MCI JOURNEYS
This blog, MCI Journeys, is our way of keeping you informed of our latest music events, concert tours, and collaborations. We also offer a wealth of useful information for first-time tour organizers and experienced tour veterans alike.
The St. Luke’s Chancel Choir Tours Europe’s Off-Beaten Path
"The St. Luke’s UMC Chancel Choir’s recent trip to Italy, Slovenia, and Croatia was one of the top tours we’ve taken with MCI. Venice was historic and wonderful, and performing in Vivaldi’s church was indeed a great experience! However, the country of Slovenia was a...
Marching Towards Parade Perfection: Preparing Your Band for the Big Day
The fanfare, the cheers, the synchronized spectacle - millions tune in each year to witness the magic of the Memorial Day and Independence Day Parades. Yet, beneath the smiles and flawless formations lies a secret: the grueling dedication and tireless practice of...
From Browsing Brochures to Booking Big Performances:
We remember when planning a trip meant a friendly chat with your local travel agent. Flipping through brochures, sharing dreams, and voilà - your adventure unfolded! Fast forward, and today's travelers surf online, booking through websites and apps. A recent survey...
The Shippensburg University Concert Choir Tours the Baltics
The Baltics is an absolute MUST for any choir. This lesser-known trifecta of countries is absolute best value for your group's money, and you will not find another destination in Europe more appreciative of the transformative power of choral music. Every...
Planning a Successful Musical Ensemble Trip: A Simplified Guide
Planning a trip for your musical ensemble requires meticulous preparation. While the excitement of performing on the road is undeniable, the logistical hurdles can feel daunting. This guide aims to simplify the process by outlining the key administrative and travel...
Sing Your Soul Free in the Baltics
We know what you are probably thinking...Where? Europe's well-beaten tourist path often overlooks a trio of hidden gems nestled by the Baltic Sea: Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia. While their names may not roll off the tongue, these captivating countries offer an...
2025: A Year of Pilgrimage, Renewal, and Performance: Why Rome Awaits You
The year 2025 holds a special significance for Catholics around the world. It marks the next Jubilee Year, a special time designated by the Pope for spiritual reflection, forgiveness, and renewal. This year, the Jubilee will be themed "Pilgrimers in Hope," emphasizing...
A Symphony of the Past and Present
Italy, and particularly Rome, continues to reign as a top travel destination in 2024, and with good reason! The anticipation of the Jubilee celebrations in 2025 adds another layer of excitement, but even beyond that, the country's deep cultural history and captivating...
Essential Travel Tips for International Student Performance Groups
Many groups are eager to embark on the exciting journey of international travel, or are considering planning an overseas trip. To help make international travel with your student performance group a breeze, here are some essential tips to keep in mind: 1. Passports A...
Breaking Barriers, Building Legacies: 5 Black Composers in Classical Music
In honor of Black History Month, we are celebrating some of the most famous and influential Black composers in classical music history. Joseph Bologne, Chevalier de Saint-Georges (1745 – 1799) From a young age, Bologne's talent in music blossomed. He mastered the...
Global Ambitions? Start Local: Essential Domestic Travel for Your Ensemble
The thrill of an international tour with your ensemble is undeniable. It's an experience that shapes artists and memories that last a lifetime. It can also make your ensemble and community uneasy if they have never done it before. So If you are finding yourself having...
The Otterbein University Concert Choir Returns From the Baltics
For over 30 years, the invitational American Celebration of Music concert series has produced thousands of performances throughout Europe. Music Celebrations International’s clients benefit directly from over 30 years of experience, networking, and concert...
New Year, New Horizons: Why You Should See the World and How to Get Your Passport in 2024
The world is a vast and beautiful tapestry, woven with diverse cultures, breathtaking landscapes, and experiences that can enrich your life in ways you never imagined. While the United States offers its own unique charm,...
The Davis Baroque Ensemble Tours England, Belgium & France
"This tour to London, Belgium, and Paris was the best one yet! Local coach, driver, European tour managers, meals, and performances were all excellent. The highlights were the venues and concerts. Having a workshop with Rachel Podger in...
The Capriccio Columbus Choir Tours Austria, Slovenia & Croatia
Everyone had a great trip and were very complimentary toward MCI. Hotel choices and meals were all very nice -- we had a very diverse group (from 18-82 yrs of age) so pleasing everyone all the time would have been impossible. The combination of the...
The Northern California Children’s Chorus Tours Austria
Please allow me to gush over this amazing MCI trip. Our European Tour Manager is worth her weight in gold! Her attention to detail, her professionalism, her care for the singers, and her communication with the adults was nothing short of fantastic! All...
The MSU Choral Union Tours Austria
From my perspective, the tour was uniformly excellent. The venues were fantastic. The concert in Vienna was an excellent experience with 200 people in the audience. Our Tour Managers were excellent. They went WAY out of their way to help member of the tour and did...
The Bethel University Wind Symphony Returns From the Baltics
I am constantly impressed with the organizational aspects of Music Celebrations International (MCI). The concert venues are first rate and well attended. They are particularly good at the details that are too often overlooked. I am also pleasantly surprised at how...
The Emporia State University Choir Tours DC!
Overall, this was a wonderful trip! My students had such a fantastic time. Our guide made sure the tour had a great pace so that everyone felt like we were seeing a lot without it being frantic. A major highlight was our choral workshop with Dr. Jason Max Ferdinand at...
The WWU Symphony Orchestra Tours Spain
"Thank you from the bottom of my heart for all your work to make the WWU Symphony Orchestra Spain tour a success. Everything on the itinerary went off without a hitch, and the inevitable surprises that come with international travel were easily navigated. Lodging and...