An unforgettable musical experience in the Eternal City Announcing Prelude 2026: Rome We’re excited to share that Prelude 2026 will be held in Rome, Italy. From exclusive Vatican access to intimate performances, expert-led workshops, and once-in-a-lifetime cultural experiences, this complimentary event celebrates our inspiring community of group leaders. Join us in January 2026 for three unforgettable nights of connection, discovery, and inspiration in one of the world’s most iconic cities. Learn More Prelude – a beautiful introduction to the main event. Prelude is Encore Tours’ professional development weekend for ensemble directors, which takes place each year in a spectacular international destination. Now in its 11th year, Prelude is a unique event that 100% of over 200+ attending directors have rated as ‘excellent’ and beyond. The weekend is centered around exploration of personal and professional development, offering unlimited opportunities for networking, cultural experiences, and artistic development. Ensemble leaders will experience the local culture and arts through various sightseeing excursions, culinary delights, and professional performances. Join the Encore team and fellow music directors in Rome for an unforgettable musical experience, taking place January 15–19, 2026, over the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday weekend. Set in the heart of the Eternal City, this one-of-a-kind event will be a remarkable celebration of music, culture, and community. Doing Prelude makes me feel that I’m valued and that the work I do is valuable work. The places we go and what we experience, it’s just first class and I feel first class. And that’s a wonderful feeling. Maria B. Not having been on an Encore trip before, I had no idea what to expect. The combination of outstanding musical performances and meaningful connections made it unforgettable. Martha S. Gaining insights from the collective wisdom of fellow directors is invaluable. I was able to address two topics that have been problematic from my previous tours. Site inspections are also extremely helpful. A big bonus is that I made new friendships that will continue well beyond Prelude. Paige L. There is nothing quite like being in a roomful of folks who know what it’s like to take a bunch of musicians on tour. Who else really understands that? It was great to hear all the stories and to get the benefit of all that experience. Wendy C. I was delighted and thrilled to have so many opportunities packed into just three days. These were exceptional and ‘over the top’ experiences. Ann T. This is my first Prelude and I’ve really enjoyed meeting other band directors who are also taking their ensembles overseas. Lauren H. How to Qualify Register By: July 15, 2025 October 15, 2025 Number of paying passengers: 20 25 How to Register To register for Prelude, please print and complete the forms below for both you and your companion. When you have finished, please scan and email these forms back to your Program Consultant. We’ll take it from there! Prelude Registration Form Prelude Companion Registration Form Note: All registration forms must be submitted no later than September 1, 2025. Prelude is designed by musicians for musicians, and we know you will love it! A maximum of two spots per organization is allowed on our Prelude event. Encore Tours will inform you of any additional costs. Prelude is complementary to ensemble leaders (and one guest) who meet the minimum number of international passengers traveling with Encore Tours needed to qualify. Gateway Cities The following list of gateway cities can be booked for no additional fees. Note: Encore cannot guarantee requests for specific airports where multiple options exist, such as New York City’s JFK, LaGuardia, and Newark Airports. Atlanta, GA Boston, MA Chicago, IL Cincinnati, OH Cleveland, OH Dallas, TX Denver, CO Detroit, MI Houston, TX Kansas City, MO Los Angeles, CA Miami, FL Minneapolis, MN New York, NY Orlando, FL Philadelphia, PA Phoenix, AZ Pittsburgh, PA Portland, OR Raleigh, NC Salt Lake City, UT San Francisco, CA Seattle, WA St. Louis, MO Tampa, FL Washington, DC