Incantato Concert Venue: Holy Trinity Presbyterian Church in Dublin, Ireland

A very special venue and wonderful congregation await the Grace First Presbyterian Church Tour Choir in Cork. The singers under the direction of Stan DeWitt are invited to celebrate Sunday worship at Holy Trinity Presbyterian Church in Cork on Sunday April 11th.

Incantato Insider Ireland: "The Church" Restaurant in Dublin

A must-stop when visiting Dublin, the capital city of Ireland is the former place of workship, now stunning restaurant fittingly named "The Church".

Grace First's Mission Statement

The Mission Statement of GRACE FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH reads that Grace First "is a practicing faith community, intentionally multicultural and intergenerational, impacting contemporary life with the love and justice of Jesus Christ."

It is a medium sized congregation (564 members) in Long Beach, California (pop. 492,000), the largest suburb of Los Angeles. But it is a congregation whose heart and vision exceeds its size. Formed in 2002 as a merger of two very ethnically different congregations, it has become a model of how the mission of the church transcends boundaries. In 2005, when Hurricane Katrina devastated the southern states of Mississippi and Louisiana, and left New Orleans under water, the congregation of Grace First responded with an unprecedented show of support, raising over $1,000,000 for relief efforts. Part of the relief efforts included sending teams of people to aid in the recovery, building a relief center to house workers and aid givers (that is still housing workers almost daily), and help a struggling African-American church in New Orleans regain their footing and begin anew as a beacon of hope in their neighborhood.
The church has long had a tradition of excellence in its music program, with many professional musicians and music educators in its membership. Currently, the music program at Grace First is home to the Sanctuary Choir, a Praise Band, several handbell groups (adults, youth, and quartets), children's choir and children's chimes, a youth choir and a youth band. The church sponsors several summer music camps for children and youth, including a Music, Arts and Drama camp for young children and a "School of Rock" for High Schoolers. Grace is also home to film series, art shows, and a Concert Series that attracts some of the finest artists from around the world.

BIO - Stan DeWitt is an acclaimed conductor, songwriter, singer, guitarist and composer. In addition to being the Minister of Music for Grace First Presbyterian Church in Long Beach, he also teaches at Coastline Community College, where he has been on the faculty for 21 years. He was the Artistic Director for Zephyr: Voices Unbound, and has sung with numerous professional ensembles, most recently the DeAngelis Vocal Ensemble. His compositions cross into all realms of music, including film scores and published works for choir and handbells. As a songwriter, he has recorded and released four solo CDs, including his most recent, Musical Moonshine, released in November of 2009. He received his Bachelor's of Arts and Masters of Music degrees, where he studied with (among others) Frank Pooler.

Travel Insurance

Incantato Tours strongly recommend getting travel insurance for your upcoming journey. Not only are you covered medically should anything happen when traveling, but with TravelGuard's policies, you also protect your investment should you have to cancel or interrupt the trip. Last not least, there is also coverage for delayed and lost luggage etc.
Here is a direct line to purchase travel insurance online and can you do so with your credit cards and also select the option that is best for you.

Aaran Islands

"Go West: Ireland's Aran Islands -Explore Rugged Beauty, Miles Of Stone Walls And Stunning Views Across The Atlantic", this is the title of a feature story on the CBS website about one ot the special places your are going to visit during your Incantato Performance Tour. Click here for the full story and learn more about the beauty and history of the destination, but also the challenges the islands and its inhabitants face these days.

You will be staying at our all time favorite hotel in Cork: The Imperial

Dear Travelers,
the first hotel confirmations are coming in and we sure hope you will be as pleased as we are with the selections.
Have a look at the following site for your Cork accommodation and don't forget to check out the spa.
Imperial Hotel Cork

Travel Insurance

Incantato Tours strongly recommend getting travel insurance for your upcoming journey. Not only are you covered medically should anything happen when traveling, but with TravelGuard's policies, you also protect your investment should you have to cancel or interrupt the trip. Last not least, there is also coverage for delayed and lost luggage etc.
Here is a direct line to purchase travel insurance online and can you do so with your credit cards and also select the option that is best for you.

Grace First Presbyterian Church Performance Tour 2010 - Itinerary

Intriguing Ireland
Galway, Cliffs of Moher, Killarney, The Ring of Kerry,Cork and Dublin
also featuring: stops and overnights in smaller villages for a true immersion into local cultures

This is the Grace First Presbyterian Church's first performance tour itinerary, some details are subject to change to enhance the overall experience. Enjoy!

Highlights
• A series of up to four professionally organized and promoted formal concerts in magnificent venues just for your choir and/or exchange concerts
• Educational and entertaining sightseeing
• Plenty of opportunities for immersion intothe local culture
• Exchange with local musicians
• Entrances to many sights, including the Guiness Storehouse (tasting not obligatory)
• Nice hotels in good locations

Your Concert-Venues
• St. Nicholas Church —GALWAY

• Gothic Church at Kylemore Abbey
• Danny Man Pub —KILLARNEY

• Holy Trinity Presbyterian Church —CORK
• St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Adelaide Road Presbyterian Church, Christchurch, St. Bartholomew —DUBLIN
The above listed venues have been carefully selected by Incantato‘s Concert Managers and are requested for your choir and travel dates. Final confirmation is based on submission of repertoire and recording as well as final approval by the local music directors.


Accommodation and Meals
Incantato‘s Hospitality Managers take pride in working only with pre-inspected hotels that fit your budget and selected restaurants frequented by locals. We encourage you to stay and eat in typical, ideally locally owned properties for a true immersion into the local cultures. Irish breakfasts are included daily and four special dinners.

Itinerary
DAY 1 Monday, April 5, 2010
Overnight flight to Ireland

DAY 2 Tuesday, April 6
Failté - Cliffs of Moher
Your Incantato Tourmanager welcomes you to Ireland after an overnight flight to Shannon. You’ll stop at the breathtaking Cliffs of Moher, then explore Galway, a lively university town, prior to your welcome dinner.

DAY 3 Wednesday, April 7
Parks, Abbey & Concerts
Start your excursion of Connemara National Park. It‘s highlight is the beautiful Kylemore Abbey
where a home-made tea and scones await you prior to the choir‘s concert at the Gothic Church. Return to Galway.

DAY 4 Thursday, April 8
Aran Islands & Concert
Catch the ferry to the island if Inishmore and discover the largest of the Aran Islands and get a chance to really practise your Gaelic. See Dun Aonghasa Fort and then enjoy some free time to explore this island of great peace and tranquility on your own. Return to Galway.

DAY 5 Friday, April 9
Scenic Routes to Killarney
Heading south, you’ll stop at Adare, widely considered
Ireland’s prettiest village. Upon arrival in Killarney, home of a myriad of music pubs, enjoy a free afternoon to see Muckross House and Gardens and other highlights. Pub concert opportunity.

DAY 6 Saturday, April 10
“The Ring of Kerry” - Concert
This excursion is a must. The captivating mountain and coastal scenery is dotted with slate-roofed fishing villages. The “Ring” encircles the Iveragh Peninsula, which features Ireland’s highest mountains, the Macgillycuddy Reeks, providing excellent views at Dingle Bay to the North and the estuary of the Kenmare River to the South. From Tralee, enjoy fine views over the Atlantic Ocean and the Dingle Peninsula. Upon return, prepare for a concert in Killarney.

DAY 7 Sunday, April 11
Blarney Castle & Sung Service
Visit ancient Blarney castle and have opportunity to kiss the stone which is said to impart the gift of eloquence. Continue to beautiful Cork and meet a local choir for a cultural exchange followed by a joined concert.

DAY 8 Monday, April 12
Scenic Routes to Dublin
Aside from beautiful countryside, the sightseeing highlights today are the Rock of Cashel & Georgian Dublin as you travel to the capital of Ireland - your home for the next few nights.

DAY 9 Tuesday, April 13
Dublin in-depth & Concert
Explore Dublin’s sights with your guide - the Castle, Trinity College with the famous Book of Kells and St. Patrick’s Cathedral. Concert and/or exchange opportunity.

DAY 10 Wednesday, April 14
Leisure Day
Time for individual shopping, sightseeing,, museum visits etc. Then come together for a arewell dinner possibly as a medieval-style dinner banquet accompanied by singers and dancers.

DAY 11 Thursday, April 15
Return home

Incantato Impressions from Ireland

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