HIGH SCHOOL | MUSIKVEREIN
Messages
Can't locate one of our email updates in your inbox? Email updates will be posted below for your reference. Please notes, posts are listed in reverse-chronological order, with the most recent update at the top of the page. We hope you find this convenient!
Please Note: Nearly all program updates will come in the form of email communication. It is critical for you to add honors@honorsperformance.org to your list of “approved senders” with your email client to avoid missing important updates from the Series. This is particularly important if you did not receive an email from us regarding your acceptance. If you change your email address, please be sure to let us know.
We will send an email update to all Finalists any time we have new information to share. It’s extremely important that you receive and carefully review each of our updates so you are fully prepared for your performance in Vienna. Below is copy of each update sent to Finalists thus far. The Series cannot be responsible for missed email communications or updates, and it is the responsibility of the Finalist to respond to requests for information leading up to your Series experience on or before the communicated deadlines.
April 14 – Update on the Musikverein program cancellation
Dear Honors Family,
I hope this email finds you well and that you received my email last week about the cancellation of public gatherings in Vienna through June 30. After consulting with our partners, we are now officially cancelling the 2020 High School and Young Adult Honors Performance Series at the Musikverein.
This is a very difficult decision for us to make, as we have spent more than a year enthusiastically planning and preparing for this program and we know how excited you were to participate in the Honors Performance Series this summer. That being said, the health and safety of our students and staff is, and always will be, our top priority.
While we are disappointed to share this news with you, we are focusing our efforts toward next year. We know you have worked very hard to participate in this exciting experience, and we don't want you to miss out. To that end, we have arranged for your automatic acceptance into the 2021 Honors Performance Series.
Your enrollment and currently paid funds have been applied toward the 2021 program; we have waived all transfer fees, are honoring 2020 pricing, and are offering an extended payment plan, which will allow you to distribute any remaining program fees across additional months. All customer accounts for Finalists, Family Program Participants, and Sightseeing Extension enrollments will be honored. Group Flight enrollments, as applicable, will be cancelled and refunded. Additional information can be referenced on the FAQs tab of the Finalist Update Page.
In the email you received, we have provided you with your new 2021 Customer Account Number(s). Please use these numbers in all future correspondence with our team.
If you prefer to cancel your 2021 enrollment, you will receive a full tuition refund minus any applicable fees. We ask for your understanding on the refund timing due to the large numbers of refunds our organization is processing in this unprecedented time.
If you are seeking a refund or unable to commit to the 2021 program at this time, we invite you to let us know that by clicking the button below. We understand that these are extraordinary times, and we hope you will be able to join us for another Honors Performance Series program in the future.
If you elect not to transfer your participation to 2021, you must officially confirm your cancellation no later than Friday, April 24, 2020; otherwise, you will be automatically transferred to the 2021 program listed in your email.
If you have already purchased tickets directly from the Musikverein for the June 2020 performance, please visit the Musikverein's website for information about refund and ticket transfer options.
Although this summer's performance will not take place as planned, I remain confident that the power of music will help us through these difficult times. I hope to see you at another Series event next year. Until then, my team and I wish you all the best.
Sincerely,
Matt Castrina
Vice President, Education Experience
Honors Performance Series
April 6 – Important HPS program update regarding the Musikverein
Dear Honors Family,
Today, we were informed that the Viennese government has announced additional restrictions prohibiting public events scheduled through June 30. Unfortunately, this includes our High School and Young Adult Honors Performance Series and Family Programs that were scheduled at the Musikverein for the end of June.
We are as disappointed about this change of plans as you are and are assessing how best to move forward. We understand that these are uncertain and frustrating times for everyone, and we want to ensure we have the most comprehensive solution possible before sharing next steps with you.
We will reach out again, by email, on or before Tuesday, April 14, 2020 with an update on how we plan to handle this change in the Series.
We appreciate your patience as our team uses this time to contact conductors, suppliers, and other partners while coordinating the path ahead. In the meantime, please feel free to review the updated FAQs on our website.
I hope you and your family are staying healthy and doing well during this unprecedented time, and we'll be in touch soon.
Sincerely,
Matt Castrina
Vice President, Education Experience
Honors Performance Series
March 25 – Video Update from our VP of Education Experience
Dear Honors Family,
As the impact of COVID-19 continues to evolve, I hope to be as proactive and transparent in communicating updates with you as possible. I’m writing today to reassure you that we are taking this situation very seriously, and we hear and understand your concerns. Please take some time to view the below video message summarizing what we are doing here at the Series.
As always, our team is available at 1-800-503-0807 between the hours of 8:30 AM and 5:00 PM Eastern Time to support with any questions you have.
Sincerely,
Matt Castrina
Vice President, Education Experience
Honors Performance Series
March 19 – New Insurance Offering for Summer Programs
Dear Families,
As I shared in my message last week, our team is working around the clock to stay on top of the evolving circumstances related to the novel coronavirus, COVID-19.
I am pleased to share that, since my prior email, we have arranged through our travel insurance provider, Trip Mate, to offer a new Travel Protection Policy for participants on our summer 2020 programs that includes Cancel For Any Reason coverage (also known as CFAR).
This new Travel Protection Plan with CFAR covers 75% of your non-refundable program fees and allows you to cancel your participation for any reason up until two days before the program. Additional information about the policy and how to enroll is available on this flyer and can also be accessed on your (Junior) Finalist Update Page. For complete details of the CFAR plan, click here.
Please note: This new policy with CFAR coverage will replace the standard Traveler Protection Program for all new enrollments. If you have previously purchased the standard Traveler Protection Program, your enrollment will be honored; however, if you wish to modify your travel insurance and enroll in the program that includes CFAR, please contact us to cancel your current travel insurance enrollment and enroll in the new plan.
For any additional follow up or for more information on the travel protection plans, please reach out to our Customer Support Team at 1-800-503-0807. Our best response is via telephone from our Customer Support Team members. More information about participant safety, refunds, and our cancellation policy may be found in the Frequently Asked Questions page on our website. For coverage questions about the travel protection plan, please call Trip Mate at 1-833-297-2255.
We view all our program participants as family. Thank you for the trust you have placed in us, and we look forward to hosting you for an incredible musical experience this summer!
Sincerely,
Matt Castrina
Vice President, Education Experience
Honors Performance Series
March 12 – An Update Regarding COVID-19
Dear Families,
As the new coronavirus continues to escalate attention globally, I am writing to share an update with all who we consider part of our family.
I understand you may have questions and concerns regarding the recent message on travel issued by the U.S. Department of State (DOS). While there is uncertainty over the next thirty days, I, and all members of the Honors Performance Series team here, want to assure you that we are continuing to plan for your summer experience and that the health, safety, and security of our program participants is, and always will be, our highest priority. We will not allow students and families to travel if we don't think it is safe to do so.
Our leadership is closely monitoring local travel advisories in regions domestic and abroad, and we will be writing periodically to keep you up to date on the situation. Additionally, we have taken several steps to ensure the highest levels of safety this summer:
- We will continue to update our recommendations based on updates from the World Health Organization, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the DOS, and the guidance of partners like WorldAware and The George Washington University Hospital, that are available via our parent company, WorldStrides.
- We are implementing additional training for our staff to encourage best hygiene practices and will continue to update our protocols, with the support of WorldStrides' Medical Director, as your program approaches.
- We are in constant contact with our housing & local partners, who are adjusting their cleaning processes and protocols to meet the situation today.
- As part of every program session, our Doctors on Call help line, which is supervised by the head of Emergency Medicine at The George Washington University Department of Emergency Medicine, is available 24/7 while program participants are on tour.
More information about participant safety, refunds, and our cancellation policy may be found in a new Frequently Asked Questions page on our website.
For any additional questions, please reach out to our Customer Support Team at 1-800-503-0807. Our best response is via telephone from our Customer Support Team members.
We will continue to provide updates as they arise and thank you for your patience during these extraordinary times.
We look forward to seeing you this summer!
Sincerely,
Matt Castrina
Vice President, Education Experience
Honors Performance Series
February 19 – Updates from the Series
We are writing today to provide a quick reminder about the upcoming payment deadline as well as the Family Programs and Sightseeing Extension. As always, please remember that a summary of all our Series updates is available on the Finalist Update Page. The password to access this page is “Austria2020” (one-word, case-sensitive).
- Payment Deadline – If you have not already paid the next payment, please remember that the 4th payment deadline is February 28th. Click here to review your balance and remit payment ($400 for Finalists; $250 for 6-Day Family; $100 for 3-Day Family). Payments will be managed through WorldStrides, our program logistics partner.
- Family Program Availability – We’re pleased to share that there is still limited space available in our Family Programs. Please review the Family Programs page of our website to register and review inclusions.
- Optional Sightseeing Extension – Our new Sightseeing Extensions allows Finalists and their loved ones to add two additional nights to their stay! The optional extension includes 2 additional hotel nights, a full-day sightseeing tour to Bratislava, a tour of Belvedere Castle, admission to other city landmarks, and a licensed guide to ensure your experience is one you'll never forget! Please click here for additional details.
- Facebook Group – If you haven’t already, we hope you will join in the conversation in our 2020 High School Musikverein Finalists Facebook group.
We will continue to be in touch with additional information in the coming months. Our team is available from 8:30a until 5:00p Eastern Time, Monday through Friday, to assist with any questions you may have. We look forward to seeing you this summer and sharing additional information throughout the Spring!
November 26 - Repertoire Announcement and November 29 Payment Reminder
Congratulations again on your acceptance into the 2020 Honors Performance Series! We’re writing today with the first of several email updates that you will receive over the next few months. As always, please remember that a summary of all our Series updates is available on the Finalist Update Page. The password to access this page is “Austria2020” (one-word, case-sensitive).
- Program Repertoire – We’re very excited to announce the repertoire for the 2020 Honors Performance Series! Please reference the Music tab of the Finalist Update Page for additional information about the pieces you will be performing with the Honors Choir at the Musikverein. Musikverein. Sheet music, part assignments, and additional rehearsal instructions will be shared electronically with all Finalists in the Spring.
- Upcoming Deadlines – Please keep in mind the following important items that are due this Friday, November 29:
- Finalist Confirmation Form: If not already completed, please complete your Finalist Confirmation form as soon as possible.
- Program Payment: $400 for Finalists; $250 for 6-Day Family; $100 for 3-Day Family. Payments will be managed through WorldStrides, our program logistics partner.
- Family Program Availability – As mentioned in your acceptance materials, space will be reserved for all loved ones who register for a Family Program on or before November 29. After this date, additional family registrants will be accepted on a space-available basis. We hope your family and friends will take part in this exciting experience with us in Vienna!
- Group Flight Availability – (Finalists and Full Access Family ONLY):
- We know that, for some, flying alone internationally can seem daunting. We have additionally received requests about opportunities for participants to be able to fly together from the US to Vienna (and back). While we cannot arrange escorted flights from individual airports throughout the country, we’re pleased to have made arrangements for a limited block of seats on direct flights between New York City (JFK) to/from Vienna to escort participants on the international leg of their journey. Participants may therefore choose to meet Series staff in (and then say goodbye from) New York City instead of traveling the entire journey on their own. These arrangements are optional, and the cost is therefore not included in the program cost. Reservations for the limited seats that we have on this chaperoned flight will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Please visit https://honorsperformance.org/vienna-air/ for more information about the Group Flight Program.
- Optional Sightseeing Extension: We are pleased to announce that our new Sightseeing Extensions allow Finalists and their loved ones to add two additional nights to their stay! The optional extension includes 2 additional hotel nights, a full day sightseeing tour to Bratislava, a tour of Belvedere Castle, admission to other city landmarks, and a licensed guide to ensure your experience is one you'll never forget! Please click here for additional details.
- Facebook Group – If you haven’t already, we hope you will join in the conversation in our 2020 High School Musikverein Finalists Facebook group.
We will continue to be in touch with additional information in the coming months. Our team is available from 8:30a until 5:00p Eastern Time, Monday through Friday, to assist with any questions you may have, however, please note that our offices will be closed entirely on November 28 and 29 for Thanksgiving.
November 8 - Family Program Information
Congratulations again your selection to the 2020 High School Honors Performance Series! Performing at the Musikverein is once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and the experience promises to be an inspiring one for all who participate. The Series proudly offers two Family Programs, which allow family members, friends, and other advocates to share in the Honors Performance Series with their Finalist. We have received considerable interest in the Family Programs and wanted to share additional information as you consider your family’s participation.
The Honors Family Programs are designed to enable supporters to stay in Vienna and attend exclusive program events only available to Finalists and Family Program participants. These events include:
- Priority Concert Seating: Reserve your seat before tickets go on sale to the public; all Family Program participants are assigned a priority seat at the Musikverein.
- Exclusive Program Access: Attend activities only available to Family Program participants, including observing your Finalist interact with their Conductor during a rehearsal, a reservation aboard the Finalist Celebration Cruise, and the full-day tour to Salzburg (6-Day Family Program only).
- Lodging and Support at the Series Hotel: Enjoy proximity to program events and a dedicated support team to answer your questions about the program and the city. If desired, Family Program participants can elect to room with their Finalist.
- Transportation for Program Events: Take advantage of Series transportation, including program airport shuttles (arrival shuttles for Full Access only), private motorcoaches for the Honors Performance and Celebration Cruise, and guided walking/U-Bahn transportation for other program activities.
- Emergency Support: Rest easy knowing your participation is backed by the Series’ 24/7 emergency office, our “Doctors on Call” arrangement with the George Washington University Hospital, and embedded medical and accident insurance for each participant.
- Enjoy Vienna: Since most of the Honors Performance Series rehearsals are closed, there are other sightseeing activities and admission vouchers included with the Family Programs to supplement your time.
As Family Program participation is offered only as a full package, individual components cannot be arranged for those not enrolled. Non-priority tickets for the Honors Performances will be available to the public through the Musikverein box office beginning approximately 60 days prior to the performance. We are unable to accommodate requests for individually purchased tickets to be seated in the priority seating section.
We anticipate having space available for both the Full Access Family Program and the Weekend Family Program for those who register on or before November 29. Thereafter, registration will be allowed as space is available. Friends and family wishing to participate in a Family Program will need to register individually online. Finalists should not register for Family Programs, as they are already registered for the Finalist program.
For complete program details and to register online,
please click here to visit our website.
Please note that, although there is space available on both of these programs, they are beginning to fill. In prior years, both Family Programs and the performances have sold out, so we encourage you to act quickly if you wish to share in this exciting experience.
Please do not hesitate to contact our team with questions. We look forward to hosting you and your family in Vienna!
October 23 - Finalist Acceptances
Congratulations! I am extremely pleased to notify you that you have been accepted as a Finalist for the 2020 High School Honors Performance Series. The Selection Board has reviewed your application and chosen you to represent the finest young performers internationally by performing at the Musikverein. Your acceptance into this elite group is a direct result of the talent, dedication, and achievements demonstrated in your application.
Recognition as a Finalist is the first step toward performing at the Musikverein. Please visit the Finalist Update page, referenced below, to complete the Confirmation Form as soon as possible and no later than November 29. Your place in the program is guaranteed pending timely receipt of this form; if you indicate you are unable to attend, we will offer your place to a First-Runner up.
Take note of your Customer Account Number, listed above, for all future communications regarding your participation in the program; this number is different than your Invitation Number and may also be different from the Customer Account Number you received when you applied.
Important information about the program is available on a special, password-protected webpage created exclusively for Finalists and loved ones. Please review all information very carefully in entirety; these materials include important information that is critical to participation in the Series. The Finalist Update Page contains information to help plan your travel, program details, your Conductor’s biography, information available Family Programs, travel insurance, fundraising tips, and much more!
Finalist Update Page
URL: www.honorsperformance.org/vienna-updates
Case-Sensitive Password: Austria2020
Once again, congratulations on being selected for the Honors Performance Series. You and your family should be very proud of this accomplishment. Our team looks forward to welcoming you to the Musikverein in 2020!
The Honors Performance Series is proudly presented and operated by WorldStrides.
