Test your Spanish skills: Press release for the upcoming YPAS Incantato highlight concert in Oviedo

LA ESCUELA INTERNACIONAL DE MÚSICA DE LA FUNDACIÓN PRÍNCIPE DE ASTURIAS presenta:

EL YOUTH PERFORMING ARTS SCHOOL (YPAS)

CHOIR DE KENTUCKY OFRECERÁ UN CONCIERTO JUNTO AL JOVEN CORO, INVITADO POR LA ESCUELA INTERNACIONAL DE MÚSICA DE LA FUNDACIÓN PRÍNCIPE DE ASTURIAS

El próximo domingo, 29 de marzo, en la Sala de Cámara del Auditorio Príncipe Felipe, a las 20,00 horas

El Youth Performing Arts School Choir (Coro de la Escuela Juvenil de Artes Escénicas) de Louisville, Kentucky, ofrecerá un concierto junto al Joven Coro de la Fundación Príncipe de Asturias el próximo domingo, 29 de marzo, a las 20,00 horas, en la Sala de Cámara del Auditorio Príncipe Felipe de Oviedo. El Coro estadounidense actuará dentro del programa de actividades que la Escuela Internacional de Música de la Fundación realiza a largo del año.

La primera parte del concierto, a cargo del Joven Coro, incluirá obras del Cancionero de Upsala, así como títulos de Guerrero, Pachelbel y Vila, además de clásicos del pop del siglo XX. A continuación, el YPAS Choir interpretará espirituales y canciones gospel, de autores como Jack Halloran, Sheldon Curry o John Bennett, entre otros.

Este concierto es de entrada libre.

El Coro de la Escuela Juvenil de Artes Escénicas (YPAS, en sus siglas en inglés) abarca una amplia variedad de obras musicales, desde motetes renacentistas, cantatas barrocas, misas clásicas a obras maestras corales y orquestales del siglo XX. Incantato Tours de Charlotte, North Carolina (USA) presenta la tournee 2009.

Ha actuado además de en inauguraciones presidenciales, anuncios de televisión y acompañando a artistas de fama mundial en la catedral de Nôtre Dame de París, en St. James Episcopal de Londres, la Catedral de Rochester, la de San Marcos de Venecia, las iglesias de Santa María la Mayor, Santa Susana y Americana de Roma, la Haydnsaal en Esterase y otros prestigiosos escenarios de Europa. Cada primavera, trabaja con The Louisville Chorus interpretando piezas como los réquiems de Duruflé, Mozart y Brahms, Dona Nobis Pacem y Serenade to Music de Vaughan Williams.

La mayoría de los estudiantes de la Escuela Juvenil de Artes Escénicas continúan su formación en los principales centros musicales del país, con becas de rendimiento académico completas o parciales. Los conjuntos musicales de la Escuela han recibido numerosas críticas favorables y pueden verse en concierto durante todo el año en diferentes escenarios de Louisville.

S. Timothy Glasscock es director de Estudios Vocales y profesor de Desarrollo Vocal, Repertorio Coral, Coro de DuPont Manual, Coro de Concierto y Coro de Cámara de la Escuela Juvenil de Artes Escénicas (YPAS). También es director de Producciones Musicales y conocido en el mundo de las artes en Estados Unidos por su labor como director artístico de Louisville Chorus, la agencia artística más próspera del sureste de los Estados Unidos. Su experiencia es muy amplia y variada. Licenciado en Música por la Universidad de Louisville, es además doctor en Artes Musicales por la Universidad de Kentucky. Es miembro del “Conductor's Guiad” (Asociación Profesional de Directores de Orquesta), de la Asociación Americana de Directores Corales (ACDA), del Kentucky Music Educator’s National Conference, del Chorus America, del College Music Society y de la Asociación Nacional de Músicos Pastorales (NPM), entre otras organizaciones.

El Joven Coro de la Fundación Príncipe de Asturias, fundado en 1988 y en la actualidad formado por jóvenes de entre 15 y 21 años de edad, es una de las tres formaciones –Adultos, Joven e Infantil– que integran el Área Musical de la Fundación Príncipe de Asturias. Dirigido por José Ángel Émbil, el Joven Coro ha actuado en Asturias en numerosas ocasiones. En 1990 realizó una exitosa gira por Alemania y en 1993 participó en Clermont-Ferrand (Francia) en el Festival Internacional de Coros Juveniles. Ese mismo año el Joven Coro ofreció un concierto en el XI Ciclo de Música Coral celebrado en la ciudad de Logroño. En el año 2000 actuó en Yunquera de Henares y en la Universidad de Alcalá, así como en el Auditorio de Caja Álava, en Vitoria. En 2001 logró el II Premio en el Festival Infantil y Juvenil de Habaneras celebrado en Torrevieja. En 2005 ofreció un concierto en el Palacio Real de El Pardo que fue presidido por SS.AA.RR. los Príncipes de Asturias, coincidiendo con la reunión anual del Patronato de esta Fundación. En diciembre de ese mismo año el Joven Coro actuó en la capilla del Palacio Real de Madrid en el tradicional concierto de Navidad que Patrimonio Nacional ofrece a su personal y que estuvo presidido por S.A.R. el Príncipe de Asturias.

Ha colaborado con algunas jóvenes orquestas como las de los conservatorios de Oviedo y Avilés y la orquesta de cámara “Arché”, así como con el quinteto de viento-madera “Alte Musik”. Ha estrenado obras especialmente compuestas para él por compositores como Alfonso Sánchez o Luis Vázquez del Fresno. Como escuela de formación de nuevas voces para la música coral, es una auténtica “cantera” para el Coro de Adultos, que ya ha alcanzado un indudable prestigio nacional e internacional. El Joven Coro cuenta con un amplio repertorio, que abarca desde la música antigua a la contemporánea y desde la religiosa a la popular. Sus jóvenes integrantes ensayan durante más de cinco horas semanales y, además, reciben clases de lenguaje musical y técnica vocal impartidas por los profesores de los coros de la Fundación.

La Escuela Internacional de Música de la Fundación Príncipe de Asturias es la consolidación de un ambicioso proyecto iniciado en 1990. El traslado a Oviedo de la prestigiosa Orquesta de Cámara Los Virtuosos de Moscú y de seis destacados profesores permitió el desarrollo de una idea que habría de cambiar sustancialmente la vida artístico-musical de la región y que sentaría las bases de una enseñanza de calidad no sólo para los jóvenes asturianos con talento musical, sino también para aquellos llegados de cualquier punto de España y de otros países.

Desde entonces, el respaldo de la Fundación Príncipe de Asturias a la actividad musical docente y orquestal del Principado se intensifica con el apoyo a numerosas iniciativas pedagógicas, algunas de ellas gestadas directamente por miembros del equipo de profesores de Los Virtuosos.

Tras años de colaboración y auspicio, en 2005, con motivo de la celebración del XXV Aniversario de los Premios Príncipe de Asturias, la Fundación asumió íntegra y definitivamente la gestión y coordinación de la Escuela Internacional de Música, bajo la dirección artística del maestro Yuri Nasushkin.

Las clases son impartidas por un prestigioso profesorado internacional y la Escuela cuenta con la participación, como profesores invitados, de algunos de los más destacados músicos del mundo, entre los que se encuentran figuras galardonadas de los galardonados con los Premios Príncipe de Asturias, lo que la convierte en una Escuela diferente al resto de las existentes en España.

A través de cursos de verano, clases magistrales, así como ciclos de conferencias y seminarios, la Escuela apuesta por convertir al Principado en un referente nacional e internacional en la enseñanza musical, acercando a Asturias a jóvenes talentos y a los mejores especialistas músico-instrumentales.

YPAS Group A & B arrived safely in Spain

Great news. After a smooth bus ride to Cincinnati and a quite bumpy connection via Atlanta (compliments of Delta airlines), the first flight group with Dr. Glasscock, mostly seniors and their families arrived in Madrid and was already on the bus with head tour manager Katia when I checked in with them just minutes ago. An orientation tour is next on their itinerary, followed by check-in to the hotel. Group B had a longer than expected delay in JFK (weather-issues), but they too made in almost in time and got out of baggage claim and customs in a record 30 minutes. The YPAS 2009 Performance Tour to Spain & Portugal is off to a good start. "They are all here, a little tired, but happy", Katia said on her cell phone. And Stefania who takes care of the second bus is already in love with the travelers from Louisville, KY: "Everyone is soooo nice, oh I look forward to this journey with YPAS."

Safe travels and welcome to Spain on Friday

Dear Members of the YPAS Touring Concert Choir Tour, we wish you safe travels and your tour managers Katia and Stefania look forward to meeting you in Madrid on Friday morning.
Happy flying!

Looking mighty good: The YPAS Touring Concert Choir

These singers from the Youth Performing Arts School in Louisville, KY are touring Spain and Portugal on their 2009 Performance Tour with Incantato from March 26 until April 4, 2009. The YPAS Touring Concert Choir is directed by Dr. S. Timothy Glasscock.

Your departure is almost here!

Hello Travelers!

You're leaving in almost exactly 48 hours! I looked up how the weather is going to treat you, and it looks like it's going to be around the lower 70's and upper 50's!! It ranges so much because you will be all over the country. So, go ahead and bring a variety of clothes that will work in all weather conditions. Don't forget your 3 essentials; jacket, your camera and don't forget your PASSPORT! =)

Have a blast and I look forward to hearing about your adventures!
--Ember

Lots to see and do in Madrid

Why don't you click on the official website for Madrid here and check out what's is happening while you are in town.

Are you ready for Spain and Portugal?

Dear Singers, Friend and Family of the YPAS Concert Touring Choir, your departure date is approaching fast and our team in Spain is surely looking forward to meeting you.
Below are a few pictures of your tour managers and as you can tell, they are not the classic resume shots, but photos taking on the journey, e.g Stefania dancing with Dr. McCarthy or Katia announcing the Canticum Novum Concert. Remember to tell all your friends at home about the blog too as the tour reporters Sara, Hannah and Reece will be posting pictures, videos and stories while you are abroad and it is a fun way to stay in touch.
Personally, I look very much forward to seeing those of you who I had the pleasure of meeting during my visit to Louisville again and meet all fo you that I have not yet had a chance to say hello to. Muchas gracias from all of us at Incantato Tours, with warm regards, Sandra

Say Hola to Katia

as she introduces Canticum Novum at their finale concert in Sevilla

Meet Stefania

as she dances the night away with Dr. McCarthy on the CSULB Italy Tour

We have a new tour reporter on board!

Please welcome Dylan Gerlach to the reporter team and read what he has to say about the upcoming YPAS Performance Tour!

As the one month meeting arrived, I was still dreading the wait that was before me. As it is now only one mere week to liftoff, my feelings have become ecstatic. With all of the pressure of school, Spain and Portugal will be an incredible time to get out of our comfort zones and to "let off steam." Being a senior, this is my final spring break in high school and I could not think of a better way to spend it. As I tell people of my spring break plans, I hear about how lucky I am to experience such beautiful countries. As it is in the Lenten season, these two countries will be preparing for Holy Week and we will be allowed to experience something truly spectacular. This trip will for sure be something I will remember the rest of my life and will be able to be tell stories to everyone I know, including sharing with my Spanish class about all the things I will soon discover.

YPAS Concert Tour reporters tell why they are excited about the tour

Hello from Ember at Incantato Tours! I bet you all are starting to feel excited about your upcoming performance tour. It's amazing how you can do all this planning for so long and then all of the sudden...IT'S HERE! As you know, we awarded a scholarship for tour reporters and three of your fellow singers applied for it. On this blog, they will summarize highlights of the tour, and share the reality of the travel experiences and YPAS Touring Concert Choir performances.
The first assignment was to describe why they look forward the trip. They did such a wonderful job, I hope that after you read these that they will get your engines even more revved up about getting ready to get on that plane!

Let's start with Reece Johns: Spring break is approaching fast and every day I find myself thinking about Spain and Portugal. My mind keeps wandering to images of narrow cobblestone streets, small street-side cafés, and beautiful architecture looming over me. The trip is now only a month away and I want it to start tomorrow. I can imagine myself in Lisbon, leaning against a rail that overlooks the sapphire Atlantic Ocean. I am excited to meet the people and to see how their culture relates to ours. I want to see the similarities and differences between us all and possibly borrow a few of their unique customs. A fellow singer said, “I just can’t wait until we get to sing. We have been working so hard and I want to hear how we sound.” This trip may be the only chance I ever have to go to Europe and I want to be able to see everything, taste everything, and experience all the surroundings and cultures these people have to offer.

Next comes: My name is Hannah Landgrave and I am writing to let you know why I am looking forward to traveling with YPAS to Spain and Portugal. As a freshman vocal major this is a once in a life time experience for me. Traveling with YPAS and singing for the audiences and congregations in the beautiful cathedrals throughout Spain and Portugal will be unforgettable. I am looking forward to singing with the youth choir from Spain and meeting the teenagers in the choir. Learning about their culture and the differences between living in America and Spain will be very interesting. I was talking to Victoria Bickett a senior vocal major about our trip and she told me. "This is a great way to bond with the choir members at YPAS". I know this will be a great trip.

Last not least, let's hear from Sara Gossman: To travel overseas is the opportunity of a lifetime, especially with a choir I have been singing with since freshman year. I've never been to a foreign country, and to do it with one of my favorite teachers and lots of classmates will make this trip even more worthwhile. Jackie Wagner, another girl going on the trip said, “I'm excited because it will be an amazing experience for many people (myself included) who might not get to travel out of the country otherwise. Also, many of the kids have been studying Spanish for multiple years and the ability to utilize this knowledge will just be amazing.” It is going to be a life changing experience, like traveling through uncharted waters. This opportunity will be fascinating and invigorating. I'm looking forward to all the beautiful sights, and I know I will cherish the memories from this journey for a lifetime.

The YPAS Incantato Tour Concert Postcard

Thanks again for participating in the poll about the colors we should use for the YPAS Concert Choir Tour Poster. The majority opted for various shades of Ocean Blues and here is what our wonderful designer created just for your choir inspired by the concert theme Amor Eterno - an original piece of art. ENJOY - and please feel free to comment on the blog about this and other posts.

Professional concert organisation and marketing are essential to the success of a performance tour. The Incantato Concert Management Team takes great pride in introducing your choir in the right light to potential audiences in Spain and Portugal. The above featured image is the front of the Performance Tour Card which is very similar to the posters and other marketing materials with design in the US and print locally as well as abroad. The cards and posters will be distributed by our overseas' staff and souvenir cards are in the mail to you at home.

Beautiful Cathedrals, churches and a special Chamber Music Hall - The YPAS Concert Venues

YPAS singers get ready for your concerts in Spain and Portugal. You will be presenting two very special formal concerts, sing in three masses at stunningly beautiful and last but not least famous cathedrals, and you will also have some informal singing opportunities.
The "informal singing opportunities" means that you have been given the option to go and see the cathedral and we got permission for YPAS to sing a few pieces from your repertoire. While it would be nice just to walk into those amazing venues and just sing, the reality is that even for an informal concert, permission has to be asked and granted, but with your reputation and repertoire, our concert manager's job was quite easy. And don't worry, your tour manager will keep you informed as to when you need to have your gear and music with you. This may sound like a lot of work on your trip, but as a singer let me tell you that each event will bring you closer and will truly open your heart to the music and history! Each time you sing your repertoire it will change and tell you something new, especially dependent on your new environment and acoustics! Get ready for the exciting news!

Your very first performance will be a recital in Segovia at San Juan de los Caballeros Church at 7 pm. on Saturday, March 28, 2009 followed by a welcome dinner. The next day, the YPAS Touring Concert Choir will present another recital at the beautiful León Cathedral at 12:30 pm.

Sunday, March 29, will also be the day for your very first of two highlight concerts - in the Chamber Music Hall of the Oficina Municipal de Congresos of Oviedo. The YPAS Choir will be joined with singers from the Youth Choir of the Prince of Asturias Foundation. You can check out the group here And maybe you will even be singing a song or two together, wouldn't that be fun? Here is a first PR release for the performance too.

Tuesday, March 31st: Evening Mass in the Santiago Cathedral.
This was the place, Dr. Glasscock really wanted you to sing in, and we are thrilled to let you know that YPAS is going to be the featured guest choir for the evening High Mass on March 31, 2009. Now a little something about this amazing venue: The Santiago Cathedral in located in Galicia, Spain. This cathedral is reported to be the burial site of Saint James, one of the apostles of Jesus Christ. During 1070 while Alfonso VI of Castile was in power this great cathedral sprang into life. Due to the lapses in construction the cathedral wasn’t completed until 1122. Although during the sixteenth and eighteenth centuries many expansions and embellishments were made.

Thursday, April 2nd: Morning Mass in the Lisbon Cathedral. The Lisbon Cathedral is the oldest church in the city. Contruction begain in 1147 and hosted as a Mosque. When the city was captured early in the 12th century by Christian crusaders (led by Portugal's first kind, Afonso Henriques), the structer was rebuit and it became the first church in Lisbon. It has suffered through several earthquakes and has gone through renovations, so now it displays many different architectural styles within its walls. Click here for more information and pictures.

April 2nd: Finale Concert in Basilica of Estrela. Click here for Wikipedia's entry on that beautiful church.

And last not least, on April 3 at 6 pm, YPAS will be the featured guest choir for a very special High Mass at the Catedral La Almudena in Madrid

The Almudena Cathedral serves as one of Madrid’s fabulous and affordable tourist sites. Saint Maria de la Almudena was the one of Madrid patron saints and the source of the cathedral’s name. The cathedral has a strong and passionate history, starting around the late 18^th century. Although the cathedral had an early beginning it wasn’t completed until 1993. Unlike many other cathedrals in Madrid or Toledo (Spain’s former capital) the Almudena Cathedral is famous for its modern beauty and grand size. The Cathedral is 104m long and 76m wide (113 yards long and 83 yards wide)!

Thanks for a great conference call

Dear YPAS Travelers, Family and Friends,
it was great talking to you all this evening and please do not hesitate to contact us via email to info@incantatotours. com with questions you may have and we will be happy to answer them individually or if of interest to all, make them a topic on this blog.
Warmest, Sandra for all of us at Incantato Tours

Times

I surely hope you all are better at math than I (Sandra) am. Not only will you be dealing with the time difference between your home time in the US and Europe, but also experience GMT for Spain which puts you six hours ahead of Louisville (EST) and WET for Portugal which is five hours ahead. In addition, you will be part of the big switch - Day Light Savings Time DSV as the clocks in Spain & Portugal are switched back an hour on March 29, 2009. Before I confuse you even more, check out the following site for Spain and Portugal. However, the best advise I can give you, is just to forget trying to figure out what time it is back home while you are abroad. Unless you want to call someone in the US, all that matters is what time it is where you are.

A special request from the Spanish Choir to the YPAS singers: Please learn Como La Flor

The singers of the Joven Coro de la Fundación Príncipe de Asturias are very very excited to meet the YPAS Touring Concert Choir. Their director, Maestro José Angel Embil (pictured on the right) just told our Incantato Concert Managers how much they are all looking forward to singing together. His group is currently rehearsing "A Song of Eternal Love" by Richard Burchard and they are asking you now to also learn a song that is very popular in their region: Como La Flor. Dr. Glasscock will share the score with you all soon.
For more information on this wonderful Spanish Youth Choir, click here. And this link takes you to the director's biography.
Here is a clip of the adult choir Coro de la Fundacion Principe de Asturias performing with orchestra for the Royal Family. And you may also enjoy this one.

Daily Itinerary - Here are some of the Highlights

There is lots to see to do and last not least many wonderful places to sing in - here are the day to day highlights of the 2009 YPAS Performance Tour to Spain & Portugal. A detailed itinerary with times will be made available to all of the participants as well as the families of the singers before departure.

March 26 - Overnight flight to Europe: Sit back, relax, talk, eat etc - enjoy the ride on Delta Airlines to arrive in Spain the morning.
March 27 - Arrival in Madrid: Meet your Incantato tour managers Katia and Stefania, your first set of drivers and coaches and then explore the capital city of Spain first on the bus, then on foot. After check-in to your tour hotel (this information has been emailed to all of you and is available again upon request, but will not be displayed on the blog), meet your local guides a panoramic tour. It will give you an overview of Madrid's many highlights: Plaza de España (Monument of Cervantes and Don Quijote), Royal Palace, Almudena Cathedral - where the choir is singing High Mass on April 3, Calle Mayor and Plaza Mayor (Old Madrid), Puerta del Sol, you will see the Prado,Thyssen and Reina Sofia Museums (from the outside), Atocha Railway Station, Retiro Park, Bullring Ventas, Paseo de la Castellana (Modern Business Madrid), Plaza de Cibeles
Gran Via (Main street). There will be photo stops, short walks and the opportunity to stay downtown for exploring in your chaperone groups. Return to your hotel for dinner and your first overnight abroad.
March 28 - Head to charming Segovia: The city tour and a visit to the Alcazar are followed by free time and a special welcome dinner (we wanted you to be awake and well rested to really enjoy it, thus the timing for today instead of yesterday).
March 29 - Via Leon to Oviedo: Two singing opportunities await you today - first a recital at the magnificent Cathedral de Leon, than your first formal concert joined by singers from the Joven Coro in Oviedo. After this special performance which is already advertised on local radio and TV, the YPAS group will eat dinner together with the Spanish singers, their teachers and some family members - a wonderful opportunity to get to know each other better.
March 30 - Now it is time to explore beautiful Oviedo, one of the many gems Spain has to offer. Here are some of the highlights of the city tour with local guides: Orientation drive of the city center, followed by a visit to the market of Oviedo (El Fontán) and the Old Quarter (Town hall, medieval streets, the old "Camino de Santiago" crossing Oviedo etc), and a tour of the Cathedral of Oviedo (El Salvador). You will continue North via the beach town of Luarca - and some time to take a dip in the Med, to the pilgrimage town of Santiago di Compostela. All in all, a very relaxing day with lots of beautiful countryside to take in.
March 31 - Get to know Santiago di Compostela: In the morning, you'll take a guided city tour of Santiago's highlights with local guides: The panoramic driving tour will show the city and monuments located outside the center; followed by a walking tour around the main squares, streets and monuments of Santiago, including an in-depth visit of the Cathedral with a stop at the tomb of Saint James. The YPAS Touring Concert Chois is the featured guest performer for this evening's High Mass and there may well be 500, 1000 or even more people in the cathedral when you sing.
April 1 - Time to say good-bye to Spain, for two days: Off to Portugal you are, with your first stop being Oporto. A guided city tour of Oporto's highlights: Visit the Clérigos Tower, the ancient prison, in the city center see the Main place, Praça da Liberdade, passing along the railwaystation S.Bento, with the very interesting tiles covering the walls, and take a look at the Cathedral of Porto. Walk down to the Ribeira river, along the medieval streets and reach the old harbour. Optional visit to a Port Wine Cellar Continue on the bus to the pedestrian street Santa Catarina, to visit the market Bolhão and the most famous Café of Oporto: the Majestic. The choir has the opportunity to present a recital at Lapa Church, then you'll continue to Lisbon for dinner and overnight.
April 2 - Lisbon in-depth: Explore the capital city of Portugal with your local guides through a panoramic drive, then continue to Belém and visit the Monastery of Jerónimos, the Tower of Belém and Monument of the Discoveries. The bus tour is followed by a walking tour of to the old city quarters ending at the Cathedral where YPAS is the featured guest choir for High Mass. After plenty of free time, prepare for your second formal concert at the Estrela Basilica.
April 3 - Back to Spain for one more special performance and a very fun farewell: Relax as you ride back to Madrid today for another invitation to sing High Mass in an amazing venue, the beautiful Almudena Cathedral. Then it is party-time at a traditional Flamenco restaurant. Check out the following clips we found on Youtube: Flamenco 1, Flamenco 2. Better bring your dancing shoes!!!
April 4 - Will be the day to say good-bye to Europe as you return home to Louisville.

Travel Tips - Cell phones in Europe

First of all, please ask yourself DO I REALLY REALLY NEED MY CELL PHONE while traveling through Spain & Portugal. And some of the parents and guests will right away say yes as they need it to stay in touch with work, but dear singers and younguns on the tour, please give this question some serious thought and hopefully you come to the conclusion that you do not need your phones while traveling with friends and family. Taking your cell phone abroad is very costly and for some of you with non-GSM phones or a provider that does not offer international services abroad, you may even have to buy a new phone and in our opinion that is not really worth it. You can buy local phone cards in Spain and Portugal for a fraction of the per minute cost when using your US cell abroad and contact your loved ones this way too. You can also send emails home from internet cafes and sometimes even the hotels. Don't forget that Incantato together with the YPAS Tour Reporters maintains a tour blog to update all your friends and families about your tour. Last not least, there is SKYPE and other free or very low cost call services over the internet that allow you to keep in touch on a budget.
In addition, our Incantato Tour Manager Team carries cell phones and you will be given your tour managers' numbers so that you have them just in case. In addition, Incantato Tours provides two Spanish cell phones for your chaperones - one per coach. We also provide your family staying behind with a US number other than the office phone where an Incantato team member can be reached in case of an emergency and this person knows how to get in touch with the group at all times too.
Here are some helpful websites for those of you that need additional information on cell phone use abroad:
Ehow
Cellhire
Ezine

Travel Tips - Baggage allowance

Dear Travelers, please find below a very detailed information on the baggage allowance for your upcoming flight with Delta. There is no charge for checked bags on international flights as long as your suitcase is within the weight limit. Remember, you are only allowed ONE checked suitcase per person coming on your Incantato Tour plus ONE small/normal size carry-on as luggage capacity on the bus is limited. On the way home, you may check in two pieces if necessary (for those shoppers among you), but if we cannot fit them on the coach to the airport, you may have to put access luggage in a taxi cab and pay for that expense yourself.
Now, read carefully:

You can carry on one bag plus one personal item per passenger as long as it:

Weighs less than 40 pounds (18 kg).

· Does not exceed 45 inches when you total length plus width plus height.

· Fits easily into our SizeWise® unit (approximately 22"x14"x9").

· Fits in an overhead bin or underneath the seat in front of you.

Here are some examples of personal items:

· Male or female purse

· Briefcase

· Laptop computer (All laptop/computers must be carried aboard and cannot be checked. For information about Delta's battery-saving system for laptops, visit Connectivity)

· Camera case

· Diaper bag

· Items of a similar or smaller size to those listed above, such as Portable Electronic Devices.

These additional items are okay to carry on and don't count towards your allowance:

· Food items for immediate consumption

· Assistive devices such as wheelchairs or crutches, provided passenger is dependent on them

· One box or bag of duty free merchandise

· A coat or jacket

· An umbrella

· One item of reading material

There may be more limits to carry-on baggage based on available space and additional restrictions on certain flights.

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Checked Baggage

You can check your BAG free of charge.

The bag must:

· Weigh 50 pounds (22.5 kg) or less.

· Not exceed 62 inches when you total length plus width plus height.

If you have a bag that exceeds these allowances, see Excess Baggage.

Exceptions:

Some packages, sporting goods, musical instruments, and fragile or bulky items may require special handling. For more information on special items, see Special Baggage.

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General Conditions of Acceptance

Delta will accept your baggage for transportation, subject to the following conditions:

· All baggage is subject to search.

· We reserve the right to refuse baggage whose size, weight, character, or condition is unsuitable for transportation on the particular aircraft which is to transport it or which cannot be accommodated without harming or annoying passengers.

· Baggage check-in requirements, which vary by airport, must be met. Please review Airport Check-in Requirements for details.

· Baggage must be checked in at a Delta designated city or airport office.

· Your name must be on your luggage.

· Baggage will not be checked to a destination that is not on a passenger's itinerary.

YPAS Concert Choir Repertoire for Spain & Portugal

Adoramus te Gasparini
Cantate Domino Pitoni
Eli eli Deak-bardos
Set Me as a Seal Clausen
Tenebrae facta sunt Ingegneri
Hush, Somebody's Callin My Name Dennard
Down to the River to Pray Curry
Saints Bound for Heaven Shaw/Parker
Shenandoah Erb
Arioso Bach
Witness Halloran
Weep O Mine Eyes Bennett
Song of Eternal Love Burchard

Travel Tips - What to pack/Baggage allowance

Dear Travelers, please find below a link to very detailed information on the baggage allowance for your upcoming flight with Delta. There is no charge for checked bags on international flights as long as your suitcase is within the weight limit of 50 pounds. Remember, you are only allowed ONE checked suitcase per person coming on your Incantato Tour plus ONE small/normal size carry-on as luggage capacity on the bus is limited. On the way home, you may check in two pieces if necessary (for those shoppers among you), but if we cannot fit them on the coach to the airport, you may have to put access luggage in a taxi cab and pay for that expense yourself. Please go to the following Delta website for detailed information on what is considered a carry-on and a checked bag, but please keep in mind that we can only fit ONE checked bag per person on the coach.

For most people, packing is the most difficult part. The solution for many is to just pack as much as you possibly can into your suitcase and backpack, says our youngest and very well traveled team member Ember: "But you'll be thanking me later when you don't break your back from having to carry everything on your own. Don't do it!" Her advise: "Pack as lightly as you can. The best way to get it all to fit nicely into your suitcase is to fold it nicely and then roll it tightly. It can all fit into your bag like a puzzle."
Keep in mind, however, that many cathedrals have a dress code and will not allow you to walk in if you are wearing tank tops or shorts. A scarf is a good solution to this code. And shorts should always go to your knees (both for Ladies and Gents). Incantato also plans a farewell dinner for the tour groups, so bring something comfortable and dressy.
Here are a few things that Ember thinks are essential to have to be comfortable with what the weather brings, and with the weight of your bag - remember, we allow only one checked bag per person and a small carry-on such as a bag pack or small duffel. Yes Ladies, you may have a small purse in addition, gents a camera case is fine too, but again, you will be the one carrying it all from the bus to the hotel and vice versa, so better test if you can move all your travel belongings without needing to make two trips or help from someone else.

Ember's packing list (just a suggestion and a very good one!)

• Light rain jacket
• Umbrella
• An adapter plug/converter (if bringing electronic devices)
• Camera and batteries or charger with adapter
  
• At least two pair of jeans/pants, ladies may want to bring a couple skirts or dresses too
  
• 1 or 2 pair of shorts
• a sweater or two
  
• Plenty of shirts, including a polo or two and at least two dress shirts (Europeans dress much more formal than Americans)
• Plenty of undergarments and socks for daily changes
• A watch, make-up and jewelry if applicable (carry -on any valuables)
• Choir music and attire
  
• Don't forget shoes, we recommend a maximum of three pairs (tennis shoes, maybe sandals, dress shoes). Bring nice concert shoes, but make sure that you will be able to walk long distances in them. Europeans do not wear flip flops other than to the pool or at the beach.
• Put all liquids that are in your carry-on into a zip-lock bag. And remember the 311 rules.http://www.tsa.gov/311/
  
• All scissors, fingernail clippers, etc. are better packed in your check-in luggage along with liquids over 3 ounzes. Bring enough contact lense solution and prescription medication that you may need for the whole duration of the trip.
  

If you forget anything there are plenty of little "pharmacies" where you can by shampoo, toothpaste, etc.

Travel Tips - Money Matters

Money is a delicate subject. The exchange rate at the moment is not too bad and has been pretty stable for the last few months (1 Euro= $1.27 to $1.37). And yes, it is possible to travel in Europe on a small budget. The best way to use your money is to have a debit card; this allows you to withdraw money from any ATM machine with only being charged a small withdrawal fee. The fee differs between banks. Be sure to call your bank before your departure to tell them where you are going and for how long so they won't freeze your account. The debit cards given by the bank has the compatibility of Visa, MasterCard, however, Visa is the most widely accepted worldwide. If you bring cash, you can exchange it but you will lose more money as they charge for their services. Most places in Europe won't accept traveler's checks anymore. Also, be prepared to pay for water and a fee for restroom use (between 30 to 70 Euro cent). Last not least, there are no free refills on soft drinks in Europe which is why most Europeans ask for little to no ice in their drinks.
Remember that two meals daily are covered as part of the YPAS Incantato Tour - breakfast and usually dinner, sometimes a lunch instead. In addition, we suggest you have some spending money available and our recommendation is around 12 to 15 Euro per day for the meal not included, snacks, drinks, postcards, some souvenirs. It is not imperative that you have this amount of money. There are many ways to lower your expenses such as:
· Most restaurants have menus outside so you can check their price range.
· Venture off the main roads to find a restaurant. These usually have more character, better food, and better prices.
· Bring your own water bottle. Most places have good and safe tap water to fill up with.
· Buy food from the "convenient" stores. You don't have to sit down in the restaurant for every meal.
· Shop around for souvenirs; many stores have the same things on sale for very different prices. Sometimes you may even be able to use your haggling skills for a real bargain. This is particularly true when buying from street vendors. But be careful, if it is too much of a bargain, you may not be buying a real fancy bag, but just a knock-off - Versaze instead of Versace ; )

Travel Tips - Voltage Converters & Transformers

Voltage differences in the world are not so shocking!
Voltage in the world differs for each country 220 volt or 110 volts. Plug shapes, plug holes and plug sizes are also different in each country. Some countries like USA and Canada run on 120 volt 60 cycles (60hz) and most of the worlds run on 220/240 volt 50 cycles (50hz). This difference in the voltage can be solved by using an appropriate voltage converter. These converter devices are usually available at superstores and over the internet. While you can also buy them overseas, we recommend purchasing them before you leave if you need them - some items such as ipods, laptops, cameras may only need an adapter plug. This website gives a very detailed overview.

An original composition by a special guest on the YPAS Tour: Composer Richard Burchard wrote A Song of Eternal Love

Composer Richard Burchard is a dear friend of the Youth Performing Arts School Touring Concert Choir and Director Dr. S. Timothy Glasscock. "They've performed and/or premiered many of my choral works so I am having developed a great relationship with them", Burchard explains. For the 2009 Performance Tour to Spain and Portugal, he composed a new work: A Song of Eternal Love. "I wanted this work to be something special which is also why I chose to write the text myself. I think the words resonate with everyone allowing each singer and listener to experience them in their own way. The piece was translated into Spanish by my colleague and friend, David Domine."
A Song of Eternal Love with have its European premiere on March 29, 2009 in the Chamber Music Hall of the Oficina Municipal de Congresos of Oviedo as the YPAS Choir will be joined with singers from the Youth Choir of the Prince of Asturias Foundation.

About the composer:
Richard Burchard is Associate Professor and Music Department Chair at Bellarmine University in Louisville, KY. He teaches Composition and Arranging, Music Technology, Music Theory
and World Music. Burchard also teaches in the KIIS Program (Kentucky Institute for International Studies) in Salzburg, Austria.
Burchard's music consists primarily of choral works including over thirty commissioned pieces. His compositions have been performed throughout the United States and Europe having had world premieres in Salzburg, Austria and Rome, Italy. In 2006 Burchard released his first CD of original choral music, New Music for Choir, featuring ten new compositions. In addition to choral music, Burchard composes experimental and ambient electronic music specifically for modern dance companies and Internet media companies and was named the Kentucky Music Teachers Association Commissioned Composer for 2008.
Visit www.richardburchard.com for more information and music samples.

AMOR ETERNO - Eternal Love

The YPAS 2009 Tour to Spain and Portugal has now a concert theme: Amor Eterno - Eternal Love is the title for the two highlight performances in Oviedo and Lisbon.

About the YPAS Touring Concert Choir and Director Dr. Glasscock

Dr. S. Timothy Glasscock is finishing his eighth year at The Youth Performing Arts School, where he functions as the Director of Vocal Studies and teaches Vocal Development, Repertory Choir, DuPont Manual Chorus, Concert Choir, and Chamber Choir. He also serves a Production Director to the musical productions. As Artistic Director of The Louisville Chorus, the Southeast United States’ longest-thriving choral arts agency, he is a well-known figure in artistic circles in The U.S. With a Bachelors and Masters degree in music from The University of Louisville and a Doctor of Musical Arts from The University of Kentucky, his experience is wide and varied. Dr. Glasscock is in demand nationally and internationally for conducting and guest solo performances. His biography can be found on the World Concert Artist Directory, and he is a member of the Conductor’s Guild, American Choral Director’s Association, Kentucky Music Educator’s National Conference, Chorus America, The College Music Society, National Pastoral Musicians, and various other professional organizations.

The Youth Performing Arts School Touring Concert Choir consists of vocal majors and other singers admitted by audition only. This ensemble covers a wide variety of music from all periods of musical history. Renaissance motets, baroque cantatas, classical masses, romantic and 20th century choral/orchestral masterworks—all these genres and more comprise the core repertoire of the touring ensemble at YPAS.
This choir has performed at the cathedral of Notre Dame in Paris, France, at St. James Episcopal (first musical position held by Leopold Stokowsy) in London, Rochester Cathedral, Cathedral of Saint Mark’s in Venice, Italy, Chiesa Santa Maria Maggiore, and Sancta Susanna, the American parish in Rome, Italy, The Haydnsaal at Esterhaze, Mirabell Gardens, and various other prestigious venues throughout Europe. The choir has sung for presidential inaugurations, television commercials, sung back-up for touring world-famous performers, and made commercial CD recordings alone and with professional arts organizations. Each Spring, the Concert Choir performs a major work in cooperation with The Louisville Chorus. These collaborations have included the Durufle, Mozart, and Brahms requiems, Vaughan Williams’ Dona Nobis Pacem, and Serenade to Music, and will be performing Haydn’s Creation in April.
Nearly 80% of YPAS vocal graduates go on to pursue a career in the arts, and each year 90% of those attending college go on to major music departments across the country with full or near-full performance scholarships. The Youth Performing Arts School ensembles have consistently received distinguished ratings and can be found performing throughout the Louisville-metro area all year long

The Youth Performing Arts School (YPAS) founded in 1977, is a part of the Jefferson County Public School District and serves students in grades nine through twelve. As a magnet school under DuPont Manual High School, YPAS has diverse student population from throughout Jefferson County exhibiting talent and interest in dance, drama, technical theatre, vocal music, instrumental music, and piano. Further classes are offered in musical theatre, music theory, and jazz improvisation. At the heart of the YPAS facility is an 886-seat formal proscenium theatre with excellent acoustics and state-of-the-art production equipment. In addition, a 200-seat experimental theatre provides a more intimate setting for chamber presentations, dramatic works, and non-traditional productions. Facilities include a suite of ensemble practice rooms, dance studios, a costume shop, a scene shop, drama studios and other enhancements exceeding those found in many college settings. A computer lab and a fine arts library round out the resource-rich environment available to students of this school. YPAS has enriched the cultural and educational environment of Louisville and the Commonwealth with graduates earning scholarships to universities and conservatories throughout the nation.
You can also check out YPAS on wikipedia
The school's website is also very informative.

Want to be a tour reporter? - Apply now

Hello singers, this is a special offer for you.
Want to earn some extra tour spending money? Do you like to write?
An Incantato scholarship has been made available to give students a little extra spending money while they are overseas. All that we ask is that you post pictures and write a few blogs about your experiences during your YPAS tour. You can be a reporter for just one day or several days. The daily time commitment will be at least an hour.
If you are interested, write 150 words as to why you are looking forward to your travels with your group and please use a quote from another student.
Submit your entry to Dr. Glasscock and e-mail us a copy by February 22^nd. If you have any other questions or need advice, please contact Ember at – ember@incantatotours.com

Here are some ideas for blogging while you are overseas.

• Your flight overseas, how was it?
• Your first impressions of the land, is it flat? Are you close to the beach?
• Your hotel, what does it look like? How is it different from a typical American hotel?
• What kind of activities did you do and what did you learn?
• What is a typical dish of that region?
• How difficult is it to understand the language?
• Did you have any special cultural exchanges?
• How did you feel during your performances?
• How did the music move you in that venue?
• What did the cathedrals, churches look like and what period were they built in?

There are so many topics to touch on, please use your imagination.

Welcome on board Father Jim

Dear all, please welcome the newest addition to your tour: Rev. James Hackett, also known as Father Jim, just booked his flight to join you all on the upcoming journey to Spain & Portugal. We surely are thrilled he is on board.