Contact NICW
Begin Your Journey
Whether you have a quick question, are considering NICW 27, or simply want to learn more, we’d be delighted to hear from you!
General Inquiry
Send us a message using the form below, or, if you prefer, email us directly at info@nicw.ca
Tell us about yourself
For detailed questions or additional information, participants are welcome to contact us directly by email at info@nicw.ca
What happens next?
Application Received
You'll receive an email confirmation once we receive your application.
Personal Follow-Up
The NICW team will review your submission and follow p with next steps and availability.
Join the Journey
Once confirmed, we'll guide you through registration and preparation for NICW 2027.
Frequently Asked Questions
Looking for more information! Here are some of the most common queries. Contact us or email us directly at info@nicw.ca for anything else.
Do I Need To Audition?
There is no conventional audition.
NICW 27 is intended for experienced singers who can learn their music independently and participate fully in rehearsals and performances. Roland may speak with prospective participants to learn about their experience and maintain a balanced ensemble.
NICW 27 is intended for experienced singers who can learn their music independently and participate fully in rehearsals and performances. Roland may speak with prospective participants to learn about their experience and maintain a balanced ensemble.
How experienced do I need to be?
You should be comfortable singing four-part choral music, learning from a score, and preparing independently before the workshop.
You do not need to be a professional singer, but you should feel confident learning and performing the selected choruses from Handel’s Messiah.
You do not need to be a professional singer, but you should feel confident learning and performing the selected choruses from Handel’s Messiah.
Can non-singing companions participate?
Yes, subject to availability.
Companions are welcome to participate in the travel, accommodation, excursions, meals, and social aspects of the workshop while singers rehearse and perform.
Companions are welcome to participate in the travel, accommodation, excursions, meals, and social aspects of the workshop while singers rehearse and perform.
What does the programme fee include?
The $4,600 CAD programme fee includes round-trip airfare from Ottawa, accommodation,
ground transportation, rehearsals, performances, selected excursions, and approximately half of
all meals.
Personal expenses, optional activities, travel insurance, and remaining meals are not included.
Personal expenses, optional activities, travel insurance, and remaining meals are not included.
Can I join from outside Ottawa?
Yes.
Participants may join from other cities by arranging their own flights or requesting alternative
travel arrangements. The programme fee will be adjusted where appropriate.
Is the National Theatre performance confirmed?
Yes.
NICW has received an official invitation from the Director of the Rubén Darío National Theatre to develop the proposed Managua Messiah 2027 collaboration. Final scheduling and production details continue to be developed jointly.
Is the itinerary final?
The published itinerary reflects current plans and may evolve as performance schedules, transportation, venues, and weather are finalized.
The 2024 and 2026 workshops followed their published itineraries with only minor adjustments. An updated itinerary is available upon request.
The 2024 and 2026 workshops followed their published itineraries with only minor adjustments. An updated itinerary is available upon request.
Can I extend my stay in Nicaragua?
Yes.
Many participants choose to extend their stay after the workshop. Once you’ve experienced the country, you’ll have a much better sense of where you’d like to spend additional time.
Official NICW activities conclude on February 8, after which local tour providers can assist with independent travel arrangements.
Official NICW activities conclude on February 8, after which local tour providers can assist with independent travel arrangements.
Can I join only for the performances in Managua?
The full 16-day workshop offers the richest musical and travel experience and is strongly encouraged.
However, experienced singers with limited vacation time may be able to join for the rehearsal and performance week in Managua and Granada. Please contact Roland to discuss your circumstances.
However, experienced singers with limited vacation time may be able to join for the rehearsal and performance week in Managua and Granada. Please contact Roland to discuss your circumstances.
How demanding is the schedule?
NICW balances focused music-making with sightseeing, relaxation, and free time.
Morning rehearsals take place during the first week, with the most intensive rehearsals occurring in Managua before the performances. Attendance at all scheduled rehearsals and performances is expected.
Morning rehearsals take place during the first week, with the most intensive rehearsals occurring in Managua before the performances. Attendance at all scheduled rehearsals and performances is expected.
Will I receive help preparing?
Yes.
Participants receive scores, learning recordings, rehearsal guidance, and preparation deadlines well in advance. Preparation sessions are also planned in Ottawa, Montréal, and Toronto where possible.
The earlier you register, the more time you’ll have to prepare
The earlier you register, the more time you’ll have to prepare
Is Nicaragua safe for visitors?
Nicaragua has proven, by and large, safe and welcoming for NICW participants and tourists
who travel with ordinary awareness.
As with travel anywhere, sensible precautions are encouraged. NICW works with trusted local partners and provides practical guidance before and throughout the workshop.
As with travel anywhere, sensible precautions are encouraged. NICW works with trusted local partners and provides practical guidance before and throughout the workshop.
How does NICW approach Nicaragua's political situation?
NICW recognizes that Nicaragua has a complex political environment and does not minimize documented concerns regarding human rights and civil liberties.
NICW is an artistic and educational project centered on music, friendship, and cultural exchange—not political advocacy or governmental endorsement. Participants are expected to respect local laws, exercise discretion, and avoid political activity during the tour.
NICW is an artistic and educational project centered on music, friendship, and cultural exchange—not political advocacy or governmental endorsement. Participants are expected to respect local laws, exercise discretion, and avoid political activity during the tour.
Do I need travel insurance?
Yes.
Participants are required to carry emergency medical and travel insurance for the duration of the workshop.
Please review the Participant Agreement & Waiver for full details.
Download NICW 27 Participant Agreement & Waiver
Please review the Participant Agreement & Waiver for full details.
Download NICW 27 Participant Agreement & Waiver
Are reduced fees available?
NICW offers early registration discounts, paired-registration savings, and a limited number of reduced-fee places for exceptional younger singers.
Payment plans and other budgeting arrangements may also be available. If cost is a barrier, please contact Roland to discuss your situation confidentially.
Contact Us to inquire about reduced fee options.
Payment plans and other budgeting arrangements may also be available. If cost is a barrier, please contact Roland to discuss your situation confidentially.
Contact Us to inquire about reduced fee options.
Why are only half the meals included?
Participants have different budgets, tastes, and sightseeing plans. Including some meals together creates opportunities for the group to connect, while leaving many meals independent gives everyone the flexibility to explore local restaurants, relax, or make their own plans.
Still Have Questions?
Reach out if there’s anything else you need to know!
Contact Us or email info@nicw.ca with questions, or join the email list for future updates.
