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
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.
Land Only Participants: If you plan to meet the group at the airport, please ensure you arrive prior to the group by tracking their flight and waiting as group exits Customs, as they will be unable to wait for late arrivals. We ask that all Land Only participants who wish to meet at the airport share their flight itinerary with your Director so that it can be shared with KI Concerts. Depending on your arrival time in Rome, you may be assigned a different motorcoach on arrival day than your group is taking.
Alternately, you may meet the group at the hotel when they check in (please note the hotel is unable to give out room keys until the main group arrives.)
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.
Experience the charm of Montecatini, Italy, a picturesque spa town nestled in the Tuscan hills. Enjoy leisurely strolls through the historic streets lined with elegant architecture and vibrant shops. Take a funicular ride to the nearby hilltop town of Montecatini Alto for breathtaking views and delightful local cuisine. As you wander the beautiful gardens and charming piazzas, you'll fall in love with the serene atmosphere and rich culture that Montecatini has to offer.
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.
Embark on a walking tour of Florence, where art and history come alive at every corner. Your guide will stop at the majestic Duomo, the Ponte Vecchio, and other famous landmarks in the city to teach you about the city's history. Florence is also known for a rich musical heritage and for being the birthplace of opera. Famed composers Francesco Landini and Giulio Caccini called it home, and has hosted singers from Maria Callas to Luciano Pavarotti.
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.
Participants may also choose to visit the Accademia Gallery on their own (tickets are not included in your tour and we recommend you pre-purchase them) to see Michelangelo's famous David statue. The Gallery also features a musical instruments section, which includes a fortepiano, which was first created in Florence by Bartolomeo Cristofori, and over 400 other 16th century instruments.
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.
Discover the enchanting city of Pisa, renowned for its iconic Leaning Tower. Stroll through the stunning Piazza dei Miracoli, where you'll find the magnificent cathedral and baptistery, showcasing exquisite architecture. Don’t miss the chance to climb the Leaning Tower for breathtaking views of the city. Enjoy authentic Tuscan cuisine at local trattorias, savoring dishes like ribollita and pappa al pomodoro. As you wander the charming streets, admire the vibrant local shops and cafes, and perhaps enjoy a leisurely bike ride along the Arno River. Pisa offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and picturesque scenery!
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. Venue TBD
Breakfast at your hotel is provided daily.
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.
The group will stop during the drive from Tuscany to Rome to eat lunch
Rome, the Eternal City, blends ancient wonders with vibrant modern life. Highlights include the Colosseum, a testament to Roman engineering and gladiatorial history, and the Pantheon, a marvel of classical architecture. The Roman Forum offers a glimpse into the political heart of the ancient empire. Vatican City, home to St. Peter’s Basilica and the Sistine Chapel, showcases Michelangelo's artistic genius. With every corner revealing layers of history, Rome remains a captivating destination for lovers of art, history, and culture.
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.
Enjoy an authentic, local dinner.
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel.
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.
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
Enjoy an authentic, local dinner.
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.
Breakfast at your hotel is provided daily.
Enjoy the historical center of this great city seeing the Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps, Piazza Navona, and the magnificent Pantheon, the most preserved monument of the Roman Empire first a pagan temple before becoming a Catholic Church in 609 AD
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 baton 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.
1h 35m
9h 35m
1h 31m
