I am excited to invite you to join me for our 2026 choral festival in Italy. Experience over two thousand years of rich, cultural heritage from Ancient Rome to the Renaissance, to the dolce vita (sweet life) that has made Italy known throughout the world.
In addition to joining the festival choir for the Gala Concert in Rome, there will be opportunities for your choir to perform individual concerts and to have a one-on-one clinic with me. The combined Festival choir is also being considered for an invitation to sing Mass under my baton at St Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican!
Our repertoire will be a dynamic mix of music that celebrates tradition and innovation, with music that is within reach of many choirs. Some music will be a cappella, some will be accompanied, some will share our American choral heritage with the Italians as well, but all of it will be a wonderful chance to be expressive and artistic ambassadors to the world.
I look forward to you joining me for this once in a lifetime opportunity.
Best,
Michael John Trotta
Artistic Director and Conductor
Please note that your Tour Manager may need to adjust departure times on the itinerary due to weather, group mobility, traffic or other on-tour factors. Please listen to your Tour Managers announcements to ensure you meet at the correct time if adjustments are made.
Tips for your Tour Manager and Motorcoach driver are included in your pre-paid tour cost, as well as for all meals that are included in your itinerary.
For meals when eating on your own, if you are at a sit-down restaurant then 10% tip (preferably in cash) is a typical gesture for good service. Service is sometimes included in the bill, and in those cases, you do not need to leave a tip.
Italian currency is the Euro (€).
We recommend alerting your bank and credit card companies that you will be traveling to prevent your cards being locked for fraud.
Many ATM cards allow you to use an ATM in Italy to obtain cash. Alternately, you can request cash from your local bank in the US to have some ready prior to your departure.
We do not recommend bringing US cash or traveler cheques on tour, as it can be very difficult to find places to convert these. Airports offer this service but at a very high cost.
Typical weather in Italy during your tour:
Expect warm to hot days, generally ranging from 75–90°F with evenings cooling to the mid-60s–70s°F.
Skies are usually mostly sunny, though occasional brief showers or thunderstorms can occur. Light layers and sunscreen are encouraged.
Remember that you will be taking your bags into and out of multiple hotels, buses, etc. and you want room for souvenirs! Pack light!
The motorcoach has room for one rolling bag per person to fit into the luggage compartment. Backpacks and smaller second bags must be brought to your seat with you.
Ensure that you know if you need just an adapter (adapts the plug type but does NOT change the voltage) or converter (adapts the plug type and converts the voltage) for your items.
Most modern phones, tablets and computers have an internal converter. Most heat-producing items like hair dryers or curling irons require a separate converter. Please do not bring candle warming plates or other fire hazards on tour with you.
Plug types C, F, & L may be present throughout your tour. We recommend purchasing an adapter that will work with all three.
Tap water in Italy is safe to drink and well monitored, particularly in cities.
1h 40m
Please ensure that you arrive at your airport no later than 3 hours prior to your flight's departure time.
8h 30m
1h 35m
After you clear customs and collect your luggage, meet your 24/7 Tour Manager at the airport and load your motorcoach.
Hello everyone, I'm Marta! I’m from Livorno, a picturesque sea city in Tuscany. I'm a sunny and genuine person who really enjoys connecting with other people from all parts of the world.
I've always wanted to travel and to speak different languages (I speak Italian, English, French, and Spanish), so I chose to be a Tour Manager! I know Europe well, and I love my country Italy and all its shades.
My current dream is to visit Laos, Vietnam or Thailand. I'm very active: I play volleyball, go out with my dog, and take theatre classes. I am also a vegetarian.
I look forward to getting to know each other soon!
Larger luggage will be loaded into the cargo area, and will not be accessible until you check into the hotel in the evening. Please bring all items that you will need throughout the day with you to your seat on the motorcoach.
Land Only Participants meeting the group at the airport:
Calista, Chatham, Chris, & Roxi Beck
Due to your arrival time in Rome, you have been assigned a different motorcoach on arrival day than your group is taking. You will transfer from the airport with a separate group.
This apples to the Land Only Participants below:
Hili & Megan Thibodeau on Coach D with Friends Congregational Church & Eastvale's Nova Voce. Please meet KI Staff in the arrivals hall for Lufthansa flight #232, & plan to arrive within 30 minutes of the flight's arrival time. This is currently scheduled for 12:30pm, but please monitor the flight online in case the timing shifts.
Discover the enchanting beauty of Siena, Italy, a city rich in history and culture. Wander through its medieval streets, marvel at the stunning Piazza del Campo, and visit the magnificent Siena Cathedral with its intricate designs. Indulge in local delicacies such as pici pasta and panforte, and savor a glass of Chianti while soaking in the picturesque Tuscan landscape. Siena offers a perfect blend of art, gastronomy, and unforgettable memories waiting to be made.
- Mixed charcuterie: salami, prosciutto, finocchiona and tomato crostini
- Pizzas: assorted flavors to taste and share
- water +1 soft drink /or/ 1 glass of wine /or/ 1 beer per person
For those who alerted KI Concerts of dietary restrictions ahead of the tour, your Director will have a notecard for you to place at your table so that you will be provided with an alternate meal. Cards MUST be used to obtain the alternate meal so please ensure you bring these with you to every dinner.
The following Land Only participants will meet the group at the hotel. Please note that room keys may not be available until the main group arrives.
Sadie Pettit
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel.
Please bring all items with you that you will need for the day, as we will not return to the hotel until after dinner this evening. Items may be left on the motorcoach while you are touring.
Discover the heart of Florence on a guided walking tour through its most iconic landmarks. Stroll through Piazza Santa Croce, admire the historic Piazza della Signoria, and cross the famous Ponte Vecchio. Enjoy views of the exterior of the Uffizi Gallery before reaching the magnificent Duomo and its stunning cathedral complex. The tour concludes in the lively Piazza della Repubblica, a vibrant gathering place rich in history and local atmosphere.
Stroll through the enchanting streets of Florence, where every corner reveals a masterpiece. Wander through the bustling San Lorenzo Market, savoring the delicious aromas of local cuisine. Discover hidden gems in the quaint artisan shops and galleries, showcasing the rich history and culture of this Renaissance city. Don’t forget to pause at a charming café to enjoy a gelato while soaking in the vibrant atmosphere.
Please note that a government-issued photo ID is typically required for entry.
5:00 Entrance - 11 participants
5:15 Entrance - 18 participants
5:30 Entrance - 10 participants
- Pasta al Pesto
- Roast beef (from picanha cut)
- Peas and Salad
- Water
For those who alerted KI Concerts of dietary restrictions ahead of the tour, your Director will have a notecard for you to place at your table so that you will be provided with an alternate meal. Cards MUST be used to obtain the alternate meal so please ensure you bring these with you to every dinner.
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel.
Please bring your performance attire, music and anything else you will need for the entire day with you as you depart, as you will not return to the hotel until late in the evening, after your performance and dinner.
Meet your guide and walk toward the historic city walls for a first view of the iconic Leaning Tower. Explore the renowned Piazza dei Miracoli, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and discover the history, architecture, and cultural significance of one of Italy’s most celebrated monumental complexes, featuring the Leaning Tower, Cathedral, Baptistery, and Monumental Cemetery. Continue into Pisa’s charming historic center, strolling through its elegant squares and medieval streets while learning about the city’s rich maritime past and its role as one of the great Maritime Republics.
Optional visits:
- the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, renowned for its Romanesque architecture and artistic treasures
- the Baptistery of St. John, celebrated for its impressive design and exceptional acoustics
LOCAL CHOIR: LYM GOSPEL CHOIR (LYM is Lucca Youth Musical Academy)
DIR. VIJAY PIERALLINI
Heartland Youth Choir will have the opportunity to perform an individual showcase concert. A piano or keyboard will be available, as well as a conductor music stand.
- Tagliatelle alla Guercio (Chianina beef ragù with porcini mushrooms, finished with Grana Padano cheese)
- Chicken with roasted potatoes
- dessert
- Water
For those who alerted KI Concerts of dietary restrictions ahead of the tour, your Director will have a notecard for you to place at your table so that you will be provided with an alternate meal. Cards MUST be used to obtain the alternate meal so please ensure you bring these with you to every dinner.
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel.
Larger luggage will be loaded into the cargo area, and will not be accessible until you check into the hotel in the evening. As performers will begin rehearsal this afternoon prior to checking in, please ensure that anything you need for the day, including all items needed for the rehearsal, are brought to your seat on the motorcoach with you.
Performers will exit the coach at the Ergife Hotel, while non-performers continue to check in at the Carpegna Hotel. After the rehearsal, performers will then transfer to the Carpegna Hotel to check in before dinnner.
Elevate Your Sound
Throughout the festival, you’ll engage in dynamic and inspiring rehearsals for the Gala Concert, working closely with esteemed conductor Dr. Trotta, alongside other talented singers from around the U.S. These rehearsals provide a unique opportunity to refine your ability to learn complex harmonies and blend your voice within a large, diverse ensemble.
- Prosciutto, assorted cured meats, grilled vegetables, bruschetta, and warm focaccia
- Fettuccine with porcini mushrooms
- Sliced beef strips with arugula and cherry tomatoes
- Roasted potatoes
- Dessert
- Coffee
- Water, ¼ liter of wine, or a 33 cl soft drink
For those who alerted KI Concerts of dietary restrictions ahead of the tour, your Director will have a notecard for you to place at your table so that you will be provided with an alternate meal. Cards MUST be used to obtain the alternate meal so please ensure you bring these with you to every dinner.
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel.
Non-performers can sleep in, enjoy the hotel or sightsee while performers rehearse.
Collaborate With Like-Minded Performers
As a combined choir, you'll prepare to deliver a powerful, unified performance that will be the highlight of your international journey. Beyond the musical growth, rehearsing together fosters a strong sense of camaraderie and cultural exchange as you connect with your fellow musicians.
Dr. Trotta encourages groups to bring the piece(s) they are singing individually on the gala concert to work on. If you are not singing your own repertoire on the gala concert, please feel free to bring anything you would like his ears on!
All participants must have a government-issued photo ID with them to enter the Colosseo. This must be the physical ID, not a copy or photo.
Enjoy a guided tour of the Roman Forum, home to the world’s first senate, seeing the Capitoline Hill, Citadel of ancient Rome, and the Tarpeian Rock before viewing the magnificent Colosseum itself - truly a feat of ancient engineering
Your group will be split into smaller groups for this tour, all beginning at 2:30pm.
- Amatriciana pasta
- Saltimbocca alla Romana (veal with prosciutto and sage)
- Oven-roasted potatoes
- water
For those who alerted KI Concerts of dietary restrictions ahead of the tour, your Director will have a notecard for you to place at your table so that you will be provided with an alternate meal. Cards MUST be used to obtain the alternate meal so please ensure you bring these with you to every dinner.
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel.
You will need to be dressed in your concert attire upon departing the hotel. Please bring a change of clothes with you!
The Pantheon in Rome is a stunning architectural masterpiece that has stood the test of time since its completion in 126 AD. This former Roman temple, now a church, boasts a magnificent dome with a central oculus that allows natural light to flood the interior. Visitors can marvel at the impressive columns and intricate designs while standing in awe of its harmonious proportions. The Pantheon is not only a symbol of Rome’s glorious past but also a testament to the ingenuity of ancient engineering. Explore its rich history and enjoy the serene atmosphere as you step inside this remarkable site.
In our final rehearsal before the gala concert, we will run through the entire program in order, including individual pieces by the participating ensembles. We will also practice groups moving on- and offstage and finalize standing arrangements.
- Pasta with white ragù
- Pork tenderloin fillet
- Zucchini sautéed with mint and potatoes
- Meringue cake
- Water
For those who alerted KI Concerts of dietary restrictions ahead of the tour, your Director will have a notecard for you to place at your table so that you will be provided with an alternate meal. Cards MUST be used to obtain the alternate meal so please ensure you bring these with you to every dinner.
All participants should be in their concert attire when loading the motorcoach. Please note that there are NO bathrooms available at the Gala Church. KI Concerts has rented bathrooms at the restaurants next to the church for your use, but these are limited so all participants should be in concert attire when departing the hotel.
The culminating concert of this wonderful festival is finally here! Conclude your trip on a high note with a thrilling musical finale that celebrates friendship, bridges across cultures, and the joy of shared harmony. Bask under the glow of singing beautiful repertoire with multiple choirs under the batons of Dr. Trotta. This performance will not only showcase the incredible hard work and talent of the festival singers, but also represent the deep connections formed through music, travel, and culture.
Land Only participants do not need to depart with the group but must check out of their hotel rooms by the standard check-out time, or make arrangements and pay directly to the hotel for late check-out or additional nights.
The following Land Only Participants will make their own way to the airport or their continued travels:
Sadie Pettit
The following Land Only Participants will transfer to the airport with the group:
Calista, Chatham, Chris, & Roxi Beck
Hili & Megan Thibodeau
1h 35m
9h 35m
1h 31m
