Classical Movements began traveling to South America in 1996. Bolivia with a culture heavily influenced by indigenous traditions and a diverse geography is a colorful and lively destination. The 200-year old Carnival de Oruro is a UNESCO-recognized showcase of Aymara and Quechua cultural practices. That said, rich baroque influences, such as the ones showcased in performances by the Arakaendar choir, draw not only native Bolivian audiences, but even foreign ensembles eager to explore the well-preserved archives of Bolivian liturgical music. The Jesuit missions brought an extraordinary tradition of baroque music to Bolivia and there are many musicians playing western and Andean instruments as well as choirs of all kinds.

Classical Movements has handled musicians from Bolivia and taken the Youth Orchestra of the Americas through Bolivia. The country can easily be combined with Peru, Colombia and/or Brazil on a tour.

Sights & Sounds

  • La Paz
  • Panpipe Andean music
  • Chincana ruins at Isla de Sol
  • Lake Titicaca | Silver Mines of Potosi
  • Salar de Uyuni, the world’s largest salt flats
  • Flamingoes in the Altiplano
  • Tiwanaku archaeological site
  • Cochabamba

Testimonials

“Corals Sussex Children’s Chorus, the U.S. and New Zealand Second Student’s Choir, New Zealand, they’re award-winning world and they’re on a cultural trip through Latin America.”

-Carnvalesco – Redacao SRZD

Press

“Love. There is no better way to describe the affection, admiration, generosity, appreciation, and sharing that took place between this impassioned orchestra and a joyous Cuban public.”

-Huffington Post | May 20, 2015

“Classical Movements, a Virginia-based company, handled discussions with Cuba on behalf of the orchestra. The company has arranged musical tours to the nation for more than 18 years.”

-Minnesota Star Tribune, Graydon Royce | Feb. 12, 2015

“The tour is being arranged by Classical Movements, the Alexandria-based concert tour agency and presenter which has made something of a specialty of Cuban travel over the last 18 years, bringing ensembles to and from the country despite the travel restrictions that necessitated special permission through the U.S. Treasury Department.”

-Washington Post, Anne Midgette | Feb. 12, 2015

“The Teatro Nacional, a 2,056-seat theater on the Plaza de la Revolución, was sold out. Two dozen photographers and videographers swarmed the aisles. The Minnesota Orchestra’s concert here Friday night was greeted not only as a rare chance to hear an orchestra from overseas, but as a symbol of the rapprochement between the United States and Cuba.”

-New York Times, Michael Cooper | May 16, 2015