From the Blog
Travel Tips & Tour Stories
Destination guides, director tips, and stories from ensembles around the world.
Choir Festivals in Ireland: A Firsthand Look at the Fingal Festival Experience
If a choir festival in Ireland is on your radar, the Fingal International Festival of Voices should be at the top of your list. A Fingal Festival tour perfectly encapsulates what makes Ireland such a special destination for music groups: world-class performance opportunities, rich cultural immersion, and just the right […]
May 4, 2026
A Music Competition in Prague: Inside the Young Bohemia Festival Experience
Recently, one of our groups experienced the Young Bohemia Festival firsthand, and their journey is a perfect example of why Prague continues to be one of the most rewarding destinations for student ensembles. Arrival in Prague: Music and Magic in the Old Town From the moment the group arrived, Prague […]
April 16, 2026
Top 5 European Cities for Choir Festivals in 2027
If you’re planning a choir tour to Europe in 2027, choosing the right cities and festivals is crucial. Music Contact International (MCI), one of the leading choir tour companies, has curated the top five European destinations for choirs seeking world-class performance opportuniti...
March 11, 2026
Celebrate 1000 Years of Norman Legacy in 2027
2027 International Choir Festival in Normandy April 15–19, 2027 In 2027, the cities of Caen and Normandy are preparing to celebrate an exceptional event: the 1000th anniversary of the birth of William the Conqueror. In addition, 2027 has been designated the European Year of the N...
March 5, 2026
Packing Like a Pro: Essentials for Student Music Travel Abroad
Music Contact International—an experienced music travel company specializing in European music trips for students—shares these expert packing tips to help ensembles travel smart, stay organized, and perform at their best. Top Priority: Documents and Travel Essentials for Music Tr...
November 14, 2025
Cultural Exchange on Music Tours: How Travel Enhances Learning
Music has always been a universal language. It bridges differences and creates understanding in ways few other experiences can. At Music Contact International, we’ve seen firsthand how music travel transforms both students and directors — turning rehearsals into cultural exchange...
October 17, 2025
Travel Tips from A Tour Manager
Traveling abroad with a group—whether it’s a student ensemble, choir, or educational tour—is exciting and rewarding. But successful travel takes preparation, patience, and a few insider strategies. These essential travel tips from Music Contact International’s experienced tour ma...
October 15, 2025
Choir Festivals in Ireland: Echoes in the Emerald Isle
Ireland is home to rich musical traditions and some of the friendliest and most welcoming people in the world. Ireland and Northern Ireland are perfect destinations for custom concert tours, and two of Music Contact International’s most popular choir festivals are hosted in Irel...
April 10, 2025
Music Travel: 4 Key Factors for Planning a Choir Tour, Orchestra Tour, or Band Tour
If you're planning to travel with your choir, orchestra, or band next year, now is the perfect time to start! With so many incredible choir festivals and music festivals worldwide, choosing the right destination can feel overwhelming but that is what we are here to help with. Aft...
February 24, 2025
Christmas Concerts in Vienna
If you are lucky enough to attend the Vienna Advent Sing Festival, you will be able to experience the magic of wintertime in Vienna firsthand. The city transforms into a winter wonderland as thousands of travelers head to Vienna to shop at the many Christmas markets, see the exqu...
February 1, 2025
On the Formative Nature of Music: Youth Orchestra Tours for Students
When I was in high school, I played the French horn in a youth orchestra based at the New England Conservatory in Boston, Massachusetts. The orchestra, known as the Youth Philharmonic Orchestra or YPO, was a collection of talented musicians from all over New England. Being a memb...
January 17, 2025
Join us for the first Voices Unite! California Coastal Choral Festival 2025
Choir Group Travel: Voices Unite! California Coastal Choral Festival Music Contact International is pleased to announce a new addition to our choir group travel offerings in 2025 with the inaugural Voices Unite! Coastal California Choral Festival, hosted by Cuesta Concord Chorus...
October 28, 2024