NICW ’26
SECOND ANNUAL NICARAGUA INTERNATIONAL CHORAL WORKSHOP JANUARY 24 - FEBRUARY 9, 2026
Join this original international singing retreat in Nicaragua, one of Central America’s most beautiful and culturally vibrant countries.
Home to a rich tradition of music, dance, cuisine, and outdoor living, Nicaragua is gaining recognition as an unspoiled destination known for its natural beauty, friendly people, temperate climate, and picturesque towns. It offers unique access to the equatorial and Latin American worlds.
"Nicaragua is paradise"
– Barbara, 2024 participant
The Nicaragua International Choral Workshop (NICW) 2026 blends singing and travel through residencies in two of the country’s most iconic locations: the colonial city of Granada, located on the shores of Lake Nicaragua, and San Juan del Sur, a rustic haven for surfers, artists, and backpackers, nestled between coastal hills along the Pacific Ocean.
NICW showcases Canadian choral artistry abroad and fosters meaningful cultural exchange. Participants will prepare repertoire in advance and rehearse and perform in collaboration with Nicaraguan musicians during the tour.
"NICW rehearsals were a learning delight"
– Tonia, 2024 participant
The musical itinerary is complemented by excursions to natural and historic landmarks, including beaches, anthropological museums, cigar and chocolate factories, and the Cristo de La Misericordia statue overlooking San Juan del Sur Bay.
Optional excursions include day trips to Ometepe Island, Masaya Volcano, and Laguna de Apoyo, as well as visits to traditional markets and wildlife sanctuaries. Participants will also have the opportunity to pursue personal interests such as birdwatching, kayaking, surfing, zip-lining, and more.
WORKSHOP OVERVIEW
- Dates: Jan 24 – Feb 9, 2026 (16 nights/days)
- Destinations: San Juan Del Sur (SJDS), Rivas, Granada.
- Cost: $4,450 CAD (HST included)
- Registration Deadline: October 15, 2025
- Included in Package: Flights, accommodations, ground transport, 50% of meals, musical activities, select excursions.
- Performances: Churches, schools, and historic venues in SJDS, Rivas, and Granada.
- Repertoire: Vivaldi’s “Gloria” with orchestra and soloists (download PDF score here), plus a mix of a cappella and piano-accompanied traditional, world, and contemporary works. Participant suggestions welcome!
- Included Excursions: Hermosa beach, Rivas revolutionary history museum, hike to Cristo statue, Granada city carriage tour, TreeCasa resort, and more.
- Optional Excursions: Ometepe Island, Laguna Apoyo & Masaya Volcano, catamaran coastline cruise, beach/nature day trips, zip-lining, and more.
- Tour Leaders: Roland Graham (musical & general director), with Uniglobe CBO Travel (flights), and Golden Tours Nicaragua (ground & excursions).
"Far better than your average holiday-in-the-sun"
– Hope, 2024 participant
ITINERARY AT A GLANCE
- Jan 24: 7 AM Depart from YOW / 3 PM Arrival in SJDS, Nicaragua
- Jan 25: Free day / Walking tour of SJDS
- Jan 26: AM rehearsal / Afternoon trip to Playa Hermosa (included)
- Jan 27: AM rehearsal / Free PM
- Jan 28: AM rehearsal / TreeCasa Resort (included)
- Jan 29: AM rehearsal / Free PM
- Jan 30: AM bus to Rivas / 1 PM Revolutionary Museum (included) / 7 PM Vespers (Rivas)
- Jan 31: AM bus to Granada / Carriage Tour of Granada (included) / 5 PM Island boat cruise (optional)
- Feb 1: Sunday Mass / 1 PM Laguna Apoyo & Masaya Volcano tour (optional)
- Feb 2: Free day / 7 PM rehearsal
- Feb 3: AM rehearsal / Free PM / 7 PM Vivaldi Gloria (Granada)
- Feb 4: AM rehearsal / Free PM / 7 PM Concert #2 (Granada)
- Feb 5: AM bus to SJDS / Overnight trip to Ometepe Island (optional)
- Feb 6: AM hike to Cristo statue (included) / Peña Rota recording session / Free PM
- Feb 7: Free day / 7 PM Final concert
- Feb 8: Sunday Mass / 1 PM Catamaran cruise
- Feb 9: 9 AM Depart SJDS / 1 PM Fly home
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
NICW is suited to singers with experience in church, school, youth, or community choirs who are musically motivated, adventurous in spirit, and comfortable singing in warm climates.
The featured repertoire includes Vivaldi’s Gloria, RV 589, presented in collaboration with the Granada-based Coro Laudate and accompanied by professional Nicaraguan instrumentalists, under the direction of NICW director Roland Graham. Singers with solo experience are invited to audition for featured movements.
A companion program of approximately 45 minutes will include a cappella and accompanied works drawn from Renaissance, classical, contemporary, Canadian, and world music. Participants are welcome to suggest repertoire for inclusion.
“Well-chosen music and a memorable overall experience that certainly exceeded expectations!”
Pre-tour rehearsals will take place on select Saturdays in the fall. These will be organized in consultation with registered participants, and details will be provided as the group takes shape. Please inquire using the form below for current information.
Non-singers—including friends, family members, and independent travellers—are also welcome to join the tour and will be included in all non-musical activities and excursions. NICW offers a rich blend of music, culture, and relaxation, with ample opportunity for independent exploration beyond what is outlined here. Feel free to reach out with questions.
LOGISTICS
Flights from Ottawa to Nicaragua (via Air Canada) will be arranged through Uniglobe CBO Travel. Ground transportation and excursions within Nicaragua will be managed by Golden Tours Nicaragua.
Participants travelling from other cities are welcome to make their own flight arrangements and will receive a corresponding reduction in the tour fee. Standard pricing is based on shared (double occupancy) accommodations, with private rooms available at an additional cost.
NICW organizers carry general operating insurance, but participants are responsible for securing their own medical and travel insurance. Flight cancellation insurance is available through Uniglobe CBO Travel.
To confirm participation, a deposit of $550 CAD is required. The balance must be paid in full before departure. The registration deadline is October 15, 2025. Cancellations made before December 1 are refundable, less a $150 administrative fee. After December 1, the airfare portion of the fee ($1500) becomes non-refundable, unless covered by cancellation insurance.
Please reach out with any questions or complete the form below to inquire further.
"The NICW was one of the best trips I have taken because it combined my favourite things – making music, spending time on the ocean, and mingling with the locals. The quality of the music that we delivered was very high compared to other choir trips I have been on, making it all the more pleasant. Bravo Roland!"
– Marjorie, 2024 participant
TO LEARN MORE OR REGISTER
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