Sussex County Youth Orchestra in Venice
Concerts were all that we have come to expect from MCI. Well promoted, good venues and good turnout of enthusiastic people. By the way, [the concert at the Mozarthaus in] St Gilgen might even be more dazzling than [the concert at the Europahaus in] Mayrhofen. The concerts were the main reason for switching to MCI in the beginning, and you did not disappoint. Hats off to Helmut Wondra and to Dan Schwartz for coordinating. Sightseeing was great and the decision to do away with most of the city guides was the correct one, as it gave more freedom to individuals to do personal sightseeing. I’m sure each person has their own “personal” highlight but for me “1st comes the music” and to share what we do well with people around the world…priceless! And since we were in the Alps for much of the tour, what’s not to like. Everyone liked the opera [in Verona] and the day in Venice was great also.
Food as served in the hotels was wonderful but the Hotel Aqua [in Abano Terme] was superb! The Hotel Ramada [in Engelberg] was wonderful with the rooms, and the food was good/average. In general, the food as we have come to expect from MCI was very good. The high point was the breakfast/dinner at the Aqua. These tours are getting more and more expensive and if we ever decide not to continue it will be because the people can’t afford what it takes to do it right. That said, we appreciate MCI’s ability to negotiate with us and work together to make it affordable. You may certainly use us as references at any time. The “team” (Shari, Dan, and Bill) did a great job. The tour managers (Julia and Andy) were the best we have ever had on any tour. They worked well together and with us and the participants. I can’t say enough about them. We would definitely request them again on subsequent tours. The best!!! We also had the best drivers we have ever had. (Rainer and Peter.) THANKS FOR A GREAT TOUR !!!
Dawn & Jerry Tedesco, Directors Sussex County Youth Orchestra/New Jersey Ambassadors of Music Andover, New Jersey