July 4-18, 2012 P R E S E N T THE EIGHTH ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL OF THE AEGEAN

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1 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 Instrumental Ensembles A Serious Music Festival in a Seriously Beautiful Place Peter Tiboris conducts Beethoven s NINTH SYMPHONY Brahms REQUIEM Gershwin s PORGY AND BESS CHORAL SUITE Haydn s CREATION Special Guest Conductor, John Rutter MAGNIFICAT, REQUIEM MASS OF THE CHILDREN Greek Premieres Raymond Hughes, former 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 The Port of Syros on the approach by ferry

2 Imagine a place where in every direction you see a view as beautiful as a postcard --Terre Johnson, Birmingham Concert Chorale Tim Sharp conducts Lauridsen's LUX AETERNA in its Greek premiere Francis Bardot of the Paris National Opera conducts Poulenc s GLORIA Bernstein s CHICHESTER PSALMS Conductor/composer Mark Hayes conducts Hayes conducts Hayes, a program of his own works selected from the following: AMERICAN SPIRIT, GLORIA, TE DEUM, MAGNIFICAT, and/or SPIRIT SUITE I and II. Ron Sayer conducts America s Community Chorus featuring music from America, from the 1850s through contemporary times, including classic Broadway. Music by Ron Nelson, Stephen Foster, Shaker tunes, spirituals (Moses Hogan), Eric Whitacre, and a final tribute to Richard Rogers. Conductor Almeda Berkey conducts the music of Jackson Berkey in 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. 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

3 NOTE: For the first time in eight years, the Festival doors have been opened for the appearance of three distinguished Youth Orchestras and three distinguished Concert Bands/Wind Ensembles from the USA, Canada, South America, and Europe. Performances would be scheduled at the Piazza (Miaoulli Plateia) in front of the Capitol Building, Apollo Theater, and surrounding Islands. The general 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. Primary Musical Works for Participating Choirs: 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 Vespers, Vivaldi s Dixit Dominus, Poulenc s Gloria, Mozart s Great Mass in C Minor, and Verdi s Requiem. A decision on which work will be made after the initial registration, which is December 1, 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 was 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: TIM PETER of Luther College will conduct works for Men s Chorus. Works to include: The Last Words Of David 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 (from 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 part of the Festival as well. Works include: Cantate Domino Hans Leo Hassler, Dixit Maria Hassler, Alma Redemptoris Mater Palestrina, Missa Brevis KV65 Mozart, O Nata Lux Lauridsen, Ave Maria Beibl.

4 Symphony Orchestras, Wind Ensembles, Concert Bands 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: Dolphin Bay Hotel: Faros Village: Francoise Hotel: Hermes Hotel: And in Athens: Metropolitan Hotel: Day 2 - Thursday - July 5: 10:00 AM-12:00 PM Organizational meeting with all directors and artists. 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: 8:45 AM transfer by AC coach bus to Apollo Theater for orchestral rehearsal (#1) at 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM. After rehearsal tour of the theater with guide Maria Rotas, Apollo Theater Historian (TBA, time permitting). Remainder of the day free. Day 4 - Saturday July 7: 8:45 AM transfer by AC coach bus to Cultural Center for orchestral rehearsal (#2) at 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Explore Hermoupolis, then return to hotel. Schedule subject to change without notice.

5 Day 5 - Sunday July 8: 8:45 AM transfer by AC coach bus to Apollo Theater for orchestral rehearsal (#3) at 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Remainder of the day is free. The Aegean Sea is very close to your hotel; swimming, at your leisure, is encouraged. Day 6 - Monday July 9: Morning free; 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 6:00 PM. Evening return to hotels by AC coach bus. Day 7 - Tuesday July 10: Optional Island Hop to Mykonos and Delos starts at 9:00 AM and returns at 9:00 PM. Details and costs on the Island Hop will be published on March 1, OR, day free at leisure on Syros. (Mykonos Island is 45 minutes by ferry from Syros. The Island Hop to Mykonos/Delos is not part of the land package price.) Mykonos Island Day 8 - Wednesday - July 11: Morning free Late afternoon dress rehearsal. 7 PM - Evening concert performance (#1) in Apollo Theater 9PM Choral Gala in Apollo Theater (complimentary entry) Return to hotels by AC coach bus. Day 9 - Thursday - July 12: Remainder of the day is free; OR optional Island Hop to Paros, to be announced March 1, (This option is not included in the package price). Schedule subject to change without notice.

6 Day 10 - Friday - July 13: 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: Buses depart for the Apollo Theater at 5:30 PM. Performance (#2) in Apollo Theater at 7:00 PM. Return to hotels by AC coach bus. Schedule subject to change without notice.

7 Day 12 - Sunday - July 15: 5:30 PM (ten.) Depart for performance 7 PM performance (#3). Attend 10:00 PM concert of the Pan-European Philharmonia and festival choruses performing Beethoven s Symphony No. 9 and Gershwin s Porgy And Bess choral suite. Late-night return to hotels by AC coach bus. Miaouli Plateia and Syros Capitol Building of the Cyclades Location of the Finale Concert on July 15, :00 PM CARMINA BURANA "Under the Stars" - July 17, 2011 at Miaouli Plateia Pan Euorpean Philharmonia in the Apollo Theater Peter Tiboris, music director

8 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 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 (continued next page) Schedule subject to change without notice. Ancient Corinth

9 Day 14 - Tuesday - July 17 FINAL DAY Afternoon Athens City Tour / Acropolis and Final Farewell Dinner Gala: Morning free. Afternoon - you will be greeted by an English-speaking guide in the lobby of your hotel. Board an airconditioned 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: Check-out of hotel in Athens. Transfer by AC coach bus to Athens International Airport for your flight back home. It is necessary for an appearing organization to be prepared to present two separate and distinct 45 minute programs. Schedule subject to change without notice

10 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 an additional 350 Euros, but 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. These are DOUBLE rooms with three beds. At the time of the FIRST DEPOSIT, the exchange rate in dollars for your ensemble of performers and non-performers, based on 1549 Euros per person, will become fixed and firm on the exchange rate that day. 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 Euros converted to the US Dollar). $500 per person on or before February 1, $500 per person on or before April 1, Balance due on or before May 15, ALL CHECKS ARE PAYABLE TO: MIDAMERICA PRODUCTIONS, INC. Please forward your payment (one check per group) along with the registration forms (one form per group) to: Ms. Joyce Howard-Brazel Vice President, Director of Account Operations MidAmerica Productions, Inc. 132 West 36 th Street, 4 th Floor New York, NY Note: 1 FREE LAND Package (1549 Euros) on 35 paying land packages (#36 is free); another is FREE at 71. Should an individual cancel his/her participation, all deposits and payments which were made are non-refundable and non-transferable to the group s unpaid balance. Cancellation insurance, therefore, is recommended. If MidAmerica Productions cancels the tour, all monies will be immediately and completely refunded. AIRFARES TO ATHENS, GREECE ARE THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE PARTICIPATING ENSEMBLES. INDIVIDUALS ARRIVAL ON JULY 4 TH IN ATHENS MUST BE BY 3PM LOCAL TIME. 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. 4-Oct-11 this replaces any previously published documents.

11 Land Package Inclusions (26): Arrive Athens July 4 / Depart Athens July 18, Fourteen (14) nights in Athens and Syros, double occupancy. Single occupancy is 350 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 23%. 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 Up to 22 private AC coach bus transfers in Syros for rehearsals and concerts. 7. Complimentary admission to the final dress rehearsal of Verdi s Il trovatore at the Apollo Theater (July 11). 8. Bilingual 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, Complimentary professional DVD of your 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. Two or three concerts presenting your ensemble at the Apollo Theater and/or the Miaouli Plaetia/Piazza in front of the Cyclades Capitol Building (July 11, 14, 15) 14. Complimentary admission to a performance of the Pan-European Philharmonic in concert at the Apollo Theater, featuring guest conductor and soloists (July 11) as part of the Festival. 15. Complimentary entrance to Sunset Concerts at St. Nicholas (July 13) 16. Greek National and International press coverage; distributed to all visiting ensembles as it occurs. 17. Internet posting of Festival and your ensemble s appearance. 18. Assistance with purchasing of international flight tickets to and from Athens, when requested. 19. Passes to visit the opera rehearsals of Verdi s Il trovatore July 8 and 9 (time permitting). 20. Ferry tickets to Syros (July 4) and from Syros (July 15) to Piraeus; assigned seating. 21. Pre-tour management of your tour starting with initial registration deposit. 22. Guided tour of general Athens, the Akropolis and Parthenon with licensed professional guide. (Includes bus and entrance fees.) (July 17) 23. MidAmerica staff on duty throughout your entire stay in Athens and Syros. 24. Publicity and management of your concert in Syros prior to your arrival and during your stay. 25. A complimentary Festival poster given to director and all participants on the last day of your stay in Syros. 26. Escorts on busses to and from all locations. Schedule subject to change without notice

12 Land Package Exclusions (4): 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 $ $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. Island Hops to Mykonos and Delos (July 11), Paros or Tinos (July 13), and Corinth (where St. Paul the Apostle lived for 18 months during AD) will be announced on March 1, These are optional tours and not part of the 1549 Euro package. 4. All instruments and percussion. Any of these items needed in Syros can be rented by your organization, from (and delivered by) Nakas Music and Conservatory in Athens. Ms. Betsy J. Stein Festival Registration Coordinator MidAmerica Productions, Inc. 132 West 36 th Street, 4 th Floor New York, NY bjstein@midamerica-music.com Office #: ext. 293 Direct office #: Cell #: Fax #: MidAmerica Productions, Inc. 132 West 36 th Street, 4th Floor New York, NY Tel. (212) Fax (212) Schedule subject to change without notice

13 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 The first performance was Verdi's Rigoletto on April 20 th, 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.

14 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) 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 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.

15 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. MidAmerica Productions, Inc. 132 West 36 th Street, 4th Floor New York, NY Tel. (212) Fax (212)