Welcome to Puerto Rico

Surround yourself in the vibrant sounds of Puerto Rico, where a rich musical heritage is celebrated year-round in the vibrant cities of San Juan and Ponce. The music of Puerto Rico is the island's most notable export, and is by far the most popular Caribbean music heard in the United States. It combines innovative instruments and unique sounds to create a rich panoply of music deeply rooted in the island’s Spanish, African and Taíno traditions. Salsa is undoubtedly the most prominent and influential type of music of Puerto Rico. Drawing heavily from the musical roots of the Cuban and African-Caribbean experience, salsa has made Puerto Rico famous in the world of international music.Come to Puerto Rico and experience its delightful vocals, indigenous sounds, and vast array of instruments. The residents of San Juan and Ponce are eager to have you visit and share in their valued and respected traditions of rhythm, dance, and song.We also offer a festival tour to Puerto Rico, the Discover Puerto Rico Choral Festival.

SAN JUAN

Founded in 1521, San Juan is one of the largest natural harbors in the Caribbean and the oldest city under the United States flag. San Juan is a major port and tourist resort of the West Indies and the territory’s financial capital. The metropolitan area of San Juan has three distinct areas: Old San Juan; the beach and resort areas; and the outlying communities of which Río Pedras, Hato Rey, and Puerta de Tierra are the most notable. Live music options abound in Old San Juan; this lively district hosts frequent concerts as well as flamenco, salsa, and merengue evenings where visitors can both observe and participate. The warmth and vivacious spirit of San Juan make it the perfect setting for a performance tour.

PONCE

The second largest city in Puerto Rico, Ponce is known as the “Pearl of the South,” the “City of Lions,” and the “Majestic City” because of its many neoclassical buildings and facades. The center of Ponce dates back to the late 17th century; consisting of glorious plazas, churches, fountains, and highly decorative colonial homes, it is an area worth exploring. Ponce is also a major trading and distribution center and one of the busiest ports in the Caribbean, handling tobacco, coffee, rum, and sugar cane. Ponce's strong sense of community and inclusive, convivial attitude make it an excellent site for friendship concerts and exchange with local people.

FRIENDSHIP CONCERTS IN PUERTO RICO

Friendship concerts are a featured experience on our tours and are at the heart of our mission to foster cultural connections through music. We benefit from a vast international network in the choral world built over our thirty years of helping choirs share their music both in the United States and abroad. Your choir will share a venue and a concert program with a host choir from the region. Your singers will have the opportunity to hear their host choir's repertoire (often showcasing local musical styles) and to share your own repertoire in turn. Fellowship time is planned around the friendship concert, giving both choirs the chance to mingle and enjoy the camaraderie of creating cross-cultural connections through a shared love of music.

PROFESSOR RUBEN COLON-TARRATS

Born in New York City and raised in Ponce, Professor Cólon-Tarrats has authored more than 200 choral arrangements and numerous instrumental compositions. He is highly recognized both in Puerto Rico and abroad. He is the artistic director and conductor of the Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico Concert Choir and the conductor of the Ponce Municipal Band. He is also a founding member of Arts Nova, a chamber group specializing in Renaissance and Baroque vocal music, and he has been the artistic and musical director of the Ponce Polyphonic Chorale for nearly two decades. Professor Cólon-Tarrats has toured all over the world with his choral groups.