NICW ’26
SECOND ANNUAL NICARAGUA INTERNATIONAL CHORAL WORKSHOP JANUARY 24 - FEBRUARY 9, 2026
Join this highly original international singing expedition to one of Central America’s most beautiful countries.
Home to a rich culture of music, dance, culinary arts, outdoor living, and more, Nicaragua is an emerging destination gaining international attention for its unspoilt natural beauty, perfect climate, and laid-back atmosphere, offering unique access to both the equatorial and Latin American world.
"Nicaragua is paradise"
– Barbara, 2024 participant
The Nicaragua International Choral Workshop (NICW) ’26 blends singing and tourism with residencies in two of Nicaragua’s most important locations: the colonial city of Granada on the shore of Lake Nicaragua, and San Juan del Sur, the rustic mecca for surfers, backpackers, and artists, nestled between coastal foothills on the shore of the Pacific Ocean.
The NICW musical selection of repertoire will support an authentic experience of cultural exchange, featuring compositions and arrangements that are both familiar and fresh to participating choristers and audiences in Nicaragua alike.
"NICW rehearsals were a learning delight"
– Tonia, 2024 participant
Complementing its musical itinerary, the NICW includes excursions to natural and historic sites such as Hermosa and Maderas beaches, anthropological museums, Granada’s famous chocolate factory, the Cristo de La Misericordia statue overlooking San Juan del Sur Bay, and more.
Additional optional excursions include visits to Ometepe Island, Masaya Volcano, the Laguna de Apoyo Nature Reserve, Catarina market, the Granada Islands, a butterfly sanctuary, and opportunities for birdwatching, kayaking, surfing and boogie boarding, canopy zip-lining, sloth-sighting, and more.
Join the NICW ’26 for an unforgettable, once-in-a-lifetime, experience.
WORKSHOP OVERVIEW
Tour Overview
- Dates: Jan 24 – Feb 9, 2026 (16 nights/days)
- Destinations: San Juan Del Sur (SJDS), Rivas, Granada.
- Cost: $4,500 CAD (HST included)
- Registration Deadline: September 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, 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 Omotepe 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
Participants in the Nicaragua International Choral Workshop (NICW) should be experienced choral singers with backgrounds in church, school, or community choirs. Ideal candidates are musically motivated, comfortable singing in warm climates, adventurous in spirit, and confident with international travel.
The musical centrepiece of the tour will be a performance of Vivaldi’s “Gloria”, presented in collaboration with Coro Laudate, a choir based in Granada, Nicaragua, and accompanied by local professional instrumentalists. Singers with solo experience are encouraged to audition for featured movements. Advanced string, wind, or brass players are also welcome to join the tour as supporting ensemble musicians. Pre-tour rehearsals will be held on select Saturdays in November, December, and January, with the full schedule confirmed in the fall.
“Well-chosen music and a memorable overall experience that certainly exceeded expectations!”
Non-singing participants—whether friends, family, or interested travellers—are also welcome to join the tour at a slightly reduced cost. The itinerary includes a rich assortment of cultural activities and excursions, making the experience enjoyable as both a musical retreat and a vacation.
Flights from Ottawa to Nicaragua (via Air Canada) are being arranged through Uniglobe CBO Travel. Ground transportation and excursions will be managed by Golden Tours Nicaragua. Participants may also choose to make their own travel arrangements and have the corresponding portion of the fee deducted. Standard fees are based on shared (double occupancy) accommodations, with private rooms available at additional cost.
NICW organizers carry general tour insurance, but participants are responsible for securing their own medical and specialized travel insurance. Flight cancellation insurance is available through Uniglobe CBO Travel.
To confirm participation, a deposit of $500 CAD is required, with the balance to be paid in full before departure. The deadline to register and pay the deposit is September 15th, 2025. Cancellations made before December 1 are refundable, less a $250 administrative fee. After that date, the airfare portion of the fee ($1500) becomes non-refundable.
If you have questions or would like to join the tour, please reach out or complete the application form below.
Download NICW '25 Documents
NICW ’25 Daily Itinerary
NICW ’25 Participant’s Risk Waiver
"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
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