For an intense period of time each M&T participant will experience an extended sense of community and will have a window on local life which is impossible as an average tourist.
When else would you get the chance to jump the queues into St Mark’s Venice, or to perform to the owner and their guests in the chapel of a private French chateau, or to attend a civic reception in your honour hosted by the Mayor of Boston? Imagine tasting the perfect home-cooked Papa al Pomodoro whilst the sun sets over the terracotta rooftops, or being invited into the vaults of the Bishop’s Palace to see private manuscripts of Monteverdi because the Monsignore was moved by your interpretation of Beatus Vir.
In order to create these unique memories, together with our partners, we draw on our combined specialist knowledge and genuine love of sharing music in beautiful places. It is quite likely that the music you perform on tour will become etched into the memory of your participants in a way that will influence them subconsciously for life.
Our people
Some of our hoteliers and restaurateurs have been providing hospitality for our groups for over 20 years. We have our favourite coach drivers, instrument truck drivers and local town guides. And most of our tour managers have led M&T tours for more than 10 years. Many of our festival organisers, promoters and local music educators have become close personal friends and it is clear when visiting that the international aspect to their work is often a highlight for them and their communities.
You will be meeting people who genuinely believe in the value of cultural exchange – something which we need to hang onto in this fast changing and increasingly introspective world.
Being active musicians ourselves we understand the complex needs of different types of groups. We have a vast portfolio of tried and tested venues, and are always happy to put you in touch with clients who have visited them.
FOR CHOIRS: We may suggest a combination of daytime services in large cathedrals and evening performances in a smaller church or concert hall, possibly hosted by a local choir. Repertoire is key to our suggestions, and we always think about acoustics and organ specs. The choral scholars and organists amongst our staff us are quite geeky about this!
FOR ORCHESTRAS AND BANDS: We have close relationships with numerous theatres and concert halls, and, depending on the time of year and country, we can offer some fabulous outdoor venues too. These would usually be part of a series or festival, where the town square erects a stage for a set period of time. Again, it is vital to know the kind of repertoire you will bring before we approach venues. We know the importance of good lighting, appropriate stage space, acoustics, vehicle access and changing facilities… and the proximity of good food where possible!
Methods of publicity have changed significantly in recent years. So much is now on-line and we can tap into to the digital marketing systems of local communities as an effective way of supplementing printed material.
This is where our 25+ years experience of touring large music groups is invaluable. (Even more so today, when the border rules and goal posts are moving).
Many situations cannot be predicted on paper, so first hand knowledge is vital – for example when trying to access a medieval hill town in a double decker coach with a trailer. Finding appropriate drop-off and parking places is fundamental in a smooth running tour; as is confidence in a well located and well managed hotel.
In the popular destinations we have long-established relationships with hotels and coach companies, and in places more off the beaten track we have the resources to ensure that we provide you with respected, reliable and cost-efficient services.
Every group is accompanied by a tour manager who will stay with the group throughout. They will oversee all logistical aspects and act as a translator and interpreter where necessary, so that the group leaders are free to relax and just focus on the music and their own personnel.
The Association of Bonded Travel Organisers Trust Limited (ABTOT) provides financial protection under The Package Travel and Linked Travel Arrangements Regulations 2018 for Music & Travel Tour Consultants Limited, and in the event of their insolvency, protection is provided for non-flight packages.
ABTOT cover provides for a refund in the event you have not yet travelled and assistance if you are on holiday to return to your pre-arranged departure flight. ABTOT cover is limited to arrangements commencing in and returning to the UK or EU.
In the unlikely event that you require assistance whilst abroad due to our financial failure, please call our 24/7 helpline on 01702 811397 and advise you are a customer of an ABTOT protected travel company.
You can access The Package Travel and Linked Travel Arrangements Regulations 2018 here: https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2018/634/contents/made
Our ABTOT membership number is 5275.
What our clients say
