2024 Summer Travel Review

As the summer draws to a close, we’re excited to look back on a season filled with extraordinary performance tours. This year, our ensembles showcased their talents on some of the world’s most iconic stages, supported by our dedicated tour managers and program consultants who ensured every detail was meticulously handled. The feedback from our group leaders has been overwhelmingly positive, highlighting the success of this summer’s tours. Here are some of the standout moments from the season:

Performance Highlights

This summer’s performances were nothing short of spectacular, with our ensembles gracing renowned venues that left both audiences and musicians in awe. In Ireland, our groups had the privilege of performing in several historic and acoustically rich venues. At Waterford City Hall, one group leader reflected that it was, “my favorite [performance] of the entire trip. Made some new musical friends.” Meanwhile, Christ Church Cathedral in Dublin offered an “incredible and historic venue to perform in. A blessing to do so,” as well as “excellent acoustics,” according to the performers. These venues not only provided exceptional settings for the concerts but also fostered deep connections with the local communities.

In Austria, our ensembles performed in some of the country’s most revered musical venues. The Mozarteum in Salzburg was described as “an extraordinary place to perform,” where the “acoustics and atmosphere made it an unforgettable experience for our choir.” Similarly, the MuTh Concert Hall in Vienna, known for its modern design and superior acoustics, was praised as “the best venue/concert of our tour.”

In Venice, Italy, one of our most frequently requested venues, Scuola Grande di San Rocco, did not disappoint. A group leader noted, “It was a stunning performance venue with excellent acoustics.” The venue’s historic grandeur and remarkable sound quality made it a standout experience for both performers and their captivated audience.

Tour Managers

Our tour managers are the linchpin of every successful tour, bringing expertise, dedication, and a personal touch that transforms each journey into an extraordinary experience. This season, their leadership and commitment ensured that every tour exceeded expectations.

Paul Daley was praised for his unique blend of humor and historical insight, with one group leader noting, “Paul is the best tour manager we have had, and he really had a great combination of wit and leadership skills combined with historical knowledge.” His ability to connect with the group and manage logistics seamlessly made him indispensable.

Espin Bowder was lauded for his unwavering commitment and personalized approach. A group leader shared, “Espin has always gone above and beyond. We have been fortunate enough to have Espin as our tour manager on 6 of our 8 tours.” This level of trust highlights Espin’s ability to build lasting relationships and tailor each tour to the group’s needs.

Sonia Beck was described as “the heart and soul of our tour” by another group leader, who added, “We could not have asked for a more competent, empathetic, knowledgeable, and charismatic guide.” As you can see, our tour managers don’t just handle logistics—they bring destinations to life with their storytelling and deep knowledge.

The Encore Team

Behind every successful performance tour is a dedicated team of professionals who ensure that every detail is flawlessly executed. At the forefront are our Program Consultants and Operations team members, whose meticulous planning and management align each tour with the unique needs and goals of every ensemble. Their commitment to excellence helps make every tour run smoothly and efficiently.

This season, Glenn Quirion and Robin Teague, two of our Program Consultants, were instrumental in the success of the tours. One group leader praised Glenn, saying he, “helped a great deal in the design and implementation of this trip. He was always available to advise and assist in the details and planning.” Similarly, Robin was lauded for her responsiveness and professionalism: “Robin was excellent. Quick responses to emails, issues with payments, reimbursements, and very responsive to our few parents who had flight issues.”

The smooth execution of these tours also relied heavily on our Operations team, with Frieda Krantz and Matt LaMondia playing crucial roles in managing logistics. One group leader noted, “Frieda did a great job getting us set up with our itinerary and experiences on the ground, especially when flights got moved around.” Matt was similarly praised for his diligence and responsiveness.

Accommodations

We prioritize offering top-quality accommodations in prime locations, and this commitment shone through this season as group leaders consistently reported high satisfaction with their hotel experiences. Ensuring our groups have comfortable, well-located accommodations is a key part of delivering an exceptional tour experience, allowing participants to fully enjoy their surroundings and rest well between performances.

One group leader raved about their stay at the Killarney Plaza Hotel and Spa, saying, “The Killarney Plaza Hotel and Spa was perfect. Everything from the rooms to the service exceeded our expectations.”

Another leader praised the ARCOTEL Castellani in Salzburg, stating, “It was an awesome hotel for the tour group. Especially the patio was a great place for the singers to build new friendships.”

Cultural Immersion Opportunities

Beyond the musical highlights, we prioritize offering unique and authentic cultural experiences that deepen our travelers’ connections to the destinations they visit. This season, these immersive activities balanced the performances, providing a richer overall journey.

In Scotland, students explored historic sites like Edinburgh Castle, where they delved into tales of battles and royalty. One group leader noted, “Exploring Edinburgh Castle was like stepping back in time—it brought history to life in a way I’ll never forget.”

In Tuscany, travelers participated in a hands-on cooking class, mastering traditional dishes like handmade pasta and tiramisu, gaining a true taste of Italian culture. In Seville, a flamenco workshop introduced participants to the rhythms and passion of this iconic dance, led by local experts who shared the art’s rich heritage.

One of our groups had the chance to participate in a flamenco workshop in Seville, Spain. Led by local dancers and musicians, the workshop introduced students to the passionate rhythms and movements of flamenco, a dance deeply rooted in Spanish culture. By learning the basic steps and understanding the history behind the dance, participants gained a firsthand experience of Spain’s vibrant artistic heritage.

Conclusion

As we look back on this season, we are filled with pride not only in the exceptional experiences we helped create but also in the positive impact felt by our travelers. The success of this summer’s tours is a true testament to the combined dedication of our team and the unwavering commitment of our group leaders and their talented ensembles. One group leader remarked, “The people on the trip who have been on past Encore trips all said this was by far the best one. Great job Encore!” Another leader shared, “As leader, I was able to enjoy the trip as well due to Encore’s preparation and experience.” We are grateful for the trust our group leaders placed in us, and we look forward to continuing to create unforgettable musical journeys together.

Are you ready to take your ensemble to new places? Contact us today to start planning your next incredible adventure with Encore Tours.