Prelude 2026 in Rome: Inside Encore’s Signature Director Weekend

Over MLK weekend, Encore welcomed music directors from across the country to Prelude 2026 in Rome. Prelude is our complimentary professional development weekend for qualified directors, offered each January ahead of the performance tour season. It is designed to give directors a rare chance to enjoy an international itinerary in true traveler mode, while also swapping ideas with peers who understand the work.

The days were thoughtfully paced, with memorable musical moments, time to explore, and plenty of good conversation in between. Prelude began with a welcome aperitif and an opening evening at Santa Maria Maggiore, setting the tone for the days ahead.

Early feedback reflected that balance clearly. As one attendee shared, “Prelude is an incredible experience that is invaluable on so many different levels. From networking and collaborating with other ensemble directors to attending amazing musical events in exciting locations, Prelude is a memorable experience that you don’t want to miss!”

The weekend was anchored at Hotel Michelangelo, which served as a comfortable and well-located home base between musical showcases, guided experiences, and shared meals. One director noted, “Overall, the hotel is excellent for travelers. Comfortable bed, great breakfast, and a door that opened to the outside to let fresh air in each day.”

Rome’s deep musical identity shaped much of the experience. An opening evening at Santa Maria Maggiore offered a powerful sense of place, and the following morning brought a Gregorian chant workshop led by expert instructors.

A Gregorian chant demonstration and workshop provided insight into a tradition that continues to influence choral music around the world. The focus was on listening, context, and understanding. As one attendee reflected, “This was a great enrichment experience. The singing portion was wonderful.”

“Preludde is a phenomenal experience that exposes you to incredible people and cultural events. It helps you to answer questions for your travelers that you didn’t even know existed before you go.”

Prelude also brought directors into Rome’s broader performance culture with a private visit to the opera house, followed by an evening performance. These experiences are memorable in their own right, but they also help directors picture what a well-paced tour can feel like when the details are handled thoughtfully.

Another standout moment was the visit to Oratorio del Gonfalone, where directors enjoyed a private performance in an intimate, frescoed setting. One director shared, “I was worried about an all-Vivaldi program, but this group brought the music to life. The space was lovely and a perfect fit for the program.”

Some of the most meaningful moments of the weekend happened between the scheduled experiences, often around a table. From the welcome aperitif to dinner in the Sala dei Papi and the farewell gala dinner, the weekend created space for directors to connect, trade ideas, and talk openly with others who understand the work.

“For the short time we were there, we did a lot. But I never felt rushed, and the ability to explore or rest, as needed, was perfectly balanced.”

The farewell dinner closed the weekend on a high note, complete with live music. One attendee shared, “Farewell dinner was excellent. Jazz ensemble was excellent. I also really enjoyed talking with the people at our table.”

Throughout the weekend, directors consistently pointed to the care and professionalism of the Encore team, and to the simple ease of being able to enjoy the experience without having to run it. One attendee wrote, “It really does feel like a family, and it makes me feel very good about booking travel with Encore.”

Tour Manager Joe Sartorius received especially strong praise for his leadership and approachability. As one director shared, “Joe was great. Knowledgeable, affable, and well prepared for every situation.”

For first-time attendees, Prelude can be a window into what their own travelers will experience on tour, with the added benefit of seeing how the pacing, support, and details come together over the course of real days. As one director put it, “The Prelude experience offers many things, connection with others who take groups abroad, insight into Encore as a tour company, and a chance to experience a mini-tour from the perspective of the participant, not the organizer.”

We are grateful to everyone who joined us in Rome and shared feedback so early. Prelude 2026 offered what we hope every director carries home: fresh inspiration, practical clarity, and a stronger sense of what is possible for their ensemble.

If international travel is on your horizon, connect with a Tour Consultant to begin exploring ideas for your next performance tour.