As the holiday season draws near, we want to take a moment to express our gratitude and appreciation to all of you. Whether you’ve traveled with us, are planning your next tour, or simply share our passion for music and travel, we are truly grateful to have you as part of the Encore Tours community. This year has been truly remarkable, though not without its challenges. We’ve had the privilege of working with many talented directors, educators, and their ensembles, crafting unforgettable tours and providing unique musical experiences. Your passion for music and dedication to excellence continue to inspire us every day. We also pause to remember those we’ve lost, including our dear colleague James Smith, whose memory continues to inspire our work and our hearts. As we reflect on the moments we’ve shared this year, we are filled with gratitude for the relationships we’ve built and the memories we’ve created together. It’s your commitment to the art of music that motivates us to continually raise the bar and offer new, exciting opportunities for the year ahead. The holiday season is a time to celebrate togetherness, joy, and the enduring magic that music brings into our lives. May this festive season bring you closer to the people who matter most, and may the year ahead be filled with new opportunities, peace, and beautiful music. We look forward to continuing our incredible journey together in 2025 and beyond. May the year ahead bring you moments of joy, creativity, and the warmth of cherished memories.
November 2, 2026 Encore Tours Venue Spotlight: Vienna’s St. Stephen’s Cathedral Explore St. Stephen’s Cathedral in Vienna: its history, its deep ties to Haydn and Mozart, and what it’s like for your ensemble to perform there. Backstage Blog
October 27, 2026 Encore Tours Music Tour Planning Mistakes: 7 Horror Stories to Avoid Every music director has heard one. The tour where the price went up after families had already paid. The concert where the ensemble outnumbered the audience. Backstage Blog
October 21, 2026 Encore Tours Meet Encore Tours at the 2026 Midwest Clinic Encore Tours is heading to The 80th Midwest Clinic International Band and Orchestra Conference, taking place December 16–18, 2026, at McCormick Place West in Chicago. Backstage Blog