Repertoire: Illuminare, Elaine Hagenberg

The modern capital of Spain, Madrid, is a city of rich history that has elevated it to a major center of Southern Europe.   Although a modern city in every way, you only have to stroll through the streets to be immersed in the rich history of Spain. From sites such as the Royal Palace of Madrid and the Museo del Prado to the Santiago Bernabéu, home to the acclaimed Real Madrid, you will see the unique culture of Spain at every turn.


A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Toledo is a monument to the diverse cultural and religious heritage of Spain. Inhabited since the Bronze Age, ancient Roman, Visigoth and Moorish ruins are still visible in addition to the political and religious histories of Christianity, Judaism and Islam. As you explore this major cultural center, you will be immersed into the rich history of humanity, which transcends ethnicity and religion.


Although one of the busiest ports in Europe, Valencia is more than just an economic center. Founded as a Roman colony, ancient monuments and beautiful vistas make Valencia one of Spain’s most popular destinations. As you visit sites such as the Valencia Cathedral or the Museu de Belles Arts, do not forget to make a stop at one of the many restaurants for paella, which originated in Valencia.


Standing as the capital of Catalonia, Barcelona is a city of rich history, both for the Catalonian and Spanish peoples. Founded during the Roman Empire, you will see the evidence of Barcelona’s growth during the Middle Ages and as the primary city of the Kingdom of Aragon. Whether you stroll through the streets in search of the history or relax on one of its many scenic beaches, you will not soon forget the time you spend in Barcelona.


Participants may pay with checks or by credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, Discover). Credit card payments are subject to a 3% processing fee.


  • Three public performances in Spain
  • Eleven nights lodging in 4-star hotels in Spain (double occupancy)
  • Half-board: Breakfasts and dinners daily, based on the tour itinerary.
  • Ground transportation throughout the tour (A/C coach and driver)
  • Procurement of concert venues (theaters, churches or cathedrals)
  • Engagement of professional orchestra and soloists for all scheduled rehearsals and concerts
  • Professional concert publicity & concert management
  • Licensed English-speaking Tour manager
  • Guided tours per the tour itinerary with local English-speaking licensed tour guides
  • Entrance fees to sights, based on the tour itinerary.

  • Roundtrip airfare: Varna International will provide a group airfare quote (for 10 people or more), or individual airfare quotes, upon request.
  • Single occupancy: $100 per night, per person
  • Travel insurance: Participants obtain their own travel insurance.
  • Tips and gratuities on provided services / personnel (tour guides, tour managers, bus drivers. Hotel and restaurants personnel): $15 per person, per day.
  • *The tips and gratuities will be collected with the final tour payment.

This performance tour is open to individual choristers and choral ensembles. Partners, significant others, and non-performing travelers are welcome to join the festival tour.

To request the daily tour itinerary, please email [email protected]

Tour Conductor

Professor Bruce Rogers is the Choral Director Emeritus at Mt. San Antonio College, in Walnut, California, where he oversaw the department’s various vocal and choral programs, which span the entire spectrum of music – from classical to jazz. He personally directed Mt. San Antonio College’s award-winning Chamber Singers and the elite vocal jazz ensemble, Singcopation.
Choirs under his direction have achieved top ranking in national and international competitions throughout the world, including performances in Concert Halls throughout the United States, Canada, Australia, China, Scotland, Wales, England, France, Italy, Germany, Poland, Austria, Switzerland, Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, South Africa, Slovenia, Slovakia and China. Mr. Rogers' choirs have had the honor of performing at eight California State Conventions, a record setting fifteen American Choral Directors Association (ACDA) Regional and National Conventions as well as performing at three International Association of Jazz Educators (IAJE) National Conventions and a 2017 performance at the Jazz Education Network (JEN) Conference. In the year 2001, Mr. Rogers became the first choral director in United States history to have two different choirs perform at both the IAJE National Convention and the ACDA National Convention, and in 2005, he achieved this special honor once again. In 2017 he again had two different choirs perform at both the JEN National Conference in New Orleans and the ACDA National Convention in Minneapolis.
Mr. Rogers’ guest conducting ventures outside of the United States, includes conducting at the AMIS International Honor Band and Choral Festival hosted by the International School at The Hague in the Netherlands, conducting at the ACCET Choral Conductor’s Workshop held in Melbourne, Australia, guest conducting the music of Franz Joseph Haydn in Vienna and Budapest with a Festival Choir and Orchestra honoring the 200 th Anniversary of Haydn’s death, and was the headline clinician and guest conductor at the Australian National Choral Association (ANCA) Convention in Port Macquarie, Australia. He has guest conducted the New York Chamber Orchestra and Festival Chorus at Carnegie Hall on nine different occasions and has performed by special invitation at Lincoln Center.
Mr. Rogers has presented lectures, adjudicated, or conducted both classical and vocal jazz All-State and Collegiate Honor Choirs in twenty-eight states, the British Isles, Canada, Austria, Hungary, Poland, Australia, and the Netherlands.
For his many achievements, Mt. SAC presented Professor Rogers with its prestigious “Faculty Member of the Year” award and the “Burning Bright” award, the National Collegiate Choral Organization (NCCO) honored him in 2023 with their Lifetime Achievement Award, the Upland Community Foundation honored him as a recipient of their 2010 "Spotlight Award" for Outstanding Educator, in 2013 he was awarded the "CMEA Pearson-Silver Burdett Choral Educator Award" honoring excellence in choral education and performance, and in 2014 he received the California Music Educators Association’s “Outstanding Music Educator’s Award”.