State Singers is the premier choral ensemble at Mississippi State University. Membership is granted through a highly competitive audition process. Under the direction of Dr. Nicholaus Cummins, the ensemble performs a diverse repertoire spanning all major musical styles and historical periods.
Comprised of approximately 48 singers, State Singers presents full-length concerts both on and off campus, collaborates regularly with other ensembles and organizations, and performs for a variety of university and community events.
Under Dr. Cummins's leadership, State Singers has earned a strong national and international reputation through competition success, world-premiere performances, and appearances at prestigious festivals.
May 15, 2027 Departure
May 16-19, 2027 Prague, Czech Republic
May 19-23, 2027 Wernigerode, Germany
May 23-25, 2027 Leipzig, Germany
May 26, 2027 Return
Group flight departs from Atlanta International airport on May 15, 2027, traveling to Prague International Airport (PRG).
Welcome to Prague, one of Europe's most beautiful and historically significant capitals. Nestled along the banks of the Vltava River, Prague is renowned for its remarkably preserved medieval architecture, vibrant cultural life, and rich musical heritage. Often called the "City of a Hundred Spires," the city offers a captivating blend of Gothic, Baroque, Renaissance, and Art Nouveau architecture that reflects more than a thousand years of history.
As you explore Prague's winding cobblestone streets, you'll encounter iconic landmarks such as the majestic Prague Castle, the historic Charles Bridge, the Old Town Square with its famous Astronomical Clock, and the charming Jewish Quarter.
One of the highlights of the tour will be the opportunity to perform in one of Prague's magnificent historic cathedrals. Surrounded by soaring Gothic architecture, centuries-old stained glass, and remarkable acoustics, singers will experience the unique privilege of sharing their music in a sacred space that has inspired worship and artistry for generations. Performing in such a setting offers more than an exceptional concert venue—it provides a memorable cultural and spiritual experience, connecting performers with the rich musical traditions that have shaped Prague as one of Europe's great centers of sacred and choral music.
Since 1999 the International Johannes Brahms Choir Festival and Competition has been attracting choirs and music ensembles from all over the world. The host city of Wernigerode captivates visitors with its unique charm of medieval architecture and with its musical characteristics: It is home of three renowned German choirs.
The historical town hall and the timber-framed city center give the festival its unique setting. At the same time dedicated locals acting as individual choir assistants add a sense of familiarity to the event.
The competition, named after Johannes Brahms, puts a musical focus on this German composer and the German romantics of the 19th century.
Welcome to Leipzig, one of Germany's most vibrant and inspiring cultural cities. For centuries, Leipzig has stood at the crossroads of commerce, education, and the arts, earning an international reputation as a center of music, scholarship, and innovation. Today, the city beautifully blends its rich historical heritage with a youthful, creative energy, making it one of Germany's most dynamic destinations.
For choir members and music lovers, Leipzig holds a special place in history. This is the city where Johann Sebastian Bach spent the final twenty-seven years of his life as Cantor of St. Thomas Church, composing many of his greatest sacred works and shaping one of the world's most enduring musical traditions. It is also the home of the world-renowned St. Thomas Boys Choir (Thomanerchor), founded in 1212, and the historic Gewandhaus Orchestra, one of Europe's oldest and most celebrated orchestras.
May 15 2027 - Saturday. Travel day
May 16 2027 - Sunday. Arrive Prague, check in to hotel, free time
May 17 2027 - Monday. Walking tour of Prague!
May 18, 2027 - Tuesday. Concert at St. Nicholas Church.
May 19, 2027 - Wednesday. Travel from Prague to Wernigerode, Germany. Opening night of competition! Opening Concert!
May 20, 2027 - Thursday. Competition activities; Friendship concerts, performances in Wernigerode, Gala Concert
May 21, 2027 - Friday. Stage rehearsals, evaluations, competition events.
May 22, 2027 - Saturday. Grand Prize Competition, Closing Concert and Open Singing Event
May 23, 2027 - Sunday. Friendship Concerts, Departure from Wernigerode, travel to Leipzig
May 24, 2027 - Monday. Walking tour of Leipzig, free day.
May 25, 2027 - Tuesday. Travel to Prague airport, journey back to USA.
(available at check out)
Travel Collegiate, LLC is a company dedicated to cost-effective tours for choirs and other traveling groups. We work to bring travel opportunities to more groups by focusing on incredible experiences and low costs. We are experienced in both international and domestic tour planning for high school and university students.
Owners:
Philip and Tracy Copeland share a love for travel and started designing tours in 2016. Dr. Philip Copeland is professor at Samford University and frequently competes in international choir competitions, most recently in the Netherlands, Hungary, and Lithuania. Tracy is a frequent international traveler and speech pathologist. They formed Travel Collegiate, LLC in 2018.