What if there aren't enough participants?
The application deadline is February 23, 2025, which is three months before the holiday starts. If we do not reach the minimum of 40 participants by that date, a program requiring a smaller ensemble (maximum 35 members) will be implemented.

If we do not reach at least 30 participants, the holiday will be canceled.

Since the restaurants and hotel use our agency as an intermediary for bookings, we do not publish their names on our website to ensure their confidentiality. However, we are happy to provide the names to anyone who requests more information and to participants at the time of booking, along with the detailed event schedule.

A full refund of the amount paid will be issued only if the holiday is canceled due to a lack of participants.

Please note that travel expenses, such as airline tickets, train, or ferry costs, are non-refundable.

Yes! After payment, all participants will receive an invoice that can be used for tax purposes.

ENGLISH will be the language used for rehearsals and official communications. A basic understanding of English is required.

The English used by our organizers and coaches will be simple, clear, and accessible to all. Language should not be a source of stress, as we also speak several major European languages.

You can communicate with us in: English, German, Italian, or Romanian.

Timpani, percussion instruments, and harp will be provided on-site by Sicily Music Holidays (including mallets and tuning accessories).

Double basses can be supplied for free upon request; we just ask that you bring your own bow.

For cellists or those with instruments that require purchasing an EXTRA SEAT on airlines, we offer a rental service in partnership with the main music shops in Palermo.

Please contact us as soon as possible so we can provide you with all the information regarding costs and rental terms.

The staff of Sicily Music Holidays has enough stands and lights for all participants, which will be used during rehearsals and the concert. We recommend bringing your personal travel stand to use in your room if you want to practice the program during your free time.

At Sicily Music Holidays, we firmly believe that no one should ever feel excluded, and everyone can enjoy a rich musical experience, regardless of their level or experience. You’ll also immerse yourself in a unique, unforgettable, and stress-free holiday.

Our mentors, from some of Europe’s top orchestras, are highly qualified and have extensive experience preparing amateur orchestras. The varying skill levels within the orchestra have never affected the success of an unforgettable concert for both performers and listeners.

If you have a sufficient technical level, some experience in orchestral or chamber music, and your intonation is consistent, Sicily Music Holidays is the perfect fit for you—there’s no need to hesitate!

Thanks to the exceptional skills of our mentors, we guarantee you will be amazed at the overall level the orchestra will achieve during the eight days of rehearsals.

One of the most frequently asked questions concerns transportation. While Sicily may seem distant and poorly connected, the reality is quite the opposite. For the past decade, Sicilian airports have become leaders in air travel, offering numerous direct flights to major cities worldwide.

You’ll find over 50 direct European destinations, plus two weekly direct flights from New York to Palermo and Catania. The two closest airports to our hotel are Palermo - Punta Raisi (PMO) and Trapani - Birgi (TPS), both just about 20 minutes by car.

Check if the airport nearest to you has direct flights to either Palermo or Trapani! If you prefer traveling by sea, car, or camper, Italy (and particularly Sicily) offers excellent highway connections along with multiple daily ferry services from major European ports.

So, what are you waiting for? Book your holiday! Reaching us will be the easiest part. The only travel option we strongly advise against is train travel, which, while consistent, lacks convenient or direct connections.

All our plans come with basic insurance coverage, protecting us organizers from minor accidents and damages to third parties (such as damage to instruments or property within the hotel).

However, for your own safety and peace of mind, we highly recommend obtaining additional insurance from your preferred agency. This should be tailored to meet your specific needs and cover you in case of minor accidents, medical expenses, and reimbursements for travel costs if you need to cancel your participation after the February 23, 2025 deadline.

Don’t forget, we’re going on vacation! So the first items to pack should be your swimsuit, camera, and sunscreen!

Here’s a quick list of essentials you won’t want to leave behind:

• Documents 
• Swimsuit
• Beach towel
• Sunscreen
• Sun hat
• Sunglasses
• Water shoes
• Mosquito repellent
• Jellyfish sting relief stick (we’d like to note that there are no dangerous jellyfish or mosquitoes here, but this can help soothe minor stings)
• Any necessary medications
• Hand fan
• Hairdryer (if you’re lucky enough to still have hair!)
• Comfortable shoes and socks for city walks and mountain trails
• Personal water bottle
• A small backpack or bag for excursions
• Pencils and erasers for jotting down tips from our mentors
• Orchestra mute and practice mute (to respect fellow participants)
• Personal travel music stand (if needed)
• Concert attire (Men: black suit, white shirt; Women: appropriate summer black dress)

Feel free to reach out if you have any questions or if there’s something we’ve missed that you think is essential for all participants!

Absolutely! Our hotel is one of the best in the Scopello - Zingaro Reserve area, known for meeting the needs of even the most discerning guests.

Full Wi-Fi coverage is available within the property and nearby areas. Simply ask for the password at reception when you check in, and you'll be connected in no time.

Yes, all the venues and locations hosting us accept card payments, as it's mandatory for all businesses in Italy. However, we recommend carrying a small amount of cash with you for purchases at street vendors or for renting sun loungers and umbrellas at the beach.

As mentioned in our general overview, travel expenses (flights, ferries, or trains) are not included in any of our plans and are to be covered by you.

Below, you’ll find the additional costs that are NOT included in any of our plans but can be accessed for an extra fee:

• Access to private beaches and cliffs
• Rental of bicycles, scooters, and cars

If you need any further clarification, don’t hesitate to reach out to us via email, phone, or WhatsApp. The Sicily Music Holidays team will respond within one business day.