FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
I am interested! What happens next?
That’s wonderful to hear! Please contact your regional MCP Concert Development representative or send further inquiry to info@mcp.us in order to set up an initial phone call. During this call, your Concert Developer will walk you through all the details surrounding the event of your choice and explain your performance package options.
What is the minimum group size required to participate?
For our vocal events, your group must have a minimum of 10 participants. Vocal events include the Masterwork Series, Octavo Series, Youth Choir Series, Broadway Series, and Broadway Junior Company.
For the Debut Series, Symphonic Series, and to be considered for a Spotlight performance, your group must have a minimum of 30 performers.
What is the timeline for the registration/preparation process?
Once you have had your initial conversation with your Concert Developer, you can expect to begin the registration process as soon as you are ready. MCP will ask that you submit an Audition Recording for approval before moving further in the process. We will work to get you officially registered as soon as possible after approval!
Over the course of the next few months, you will communicate with MCP regularly regarding trip inclusions (i.e.,hotels, airfare, entertainment, etc), preparation items, as well any other questions that come up along the way. A rough itinerary will be created for you with enough time to plan around your residency activities. A payment schedule will be created with installments amortized over the next few months ensuring that your group is paid in full in advance of your residency.
Roughly two weeks out from the concert, a much more detailed itinerary will be shared with you.
What if I typically work with my own travel company / tour operator for performance travel?
Do you have a travel company or tour operator that you would recommend for additions to the itinerary?
How can I view all the information related to my event?
What is the difference between a Classic Package and an Event Package, and which package is right for me?
Which event/series is right for me?
How are tickets obtained for the concerts?
Non-performers that are participating through the MCP package have priority concert tickets included in the orchestra-level center or a first tier box. You will receive those tickets once you are in the city. Performers will receive admission to hear portions of the concert when they are not performing. For others, tickets may be purchased 60 days prior to the concert through the venue box office. Please see our box office page (mcp.us/upcoming-events/) for additional box office information.
In the event someone can’t attend the concert residency after making payments, what is the refund policy?
Can MCP arrange air travel for my group?
What should we wear to perform in the concert?
For those participating in the Masterwork Series, we require the following:
- Men (3 options)
- Tuxes, if available without rental or purchase
- Black suit with black or white shirt and black tie
- Black pants with black or white shirt and black tie
- Women (3 options)
- Black or white blouse with black pants
- Black dress, hem length must be knee length or longer
- Black or white blouse with black skirt, hem length must be knee length or longer
- NOTE: Black nylons are to be worn with skirts and dresses
- Both men and women should wear comfortable black shoes. Singers will be standing while on stage and will encounter several flights of stairs backstage.
- Men (3 options)
For all other Series’ (Octavo, Youth Choir, Symphonic, Debut) ensembles should wear their uniform concert attire normally worn at home unless otherwise noted.
- If your ensemble does not have uniform attire, please select one of the options from the Masterworks Series.
Hotel Room Occupancy
Our packages are based and billed on quad occupancy. Performers or non-performers that choose triple, double, or single occupancy will find occupancy upgrade charges listed on the general information sheet that accompanies their agreement.
Lynda Hasseler
"I appreciate all the countless behind the scenes details that you are constantly managing for so many people. I am grateful to you and for all you do."
Lynda Hasseler, Director of Choral Activities
Pearl Shangkuan
"The artistic and educational goals that drive MCP events are always clearly evident and greatly appreciated."
Pearl Shangkuan, President
Anthony Trecek
"Throughout the weekend, I felt cared for and couldn't help but notice how it was impeccably organized. Once again, please accept my heartfelt thanks to you all and the rest of the MCP team for making this exceptional experience possible"
Anthony Trecek-King, Guest Conductor
Everett Yamashita
"As a repeat performing group, I continue to enjoy the professionalism and excellence in quality. The guest clinicians have always been great to work with and the students take away a lot from them. Having the opportunity to perform at Carnegie Hall is every serious musician's dream, so to be able to have high school students experience performing in such a legendary hall is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and MCP has always made the experience special for our students and directors."
Everett Yamashita
David Merrill
"I am thoroughly exhausted today, but I'm very happy and satisfied. I really feel like this trip is a turning point for how I view band trips. To be honest with you, it's hard to plan a Disney Trip after this when I see what potential there is out there for some grand musical experiences. This was the first trip where I really felt that music was the most important aspect; usually the destination is first and foremost. I do think this will forever change the way I view our trips."
David Merrill
Robert Vogel
"From first conversations with MCP representatives through follow-up communications after the trip, it has been clear that MCP is a first-class organization. Students stayed in a fabulous NYC hotel in the heart of Times Square, expressed sincere appreciation for the instruction provided by a terrific clinician, and benefitted greatly by performing in Carnegie Hall. MCP representatives were always available and extremely helpful and knowledgeable in planning meals and activities to meet our needs and preferences. This truly was a life-changing experience for students and tremendously beneficial to our music program and community."
Robert Vogel
Kelly Mclaughlin
"Oh my! There aren't enough good things to say! The professionalism and quality of all aspects of the event were beyond measure. As an educator, I truly felt valued and appreciated by MCP. Hearing my students sing in such a prestigious venue made my heart soar."
Kelly Mclaughlin
David Wallis
"Our Carnegie Hall concert experience was exceptional. The staff did an amazing job of walking us through the planning process, of having logistics locked down and prepared for us, and of ushering us through the concert all the while meeting the needs of the Carnegie staff. Thoroughly professional and knowledgeable, MCP proved they are excellent at presenting wonderful opportunities."
David Wallis
Thomas Bookhout
"In my opinion, Manhattan Concert Productions is the very best company of its type. From the outstanding guest conductors, the venues, and the quality of the performance, to the preparation, organization, and helpfulness of the staff (who all are choral musicians themselves), I cannot imagine how this could have been a better event for my singers! Thank you, MCP!"
Thomas Bookhout
Dr. Edie Copley
"Thanks for a wonderful experience in New York at Carnegie Hall! I so appreciated the entire staff for their attention to detail, and their friendly and efficient manner. I am so thankful you asked me to do this. It was a truly memorable event in my career."
Dr. Edie Copley
Caleb Pillsbury
"What sets this performance experience as exemplary is the combination of outstanding conductors, the finest repertoire, and world-famous venues; it really is the trifecta. Combine this with a production company who knows all the details a director needs and is ready with answers to all questions. Directors will find that their collaboration with MCP will enrich their students with a superlative performance experience."
Caleb Pillsbury
Rick Bjella
"MCP is remarkable in their attention to detail and to people that others ignore. They have a strong dedication to musical excellence as well. From Craig Arnold to the rest of his colleagues - all are the finest of people and terrific musicians who understand the difficulties having lived in the real world. They are organized and generous human beings that will go out of their way to make this a remarkable experience for all involved."
Rick Bjella
Singer
"I can't say enough positive things about the opportunity to participate in a residency with MCP. Everything from the beginning invitation to participate all the way to the last minute of the experience at the afterparty was full of memory-making moments to last a lifetime. Can't wait to do another one very soon!"
Singer
Judith Leopold
"I would urge conductors to bring their ensembles to MCP. After 40 years of teaching and traveling with my choirs to festivals and competitions, I can unhesitatingly say our repeated experiences with MCP far exceed any other!"
Judith Leopold
clinician
"The clinician was fabulous. He was able to bring out the best of the musicians in a short time"
Glenn Block
"MCP continues to set the bar for quality tours and musical concert experiences for secondary and university ensembles searching for an unforgettable music experience. Their director and staff are all dedicated to providing rewarding experiences that provide excellent performing opportunities in some of the nation's finest concert halls."
Glenn Block
Maia Zander
"MCP is an extremely well-run company that made every aspect of this trip and performance as smooth as possible. The staff is knowledgeable, friendly, and professional, and they made this residency a life-changing experience for my students."
Maia Zander
Ruthie Tutterow
"MCP did a phenomenal job in preparing what was a once-in-a-lifetime experience for all of us who went on the trip."
Ruthie Tutterow
Maureen Callan
"This is an excellent organization. Timely, friendly communication, excellent repertoire, conductors, and venues. The best festival organization I have worked with. I highly recommend MCP."
Maureen Callan
Carol Thomas Downing
"Go to New York ... but only with MCP! The best conductors, the best service, the best hotels, competitive pricing, and the best venue - Carnegie Hall! In a word, MCP is tops!"
Carol Thomas Downing
Student
"Walking out onto stage for the first time is just a breathtaking experience. A moment that cannot be forgotten."
Student
Robert Vogel
"From first conversations with MCP representatives through follow-up communications after the trip, it has been clear that MCP is a first-class organization. Students stayed in a fabulous NYC hotel in the heart of Times Square, expressed sincere appreciation for the instruction provided by a terrific clinician, and benefitted greatly by performing in Carnegie Hall. MCP representatives were always available and extremely helpful and knowledgeable in planning meals and activities to meet our needs and preferences. This truly was a life-changing experience for students and tremendously beneficial to our music program and community."
Robert Vogel
Timothy Mahr
I've been impressed by the focus within the clinic sessions. It would be easy for the students and conductors to treat the clinic lightly before exploring the city, but MCP engenders an attitude that makes these clinics exciting and meaningful, geared toward heightening the eventual appearance on the concert stage. "
Timothy Mahr
Michael Fleischmann
"MCP's staff was very professional, patient, and easy to work with. As band directors with a million other things going on, it's nice to know that the people working with you on a tour are always there to help! I appreciate how quickly communication moved back and forth between us. It gave me much needed peace of mind during the planning process.