June 16-23, 2027
Artistic Vision
Led by Dr. Anton Armstrong and Dr. Brandon A. Boyd, this choral festival — welcoming singers of all backgrounds to connect, uplift, and inspire — celebrates the deep cultural and emotional resonance of music rooted in Black American traditions. The repertoire centers on Spirituals, Gospel, and art music, honoring the voices that shaped this music and the stories it carries. Participants will be invited to sing with authenticity and passion, creating space for healing through joy and in turn, sharing expression across cultures.
Why France?
In France, memory and beauty coexist. The festival takes place in Paris, the global capital of art and culture, with excursions into Normandy, where music and remembrance intertwine by the sea. You'll perform in historic venues, explore stunning landscapes, and immerse in French culture where performance is a part of everyday life. This is a setting that amplifies the impact of the music—inviting singers to reflect, rejoice, and savor the beautiful, exactly as the French do.
Sit back and relax. Your tour is about to begin!
After you clear customs and collect your luggage, meet your 24/7 Tour Manager at the airport and load your motorcoach.
Rouen enchants visitors with its medieval architecture and cobblestone streets. Stroll along the Seine River or explore lively markets and museums that celebrate the city's artistic legacy. See Rouen Cathedral, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture, which inspired over thirty impressionist works by Claude Monet.
Normandy offers a captivating mix of coastal beauty, historic landmarks, and charming countryside. From the dramatic cliffs of Étretat to the solemn D-Day beaches, the region is rich in both natural wonder and World War II history. Normandy's blend of tradition, culture, and scenic landscapes makes it an essential stop on any French journey.
Enjoy an authentic, local dinner.
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel.
Join a guided tour of the Normandy landing beach, where the allied troops launched the formidable armada that started the liberation of Europe from Nazi Germany on June 6, 1944.
Visit the Normandy American Cemetery in Colleville-sur-Mer, a profoundly moving tribute overlooking Omaha Beach. This beautifully maintained site honors the nearly 10,000 American soldiers who gave their lives during the D-Day landings and the liberation of France. The experience is both humbling and unforgettable, offering a powerful connection to the past in a place of solemn beauty.
Those participating in the Festival Gala choir may choose to sing their own repertoire in a shared concert with other Festival ensembles this evening.
Enjoy an authentic, local dinner.
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel.
Visit Claude Monet's residence and gardens in Giverny, where he created many of his most iconic paintings. Walk across the Japanese bridge and bask in the beauty of the waterlilies and willow trees, his greatest inspiration for over 20 years.
Paris, the timeless capital of France, captivates with its iconic landmarks, world-class art, and artistic ambiance. From highlights such as the Eiffel Tower to charming neighborhoods like Montmartre, the city offers a perfect blend of history and elegance. Paris features great artistic diversity; it is the home of French Grand Opera, presented in the sumptuous Palais Garnier, along with the bustling Latin Quarter, longtime home to artists and intellectuals as well as the setting for Puccini's La bohème.
Enjoy an authentic, local dinner.
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel.
Elevate Your Sound
Throughout the festival, you’ll engage in dynamic and inspiring rehearsals for the Gala Concert, working closely with your esteemed conductor. These rehearsals provide a unique opportunity to refine your ability to learn complex harmonies and blend your voice within a large, diverse ensemble.
Explore Montmartre, a historic hilltop district in Paris known for its bohemian atmosphere, artistic heritage, and panoramic views of the city. The iconic Basilique du Sacré-Cœur sits atop the hill.
Enjoy a ride on Le Petit Train de Montmartre, starting at Le Moulin Rouge, the cabaret where the French Cancan rose to fame — a dance symbolizing women's liberty and emancipation.
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.
Take a stroll along the Seine, browsing the bouquinistes’ green bookstalls, or relax in one of Paris’s beautiful public gardens, such as the Luxembourg Gardens or Parc des Buttes-Chaumont.
The vibrant Fête de la Musique is held each year on June 21st. On this day, the city comes alive with free concerts in parks, streets, cafés, and historic venues, showcasing everything from classical ensembles to indie rock bands. Wander through neighborhoods and enjoy spontaneous performances by local musicians. Even iconic spots like the steps of Sacré-Cœur and the courtyards of the Louvre often host live music during the festival.
Enjoy an authentic, local dinner.
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel.
Visit the Notre Dame de Paris, world renowned for its stunning architecture and intricate stained glass. Notre Dame holds great significance in the development of western art music, as it is where composers Léonin and Pérotin developed Notre Dame polyphony in the 12th and 13th centuries — composing sacred works featuring multiple simultaneous melodic lines, a significant departure from Gregorian chant.
Though severely damaged by fire in 2019, the cathedral has undergone a meticulous and inspiring restoration, with its reopening unveiling renewed beauty and craftsmanship. Marvel at the famed rose windows, the sculpted façade, and the soaring towers that have watched over Paris for centuries.
Gather together to prepare for the triumphant finale to your international music adventure.
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. Anton Armstrong and Dr. Brandon A. Boyd. 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.
Enjoy an authentic, local dinner.
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel.
What’s included?
Flight - Round-trip airfare from San Diego, economy class
Tour Manager - Professional tour manager throughout tour
Accommodations - 3 star accommodations, based on double/twin occupancy
Meals - Breakfast and dinner daily
Touring - All scheduled sightseeing and entrance fees
Performances - Concert organization and promotion listed in itineraries
What’s not included?
Flight Seating Selection - Allocation of specific seat assignments on flights
Additional Baggage costs - Any additional luggage charges imposed by airlines
Lunches - Meals other than specified in the itinerary
Travel Insurance - Travel protection and upgrades such as to Cancel for Any Reason (may be purchased separately)
Payment processing fees - No fee for ACH. 2.99% for most credit cards, 3.99% for AMEX
Tips - Tips for Tour Manager & Coach Driver
Misc. - Personal expenses such as drinks, laundry, phone calls. Any other items not mentioned in Inclusions
Price is per person from the listed airport and is based on a minimum of 10 travelers with flights.
$4,599 with flights from San Diego
$3,199 for land only (no flights)
Single room upgrade: $650
Many questions can be answered by visiting our Frequently Asked Questions page.
Protection Plans: To purchase an optional upgraded protection plan that may extend the provisions already provided, please use the below links:
Explanation of Benefits - Additional Insurance Options
*Please note, in order for travelers to qualify for the Pre-Existing Waiver and the CFAR or cancel for any reason benefit, the plan must be purchased within 14 days of their first deposit being made towards the trip.
For participants wishing to return from their tour later than the group, please request a deviation by completing a 2025 Deviation Request Form. We recommend requesting your Deviation/Upgrade as soon as possible after registering for your tour. Deviation requests cannot be accepted within 120 days of travel. More information about Deviations can be found in the KI Concerts Terms & Conditions.