1. Lodging
Our participants will have the choice of double or single occupancy at either the Hostel Ostello di valle camonica OR The academy Arte e Vita. If single occupancy is preferred, there will be a surcharge. Please note that limited single rooms are available and they will be sold on a first come first serve basis.
2. BIIMA Travel Agent
Choral Reatreat: Mirsa
Touring House: 876 Montreal Rd., Suite 201, Ottawa, Ontario, K1K 4L3 / Phone: 613-741-2942
Email: travel@touringhouse.com
Voice & Composition, Creativity & Improv: Valerie
Website: lifetravelledwell.com
Email: travel@lifetravelledwell.com
3. Repertoire
-Choral Music will be assigned and sent to you in May. No need to come prepared, but you are welcome to look over the music beforehand
-Voice: You will bring the repertoire of your choice (Opera and/or Oratorio and/or Art Song) and will be assigned ensembles
-Improv: No preparation needed!
4. Typical Day At BIIMA
(subject to change)
Voice Intensive Masterclass:
- 8:00 breakfast
- 9:00 Italian class
- 9:45 Group warm up (physical) class
- 10:30-11 break for warm up
- 11-12:30 masterclass
- 12:30 lunch
- 2:00-5:00 coachings/rehearsals
- 7:00 Dinner
Choral Retreat:
A Typical Week Day at the BIIMA Choral Retreat may look like this:
- 8:00 Homemade Breakfast
- 9:00 Choral Rehearsal
- 10:30 Break
- 11:00 Workshop, Italian lesson, Music Appreciation lesson, or sectional rehearsal
- 12:30 Homemade Lunch
- 1:30 Free Time to explore Breno and the area
- 7:00 Homemade Supper
5. When Do I Leave For BIIMA
Most flights arriving from North America into Europe happen over night. Please plan accordingly. For the Choral Retreat, this may mean that you will leave on June 30th to arrive on July 1st.
For the Voice and Improv programs, this may mean that you will leave on July 15th to arrive on July 16th.
6. Can I Fly Directly To Breno?
No. You must fly into Europe, preferably Milan. We will have a bus booked to take the participants directly to the academy from Malpensa Airport. Bus timing is TBD. You can also arrange your own transportation via the train system. There are daily trains arriving in Breno.
7. Choral Retreat: Can I Bring My Spouse Or Friend?
Absolutely! The same fees apply. Please let us know if you would like to room together or if you will upgrade to a single room.
8. Choral Retreat: What repertoire will we be working on in rehearsal?
We will explore and prepare diverse repertoire that emphasizes Italian lyrics and composers, and music that represents Canada to our Italian audiences. Choral Music will be assigned and sent to you in May. No need to come prepared, but you are welcome to look over the music beforehand
9. Choral Retreat: Do I need to know how to read music to attend?
There is no requirement to read music. Sheet music will be provided prior to departure with available learning tracks, should you wish to prepare in advance. But, with two weeks of daily rehearsal, workshops, and sectionals, you will certainly know your music by the time we perform at the end of our retreat!
10. Choral Retreat: Do I need to audition to attend the Choral Retreat?
Absolutely not. This retreat is for amateur choral singers of all levels who are looking to improve their skills and knowledge while forming lasting relationships in a beautiful setting.
11. What Should I Pack?
• Light clothing, as it is usually hot
• A plug adapter for electronics
• Ear plugs
• Bathing suit
• Any prescription meds and maybe some over the counter meds that can be useful for travel (i.e gravol, imodium, etc).
• Basic first aid kit with painkillers, allergy medication, moleskin and adhesive bandages
• Copies of your music
• Sun screen
• Hat
• Water bottle
• Concert attire
• iPad, laptop or a tablet
• Passport
• Proof of vaccinations
• Cash and credit cards
• Health insurance card
• Travel insurance info
• Itinerary, ticket and reservation info
