July 4 - 18, 2012

MidAmerica Productions, Peter Tiboris, Founder, General Director and Artistic Director

The Municipality of Hermoupolis on Syros, Mayor Yannis Dekavallas and Cultural Council President, Yannis Pitaoulis

The National Opera of Greece “Lyriki Skini” of Athens

P R E S E N T

THE EIGHTH ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL OF THE AEGEAN

For North American Choruses and Children’s Choruses

“A Serious Music Festival in a Seriously Beautiful Place”

The Port of Syros on the approach by ferry

Special Guest Conductor, John Rutter MAGNIFICAT, REQUIEM, MASS OF THE CHILDREN

Greek Premieres

Peter Tiboris conducts Beethoven’s NINTH SYMPHONY

Brahms’ REQUIEM Gershwin’s PORGY AND BESS CHORAL SUITE

Haydn’s CREATION

Raymond Hughes, Chorus master of the Norwegian National Opera in Oslo Norway and former Chorus Master (15 years) of the

Metropolitan Opera Chorus in New York City, conducts MOZART’S REQUIEM

Conductor Almeda Berkey conducts the music of Jackson Berkey in a program called “Berkey conducts Berkey.”

Works include: MASS OVER A PERIOD OF TIME; ARMA LUCIS; MAGNIFICAT; GOD BE IN MY HEAD; SOFT VOICES, SWEET VIOLETS, AND ROSE LEAVES; CERTAIN

AM I; REVERIE; CIBOLA; and AMAZING GRACE

“Imagine a place where in every direction you see a view as beautiful as a postcard” --Terre Johnson, Birmingham Concert Chorale

Apollo Theater: “LA PICCOLA SCALA”

(Opening Performance: April 20, 1864, Verdi’s Rigoletto) Capital City of Hermoupolis on the Island of Syros in the Cyclades

St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church, 1828 in Ermoupolis and St. George Roman Catholic Cathedral, 1840, in Ano Syros

“Its port and capital is likely to put you in mind of Paris, Genoa, maybe even Venice.”

-- Arthur Durrell

Apollo Theater, “La Piccola Scala”

Tim Sharp conducts Lauridsen's LUX AETERNA

in its Greek premiere

Ron Sayer conducts America’s Community Chorus

Featuring music from America starting with the 1850's through Broadway

Incl. music by Ron Nelson, Stephen Foster, Shaker tunes, spirituals (Moses

Hogan), Eric Whitacre, and a final Tribute to

Richard Rogers.

Conductor Mark Hayes conducts a program of his own works called

“Hayes conducts Hayes,” taken from the following works………

THE AMERICAN SPIRIT, GLORIA, TE DEUM, MAGNIFICAT, and/or SPIRIT

SUITE I AND II

Francis Bardot of the Paris National Opera conducts POULENC’S GLORIA

BERNSTEIN’S CHICHESTER PSALMS

Primary Musical Works: 1. All visiting choirs will choose to be part of one major choral work which will be performed on Wednesday, July

11, 2012 at the Apollo Theater under a special designated guest conductor. This is the major “choral gala” of the Festival which includes world-class soloists and the Pan European Philharmonia. Works being considered are The choral suite from Gershwin’s PORGY AND BESS, Beethoven’s MASS IN C, Dvorak’s TE DEUM, Haydn’s TE DEUM, Rutter’s MASS OF THE CHILDREN, Mozart’s SOLEMN VESPER, Vivaldi’s DIXIT DOMINUS, Poulenc’s GLORIA, Mozart’s GRAND MASS IN C MINOR, and Verdi’s REQUIEM. A decision on which work will be made after the initial registration, which is December 1, 2011.

2. All choirs will join together for a major performance in the outdoor Plateia (piazza) in front of the neo-classical

Capitol Building on Sunday evening July 15; in July 2011 it will be CARMINA BURANA. The works being considered for 2012 are Beethoven’s NINTH SYMPHONY, the choral suite from Gershwin’s PORGY AND BESS or an opera choral gala night. This will be televised nationally and recorded (pending approval by ERT1).

3. Choirs have the option of performing on our Sunset Choral series in St. Nicholas Church Cathedral. These Sunset Concerts occur at 6:00 PM on July 13 and the performances must be of sacred music, only a cappella. A portative organ is available.

NOTE: The Children’s Chorus will be co-conducted by Francis Bardot of Paris, France and David Brunner of Orlando, Florida, USA. Maestro Bardot’s 80-voice children’s choir Choeur d'Enfants d'Ile-de-France will be making a special appearance. Music selected for the Children’s Choruses will be performed on July 11 in the Apollo Theater and July 15 in the Piazza (Miaoulli Plateia). A solo concert on July 13 as part of the Sunset Sacred Choral Series in St. Nicholas is optional to individual choirs and their directors. NOTE: For the first time in 8 years, the Festival doors have been “opened” for the appearance of three distinguished Youth Orchestras and three distinguished Concert Bands from the USA, Canada, the South America’s, and Europe. Performances would be scheduled at the Piazza (Miaoulli Plateia) in front of the Capitol Building, Apollo Theater, and surrounding Islands. The “schedule” as published on our website and in the below information for visiting choruses would be virtually identical. The costs and dates are the same as well. NOTE: Tim Peter of Luther College conducts works for Men’s Chorus. Works include: THE LAST WORDS OF DAVD – R. Thompson; BEATI MORTURI – F. Mendelssohn; BLAGOSLOVI DUSHE MOYA GHOSPODA – M. Ippolitov-Ivanov; RISE UP MY LOVE, MY FAIR ONE – J. McCray; LILY’S EYES (frm. The Secret Garden) – Arr. P. Eklund; FERGUS AN MOLLY – V. Singh

NOTE: During the Festival we will also be developing and hosting a Woman’s Chorus Gala, rehearsed and conducted by GARY L. MABRY of the University of Texas at San Antonio. The same rehearsal schedule is used during the festival at the Apollo Theater, Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church, and Miaoulli Plateia (Piazza). Works include: INVOCATION – Stroope; DER 23 PSALM – Schubert; TXIMELETAK – Ugalde; NGINANI NA – Trad. African folksong (arr. Caroline Lyon); STO MI E MILO – Trad. Macedonian/Bulgarian; TORAH ORAH – arr. Brent Adams; LISZT FERENC – Lájos Bardos; SCANTEI SOLARI – Jonathan Pieslak; MARIA PANCHA – Venezuelan folksong (arr. Christian Grases); JOSHUA FIT THE BATTLE OF JERICHO – spiritual (arr. Marilyn Susan Brown) NOTE: Rick Lopez of Houston, Texas conducts an All-American Archdiocesan Choir in performances of liturgical music at the St. George Roman Catholic Church in Ano Syros as well as part of the Festival. Works include: CANTATE DOMINO – Hans Leo Hassler, DIXIT MARIA – Hassler, ALMA REDEMPTORIS MATER – GP Palestrina, MISSA BREVIS KV65 – WA Mozart, O NATA LUX – M Lauridsen, AVE MARIA – F Beibl.

NOTE: Barry Scott Williamson, Conduction-in-Residence at MidAmerica Productions, will conduct a cappella Lutheran church music works for mixed chorus, as part of an Interdenominational Concert at St. Nicholas Church. Works being considered include: “Komm, Jesu, Komm” – J.S. Bach; E’en so, Lord Jesus, Quickly Come” - Paul Manz; “Praise to the Lord, the Almighty” - F. Melius Christiansen; “Hark! I Hear the Harps Eternal” - Alice Parker; “Musicks Empire” - Lloyd Pfautsch; “Alleluia” - Randall Thompson; “Rise Up, My Love, My Fair One” - Healy Willan; David Angerman (To Be Determined).

Orchestra & Soloists:

Pan-European Philharmonia (Peter Tiboris, Founder and Music Director) comprised of musicians from Poland, Russia, Greece, Belgium, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Ukraine, Ireland, Scotland, and Italy

Soloists from major international opera houses and concert halls in the USA, Europe, and South America. Distinguished Guest Conductors from the USA, and Europe.

Arrive Athens July 4 / Depart Athens July 18, 2012

TOUR ITINERARY

Tuesday, July 3:

Depart United States – overnight flight to Athens (or meet in Athens). Day 1 - Wednesday - July 4:

Arrive Athens and be transferred by private coach to Central Athens where you can explore and have lunch on your own. Experience “Plaka” on your own: Also known as “Agora,” it’s considered to be the “Greenwich Village” of Ancient Greece.

At 4:00 PM a private coach will take you to the Port of Piraeus where you will board the High Speed Ferry for Syros at approximately 5:30 PM, arriving at 8:30 PM. Upon arrival at the Port of Syros, MidAmerica Productions’ staff will meet you with private coaches to escort you to your hotel for your first night in Syros.

Hotels used in 2011 on the Island of Syros included: Hotel Benois: www.benois.gr Dolphin Bay Hotel: www.dolphin-bay.gr Faros Village: www.faros-hotel.com Francoise Hotel: www.francoise-hotel.com Hermes Hotel: http://hermes-syros.com Day 2 - Thursday - July 5:

Breakfast. Followed by your first rehearsal from 9:30 AM to Noon in your hotel. Remainder of the day free to explore the island or bus to Hermopoulis to see the capital city of the Cyclades.

Day 3 - Friday – July 6:

Breakfast. 8:45 AM transfer by AC coach bus to Apollo Theater for chorus rehearsals at 9:30 AM to 1:00 PM. After rehearsal tour of the theater with guide Maria Rotas, Apollo Theater Historian (to be announced, time

permitting). Schedule subject to change without notice.

Day 4 - Saturday – July 7:

Breakfast. 8:45 AM transfer by AC coach bus to Cultural Center for chorus rehearsals at 9:30 AM to 1:00 PM. After rehearsal walking tour of Central Hermoupolis and the Capitol Building with guide Vilna Tsirka, Syros

Historian (to be announced, time permitting). Day 5 - Sunday – July 8:

Breakfast. 8:45 AM transfer by AC coach bus to Apollo Theater for chorus rehearsals at 9:30 AM to 1:00 PM. Remainder of the day is free, at leisure, especially swimming the Aegean.

Day 6 - Monday – July 9:

Breakfast. Morning rehearsal of Choral Gala Music, at 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM; then transfer by AC coach bus to Apollo Theater

to see the final dress rehearsal of Verdi’s Il trovatore, featuring a world-class cast, at 3:00 PM. Evening return to hotels by AC coach bus.

Day 7 - Tuesday – July 10:

Breakfast. Optional Island Hop to Mykonos, starts at 9:00 AM and return at 9:00 PM. Details and costs on the “Island Hop”

will be published on March 1, 2012. OR, day free at leisure on Syros. (Mykonos Island is 45 minutes by ferry from Syros. The Island Hop to Mykonos is not part of the land package price.)

Mykonos Island

Day 8 - Wednesday - July 11:

Breakfast. Morning free Afternoon rehearsal with piano in the Apollo Theater. Late afternoon – dress rehearsal with orchestra, soloists, and guest conductor. Evening “choral gala” in Apollo Theater featuring the SATB Chorus and the Children’s Chorus. Return to hotels by AC coach bus.

Schedule subject to change without notice.

Day 9 - Thursday - July 12:

Breakfast. Remainder of the day is free; OR Island Hop to Paros, to be announced March 1, 2012. (This option is not

included in the package price). Day 10 - Friday - July 13:

Breakfast. Morning rehearsal of all choirs on the music for the concert on July 15, 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM. Evening, attend the Sunset Concert in St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church or St. George Roman Catholic

Cathedral at 6:00 PM; then attend the symphonic concert in Apollo Theater at 9:00 PM (complimentary admission).

Return to hotels by AC coach bus.

Sunset Concert -Venues

Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church

Saint George Roman Catholic Cathedral

Day 11 - Saturday - July 14:

Breakfast. Morning and afternoon rehearsal for Plateia concert in front of the Capitol Building. Return to hotels by AC coach bus.

Schedule subject to change without notice.

Day 12 - Sunday - July 15:

Breakfast. Afternoon Chorus rehearsal with the Pan European Philharmonia. Late afternoon acoustic sound-check in the Plateia with orchestra, soloists, lighting and sound system. 10:00 PM concert. Televised live nationally and taped (pending approval of ERT1). Late-night return to hotels by AC coach bus.

Miaoulli Plateia and Syros Capitol Building of the Cyclades

Location of the Finale Concert on July 15, 10:00 PM

CARMINA BURANA "Under the Stars" - July 17, 2011

(continued next page)

Schedule subject to change without notice.

Day 13 - Monday - July 16 Return to Athens and OPTIONAL trip to CORINTH:

Breakfast Checkout and AC coach bus to Port of Syros for noon return to Port of Piraeus (3.5 hours). Arrive 3:30 PM to Piraeus and AC coach busses take you to your hotel in Athens. Remainder of the day free for exploring Athens and Plaka on your own or. OPTIONAL tour to Corinth (visit to the place of St. Paul the Apostle and the Canal of Corinth) St. Paul visited

Greece and his longest stay was in Corinth where he converted Jews and Gentiles. While in Greece he also visited Philippi Thessaloniki, Beroea, Roman Macedonia, and Athens. The ruins of Corinth are spectacular. It is after leaving Corinth that he wrote "Letters to the Corinthians" which is one of the most important writings in the New Testament. Corinth was his missionary base. Upon arriving in Athens a bus will take those who signed-up on a 90-minute bus ride to Ancient Corinth with a stop at the Corinth Canal----a spectacular man made canal cut from solid rock where boats pass through (like the Panama Canal). There will be a professional biblical guide on the bus with a complete tour of Ancient Corinth, the location where St. Paul preached and lived from 49-51 AD. On the return trip to Athens there will be a stop for dinner in a taverna. (Cost to be announced on March 1, 2012, this cost is not included in the Land Package).

Canal of Corinth

Ancient Corinth

(continued next page)

Schedule subject to change without notice.

Day 14 - Tuesday - July 17 – FINAL DAY – Afternoon Athens City Tour / Acropolis and Final Farewell Dinner Gala:

Breakfast. Morning free. Afternoon - you will be greeted by an English-speaking guide in the lobby of your hotel. Board an air-

conditioned coach bus and enjoy a tour of Athens, combining many of the city's principal modern and classical sights. This tour includes an overview of the modern city and striking contrasts to the remains of its glorious past. You will drive by the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in front of the Parliament House on Constitution Square, the Pan Athenian Stadium (site of the first modern Olympic Games in 1896). See vistas of the Presidential Palace (ex. Royal Palace), government buildings and striking homes of Athens elite. Drive along Panepistimiou Avenue and view the Catholic Cathedral, the Academy, University, National Library and Omonia Square. In contrast, you will visit the Roman Temple of Olympian Zeus and the crowning beauty and glory that was Athens, the Acropolis with its many monuments atop its rocky base, including the incredible Parthenon, the Propylaea, the Temple of Athena Nike and the Erechtheion with its Porch of Maidens.

Following the tour, busses will take you to the final farewell dinner “blast” with live music, dance, and floor show in Plaka. This includes a four-course meal and after-dinner entertainment; a live five-piece orchestra performing with bouzouki, drums, electric guitar, synthesizer and Greek clarinet. Their repertoire ranges from modern European, Latin, and Greek Pop. The solo bouzouki will be a unique treat for everyone…you’ll recognize the sound since it was made international by “Zorba’s Dance” from Zorba the Greek. There will also be six dancers in Greek traditional costumes from Foustanellas, performing Greek folk dances - Hasapiko, Zeibekiko (sailor’s dance), Kalamatiano, and Syrtaki (Zorba’s Dance). Guests will be invited to join them on the stage to learn Greek dancing. As a special treat there will also be a belly-dancer (of course G-rated) --The two-hour program will be a blast!

Return to hotel by AC coach bus.

The Parthenon at the Acropolis Wednesday – July 18:

Breakfast. Check-out of hotel in Athens. Transfer by AC coach bus to Athens International Airport for your flight back home.

Schedule subject to change without notice

Costs and Payment Schedule:

Total cost is €1,549 Euros, per person based on double occupancy. This includes events, accommodations, transfers, & all tips, gratuity, and VAT taxes described in the day to day itinerary and specifically itemized on the “inclusions” page. This price does not include airfare to Athens. Single supplement occupancy is €299 Euros additional. Note that single rooms are limited. Triple rooms are occasionally available and the cost per person is the same as double room occupancy, €1549 Euros per person.

At the time of the FIRST DEPOSIT the exchange rate for your ensemble of performers and non-performers will become fixed and firm and the dollar amount computed based on the exchange rate. For example, €1549 Euros at an exchange rate of $1.25 USD is $1,936 USD. At that time the dollar amount for this program will remain unchanged, regardless of whether the dollar weakens or strengthens for the remainder of your deposits. Any departure taxes levied by the US Government after initial deposit and before departure are the responsibility of the performer/non-performers and will be added to the final invoice. DEPOSIT DEADLINES:

♦ $300 per person on or before December 1, 2011 (final cost in dollars at this deposit is fixed based on €1,549 converted to the US Dollar).

♦ $500 per person on or before February 1, 2012. ♦ $500 per person on or before April 1, 2012. ♦ Balance due on or before May 15, 2012.

ALL CHECKS ARE PAYABLE TO: MIDAMERICA PRODUCTIONS, INC. Please forward your payment (one check per group) along with the registration form (one form per group) to: Ms. Joyce Howard-Brazel Vice President, Director of Account Operations MidAmerica Productions, Inc. 132 West 36th Street, 4th Floor New York, NY 10018 Note: 1 FREE LAND Package (€1549 Euros) on 35 paying land packages (#36 is free); another is FREE at 71. All deposits and payments are non-refundable and non-transferable to the group’s unpaid balance, should an individual cancel their participation. Cancellation insurance, therefore, is recommended. If MidAmerica Productions cancels, all monies will be immediately and completely refunded.

AIRFARES TO ATHENS, GREECE ARE THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE PARTICIPATING ENSEMBLES.

If you are a US citizen, a valid passport is required but no visa is required. If you are NOT a US citizen, please check with your embassy regarding entry requirements to Greece.

10-4-11 – this replaces any previous published documents.

Land Package Inclusions:

Arrive Athens July 4 / Depart Athens July 18, 2012

1. Fourteen (14) nights in Athens and Syros, double occupancy. Single occupancy is 299 Euros when singles are available. Triples are also in limited supply and the cost pp is 1549 Euros.

2. Package includes all local taxes, gratuities (15%), and Greek Value Added Tax (VAT) of 18%. 3. Buffet Breakfast, daily (14 total). 4. One grand finale dinner in Athens at a “bouzouki” restaurant with entertainment (July 17). 5. Eight private bus transfers within Athens including airport pick-up July 4 and return to the airport

July 18 or as needed. 6. Up to 22 private AC coach bus transfers in Syros for rehearsals and concerts (or as needed). 7. Escorts on busses to and from all locations. 8. Bi-lingual guides. 9. One free land package based on 35 full paying participants (#36 is free). 10. Complimentary professional Festival photographs sent to your director by September 1, 2012. 11. Complimentary professional DVD of the Festival performance sent to your director by September 1, 2012,

(pending approval of musician’s union). 12. MidAmerica manages all travel details within Greece on your behalf with designated Athens travel agent. 13. Distinguished guest conductors. 14. World-class soloists from the USA, Europe, and South America. 15. Complimentary ticket to Symphony Night at the Apollo Theater (July 13). 16. One concert in the Apollo Theater with orchestra, guest conductor and soloists

(July 11) as part of the Festival. 17. One concert in the Plateia / Piazza “Under the Stars” in front of the Cyclades Capitol Building (July 15). 18. One concert in St. Nicholas Church Cathedral as part of the Sunset Concert Series (6:00 PM on July 13) of

sacred music only (optional for this who wish to prepare a program of 20 minutes), led by your own conductor.

19. Professional accompanists. 20. Greek National and International press coverage; all distributed to visiting ensembles. 21. Internet posting of Festival. 22. Complimentary entrance to Sunset Concerts at St. Nicholas—if you are not performing on the Sunset concert

scheduled for July 13 at 6:00 PM. 23. Assistance with purchasing of international flight tickets to and from Athens, when requested. 24. Assistance in preparation for the performance of Greek folk songs, language, and music coachings. 25. Residency and appearance of 60-member Pan-European Philharmonia. 26. Passes to visit the opera rehearsals of Puccini’s LA BOHEME July 8 and 9(time permitting). 27. Ferry tickets to Syros (July 4) and from Syros (July15) to Piraeus. 28. Pre-tour management of your tour starting with initial registration deposit. 29. Guided tour of general Athens, the Akropolis and Parthenon with licensed professional guide. (Includes bus and

entrance fees) (July 17). 30. MidAmerica staff on duty throughout your entire stay in Athens and Syros. 31. Publicity and management of your concert in Syros prior to your arrival and during your stay. 32. A complimentary Festival poster given to director and all participants on the last day of your stay in Syros. 33. Walk through Plaka (July 16) with MidAmerica Productions representative. 34. Apollo Theater tour with historian Maria Rotas (schedule permitting). 35. Complimentary admission to the final dress rehearsal of Verdi’s IL TROVATORE at the Apollo Theater (July 11).

Schedule subject to change without notice

Land Package Exclusions:

1. Round-trip air to and from Athens. Delta from JFK, Continental from Newark, Delta from Atlanta, Delta from Dallas, and US AIR from Philadelphia are all non-stop. Depending when tickets are purchased, from JFK, coach class seats range from $1150 - $1350 (2011).

2. Lunches and dinners daily (approximately $7.00 to $10.00 and $10.00 to $14.00 respectively) except the final dinner with live entertainment on July 17, in Athens which is part of the package.

3. Purchase of performance choral music. 4. “Island Hop” to Mykonos (July 11) – optional; cost not part of the package. 5. “Island Hop” to Paros (July 13) – optional; cost not part of the package. 6. Visit to Corinth and the place of St. Paul the Apostle (July 16) – optional; cost not part of the land package.

Ms. Betsy J. Stein Festival Registration Coordinator

MidAmerica Productions, Inc. 132 West 36th Street, 4th Floor New York, NY 10018-6903

Email: bjstein@midamerica-music.com Office #: 212-239-0205 – ext. 293

Direct office #: 212-736-1617 Cell #: 917-232-1389 Fax #: 212-563-558

M i d A m e r i c a P r o d u c t i o n s , I n c . • 1 3 2 W e s t 3 6 t h S t r e e t , 4 t h F l o o r • N e w Y o r k , N Y 1 0 0 1 8 - 6 9 0 3 T e l . ( 2 1 2 ) 2 3 9 - 0 2 0 5 • F a x ( 2 1 2 ) 5 6 3 - 5 5 8 7

www.festivaloftheaegean.com

Schedule subject to change without notice

FESTIVAL OF THE AEGEAN Often-Asked Question and Answers

How many concerts can participants be part of during the tour? There are three choral concert opportunities: First, the gala finale concert in front of the capital building with orchestra (in July 2011, we performed a 375 voice Carmina Burana). Second, a festival performance at the historic Apollo Theater with orchestra, featuring a major choral masterwork led by a special guest conductor. Third, groups have the option of performing a Sunset Concert, 20 minutes of sacred a capella music at the historic St. Nicholas Church (1820), “Sacred Music in a Sacred Space.” This performance is not required. Can additional solo concerts be done through the Festival? Normally no, but there are special circumstances. Will non-performers in my group receive tickets for the performances that my singers are appearing in? Yes. Will my choir receive complimentary tickets for concerts they are not participating in? The municipality of Syros manages all ticket sales. If tickets are still available near the date of the concert, the answer is YES. How about some information on the Apollo Theater? The Apollo Theater was built by the Italians in 1864. The first performance was Verdi's Rigoletto on April 20th, 1864. After a hiatus, the first performance in the 20th century was The Barber of Seville, July 1, 2005 by the Festival of the Aegean. With a 400 seat capacity, the theater also goes by "La Piccola Scala." What is the evening dress for visitors, especially to the Theater? “Smart / Casual.” What does one wear at St. Nicholas Church? Something conservative but comfortable. Shorts and swimsuits are not allowed. How many free days are there during the 14-day residency? Typically two, although this also depends on how many concerts you perform in. Island hops will be available for those wishing to participate. Are bi-lingual tour guides available? Most certainly YES. How many hotels on Syros are used during the Festival residency? It depends on the number of participants… usually 8 to 9. Some are located in Hermoupolis and others around the island no more than a 15-minute commute by bus, which is provided through your package.

Often-Asked Questions and Answers Cont’d

How do I get around the island of Syros? Hermoupolis is eminently “walkable,” with most sites of interest within a 10-minute walk of the hotels—including performance venues, restaurants, shops, and the waterfront. On other parts of the island, restaurants, shops, and the beach are likewise never more than a few minutes walk away from your hotel. To get from one part of the island to another over and above the provided bus transfers (see above), one can take a taxi, the municipal bus, or rent a scooter to get around. It is also possible to rent a vehicle on the island; inquire upon arrival. Where does one rent scooters or four-wheelers? There are numerous places all over the Island. Ask at the front desk of your hotel, they can recommend the best place. What is the taxi telephone number on Syros? (22810) 86222. Are there internet cafés on the Island? Yes, there are numerous in Hermoupolis. Is wi-fi available in the hotels? Normally yes, in the hotel lobby. Is there a gym on the island for working out? Yes. It costs about 20 euros per day. When are stores open and closed in Syros? You will have to check with the front desk of your hotel; they can give you specific information. Is food included in the package? Yes: a full breakfast each day and the gala dinner on your last night in Athens. Lunch and all other dinners are on your own; usually lunch and dinner average 15-20 euros per day. Where can I get the best euro/dollar exchange? At the banks in Hermoupolis. Bring your passport along. What credit cards are accepted in restaurants? Visa and MasterCard are the most widely accepted; American Express is limited. What does a normal lunch in Syros cost? Around $10 to $12. And dinner? Somewhat more. What is the tipping policy in Greece? Usually 10%, and always in cash, never on a credit card. Are there supermarkets near my hotel? Yes. Are there dry cleaning places on the island? Yes, in Hermoupolis. Ask at front desk. One day service.

Often-Asked Questions and Answers Cont’d

What is the weather like in July? Sunny and warm. High 80's-90’s during the day, low 70's at night. Is an umbrella needed in Syros in July? Only for the sun. It never rains in July. Is the water safe to drink from the tap? Yes. But most people still prefer bottled water. Is there a hospital on Syros? The biggest hospital in the Cyclades is on Syros because it is the capital...very near the center of Hermoupolis. Is there an additional cost for a triple room? No, the cost in this package is 1,549 euros per person. Is there a supplemental cost for a single room? Yes, it is an additional 350 euros. If I come late to the tour, is there any refund on services or hotels? No. Can I extend my trip? Yes, but those expenses are your own. How many daily flights are between Syros and Athens? During the summer, usually one per day.

M i d A m e r i c a P r o d u c t i o n s , I n c . • 1 3 2 W e s t 3 6 t h S t r e e t , 4 t h F l o o r • N e w Y o r k , N Y 1 0 0 1 8 - 6 9 0 3 T e l . ( 2 1 2 ) 2 3 9 - 0 2 0 5 • F a x ( 2 1 2 ) 5 6 3 - 5 5 8 7

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Participating Festival Choirs 2008- 2011

-2008-

Columbia Collegiate Chorale of Maryland James Bingham, Director

Maryland, USA

The Choir of the Podlasie Opera and Philharmonic Violetta Bielecka, Director

Bialystock, Poland

-2009-

Southwestern College Concert Choir, Teresa Russell, Director

Chula Vista, CA, USA

Members of National Conservatory's Choir – (Ethniko Odeio) Spyros Klapsis, Chorus Master

Athens, Greece

Athens Singers, Ionian University Department of Musical Studies Rosa Poulimenou

Corfu, Greece

-2010-

Birmingham Concert Chorale Philip Copeland, Director

Alabama, USA

Vocal Ensemble of Mira Costa High School, Michael Hayden, Director

Manhattan Beach, California, USA

The Michael O'Neal Singers Michael O'Neal, Director

Georgia, USA

2010 – continued

King College Symphonic Choir

W. Patrick Flannagan, Director Tennessee, USA

Kamloops Choristers

Margaret Brown, Director British Columbia, Canada

Choeur d'Enfants d'Ile-de-France (Children’s Choir) Francis Bardot, Director

Paris, France

Camerata Vocalis Rosa Poulimenou, Director

Corfu, Greece

Members of National Conservatory's Choir- (Ethnikon Odeio) Spyros Klapsis, Director

Athens, Greece

The Syros Opera Chorus Dimitris Papatheodoru, Director

Syros, Greece

St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church of Syros Men's Chorus Yannis Argyriou, Director

Syros, Greece

-2011- Nova Voce, Los Angeles

Irene Messoloras, Director California, USA

Kairos Youth Choir

Laura Kakis Serper, Director Berkeley, CA, USA

Taghkanic Chorale

Steven Fox, Director Yorktown Heights, NY, USA

Contra Costa Children’s Choir Iris Lamanna, Director Walnut Creek, CA, USA Durango Choral Society

Linda Mack Berven, Director Durango, CO, USA

Connecticut Master Chorale

Tina Johns Heidrich, Director Danbury, CT, USA

Brevard Community College

Robert Lamb, Director Cocoa, FL, USA

Wesleyan College Concert Chorus

Nadine Whitney, Director Macon, GA, USA

The Arcadian Chorale of New Jersey

Marina Alexander, Director Matawan, NJ, USA

Richmond Choral Society of New York City

Marina Alexander, Director New York, NY, USA

Warwick Valley Chorale Stanley Curtis, Director

Warwick, NY, USA

2011 – continued

Sardis Presbyterian Church Sanctuary Choir Ken A. DeBoer, Director

Charlotte, NC, USA

The Knox Choir of Presbyterian Church Earl Rivers, Director Cincinnati, OH, USA

Tulsa Oratorio Chorus Tim Sharp, Director

Tulsa, OK, USA

Gethsemane Lutheran Church, Ann Moeller, Director

Austin, TX, USA

Fort Worth Academy Choir, Mark Stamper, Director

Fort Worth, TX, USA

Etobicoke Youth Choir Louise Jardine, Director Etobicoke, ON, Canada

Members of National Conservatory's Choir- (Ethnikon Odeio)

Spyros Klapsis, Director Athens, Greece

The Hellenic Choirs Association with members for the following choirs:

Choir of the Employees Union of the Bank of Greece

Konstantinos Evangelatos, Director Athens, Greece

Choir of the Employees Union of Ministry of Culture

Aimilios Giannakopoulos, Director Athens, Greece

Scientists' Choir of Philothei Thomas Louziotis, Director

Athens, Greece

2011 – continued

Municipal Choir of Kerkyra Antony Ivanov, Director

Corfu, Greece

The “Manolis Kalomoiris” Children’s Choir Nikos Maliaras, Director

Athens, Greece

Mixed Choir of Eptanisii of Patras Lena Sourmeli, Director

Patras, Greece

Choir "Armonia" of Preveza, Valentin Stefanov, Director

Preveza, Greece