Prelude 2025 Recap: A Weekend of Music, Inspiration, and Connection

This January, we welcomed music directors from around the country to London for Prelude 2025. For anybody who’s unfamiliar, Prelude is a professional development weekend that combines inspiration, connection, and behind-the-scenes experiences to help directors imagine new possibilities for their ensembles. The event blends cultural immersion with musical showcases and practical tools for planning and executing future performance tours.

For many attendees, Prelude isn’t just a chance to learn—it’s an opportunity to network, dream big, and rediscover the joy of bringing music to life. Here’s a look at what made this year’s event so memorable.

Setting the Stage for a One-of-a-kind Experience

The weekend began at the beautiful Royal Garden Hotel, where attendees settled in and prepared for an unforgettable experience ahead. They were welcomed by Paul Daley, a knowledgeable and experienced Encore Tour Manager, who set the tone for a well-organized and inspiring weekend ahead.

With world-class performances, special events, and meaningful connections ahead, the weekend promised to be nothing short of extraordinary.

Broadway Meets London

On the first evening, attendees gathered at the Met Lounge for a welcome reception featuring cocktails, canapés, and a special conversation led by Matt Wolf, London Theatre critic for the International New York Times. Wolf interviewed Matt Henry, one of the stars of The Devil Wears Prada, offering behind-the-scenes insights into the production and the West End’s dynamic theater scene.

Following the reception, the group took a short walk to the Dominion Theatre for the evening’s performance. With fresh perspectives from the discussion, attendees gained a deeper appreciation for the show and its place in London’s vibrant performing arts landscape.

“Hearing Matt Wolf’s perspective really set the stage—literally! It made the performance so much more meaningful.”

2025 Prelude Attendee

Exclusive Musical Showcases

One of the highlights of Prelude was experiencing exclusive live performances in some of London’s most iconic venues. The group attended a choral presentation at Holy Trinity Church led by tenor Robert Murray, whose artistry and passion encouraged attendees to reimagine possibilities for their ensembles.

The musical magic continued with a breathtaking performance by the London Philharmonic Orchestra at Royal Festival Hall, where the orchestra’s masterful musicianship and the venue’s stunning acoustics showcased the transformative power of live music.

Finally, a quartet of Royal College of Music students performed at Amaryllis Fleming Concert Hall, showcasing their exceptional talent and providing insight into how music education at the highest levels differs from the U.S., particularly in training, technique, and performance opportunities.

“Hearing the London Philharmonic was wonderful. It was so nice to hear the chorus and orchestra together.”

Encore Group Leader

Cultural and Culinary Experiences

Of course, Prelude wasn’t just about music—it was also a chance to experience London’s rich cultural and culinary traditions. A private tour of the Royal Albert Hall offered attendees a behind-the-scenes look at this legendary venue, exploring its rich history, connections to the royal family, and the world-class performances that have graced its stage.

The group also enjoyed a quintessentially British Afternoon Tea, featuring finger sandwiches, pastries, and a selection of tea and coffee. Adding to the experience, Edward Gardner—Principal Conductor of the London Philharmonic Orchestra and Music Director of The Norwegian Opera and Ballet—joined as a guest speaker, sharing his personal journey and offering a deeper understanding of London’s thriving music scene.

To cap off the cultural highlights, the group attended Evensong at Westminster Abbey. This traditional choral service combined stunning acoustics with the spiritual ambiance of the Abbey, leaving a lasting impression on everyone.

I wish I could go higher than excellent, [Evensong at Westminster Abbey] was a life changing experience.

2025 Prelude Attendee

A Grand Finale

The weekend concluded with a farewell dinner at Mosimann’s, a private dining club renowned for its intimate atmosphere and exceptional cuisine. Over a beautifully prepared meal, attendees reflected on the experiences they’d shared and the connections they’d made.

The dinner wasn’t just a celebration of the weekend—it was a moment to look ahead. Many attendees left the table feeling inspired to create more impactful experiences for their ensembles and energized by the possibilities of things to come.

“The farewell dinner was the perfect way to end the weekend. It’s clear how much thought went into making every moment memorable.”

Encore Group Leader

Looking Ahead

As the weekend came to a close, attendees left with a renewed sense of purpose, practical tools, and countless ideas to bring back to their ensembles. The connections made during Prelude—both with other directors and with the incredible performances and venues in London—sparked excitement for future tours and projects.

“Prelude is an experience of a lifetime! It is both educational and inspirational…I can’t say enough nice things about the hotel, the concerts, the meals and the staff. Everything was excellent.”

Encore Group Leader

Start Planning Your Next Adventure

If reading about Prelude has inspired you to think bigger for your ensemble, now is the perfect time to start planning your next performance tour. Best of all, Prelude is completely free for qualified group leaders, making it the ideal way to explore new ideas and possibilities for your ensemble.

Ready to make your dream trip a reality? Contact one of our experienced Tour Consultants to begin crafting a custom itinerary that fits your goals and vision. Let’s make your next musical journey unforgettable!