Marina High School Choir Tour update on return flight schedule

Just a quick note from Europe, that the Marina HS travelers have left Madrid with a slight delay. Below is the original schedule and our team is currently on the phone with Lufthansa to follow up on the now shorter connecting time in Munich.

Return to USA:

Sunday, April 15, 2012

LUFTHANSA flight LH1801, leaves MADRID (MAD) at 12:15PM

Arrives in MUNICH (MUC) at 2:50PM

LUFTHANSA flight LH452, leaves MUNICH (MUC) at 3:45PM

Arrive in LOS ANGELES (LAX) at 7:05PM 

Travel tips: conversion chart

Dear travelers,

we hope this conversion chart helps you in your upcoming Performance Tour.

Please notice money conversion changes everyday. 

Europe	USA - California		USA - California	Spain
1 euros	1,33 dollars	x 1,43	1 USD	0,75 EUR	x 0,7
1 sq meter	10,76 sq yard	x 1,19	1 yr2	0,83 m2	x 0,83
1 Meter (m)	3,28 feet	x 3	1 feet	0,3 metros	x 0,3
1 Kilometer	0,62 miles	x 0,62	1 miles	1,61 Km	x 1,61
1 kilograms	2,20 pounds	x 2,2	1 pound(lb)	0,45 Kg	x 0,45
1 liter	0,26 gallons	x 0,26	1 gal	3,79 l	x 3,79
10º Celsius	50º fahrenheit		60º F	15,5º C
20 ºC	68º F		70º F	21,1º C
30º C	86º F		80º F	26,6º C
12:00 noon	3 am (behind)	- 9 hrs	12:00 noon	9 pm (ahead)	+ 9 hrs

Marina HS Choir will be featured for High Mass at Catedral del Salvador in Oviedo, Thursday April 12th, at 12 noon.

The Catedral del Salvador (Cathedral of the Savior) in Oviedo will host the Marina HS Choir to celebrate High Mass on Thursday, April 12th, at 12 noon.

The cathedral of San Salvador of Oviedo remains today as a unique example of different architectural styles, from Pre-Romanesque to Baroque, including Romanesque, Gothic and Renaissance parts. Originally, there was a big Pre-Romanesque basilica in the present location of the Sothic cathedral. This primitive basilica that had been built by Fruela in honour to this Saint and that had been destroyed by the Muslims, but nothing is known about that first building (which was built by order of King Alfonso II of Asturias The Chaste).

The cathedral was also called Sancta Ovetensis owing to quantity and quality of relics contained in the Cámara Santa (English: Holy Chamber). The Holy Chamber remains as the only sample of the ancient high-medieval complex. It was built as a relics' room to keep the different treasures associated to the Asturian Monarchy (Cross of Angels, Cross of Victory, Agatha Box).

The chief feature of the cathedral is the "Camara Santa", with its venerable relics. Bishop Pelayo relates that the Agatha Box, a coffer made by the disciples of the Apostles, and containing the most precious relics of the Holy City, was taken from Jerusalem to Africa, and after several translations was finally deposited at Oviedo by Alfonso II. In the 16th century, Bishop Cristóbal de Sandoval y Rojas wished to open it, but could not, being overcome with religious fear. Many other relics are to be seen.

The temple has a Latin cross plan with three naves, being the major one 10 meters width and the side ones 6 meters height. All the vaults are simple rib vaults except for the central one which is a star- shape vault. The central nave height allows the space to be better illuminated thanks to big windows of elliptic arches. The presbytery has suffered several changes.

During the Baroque, part of the choir was redesigned in order to build an ambulatory with radial chapels. The Major Chapel conserves its original plan keeping inside the altarpiece with scenes of Christ life by Giralte de Brusela, Alonso de Berrugueta and Juan de Balmaseda in Renaissance style, becoming one of the biggest altarpieces in Spain.

Around the apse there is a Renaissance ambulatory and five radial chapels has been opened to it. The Gothic tower is 80 meters height and is finished off by a fretwork spire from 1556. In the Chapel of the King Castro, we can find the Royal Pantheon in Baroque style, which is the burial place of the Prince and Princess of Asturias.

The Diocesan Museum has been set up in the cloister. This museum houses important archaeological samples.

References:

http://www.inspain.org/en/sites/cathedralofsansalvador.asp

http://caminodesantiago.consumer.es/catedral-de-san-salvador-de-oviedo 
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cathedral_of_San_Salvador,_Oviedo

Pictures: http://www.troito.com/2011/01/fotografia-catedral-de-oviedo.html
http://ca.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fitxer:Pante%C3%B3n_real_de_la_Catedral_de_Oviedo--1.jpg

What to pack for Paris and Spain in April

Dear members of the Marina HS Choirs,

As your departure for your 2012 performance tour comes closer and closer, Incantato Tours provides you with different travel tips to make it easier for you to get ready for your trip.

For most people, packing for a trip is the most difficult part. The solution for many is to just pack as much as you possibly can into your suitcase and backpack, but as a colleague explains it: "You'll be thanking me later when you don't break your back from having to carry everything on your own. Don't do it!" Her advice: "Pack as lightly as you can. The best way to get it all to fit nicely into your suitcase is to fold it nicely and then roll it tightly. It can all fit into your bag like a puzzle."

The major fact is that you should bring only 1 suitcase, no heavier than 50 pounds.

Knowing the weather forecast can be helpful, keeping in mind that still is too early to have a good prediction… so just like a “suggestion”, here you have some examples of how weather goes in the cities you will visit, for the month of April. All temp. are stated in Fahrenheit scale. Remember global warming or “weather craziness” has arrived here, and you could enjoy a cold rain as much as a hot day without prediction!

-       Paris: Temp 46º to 57º, expecting some little rain…

-       Bilbao: Temp average in April is 60º, 71º max and 50ºmin temperatures . Some rain always expected. It is usually cloudy grey.

-       Burgos: Temp average is 52º, 60ºmax and 48ºmin temperatures. Usually sunny but cold, windy at the riverside and in long streets. It rains 1/3 days…

-       Oviedo: Temp average is 54º, from 42º minimal to 60ºc. It usually rains at least half of the month. But so that you can see how predictions are not matching anymore, this weekend we reached 68º with a “summer-style” sun and no rain at all!!

-       Madrid: Temperatures between 45º and 65º F, scarce rain, chilly wind from the maybe snowed mountains. Also these weeks it has been very hot at midday, over 70ºF.

Even if you are used to lower temperatures, please keep in mind that many cathedrals have a dress code and will not allow you to walk in if you are wearing tank tops or shorts. A scarf is a good solution to this code. And shorts should always go to your knees (both for Ladies and Gents).

So, it is time for you to start planning your luggage! We hope the weather forecasts can help you to decide what to bring. Here are a few things that we think are essential to have to be comfortable with what the weather brings and with the weight of your bag - remember, we allow only one checked bag per person, (maximum 50 pounds weight) and a small carry-on such as a bag pack or small duffel.

A sample packing list (just a suggestion!)
* Rain jacket, maybe with fleece insert
* Umbrella
* Gloves, scarf, hut… if you tend to feel chilly!
* An adapter plug/converter (if bringing electronic devices, please check if they are compatible, most new devices are – most……)
* Camera and batteries or charger with adapter
* At least two pair of jeans/pants, ladies may want to bring a couple skirts or dresses too
* a sweater or two, (or three, if you tend to feel chilly).
* Plenty of shirts, including a polo or two and at least two dress shirts (Europeans dress much more formal than Americans)
* Plenty of undergarments and socks for daily changes
* A watch, make-up and jewelry if applicable (carry on any valuables, all times)
* Choir music and attire
* Don't forget shoes, we recommend a maximum of three pairs (tennis shoes, good everyday shoes, dress shoes). Bring nice concert shoes, but make sure that you will be able to walk long distances in them. Europeans do not wear flip flops other than to the pool or at the beach.
* Put all liquids that are in your carry-on into a zip-lock bag. And remember the 311 rules. http://www.tsa.gov/311/
* All scissors, fingernail clippers, etc. are better packed in your check-in luggage along with liquids over 3 ounces. Bring enough contact lense solution and prescription medication that you may need for the whole duration of the trip.

If you forget anything there are plenty of shops where you can by shampoo, toothpaste, etc.

Please do not hesitate to address us any question you might have about this or any other matter. We would love to help you!!

References for weather:

http://www.weatheronline.co.uk/weather/maps/city?PLZ=_____&PLZN=_____&LANG=en&CEL=F&SI=mph&MAPS=over&CONT=euro&LAND=FR&REGION=0003&WMO=07149&UP=0&R=0&LEVEL=51&NOREGION=1&GLOC=

http://www.tutiempo.net/clima/Bilbao_Sondica/04-2011/80250.htm

http://www.woespana.es/weather/maps/city?LANG=es&PLZ=_____&PLZN=_____&WMO=08075&CONT=eses&R=150&LEVEL=162&REGION=0006&LAND=ECL&MOD=tab&ART=PRD&FMM=01&FYY=2000&LMM=12&LYY=2008&NOREGION=1

http://www.tiemposol.com/planificador.php?iddestino=6&idzonasdestino=518&mes=Abril&nombredestino=oviedo&x=18&y=16

http://www.whatmadrid.com/weather.html

http://www.tour-madrid.com/areas/servicios/eltiempo.asp

Travel Tip: Money matters

Dear travelers,

Money is a delicate subject. The best way to use your money during your upcoming trip is to have a debit card; this allows you to withdraw money from any ATM machine with only being charged a small withdrawal fee. The fee differs between banks. Be sure to call your bank before your departure to tell them where you are going and for how long so they won't freeze your account. The debit cards given by the bank has the compatibility of Visa, MasterCard, however, Visa is the most widely accepted worldwide. If you bring cash, you can exchange it but you will lose more money as they charge for their services. Most places in Europe won't accept traveler's checks anymore. Also, be prepared to pay for water and a little fee for restroom use. Last not least, there are no free refills on soft drinks in Europe which is why most Europeans ask for little to no ice in their drinks.
We suggest you have some spending money available and our recommendation is around 20 Dollar per day for the meals not included, snacks, drinks, postcards, some souvenirs. It is not imperative that you have this amount of money. There are many ways to lower your expenses such as:
· Most restaurants have menus outside so you can check their price range.
· Venture off the main roads to find a restaurant. These usually have more character, better food, and better prices.
· Bring your own water bottle. Most places have safe tap water to fill up with.
· Buy food from the "convenient" stores. You don't have to sit down in the restaurant for every meal.
· Shop around for souvenirs; many stores have the same things on sale for very different prices.

Last not least, remember that your Incantato Tour Manager is with you pretty much 24/7. The guide is there to help you make the right choices.

Marina HS Choir will meet Coro de Cámara del Conservatorio Profesional de Música de Oviedo, April 11th and 12th, for Exchange and Joint Concert.

Dear friends, travelers and members of Marina HS Choirs,

As main event during Marina HS Choirs Performance Tour to Paris and Spain, Marina HS Choir will enjoy a two-days program in the beautiful city of Oviedo. Among other activities, our singers and Director Maestro Graham will have an Exchange with the Chamber Choir of the Professional Conservatory of Music from Oviedo and its Director Maestro Juan Martínez-Cué.

This Conservatory is very reknown and has won some special prices, among them: "Gines de los Rios" price, for the proyect "Espacio Escénico" (Scenic Space). This price is given by the Ministery of Culture and private institution BBVA aknowleding its pedagogic innovation.
"Espacio Escénico" consists in the whole setting of a Barroque Opera: starting with the costumes (look at the pictures!), scenary settings, organization, management, rehearsals... and finally to represent the Opera in real stages but in the Baroque way, with the students of the Conservatory.

So far, the Conservatory has produced the following operas and Barroque works: the English semiopera "The Fairy-Queen", the lyric tragedy "Armide," by Lully, and the show "Claudio Monteverdi" with a selection of madrigals of the author of "L'Orfeo". All them have been performed in Oviedo, and the the last two editions participated in the International Festival of the University of Belfort (France). 

The Choir Director, Maestro Juan Martínez-Cué, is also very well known as composer, as he has won many national and international prices in the last years. His contemporary music work often combines traditional music in a very innovative way.
For this year, the Conservatory students are getting involved in another production under this "Espacio Escénico" Proyect, and hopefully they will present some pieces during the Joint Concert.
The Joint Concert of Marina HS Choirs and the Coro de Cámara del Conservatorio Profesional de Música de Oviedo will be the finale for the Exchange, and is taking place at the Auditorio "Príncipe Felipe" of Oviedo, on April 12th, at 8pm.




References and aknowledgmentes:
La Nueva España, for the pictures.
http://www.lne.es/sociedad-cultura/2011/10/25/conservatorio-oviedo-premio-giner-rios-mejora-calidad-educativa/1147309.html
http://www.lne.es/sociedad-cultura/1915/martinez-cue-primera-firma-asturiana-centro-musica-contemporanea/608229.html
https://docs.google.com/a/incantatotours.com/viewer?a=v&q=cache:Kh7P9C2PY8QJ:www.abamia.net/Juan%2520Cue.pdf+juan+mart%C3%ADnez-cu%C3%A9&hl=es&gl=es&pid=bl&srcid=ADGEESj21tQDdSQ9sG6aI2gLNOTwrBcMZ8IpDfKpAz_IrKassd_uMTBngk750XKUZoqPSXa83ftViI981aKBZ9pW5xnHdYdleqMpm-DX6tMwxN1Pbdsd4AGDQsI2tpfW8xHcLaaJ2pVu&sig=AHIEtbRK_oxtrRN1HCrxYpQiaFHNR3aNhQ

Little things to know about Spain and France!

At Incantato we want you to love and enjoy every single step of your trip. Here are a few little things you might want to know about Spain before gtting on the plane. Hopefully they will help you enjoy Spain!

“One 'just-in-case' is worth more than 100 'if-I-had-knowns'."

• It is customary to have always some kind of identification with a picture. You can use your passport or your drivers license. It is good to have a photocopy of your passport done and kept elsewhere.
• In order to use a credit card, you will need to activate it and to get a pin number before coming. Let your bank know so the card will not get blocked.
• American Express credit card is not accepted in many places.
• Any kind of Traveler Checks is not accepted, and if it is, it becomes very expensive.
• We will post an entrance about money topics very soon!
• Generally food and clothes are more expensive in Spain than in USA. Paris is even more expensive than Spain.
• It is forbidden to smoke in all public places.
• Please bring a photocopy of your prescriptions in case you need medication, just-in-case! The active ingredient is good to know too, as we do not always have the same medicines.
• Old town means; cobblestoned hilly streets, pedestrian areas, steps... Happy feet help to have a happy tour. Please bring comfy shoes, really comfy.
• Flip-flops are not to be worn in our old towns, but they might be in the hotels. We do not go around barefoot!
• Showing your knees or shoulders is forbidden in churches. We will be entering churches almost daily for concerts, art, history, etc. Please bring appropriate clothing. Knee long pants/skirts. Girls can use a scarf to cover their shoulders. Men are not supposed to use scarf’s, so please bring shirts with sleeves.
• Pocket-knives and scissors, and also sometimes drinks and food are not allowed inside some monuments and museums.
• Laundry service in hotels is very expensive. Still we do not have Laundromats around (few at the students area in Madrid and Barcelona). 

If you have any specific questions do not hesitate to contact us.
Hasta la vista!