Prelude 2027: Rome

January 14–18, 2027

Join us in Rome

Rome will once again set the stage for Prelude, our professional development weekend for ensemble directors. Over three inspiring days, you’ll exchange ideas with fellow music educators, experience the city through its sacred spaces and musical institutions, and enjoy performances and workshops designed to renew your own artistic perspective.

This exclusive event is complimentary for qualifying group leaders and a guest. Before departure, attendees will receive a participant guide with director bios, making it easier to connect with colleagues who share similar programs, interests and experiences. The itinerary below is provisional, with additional experiences and details still to come.

Extend Your Prelude Experience

Arrive Early and Make the Most of Rome

If your schedule allows, add an extra night or two in Rome before the program begins. You’ll have time to settle in, adjust to the time change and be ready to enjoy the weekend from the moment everyone gathers. Additional nights are available for $200 per room, per night, for single or double occupancy.

Ready to take part? Review the qualification details below and complete the appropriate registration forms for yourself and your companion.

Continue to Registration

Tour Highlights

Connect with fellow directors, explore Rome’s musical life and return home with fresh ideas for your ensemble. Planned highlights include:

  • Welcome reception with fellow directors and the Encore team

  • Director’s workshop focused on practical ideas, shared challenges and meaningful professional connections

  • Pre-departure participant guide with director bios to help attendees begin making connections

  • Optional guided walking tour for travel companions during the director’s workshop

  • Planned special-access visit to St. Peter’s Basilica

  • Behind-the-scenes visit to the Auditorium Parco della Musica Ennio Morricone

  • Orchestra dell’Accademia Nazionale di Santa Cecilia concert featuring Beethoven’s Violin Concerto and Symphony No. 7

  • Immersive Gregorian chant workshop with featured artist Giulia Ferraldeschi, a Rome-born soprano specializing in Gregorian chant, early music and opera

  • Farewell dinner to conclude the weekend

Itinerary

This provisional itinerary is only the beginning. Additional experiences and more details will be announced as plans are finalized, and the order of activities may change. Meals are indicated where included: Breakfast (B), Lunch (L), Dinner (D).

Depart the U.S. on your overnight flight to Rome.

Arrive in Rome and meet the Encore team. In the evening, gather for a welcome reception and mixer with food and refreshments while getting to know your fellow directors. (D)

Begin with a director’s workshop offering time to network, exchange ideas and explore practical solutions to shared challenges. Travel companions may instead join an optional guided walking tour. Continue with a planned special-access visit to St. Peter’s Basilica, followed by free time for lunch on your own.

Later, tour the Auditorium Parco della Musica Ennio Morricone before a 6:00 p.m. concert by the Orchestra dell’Accademia Nazionale di Santa Cecilia. Conductor Thomas Guggeis and violinist Sergej Khachatryan lead a program featuring Unsuk Chin’s Subito con forza, Beethoven’s Violin Concerto and Beethoven’s Symphony No. 7. The evening is yours to enjoy in Rome after the performance. (B)

Spend the morning with featured artist Giulia Ferraldeschi, a Rome-born soprano whose work spans Gregorian chant, early music and opera. During an immersive workshop, Giulia will guide directors into the musical tradition and expressive practice of Gregorian chant. Afterward, enjoy time in Rome before gathering again for a memorable farewell dinner. (B, D)

Depart Rome for your return journey to the U.S. (B)

Register for Prelude 2027

Qualifying group leaders should complete the director registration form below. If you are bringing a guest, your companion must also submit the separate companion form. Prelude is complimentary for qualifying group leaders and one guest, with a maximum of two spots per organization. Encore will confirm eligibility and any additional costs.

Register as a Group Leader
Register a Companion