Welcome to Krakow

One of Europe’s most beautiful cities, Kraków offers spectacular venues including the Karłowicz Music School, the Kraków Philharmonic Hall, and magnificent Baroque churches. Choirs from around the world attend the Kraków International Choir Festival & Competition: Cracovia Cantans to perform adjudicated and non-adjudicated concerts in these venues, to listen to other choirs from across Europe and around the world, and to connect with fellow singers during meals, concerts, and receptions. Kraków’s incredibly rich culture is expressed in its countless churches adorned with Baroque and Gothic interiors, its vibrant Jewish town, and its world-famous Philharmonic orchestra. Kraków’s stunning city center is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.“What a wonderful festival. Our singers loved performing in the beautiful acoustically friendly cathedrals – but especially enjoyed the closing ceremony when we got to hear the diversity and excellence of the other international choirs as we performed for each other.” —Jan Pederson Schiff, 2019 attendeeReady to get started? Contact us today!

Day 1: Fly to Poland

Your Kraków International Choir Festival & Competition: Cracovia Cantans experience starts with an overnight flight from North America to Kraków, Poland.

Day 2: Welcome to Poland!

Your Music Contact International tour manager will greet your choir at the airport in Kraków. Together, travel by private motor coach into the city to check in to your hotel and refresh.Gather first impressions of Kraków on an orientation walk through its lively historic center. Poland’s former royal capital is an exciting place to be! Stunning architecture and more than a thousand years of history make Kraków visually unique, and its large university population and artistic community create a vibrant cultural scene.A dinner of traditional specialties celebrates your group’s arrival in Poland. Afterward, musical activities begin with a welcome concert performed by host ensembles for guests at Cracovia Cantans!

Day 3: Sightseeing & Singing | Concert & Exchanges

Following breakfast at your hotel, a guided tour of the Wawel Castle may be arranged upon request. Once a royal residence, the castle complex is the most important symbol of Polish pride and heritage in the world. Spend your morning on Wawel Hill immersed in castle legend and life before descending to Old Town.This afternoon, youth choirs have the unique opportunity to perform in a local school and experience a cultural exchange with Kraków students. Doing so is a wonderful way to make international friends and learn about student life in Poland!Adult choirs have time to explore Kraków, sample local food and drink, listen to street musicians, peruse stalls at the Kraków Cloth Hall, “the world’s oldest shopping center,” and take in the green serenity of Planty Park.Tonight, perform in a concert series at one of Krakow’s many beautiful venues, including the Church of St. Anne, the Piarist Church, or the Church of Saints Peter and Paul. Present selections from your own repertoire in turn with other ensembles during a memorable musical evening performing and enjoying choral music from across Europe and beyond.

Day 4: Sightseeing | Festival Adjudication & Concerts

International choral competitions take place this morning at the Karłowicz Music School. Participating choirs sing for a panel of adjudicators who rank and give feedback on their performances. This competitive portion of the festival is optional, and all ensembles, whether competing or not, may attend the adjudication and listen to various choirs compete.Enjoy a guided visit to the Wieliczka Salt Mine, an impressive array of underground tunnels and chambers created by mining salt over the past 600 years. Some of the mine’s chambers have been transformed into atmospheric chapels where you can give a brief recital nearly 1,400 feet underground!Tonight, choral concerts continue in magnificent venues around Kraków. Ensembles are encouraged to attend concerts given by other festival choirs!

Day 5: Sunday Worship Service | Closing Concert

Start your day singing at mass in a beautiful church where your choir is invited to worship alongside a Polish congregation. Poland is a Catholic country, and religion has sustained its people for centuries. Your gift of music will spread goodwill, and the churchgoers will be grateful for your visit.Later, gather at the Kraków Philharmonic Hall or the Krakow Opera for the festival closing ceremony. Each ensemble is invited to sing a representative song, followed by words of thanks and the presentation of festival awards. A farewell dinner follows the ceremony, bringing Cracovia Cantans to a joyful close!

Day 6: Depart Kraków or Extend Your Stay

Ask us about additional days of touring in Poland, and when it’s time to go, we’ll send your choir off with memories to last a lifetime!