).

Sjáumst á Íslandi!


Wednesday, May 11, 2016

Cuba performance tour updates

KIconcerts in Cuba - 2017 Rollo Dilworth Choir FestivalAs you know Cuba is in transition and renewed ties with the USA are a great symbol of this.

Cultural exchanges have never been more important and performance tours such as the 2017 Rollo Dilworth Festival are now welcomed and able to be organized without uncertainty. The greatest of the many fine venues are available to us with warm audiences and inspirational master classes as well as in depth exchanges: a chance to learn and share.

KIconcerts in Cuba - Omara Portuondo
There are few countries with a greater abundance of cultural riches on the streets and in town squares, in grand and intimate halls as well as in clubs and homes. I was fortunate on a recent visit to coincide with President Obama’s Humanities and Arts Delegation. We were honored to be introduced to Omara Portuondo an original member of the Buena Vista Social Club!

KIconcerts in Cuba - Maestra Digna Guerra and her choirAn outstanding choir under the direction of Maestra Digna Guerra sang for us.

Rollo Dilworth is leading our first festival there next year for community, church and quality student choirs.

It is time to consider visiting Cuba now that entry is easier and we can guarantee you the genuinely life changing concert opportunities that you will keep with you for life!

Be in touch for more information about the Rollo Dilworth festival as well as custom tour opportunities in this great country, Cuba.

Oliver Scofield

Wednesday, May 4, 2016

Join Z. Randall Stroope - 2017 Barcelona Choir Festival

I met with KIconcerts recently to finalize details for my 2017 Barcelona Festival. I thought that your choir, or a smaller group of singers from within it, might wish to join us in Spain.

In addition to the combined festival choir rehearsals and gala concert in Barcelona, there are many options to perform your own concerts in Barcelona, Madrid or the South of France. Remember that one of the great aspects of this festival is the unique musical offering also for groups of singers from choirs not able to travel in their entirety.

Download Prospectus - Barcelona Choir Festival 2017 with Stroope

Barcelona is one of the great cities of the world with truly beautiful venues, Gaudi’s architecture including the astounding Sagrada Familia in which we are able to perform a recital, the ancient Gothic Quarter adjacent to the movement, sounds and colors of Las Ramblas. All nestled in a setting with great beaches, food, music and, of course, dance.

Spain is relaxed, comfortable with a culture rooted in a proud unique history and we have created an inspiring collective and individual experience for singers and choirs alike.

Join us on this great musical adventure by contacting either Oliver Scofield or me, Dr. Stroope, for further information.

Sincerely

Z. Randall Stroope
Artistic Director & Conductor

Friday, April 22, 2016

CONGRATULATIONS Henry Leck

At the end of April, Henry Leck retires from the Indianapolis Children’s Choir which he founded 30 years ago. We are delighted to announce he will be leading the 2017 Ireland festival during his first year of retirement.

Through the ICC, Henry has inspired thousands of children, countless admiring conductors as well as administrators. During his tenure at Butler University he has educated a generation of musicians and music educators.

Henry has built a legacy worthy of his talent, energy and grace. We are delighted that he has agreed to become KIconcerts Distinguished Music Advisor. In this role he will lead festivals, nurture emerging talent, develop new projects with KI.

Join us in Ireland for a festival that features treble and high school singers with Henry. Ireland is safe, comfortable and easy to tour. Warm audiences, historical venues, keen exchange groups ensure a musically enriching experience while the culture, traditions and beauty of the country contribute to lasting memories.



Please contact Henry Leck or me for more information.

Oliver Scofield

Tuesday, April 19, 2016

Sing at St. Peter’s Basilica, Rome, with Dr. Heather J. Buchanan - Passion of Italy Choir Festival

We are delighted that Dr. Heather J. Buchanan has accepted the invitation to lead the 2017 Passion of Italy Festival joining a list of great previous artistic directors of this festival including: Craig Hella Johnson, Anna Hamre, Rollo Dilworth, Karen Kennedy, Hilary Apfelstadt.

Italy is a destination that calls to every singer. In Rome there are opportunities for individual performances, combined choir rehearsals, singing of Mass by the combined festival choir at St. Peter's Basilica and the Festival Gala concert - which is then replicated in Florence for those who choose to join us in Tuscany. Some choirs have opted to travel onto Venice for further touring and performances.

Download prospectus for Passion of Italy 2017 Choir Festival

One of the great aspects of a festival like this is the welcome to participation is equal for full choirs as it is for groups of singers from choirs not able to travel in their entirety. The musical offering is as rich and we are able to combine smaller groupings for the bussing and guiding aspects to ensure the optimum 40+ travel price is offered to all.

Dr. Buchanan programs repertoire reflecting the spirit of destination. The Vivaldi Gloria is her selected "masterwork" for the combined festival choir. It appeals to singers and audiences alike capitalizing on the vibrancy of younger voices and maturity of experienced singers. The repertoire choices for the St Peter’s Mass will be finalized once registrations for the festival are concluded.

If you know of Dr. Buchanan's work, you will know the integrity of this opportunity at every level - the touring, the camaraderie, the collaborative approaches that are her hallmark as well as the excellence in music she creates and amplifies!

Please feel free to be in touch with Dr. Buchanan directly for further information or with me for a fuller prospectus about the event.

Many thanks for your attention to this material

Oliver Scofield

Wednesday, March 23, 2016

Excite the singing senses – perform in Italy

KIconcerts: Choir tours and festivals in Italy
Cari amici

Is there any destination with quite the same musical intensity as Italy?

Singing Mass in St. Peter’s at the Vatican, being staged in a festival setting at one of Rome’s great basilicas or performing in a packed church off one of the main Piazzas.

Exchange concerts in Tuscany with Florence as a back drop - head further North to Venice to sing, sail a gondola and be awestruck by St. Mark’s - go South via Pompeii to the Amalfi Coast or North East to Milan and the Lake District.

Every Italian pathway is an adventure – many that involve a musical experience to last a lifetime.

Plan a custom tour or join one of our many festivals while in Rome before continuing on for your own touring experience.

2017 KIconcerts festivals include:


Other festivals with which KI collaborates:

  • Concorso Corale Internazionale – An annual competitive festival in spring set on the beautiful Lago di Garda
  • Venezia in Musica festival – In its 15th year this choral competition for all ages is located in Caorle and Venice every late April/early May
  • Padua International Music Meeting – A joyous festival of music staged every spring/summer in the great venues of Padua (near Venice), Spring/Summer

Saremo felici di ospitarti in Italia

Oliver Scofield

Wednesday, March 16, 2016

Vienna/Salzburg - your gateway to Central Europe

KIconcerts - Austria choir tours and festivals
Performing in the heart of Europe is a dream come true for so many.

Sounds of music in Salzburg, waltz to a concert in Vienna, perform in Prague, bow in Budapest, sail to a virtuoso finale in Venice!

Let us build you a custom tour starting in Central Europe and performing for instance through France, Germany, Austria, Czech Republic, Poland or Italy. Consider joining one of our great festivals in the region 
Here are examples of 3rd party festivals listed on our website for France, Austria, Budapest and Germany: 
  • International Anton Bruckner Choir Competition & Festival – Linz, Austria (June 2017) 
  • International Johannes Brahms Choir Festival & Competition – Wernigerode, Germany (July 2017) 
  • Summa Cum Laude International Youth Music Festival – Vienna, Austria (July) 
  • Budapest International Choral Festival & Competition – Hungary (March/April) 

Sing the grand venues of Europe, perform in intimate spaces, enjoy warm audiences and participate in exchange concerts.

Contact us for tour proposals


Thursday, March 10, 2016

Your Irish performance invitation


KIconcerts: Grosse Point South High School Ambassador Concert and Show choirs in IrelandWe have concert tours monthly to Ireland at present as it is so safe, affordable and welcoming!

A few weeks ago the Grosse Pointe Ambassador Concert and Show Choirs had their best tour there. Their adventures included singing for Dublin’s Lord Mayor, playing to packed houses, having River Dance stars lead a dance workshop and exchange programs with local singers at all 4 concerts.

Airlines fly direct from airports across the US, enjoy the classic touring patterns or take Irish roads less traveled to experience Irish life beyond the bigger cities and consider the recent options to perform in Belfast. Everywhere you go enjoy warm audiences, great venues and meaningful exchanges.

We offer custom tours any time of year as well as great festivals and events:
  • Henry Leck in 2017 for treble and youth choirs.
  • St. Patrick’s Day celebrations every March
  • The Cork International Choral Festival – April/May
  • The Mayo International Choral Festival – May
The Irish are known for their whimsy, hospitality and a twinkle in their eye. Share this and their fondness for all things American on your concert tour!

Contact us for more information

Oliver Scofield

Thursday, March 3, 2016

Mid Europe Band Festival invites you to join Frank Ticheli

Frank Ticheli and Mid Europe Festival Schladming




Europe’s premier band festival invites you to perform in Austria, July 2017 alongside Frank Ticheli.

KIconcerts meet royalty - Oliver ScofieldThis opportunity will feature America’s finest band talent at Europe’s most prestigious annual band festival.

You are invited to perform individually and/or as part of the combined ensemble Ticheli will conduct. We start with concerts in Vienna before moving onto Schladming, Austria for the Mid Europe Festival.


If Austria is not your choice of touring destination in 2017 KIconcerts has custom tour and other festival options for you around the world; across Europe and on roads less traveled such as Australia, Iceland, China, Costa Rica, Cuba, Vietnam and South.


I was in England recently to discuss the visit of our next band to Harrogate and to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Harrogate International Festivals with Prince Charles and his wife the Duchess of Cornwall. The band in Harrogate with which we arrange exchange concerts had the unique honor of performing for His Majesty that day.

Join us for you next international concert tour adventure!!!

Oliver Scofield


Destinations | Band Festivals | Facebook | Contact KI

Wednesday, March 2, 2016

A royal reason to perform in Britain

Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall were interested to hear about the US ensembles we host in the United Kingdom at a reception I attended in England last week.

Great Britain is a sensational touring destination. Some groups like to be based in London with performances there, Oxford, Canterbury, Cambridge etc while others give concerts in Wales, Scotland and Northern England.

Enjoy custom tours with exchanges, a chance to enjoy a West End show and tour all the renowned icons the UK is famous for. In addition festivals abound throughout the land including the prestigious Harrogate International Festival that the Royals visited last week.

Contact us for more information

Oliver Scofield


Friday, February 5, 2016

Roads less traveled - performance tours beyond Europe



MORE touring options beyond Europe - launching Iceland, Cuba, Vietnam in addition to Australia, NZ, China, Argentina, Peru and India.

Iceland – a touch of Northern Europe 5 hours from the E Coast
Cuba – a land in transition – experience the distinctive culture
Vietnam – with special resonance for US performance tours
Australia – a land Down Under
New Zealand – land of the Long White Cloud
China – past and future – mystique and culture
Argentina – South American/European fusion
Peru – Machu Picchu – seeing is believing

India – passion, color, sounds, movement – serenity in the bustle

These unique destinations are each rich in history, culture, and performance opportunities. They are safe, comfortable and found on roads less traveled!


KI launches a range of affiliated music festival events around the world (competitions and non-competitive options) to complement our brilliant roster of stars including Leck, Dilworth, Stroope, Buchanan, Hella Johnson.

For instance:
  • Golden Voices of Montserrat – Spain, March
  • Padua International Music Meeting – Italy, Summer
  • Harrogate International Festival – England, July
  • Summa Cum Laude International Youth Music Festival – Austria, July
  • International Choral Festival of Preveza – Greece, July
  • Stirling Bridge International Youth Arts Festival – Scotland, July
Full list of over 20 found here



Wednesday, January 6, 2016

Why sing in the cold next winter? Join Karen Kennedy at the Athens Winter choral festival, New Year 2016/17


Last week 120 North American singers sang in Greece with Simon Carrington

Next year Dr. Karen Kennedy leads a similar festival there.



In addition to the formal concerts, they performed in Syntagma Square (the very heart of Athens) as well as at the St. Denis Cathedral.

They climbed the Acropolis, saw the ancient sites of Athens, had their welcome dinner overlooking the Parthenon, celebrated New Year’s Eve with Athenians and had a day sailing the Greek Islands.



Athens is truly awe inspiring as is the festival price!

Join us for history, warmth, concerts and New Year’s fun!