Taking Your Ensemble to the United Kingdom

The United Kingdom is one of the most popular destinations for first-time group leaders—and it’s easy to see why. With its rich history, iconic cultural landmarks, and the ease of traveling to an English-speaking country, the UK offers an accessible and indelible experience for ensembles. Whether your group dreams of performing in grand cathedrals, exploring world-famous landmarks, or immersing themselves in centuries of musical tradition, a tour to the UK promises memories that will last a lifetime.

Our tours primarily focus on England and Scotland, where there’s no shortage of incredible performance venues and unique cultural opportunities. Imagine your ensemble performing in historic spaces like St. Paul’s Cathedral in London or Edinburgh Castle in Scotland. Beyond the stage, these destinations offer unparalleled sightseeing opportunities—from the bustling streets of London to the medieval charm of Edinburgh’s Royal Mile. For group leaders planning their first performance tour, the UK strikes the perfect balance of comfort, culture, and excitement.

Featured Cities and Premier Venues

England offers an incredible variety of performance venues and cultural experiences, making it a centerpiece of any UK tour. London, with its rich history and vibrant arts scene, is home to iconic spaces such as St. Paul’s Cathedral, renowned for its breathtaking architecture and unmatched acoustics. For a more intimate performance, Southwark Cathedral offers a historic and atmospheric setting, while the charming St. Saviour’s Church provides a personal and memorable venue for smaller ensembles. Beyond the music, London’s landmarks, including Buckingham Palace, the Tower of London, and the West End theater district, provide endless opportunities for exploration and inspiration.

In Bath, the historic charm of this Georgian city adds elegance to every visit. From the grandeur of its Roman baths to its picturesque streets, Bath immerses visitors in a timeless atmosphere. The majestic Bath Abbey serves as an exceptional performance venue, while the city itself invites ensembles to step back in time and connect with its storied past.

For groups seeking a modern yet meaningful performance setting, Coventry Cathedral stands as a striking symbol of resilience and offers a unique stage for musical expression. The Mayfair Grosvenor Chapel in London and St. Helen Church in York further expand the possibilities, offering intimate and historically rich venues for inspiring performances.

Scotland offers a dramatic and inspiring contrast to England’s refined elegance. In Edinburgh, your ensemble can take the stage in awe-inspiring locations like St. Giles’ Cathedral, with its remarkable acoustics, or the iconic Edinburgh Castle, perched high above the city and offering a performance setting steeped in history. When not performing, the Royal Mile and medieval Old Town invite exploration, while Arthur’s Seat provides breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside, making Edinburgh a complete cultural experience.

Completing the journey, Glasgow is a modern and energetic city with deep cultural roots. Its vibrant music scene and rich heritage make it a perfect complement to any UK itinerary, while Glasgow Cathedral, a Gothic treasure, offers an impressive space for both choral and instrumental groups. Scotland’s blend of tradition, history, and natural beauty ensures your ensemble will leave inspired and enriched.

This balance of England’s cultural refinement and Scotland’s rugged charm creates the perfect setting for a transformative performance tour, showcasing the best of what the United Kingdom has to offer.

Customized Itineraries for Your Ensemble

Every ensemble is unique, and your tour should reflect that. Whether you’re planning a week in London or a multi-city tour across England and Scotland, our team works with you to create an itinerary tailored to your group’s needs. Imagine combining breathtaking performances with cultural workshops, sightseeing adventures, and even exchanges with local choirs or orchestras. The United Kingdom’s blend of history, music, and culture offers endless opportunities to inspire your ensemble.

For a more dynamic adventure, why not extend your tour to include nearby destinations like Ireland or France? These additions can create even more unforgettable memories for your ensemble. Looking for inspiration? Explore some of our sample itineraries for the UK:

London Through the Lens of Prelude

London was the host city for Prelude 2024, and we’re thrilled to return in January for Prelude 2025. For those unfamiliar, Prelude is Encore’s exclusive professional development weekend for music directors, offered complimentary to qualifying group leaders and a guest. This event highlights the type of immersive and enriching experiences we can design for your ensemble.

Last year’s Prelude featured extraordinary moments, including a private performance at Holy Trinity Church by renowned tenor Robert Murray, an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of the Royal Opera House, and a once-in-a-lifetime recording session at Abbey Road Studios. Attendees also experienced reserved seating for Evensong at St. Paul’s Cathedral and a private, early-morning tour of Kensington Palace before it opened to the public. With luxurious accommodations at the Royal Garden Hotel and plenty of opportunities for meaningful connections, Prelude 2024 perfectly showcased the unique magic of performing and exploring in the UK.

Start Planning Your UK Tour Today

The United Kingdom is calling—are you ready to answer? From world-class venues to iconic landmarks, a performance tour to the UK offers your ensemble the chance to shine in ways you’ve only dreamed of. We’ll handle all the logistics, from arranging breathtaking venues to booking centrally located hotels, so you can focus on what matters most: creating music and memories with your group.

Ready to start planning? Contact us to speak with one of our Tour Consultants, and let’s begin crafting your perfect UK adventure.