We are thrilled to announce the Encore Voices Festival 2026, a premier choral experience in the heart of Prague, designed for choirs, directors, and individual singers. Due to popular demand, the festival has been rescheduled to June 7–14, 2026, allowing participants to experience the city at the height of its summer energy. Over the course of six inspiring days, participants will take part in rehearsals, masterclasses, and cultural experiences, culminating in a headline performance of Brahms’ Ein deutsches Requiem (in German) at the historic Smetana Hall. Led by World-Renowned Choral Experts Under the artistic direction of Festival Music Director Anthony Blake Clark and Festival Consultant Director Simon Halsey, participants will enjoy dynamic rehearsals, conductor-focused training sessions, exclusive workshops, and performance opportunities in one of Europe’s most iconic musical cities. Festival Highlights Headline concert at the Smetana Hall featuring Ein deutsches Requiem Massed choir rehearsals led by Anthony Blake Clark Artistic guidance from Simon Halsey, including repertoire insight and conductor mentorship Individual choir performances in Prague’s historic venues Specialized training sessions for conductors and ensemble leaders Cultural excursions such as a Vltava River dinner cruise and Prague Castle tour Opportunities to collaborate with leading choral professionals from around the world Pricing and Registration The full festival package is priced at $4,999. This includes accommodations, ground transportation, festival participation, cultural excursions, and most meals. Airfare and optional extension tours are available at an additional cost. View the full festival itinerary to explore all that this unforgettable experience includes. Why Prague? Prague’s musical legacy, stunning Gothic and Baroque architecture, and world-renowned venues make it the ideal setting for a choral festival. Whether you’re performing in a centuries-old cathedral or enjoying a summer night cruise down the Vltava River, every moment is filled with artistic inspiration and cultural discovery. Customize Your Experience Encore offers a wide variety of travel extensions and customization options to make your trip even more enriching. Whether you want to add performances in nearby cities, visit destinations such as Vienna, Salzburg, or Dresden, or extend your time in Prague, our team can tailor an itinerary to fit your ensemble’s goals and interests. Contact us to learn more about how we can customize your festival experience. Registration is now open, with a final deadline of September 15, 2025. Space is limited and will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis. For peace of mind, all travelers are automatically covered by our Basic Protection Plan at no additional cost. This includes coverage for medical issues, travel delays, and other unexpected disruptions, giving you added peace of mind as you prepare for this extraordinary journey.
June 25, 2026 Encore Tours Venue Spotlight: Southwark Cathedral Welcome back to our Venue Spotlight series, where we explore some of the most inspiring performance spaces available to Encore group leaders around the world. Backstage Blog
June 17, 2026 David Solar Join us at the 2026 National Pastoral Musicians Convention We’re excited to share that we’ll be attending the 2026 National Pastoral Musicians Convention, taking place July 19-24, 2026, at The Catholic University of America … Backstage Blog
June 15, 2026 Encore Tours Your Ensemble Deserves a Travel Partner Who Knows You For many ensemble directors, the idea of a performance tour is exciting. The planning, however, can feel overwhelming. Backstage Blog