Travel With Purpose Through Music.

Sing. Travel. Connect.

The Nicaragua International Choral Workshop (NICW) brings experienced singers together for exceptional music-making, cultural exchange, and thoughtfully curated travel in Nicaragua.

NICW workshops are built around collaboration, shared exploration, and meaningful connections with fellow participants, Nicaraguans, local musicians, and communities, creating unforgettable experiences of learning, discovery, and growth.

“One of the best trips I have taken because it combined my favourite things — making music, spending time on the ocean, and mingling with locals.”

— Marjorie

The NICW Experience

International
Community

Sing and travel with wonderful people.

Artistic
Excellence

Prepare, rehearse, and perform at a high level.

Cultural
Connection

Meet, collaborate, and sing with people internationally.

Extraordinary
Places

Colonial cities, Pacific beaches, volcanoes, forests, and more.

Travel with
Purpose

Explore with intention. Engage with open hearts.

What is NICW?

NICW brings together singers and adventurous travellers through three essential elements:

Inspiring Music Making

Workshops, performances, and collaboration with local musicians.

Travel With Purpose

Experience a country through its people, landscapes, culture, and communities.

Community & Connection

Friendships built through shared discovery.

The Nicaragua International Choral Workshop (NICW) is an independent Canadian musical initiative that combines a choral singing workshop with travel in Nicaragua.

NICW distinguishes itself by integrating collaborative music-making, bringing Canadian and Nicaraguan musicians together to rehearse and perform. Joining voices in this way creates unique and memorable musical experiences while lending authenticity and purpose to the journey.

As much a musical retreat as a choral workshop, the programme blends singing with time to relax and unwind, along with excursions to extraordinary places in one of Central America’s most remarkable and beautiful countries.

NICW’s mission is to create an experience of personal growth and renewal, broaden cultural horizons, foster mutual learning, and strengthen human connection.

DISCOVERING NICARAGUA

Nicaragua is one of Central America’s best-kept secrets. From beautifully preserved colonial cities to Pacific beaches, volcanoes, tropical forests, and much more, it offers extraordinary natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and exceptional travel value.

Compared with neighbouring countries, Nicaragua’s lower population density, strong reputation for traveller safety, relaxed pace of daily life, genuine hospitality, and wealth of things to do help visitors quickly feel at ease and at home.

Nicaragua’s strong tradition of choral singing, deep appreciation for music, and welcoming culture create exceptional opportunities for artistic collaboration and exchange.

Nicaragua is much more than the setting for NICW—it is its natural home.

“People are friendly and welcoming, and it is not overrun by tourists—you get to see how people live in Nicaragua.”

— Joan

upcoming Tour

view all experiences

NICW 27: Handel's Messiah

NICW returns for its most ambitious project to date with a 16-day workshop and tour in January–February 2027.

Following an official invitation from the Rubén Darío National Theatre, Canadian participants will join professional instrumentalists, singers, and soloists for historic performances of highlights from Handel’s Messiah in Managua, the musical centerpiece of the tour.

Across sixteen unforgettable days, participants will make music, explore Nicaragua, and enjoy time in San Juan del Sur, León, Managua, Granada, and beyond.

Handel’s Messiah

16 Day Retreat

Incredible destinations

Canadian–Nicaraguan collaboration

For experienced choral singers

“Additional experiences forthcoming — stay tuned”

past Experiences

NICW 2026

January–February 2026

For the first time, NICW participants collaborated with Nicaraguan singers to prepare and jointly perform Vivaldi’s Gloria and a traditional Nicaraguan mass, while travelling through San Juan del Sur, Granada, León, and the volcanic landscapes of Ometepe Island.Participants will collaborate with Granada-based sister ensemble Coro Laudate in a varied program drawing from classical, Canadian, and Nicaraguan sacred and secular traditions, with singing residencies and performances in San Juan del Sur, Granada, and León.

NICW 2024

February 2024

The inaugural Nicaragua International Choral Workshop introduced participants to a unique combination of choral singing, travel, cultural immersion, and artistic collaboration in Nicaragua. Centered in San Juan del Sur and Granada, the project established the foundation for future NICW experiences and international partnerships.Participants will collaborate with Granada-based sister ensemble Coro Laudate in a varied program drawing from classical, Canadian, and Nicaraguan sacred and secular traditions, with singing residencies and performances in San Juan del Sur, Granada, and León.

Participant Reflections

Hear how past participants describe their NICW experience.

“Interacting with Coro Laudate was the highlight of the trip for me.”
— Michael

“NICW rehearsals were a learning delight.”
— Tonia

“I felt extremely relaxed upon my return to Ottawa.”
— John

“Singing in—or on top of—cathedrals, and on beaches and boats, made this a unique and unforgettable trip.”
— Mary

BULDING ON PAST WORKSHOPS

From an idea to an international musical community

Each NICW workshop builds on the last, strengthening musical partnerships and refining the experience for future participants.

2024

NICW’s inaugural workshop brings twenty-three Canadian singers to San Juan del Sur and Granada for a unique combination of choral singing, cultural exchange, and travel.

2026

Expanded partnerships lead to the first collaboration between Canadian and Nicaraguan singers. Thirty-three participants return, with León added to the itinerary.

2027

Building on these relationships, NICW returns with its most ambitious project yet: performances of highlights from Handel’s Messiah in Managua as invited guests of the Rubén Darío National Theatre.

Singing in — or on top of — cathedrals, and on beaches and boats made this a unique and unforgettable trip.”

— Mary

Artistic Director

Roland Graham

Roland Graham is a Canadian conductor, pianist, composer, and educator whose work is inspired by artistic excellence, purposeful learning, and building community through music.

As founder of NICW, he brings together his experience in conducting, education, international collaboration, and travel to create musical experiences that connect people through a shared artistic purpose.

Past participants praise his energetic leadership, clear teaching, organization, and ability to create memorable musical and travel experiences.

Look at my personal achievements →

Why Nicaragua?

A Country Waiting to be Discovered

Nicaragua is one of Central America’s most remarkable and unexpected destinations—a country of dramatic landscapes, colonial cities, vibrant traditions, and extraordinarily warm and welcoming people.

From the colourful streets of Granada and the shores of Lake Nicaragua to volcanoes, cloud forests, Pacific beaches, howler monkeys, and infinitely more, Nicaragua offers the rare opportunity to experience a place that still feels authentic: unspoilt, personal, and deeply connected to its culture.

Safe for tourists, affordable, and rewarding for travellers of all ages, Nicaragua remains one of North America’s best-kept travel secrets.

“People are friendly and welcoming and it is not overrun by tourists — you get to see how people live in Nicaragua.”

— Joan

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can participate in NICW programs?

NICW welcomes singers, musicians, and culturally curious travelers from around the world. Programs are designed for participants who enjoy music, exploration, and meaningful cultural experiences.

Do I need professional singing experience?

Most projects are open to singers with choral experience and a passion for music-making. Specific programs may have different requirements depending on their artistic focus and repertoire.

What is included in the experience?

Each project combines rehearsals, performances, cultural activities, local collaboration, sightseeing, and opportunities to explore Nicaragua’s landscapes, history, and communities.

Can I travel alone?

Absolutely. Many participants join independently and quickly become part of the welcoming international community that develops throughout the workshop.

Why is Nicaragua the host destination?

Nicaragua offers stunning natural beauty, rich cultural traditions, warm hospitality, and unique opportunities for artistic collaboration that create an unforgettable musical experience.

How long are the workshops?

Program lengths vary, typically ranging from 10 to 16 days, depending on the project and itinerary.

Explore NICW 27

All the details of NICW 27 are now available. Learn more, join the mailing list, or contact us with an inquiry.