The twinned islands of Trinidad and Tobago have a culture that, even when compared to their Caribbean counterparts, is astoundingly multicultural: Amerindian, Spanish, British, French, African and Indian influences have come together to create Trinidad’s signature spicy dishes, spirited steelpan music and annual Carnival. With a celebrated choral culture and symphony orchestras devoted to playing both European classics and Caribbean mainstays, the country offers no shortage of performance, collaboration and workshop opportunities.

Classical Movements has been putting together tours to the Caribbean since 1995 for groups like the Minnesota Orchestra, Morgan State University, George Washington University, about 30 musical groups to Cuba and specifically the National Symphony Orchestra, Princeton Girlchoir and S.T.A.R.S. Choir to Trinidad and Tobago We have also arranged trips for Trinidadian groups, most notably the Bishop Anstey High School Choir.

Sights & Sounds

  • Port of Spain
  • National Academy for the Performing Arts
  • National Steel Symphony Orchestra
  • Marionettes Chorale
  • Carnival
  • Scarborough
  • Buccoo Coral Reef
  • Chaguramas
  • Bamboo Cathedral
  • Pier 1 venues
  • Maracas Bay
  • Main Ridge Forest Reserve

Testimonials

“I have toured many countries, but never have experienced such a professional relationship with a tour organization. Memories of a perfect itinerary, round-the-clock assistance, unforgettable memories of cordial encounters, impressive landscapes, and great concerts remain with us.”

-Christoph Bachmann [Founder and Musical Director of Choirs at the Winterthur Conservatory]

“I must thank you again for the wonderful time we all had on this trip. It was more than we expected and more than we could have dreamed about. Congrats to everyone at Classical Movements for putting together a wonderful experience for so many.”

-Lorraine Granderson [Bishop Anstey High School Choir of Trinidad]

 

Press

“Classical Movements is the go-to company for ensembles planning concert tours.”

-Baltimore Sun, Tim Smith | June 29, 2012

“In the course of their tours, so many American groups have started learning Maori, Chinese, South African and Brazilian songs. In the process of taking American groups around the world, we have had so many exchanges and collaborations, and we’ve had a great number of groups that wanted to come to the States,’ Helms says.”

-Washington Post, Mark Jenkins | June 22, 2011

“Neeta Helms, president of Classical Movements explains: ‘We are very aware that parents of the children pay a lot to give their children this [travel and music] experience. For them it’s a trip of a lifetime, and we want to deliver a high-quality music product.’”

-Opus Osm, Mary Matz | July 18, 2011

“Can you afford to ignore the company that does the tour arrangements for some of Washington’s premier institutions…the best tour agents in the world?”

-Gala News, Judy Brophy (Choral Arts Society of Washington) | Fall, 1996

“Music moves people. And then there are the people who move the music. From the corner of her second-story command center in a charming-but-creaky three-story townhouse in Old Town, Classical Movements founder Neeta Helms delivers musicians and singers all over the world with the precision of a Steinway piano tuner.”

-Washington Post, Thomas Heath | Sept. 16, 2013

“The tour is a very special occasion for us. It is important that the music and the long tradition of the Escolania is known.’ It is why Neeta Helms, founder of Classical Movements, the group presenting the choir in Washington and New York, considers this tour to be a rare look at the Escolania’s long tradition and exceptional talent.”

-Washington Post, Katherine Boyle (quoting Bernat Vivancos) | March 16, 2014

“For comfort and safety a comprehensive tour package run by an experienced company such as Blue Heart Tours is the way to go.”

-McCall’s | April 1998

“Few companies can count 2,034 clients in their very first year of operation.”

-Jax Fax Travel Magazine | June 1994