TRAVELFOR THE ARTS AUTUMN, WINTER & SPRING 2018/19

OPERA, BALLET CLASSICAL MUSIC HOLIDAYS NEW TOURS FOR 2018/19

THE RING BERLIN IN GENEVA BAROQUE DAYS page 11 page 20

ATHENS NEW YORK ODYSSEY CITY BALLET page 24 page 26

www.travelforthearts.com +44 20 8799 8350 [email protected] welcome

welcome to the world of OPERA, BALLET AND CLASSICAL MUSIC

Within this brochure you will find our selection of escorted small group tours for the 2018/19 Season, carefully researched and created by our music and travel experts.

As ever, we are delighted to present a selection of festive holidays to celebrate Christmas and New Year, which can be found on the gold pages at the front of the tours section of this brochure. Our ever-popular Wagner tours are then marked by one of the composer’s favourite colours, purple, while our traditional visits to major opera houses and festivals are listed in red. We are also pleased to continue our collaboration with Stephen Carpenter of Carpenter Holidays in blue, and, for further information on our à la Carte offering for individual travellers, please visit the pages at the back of the brochure.

We hope you will enjoy wonderful opera, ballet and classical music on a memorable holiday with us.

Tel: 020 8799 8350 | Email: [email protected] | www.travelforthearts.com BOOKING DETAILS AUTUMN, WINTER All tours mentioned in this brochure (as well as additional tours) & SPRING 2018-19 are available to view online at www.travelforthearts.com Many of our holidays are filled very quickly after the brochure We are delighted to present our selection of highlights from launch. Sometimes they are fully booked after appearing on our the 2018/19 Season, featuring the best of opera, ballet and website or as advance information in our Newsletter, so we would classical music programmes across Europe and further afield. encourage you to book early if you are interested in one of our group tours. CONTENTS MAKE AN ENQUIRY You can make an enquiry about one of our tours in three ways: Tours 4 – 29 • Call us on 020 8799 8350 À la Carte information 32 – 33 • Email [email protected] • Visit our website www.travelforthearts.com and make a booking enquiry by going into the tour and completing CALENDAR OF TOURS the Booking Enquiry Form. Date Tour Page If space is available on the tour of your choice you will be 18 – 21 Oct Rossini in Venice 17 given a 7-day option. 1 – 5 Nov Wexford Festival Opera 18 COMPLETE A BOOKING FORM 27 Nov – 1 Dec Berlin Baroque Days 20 Once you have your option, we require a completed booking form. This can be downloaded from our website 29 Nov – 3 Dec The Ravenna Festival 19 http://www.travelforthearts.com/how-to-book/ 22 – 26 Dec Christmas in Berlin 5 When you return your booking form we require your 24 – 28 Dec Christmas Ballet in Baden-Baden 6 deposit or full payment (see Late bookings). You must 23 – 27 Dec Noël at the Paris Opéra 7 read and agree to the Terms and Conditions. 29 Dec – 2 Jan New Year in Dresden 8 LATE BOOKINGS 30 Dec – 3 Jan New Year in Milan 9 If you book within 8 weeks of departure, you will need to provide 12 – 16 Jan Valletta International Baroque Festival 21 a credit/debit card number or send us a cheque for the full amount of the holiday. 8 – 13 Feb Treasures of Oman 22 28 Feb – 3 Mar Wagner in Dresden 12 BOOKING REFERENCE When you make an enquiry you will be given a booking 11 – 18 Mar The Ring in Geneva 11 reference. Please quote your booking reference on all 22 – 26 Mar Athens Odyssey 24 subsequent correspondence. 9 – 14 Apr The Mariinsky Opera in St Petersburg 25 MOBILITY 16 – 20 Apr The Berlin Festtage 13 Please note that most tours involve walking tours of approximately 17 – 23 Apr The Ring in Chemnitz 14 3 hours. If you have difficulty with mobility you may be asked to sit 22 – 25 Apr Strauss and Wagner in Vienna 15 out some of the activities on the itinerary. 6 – 10 May New York City Ballet 26 PERFORMANCE TICKETS 24 – 27 May Spring Opera in Oslo 27 All performance tickets are subject to confirmation. This is due to 7 – 11 Jun Salzburg Whitsun Festival 28 the differences in the way opera houses administer their ticket sales and the limited availability of certain performances. We will inform 14 – 17 Jun The Opéra Royal at Versailles 29 you at the point of booking when we expect to receive confirmation of the performance tickets; in most cases this will be 12 weeks prior TOURS IN ASSOCIATION WITH CARPENTER HOLIDAYS to departure, although this can vary depending on the destination. 3 – 8 Oct The Oxford Chamber Music Festival 30 SEATING ARRANGEMENTS All information is available on our website www.travelforthearts.com. For all included performances we obtain best available tickets All the flights and flight-inclusive holidays in this brochure are financially (as specified by the venue). However many of the older theatres in protected by the ATOL scheme under ATOL no.2178. When you pay for a flight Europe have non-staggered rows, little rake, cramped legroom and inclusive holiday you will be supplied with an ATOL Certificate. Please ask for sometimes poor sightlines. Please be assured that we do our best to it and check to ensure that everything you booked (flights, hotels and other request the best available tickets for all performances but that, on services) is listed on it. Please see our booking conditions for further information occasion, allowances might need to be made for the age and layout or for more information about financial protection and the ATOL Certificate go to: of the venue. www.atol.org.uk/ATOLCertificate OPENING HOURS Our office hours are Monday – Friday 9.30am to 5.30pm. We are closed on UK public holidays. There is an answerphone and we will return any out-of-hours telephone calls on the next working day if you leave your name and telephone number.

Travel For The Arts 12-15 Hanger Green London W5 3EL UK Telephone: +44 20 8799 8350 Fax: +44 20 8998 7965 SWAN LAKE BY THE MARIINSKY BALLET © NATASHA RAZINA E-mail: [email protected] COVER IMAGE: L’INCORONAZIONE DI POPPEA BY THE STAATSOPER UNTER DEN LINDEN, BERLIN www.travelforthearts.com 31 welcome

EXPERTS IN CULTURAL TRAVEL

All our tours are led by travel experts, and many of our tour managers are also professional musicians and music specialists. Below is a selection of the many people who work with us to ensure that you have the best experience possible.

Simon Rees is a freelance writer, lecturer Stephen Carpenter has planned and led and translator. For 23 years he was several tours in association with us over dramaturg at Welsh National Opera. the last three years and continues to offer tours to music festivals with his company, Carpenter Holidays.

Carol Savage is a professional concert Patrick Mylon will be familiar to many and opera singer, with a degree in History of our guests, having tour managed for of Art from London University. over 10 years. He is a true opera fan, particularly of Wagner, and has attended more than 10 Ring Cycles.

Zita Stockwell has been leading our Eva Gordon-Smith is a consultant, lecturer tours for over 25 years and is an expert and Blue Badge Guide. She has been on many destinations, particularly her managing concert tours in a number of native Budapest. She is a keen opera European countries for 25 years. and concert attendee.

David Waite is a professional Blue Badge Raffaella Golinucci is a freelance Tourist Guide and also the Founder & professional Tour Manager and has Director of Guiding You Ltd, a tour guiding worked in the music business for many and training company. years. She also often looks after well- known musicians.

TRAVEL FOR THE ARTS TEAM

Richard Savage Joel Rubenstein Pablo Basombrio Vanessa Kyriacou Mark Saunsbury C.E.O. Head of Tour Sales and Product Manager à la Carte Operations Reservations Reservations Manager Manager

NO SINGLE SUPPLEMENT

We are delighted to be able to offer our single travellers the opportunity to book some of our tours with No Single Supplement. Please look out for this features in the introduction box of the relevant tour.

2 Tel: 020 8799 8350 | Email: [email protected] | www.travelforthearts.com BROCHURE HIGHLIGHTS

CHRISTMAS BALLET IN BADEN-BADEN 24 – 28 December Tour code: BAD1 Price from £2175 The Mariinsky Ballet visit this beautiful spa- town to perform their renowned classics as well as a spectacular Ballet Gala - sure to add a sparkle to the festive season! page 6

TREASURES OF OMAN 8 – 13 February Tour code: MCT1 Price from £2720 This tour to the romantic Sultanate of Oman includes a performance of Verdi’s La traviata starring Plácido Domingo at the stunning Royal Opera House. We also see highlights of the country including the mountains and the desert. page 22

THE RING IN CHEMNITZ 17 – 23 April Tour code: CHZ1 Price from £1990 The theme of ‘woman’ is at the centre of this new Ring Cycle from the Chemnitz Opera, with each opera staged by a different female director. All performances are conducted by Guillermo García Calvo.

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SALZBURG WHITSUN FESTIVAL 7 – 11 June Tour code: SZG1 Price from £2275 The heavenly voices of the castrati provide the inspiration for the 2019 festival, with performances including Handel’s Alcina and a glittering Gala Concert featuring Cecilia Bartoli and Philippe Jaroussky, amongst others.

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DAS RHEINGOLD BY THE OPER CHEMNITZ © KIRSTEN NIJHOF Tel: 020 8799 8350 | Email: [email protected] | www.travelforthearts.com 3 festive tours

FESTIVE TOURS Our selection of highlights from the seasonal offerings includes Christmas opera tours in Berlin and Paris, and ballet in Baden-Baden, when the Mariinsky Ballet Company makes their annual visit. We also present holidays to ring in the New Year in Dresden and Milan.

4 CHRISTMAS MARKET IN THE GENDARMENMARKT, BERLIN festive tour

CHRISTMAS IN BERLIN

Price from £1895 pp

22 – 26 December Tour code: BER3 Christmas in Berlin this year offers a festive feast for Verdi fans; a production of Nabucco at the Deutsche Opera with George Petean in the title role, and Falstaffat the Staatsoper Unter den Linden conducted by Daniel Barenboim and featuring Michael Volle and Barbara Frittoli as Sir John Falstaff and Mrs Alice Ford.

BERLIN AT CHRISTMAS

SAT 22 DEC Late afternoon arrival in Berlin MON 24 DEC Today we take a tour of Berlin, visiting PROGRAMME and transfer to the comfortable 4-star Westin notable sights including the Brandenburg Gate, Berlin 23 Dec 18.00 NABUCCO Verdi Inc Grand Hotel, located in the heart of the city Cathedral, the Gendarmenmarkt and the Holocaust D: Keith Warner on the corner of Friedrichstrasse and Unter Memorial, ending up at the Reichstag building. The C: Roberto Rizzi Brignoli den Linden. Welcome drinks and canapés afternoon is free for independent sightseeing before Cast: George Petean, Attilio Glaser, Roberto Tagliavini, Anna Pirozzi, will be served in the hotel this evening. a festive Christmas Eve dinner served in the hotel. Irene Roberts, Byung Gil Kim, Gideon Poppe, Cornelia Kim SUN 23 DEC Join your guide to visit the TUE 25 DEC This morning there is the opportunity Venue: Deutsche Oper Charlottenburg Palace, commissioned by Sophie to attend Mass should you wish – more information 25 Dec 18.00 FALSTAFF Verdi Inc Charlotte, the wife of Friedrich III, Elector of will be available nearer to the date of departure. D: Mario Martone Brandenburg at the end of the 17th century. We In the late morning we transfer back to the C: Daniel Barenboim take a guided tour of the palace, which features Reichstag for Christmas lunch in the rooftop Cast: Michael Volle, Alfredo Daza, Francesco Demuro, Jürgen Sacher, internal decoration of the baroque and rococo Käfer restaurant. There will then be some free Stephan Rügamer, Jan Martinik, styles, and visit the gardens. Return to the hotel time to freshen up before the early evening Barbara Frittoli, Nadine Sierra, Daniela Barcellona, Katharina Kammerloher for the afternoon at leisure before the early performance at the Staatsoper Unter den Linden. Venue: Staatsoper Unter den Linden evening performance at the Deutsche Oper. WED 26 DEC Transfer to Berlin airport for your homeward journey. FLIGHTS

British Airways 22 Dec London Heathrow - Berlin Tegel dep: 14.15 arr: 17.10 26 Dec Berlin Tegel - London Heathrow dep: 13.50 arr: 14.55 Flight schedules are subject to alteration. Flights from other UK airports can be arranged on request.

PRICE (PER PERSON)

Tour price £1895 Single room supplement £300 Club Europe flight upgrade from £250 Land-only tour price £1750 Deposit required £450 Tour price includes: Flights and airport taxes, group transfers from and to airport and for included activities where applicable, accommodation, breakfast daily, welcome drink and canapes, one lunch, one dinner, sightseeing tours as described including guides and entrance fees, first category ticket for each included NABUCCO © BERND UHLIG FALSTAFF © MATTHIAS BAUS performance, opera synopses, restaurant guide and city notes, the services of our local representative or tour manager.

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“Sublime dancing from one of CHRISTMAS the world's best companies” BALLET IN Mr and Mrs K, Surrey BADEN-BADEN

Price from £2175 pp

24 – 28 December Tour code: BAD1 NO SINGLE SUPPLEMENT

A Christmas tour for ballet-lovers in the beautiful spa town of Baden-Baden in the Black Forest. The Mariinsky Ballet visit the Festspielhaus to present a classic performance of Swan Lake and the more modern The Four Seasons with music by Richter, as well as a spectacular Ballet Gala which is sure to add sparkle to the festive season!

SWAN LAKE © NATASHA RAZINA

MON 24 DEC Early afternoon arrival in Frankfurt and transfer by coach to Baden-Baden (approx. 1.5 hours). We check in at the 4-star Radisson BLU Badischer Hof, an elegant hotel built within a former Capuchin monastery and just 5 minutes’ walk from the Festspielhaus. Christmas Eve dinner will be served in the hotel. TUE 25 DEC This morning we take a guided walking tour of the centre of the city, seeing many of the notable sights along the way. There will also be the opportunity to enjoy a glass of mulled wine at the Christmas market before a festive Christmas lunch in

a local restaurant. The afternoon is at leisure before BADEN-BADEN FESTSPIELHAUS the evening performance at the Festspielhaus. WED 26 DEC Today we travel out of the city for an excursion to the richly decorated Residenzschloss PROGRAMME AT BADEN-BADEN FESTSPIELHAUS FLIGHTS

Rastatt, commissioned by the Margrave Ludwig 25 Dec 19.00 SWAN LAKE Inc Lufthansa Wilhelm of Baden-Baden in 1700, and the oldest Choreography: Konstantin Sergeyev 24 Dec London Heathrow - Frankfurt dep: 10.30 arr: 13.05 baroque residence in the Upper Rhine Valley. after Petipa and Ivanov 28 Dec Frankfurt - London Heathrow dep: 17.00 arr: 17.45 Music: Tchaikovsky Flight schedules are subject to alteration. Lunch will be served in a local restaurant following Flights from other UK airports can be arranged on request. the tour, before returning to Baden-Baden for the 26 Dec 19.00 THE FOUR SEASONS Inc Choreography: Ilya Zhivoi PRICE (PER PERSON) afternoon at leisure and the evening performance. Music: Richter (based on music by Vivaldi) Tour price £2175 THU 27 DEC Today is free for independent exploration 27 Dec 19.00 BALLET GALA Inc Club Europe flight upgrade from £300 of the city. Evening performance at the Festspielhaus. Le Divertissement du roi Land-only tour price £2030 Choreography: Maxim Petrov Deposit required £400 FRI 28 DEC Morning at leisure for last-minute Music: Rameau La Carnaval Le Carnaval Tour price includes: Flights and airport taxes, group transfers shopping and sightseeing. Lunchtime transfer from and to airport and for included activities where applicable, Choreography: Mikhail Fokine accommodation, breakfast daily, two lunches, one dinner, sightseeing to Frankfurt for your homeward journey. Music: Schumann tours as described including guides and entrance fees, first category ticket for each included performance, restaurant guide and city notes, the services of our local representative or tour manager.

6 Tel: 020 8799 8350 | Email: [email protected] | www.travelforthearts.com festive tour

NOËL AT THE PARIS OPÉRA

Price from £2065 pp

23 – 27 December Tour code: PAR1 BY RAIL

Join us in the elegant French capital to celebrate Noël with the Paris Opéra. Our selection of performances includes Rossini’s La Cenerentola at the Palais Garnier and Verdi’s La traviata at the Opéra Bastille. We also include the classic ballet favourite Cinderella on Christmas Day.

PALAIS GARNIER, PARIS

SUN 23 DEC Mid-afternoon arrival in Paris TUE 25 DEC The morning is free for you to attend and transfer to the 5-star boutique Hyatt Mass if you wish – more details will be available Paris Madeleine Hotel, located next to the nearer the time of departure. A Christmas lunch will Madeleine Church. Welcome canapés and be served at the hotel before some free time to relax. drinks will be served at the hotel. Evening opera performance at the Opéra Bastille. MON 24 DEC Join your guide for a morning walking WED 26 DEC This morning we take a guided tour tour to visit the picturesque Opéra district of the of the Palais Garnier, designed by Charles Garnier city, which houses the Palais Garnier, Boulevard in the neo-baroque style and regarded as one Haussmann and the large department stores of of the architectural masterpieces of its time. Galeries Lafayette and Printemps. A Christmas Return to the hotel for some free time before the Eve lunch will be served in a local restaurant evening performance at the Opéra Bastille. before the afternoon at leisure. Transfer to the THU 27 DEC Check out and transfer to Gare du evening performance at the Palais Garnier. PALAIS GARNIER Nord for your homeward journey on Eurostar.

PROGRAMME RAIL

24 Dec 19.30 LA CENERENTOLA Rossini Inc 26 Dec 19.30 LA TRAVIATA Verdi Inc Eurostar D: Guillaume Gallienne D: Benoît Jacquot 23 Dec London St Pancras - Paris Gare du Nord dep: 12.24 arr: 15.47 C: Evelino Pidò C: Karel Mark Chichon 27 Dec Paris Gare du Nord - London St Pancras dep: 13.13 arr: 14.39 Cast: Lawrence Brownlee, Florian Sempey, Cast: Ermonela Jaho, Virginie Verrez, If more convenient, flights from your local airport can be arranged Alessandro Corbelli, Chiara Skerath, Cornelia Oncioiu, Charles Castronovo, on request. Isabelle Druet, Marianne Crebassa, Ludovic Tézier, Francois Rougier, Adam Plachetka Philippe Rouillon, Christophe Gay, PRICE (PER PERSON) Venue: Palais Garnier Luc Bertin-Hugault, Emanuel Mendes, Andrea Nelli, Fabio Bellenghi Tour price £2065 25 Dec 19.30 CINDERELLA (ballet) Inc Venue: Opéra Bastille Single room supplement £520 Music: Prokofiev Premium upgrade from £150 C: Vello Pähn Land-only tour price £2000 Choreography: Rudolf Nureyev Deposit required £400 Venue: Opéra Bastille Tour price includes: Rail travel, group transfers from and to station and for included activities where applicable, accommodation, breakfast daily, welcome canapés and drinks, two lunches, sightseeing tours as described including guides and entrance fees, first category ticket for each included performance, opera synopses, restaurant guide and “I very much enjoyed Paris at Christmas time.” Dr P, Herefordshire city notes, the services of our local representative or tour manager.

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NEW YEAR IN DRESDEN

Price from £2095 pp

29 December – 2 January Tour code: DRS3 NO SINGLE SUPPLEMENT

The historic city of Dresden boasts many priceless treasures, not least the magnificent Semperoper, designed by Gottfried Semper in 1841. Our New Year offering includes the festive Silvesterkonzert by the Staatskapelle Dresden and a performance of Puccini’s La bohème starring Angela Gheorghiu, as well as the option to see a modern production of Verdi’s La traviata.

DRESDEN SEMPEROPER

SAT 29 DEC Late morning arrival in Berlin and MON 31 DEC Today we take a guided tour of the amber, ivory, gilded precious-stone vessels and transfer to Dresden (approx. 2 hours by coach) Old Masters’ Picture Gallery within the Zwinger valuable natural products such as ostrich eggs to check in at the 4-star Westin Bellevue Hotel, Palace, whose world-famous collection includes and rock crystals, along with the portraits of the located on the banks of the Elbe opposite the works from six centuries of European painting. In Electors of Saxony who acquired these treasures. Semperoper. Welcome dinner in the hotel. the afternoon there is the option to attend a modern There will then be some time at leisure before the production of La traviata at the Semperoper, or mid-afternoon performance at the Semperoper, SUN 30 DEC Join your guide this morning for a enjoy some time at leisure, before toasting in the followed by a farewell dinner in a local restaurant. walking tour of Dresden, which has been stunningly New Year at the hotel’s Gala Dinner with music. rebuilt since 1945. The highlights include the WED 2 JAN Transfer to Berlin airport for your world-renowned Semperoper, the Zwinger Palace, TUE 1 JAN This morning we visit the Historic homeward flight. the Catholic Hofkirche, Dresden Castle and the Green Vault (subject to confirmation). One of Taschenberg Palais. The afternoon is free before the Europe’s most sumptuous treasure chambers, the early evening performance at the Semperoper. Vault was the treasury of August the Strong, built between 1723 and 1730, and contains objects of

PROGRAMME AT THE SEMPEROPER DRESDEN FLIGHTS

30 Dec 18.00 SILVESTERKONZERT Inc 1 Jan 16.00 LA BOHÈME Puccini Inc British Airways Staatskapelle Dresden D: nach Christine Mielitz 29 Dec London Heathrow - Berlin Tegel dep: 08.40 arr: 11.30 C: Franz Welser-Möst C: Daniele Callegari 2 Jan Berlin Tegel - London Heathrow dep: 16.30 arr: 17.25 Soloists: tbc Cast: Angela Gheorghiu, Flight schedules are subject to alteration. Programme includes: Excerpts from Elena Gorshunova, Stephen Costello, Flights from other UK airports can be arranged on request. J Strauss Die Fledermaus Sebastian Wartig, Jiří Rajniš, Tilmann Rönnebeck, Hans-Joachim PRICE (PER PERSON) 31 Dec 16.00 LA TRAVIATA Verdi £195 Ketelsen, Bernd Zettisch D: Andreas Homoki Tour price £2095 C: Stefano Ranzani Club Europe flight upgrade from £250 Cast: Iulia Maria Dan, Stanislas Land-only tour price £1950 de Barbeyrac, Antonio Yang, Deposit required £450 Grace Durham, Tom Martinsen, Tour price includes: Flights and airport taxes, group transfers Jiří Rajniš, Alexandros Stavrakakis, from and to airport and for included activities where applicable, Matthias Henneberg, Birgit Fandrey accommodation, breakfast daily, three dinners, sightseeing tours as described including guides and entrance fees, first category ticket for each included performance, opera synopses, restaurant guide and city notes, the services of our local representative or tour manager.

8 Tel: 020 8799 8350 | Email: [email protected] | www.travelforthearts.com festive tour

NEW YEAR IN MILAN

Price from £2075 pp

30 December – 3 January Tour code: MIL1 See in Capodanno in style in Milan at a New Year’s Eve dinner at the Ristorante Il Marchesino by Gualtiero Marchesi. Our performances include Beethoven’s 9th Symphony in the Auditorium of Milan and Verdi’s Attila at the world-renowned Teatro alla Scala, starring Russian bass Ildar Abdrazakov in the title role.

TEATRO ALLA SCALA © MITO FESTIVAL

SUN 30 DEC Afternoon arrival in Milan and transfer TUE 1 JAN The day is at leisure for independent PROGRAMME to the 5-star Hotel et de Milan, situated just a sightseeing of the city. In the evening we 1 Jan 20.30 CONCERT: 9TH SYMPHONY Beethoven Inc few steps from the Duomo and the Teatro alla transfer by coach to the Auditorium of C: Verdi Orchestra and Chorus Scala. Welcome dinner in a local restaurant. Milan for the evening performance. Venue: Auditorium of Milan MON 31 DEC This morning join your guide for a WED 2 JAN Today we visit the Pinacoteca di Brera, 2 Jan 20.00 ATTILA Verdi Inc D: Davide Livermore city tour of some of the main attractions of Milan. one of the foremost art galleries in Milan which C: Riccardo Chailly We visit the imposing Gothic-style Duomo with houses a vast collection of Italian masterpieces. Cast: Ildar Abdrazakov, Saioa Hernandez, unsurpassed views from its rooftop jungle of Entrance tickets are provided for an independent Simone Piazzola, Fabio Sartori, Francesco Pittari, Gianluca Buratto statues and spires, and the museum of La Scala visit. The afternoon is free before the evening Venue: Teatro alla Scala, Milan opera house, home to a vast collection of opera opera performance at Teatro alla Scala. memorabilia. Afternoon at leisure. In the evening THU 3 JAN Morning at leisure before transferring FLIGHTS we transfer to the Ristorante Il Marchesino by to Milan airport for the homeward journey. British Airways Gualtiero Marchesi for a New Year’s Eve dinner. 30 Dec London Heathrow - Milan Linate dep: 10.25 arr: 13.25 3 Jan Milan Linate - London Heathrow dep: 13.05 arr: 14.15 Flight schedules are subject to alteration. Flights from other UK airports can be arranged on request.

PRICE (PER PERSON) Tour price £2075 Single room supplement £330 Club Europe flight upgrade from £300 Land-only tour price £2010 Deposit required £350 Tour price includes: Flights and airport taxes, group transfers from and to airport and for included activities as stated in the itinerary, accommodation, breakfast daily, two dinners, sightseeing tours as described including guides and entrance fees, first category ticket for each included performance, restaurant guide and city notes, the services of our local representative or tour manager.

“A very enjoyable tour for New Year!”

Miss F, Devon

ILDAR ABDRAZAKOV © SERGEY MISENKO TEATRO ALLA SCALA

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TOURS FEATURING OPERAS BY WAGNER Two cycles of Wagner’s Ring are featured in our 2018/19 Season; a revival of Dieter Dorn’s acclaimed production in Geneva, and a new production in the German town of Chemnitz, with each opera staged by a different female director. There is also the chance to hear Wagner’s other works on tours to Dresden, Berlin and Vienna.

10 DIE WALKÜRE BY THE OPERA OF GENEVA © CAROLE PARODI tour featuring wagner

THE RING IN GENEVA

Price from £3095 pp

11 – 18 March Tour code: GVA1 Former director of the Bavarian State Theatre Dieter Dorn presents his pared-down, dramatic reading of Richard Wagner’s masterwork at the Grand Théâtre de Genève, with Petra Lang singing Brünnhilde.

DIE WALKÜRE BY THE OPERA OF GENEVA © CAROLE PARODI

MON 11 MAR Early afternoon arrival at Geneva THU 14 MAR Full day tour to Chillon where we see PROGRAMME AT THE GRAND THÉÂTRE DE GENÈVE airport, and transfer to the 4-star Tiffany Hotel, the vast castle, thought to date from 1150. We 12 Mar 19.30 DAS RHEINGOLD Wagner Inc located in the elegant streets of the city centre, and continue to Lavaux, terraced wineyards that stretch within 5 minutes walking distance to the Grand for about 30 km along the south-facing northern 13 Mar 18.00 DIE WALKÜRE Wagner Inc Théâtre. The afternoon is free to settle in and relax, shores of Lake Geneva. Lunch will be served in a 15 Mar 18.00 SIEGFRIED Wagner Inc before a welcome dinner in a local restaurant. local restaurant during the tour. Evening at leisure. 17 May 15.00 GÖTTERDÄMMERUNG Wagner Inc TUE 12 MAR Join your guide for a morning walking tour FRI 15 MAR Today is at leisure for you to make your D: Dieter Dorn C: Georg Fritzsch of Geneva, which is situated along the banks of Lake own choice of activity. Early evening performance. Cast includes: Tómas Tómasson, Geneva at the foot of the Alps. We will visit highlights Stephan Rügamer, Ruxandra Donose, SAT 16 MAR Join your guide for a full day Will Hartmann, Michaela Kaune, of the city centre, including the Cathedral, the Treille excursion to Chamonix and Mont Blanc. We Aleksey Tikhomirov, Petra Lang, Promenade and the Flower Clock. The afternoon is Michael Weinius, Jeremy Milner take the cable-car up the mountain where we at leisure before the evening opera performance. enjoy lunch in a local restaurant with panoramic FLIGHTS WED 13 MAR Today we visit the Patek Philippe views. Return to Geneva for a free evening. Museum, which contains a fascinating presentation of British Airways SUN 17 MAR Free day for last-minute shopping Genevese, Swiss and European watches and enamels 11 Mar London Heathrow - Geneva dep: 11.45 arr: 14.30 and sightseeing. Mid-afternoon performance. 18 Mar Geneva - London Heathrow dep: 13.30 arr: 14.20 dating from the 16th to the early 19th century. Free Flight schedules are subject to alteration. afternoon before the early evening performance. MON 18 MAR Morning transfer to the airport for Flights from other UK airports can be arranged on request. your homeward journey. PRICE (PER PERSON)

Tour price £3095 Single room supplement £945 Club Europe flight upgrade from £290 Land-only tour price £3010 Deposit required £450 Tour price includes: Flights and airport taxes, group transfers from and to airport and for included performances where applicable, accommodation, breakfast daily, one dinner, two lunches, sightseeing tours as described including guides and entrance fees, first or second category ticket to each included performance (first for Die Walküre and Götterdämmerung, second for Das Rheingold and Siegfried), opera synopses, restaurant guide and city notes, the services of our local representative or tour manager.

CATHEDRAL ST PIERRE CHILLON CASTLE

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WAGNER IN DRESDEN

Price from £1375 pp

28 February – 3 March Tour code: DRS1 NO SINGLE SUPPLEMENT

Two Wagner works combine in this long weekend to Dresden; Der Fliegende Holländer and Tannhäuser, both featuring Georg Zeppenfeld amongst their casts, while our sightseeing programme gives an overview to the city of Augustus the Strong.

DRESDEN SKYLINE

THU 28 FEB Early afternoon arrival in Berlin and Afternoon at leisure and evening performance PROGRAMME AT THE SEMPEROPER transfer by coach to Dresden (approx. 3 hours) at the Semperoper. 1 Mar 19.00 DER FLIEGENDE HOLLÄNDER Wagner Inc to check in at the 4-star Westin Bellevue Hotel, SAT 2 MAR Today we visit Wackerbarth Castle, D: Florentine Klepper situated on the banks of the Elbe opposite the C: John Fiore situated between Dresden and Meissen. This Semperoper. Welcome dinner at the hotel. Cast: Antonio Yang, Ricarda Merbeth, winegrowing estate was used as the venue Georg Zeppenfeld, Michal Doron, FRI 1 MAR Join your guide this morning for a walking for many lavish parties held by the court of Joseph Dennis tour of Dresden, following in the footsteps of Richard Augustus the Strong. Our tour includes a wine- 2 Mar 18.00 TANNHÄUSER Wagner Inc Wagner, Carl Maria von Weber and Johann Sebastian tasting, followed by lunch served in the castle D: Peter Konwitschny C: Omer Meir Wellber Bach. We discover famous sights of the city which was restaurant. Return to Dresden for some time Cast: Georg Zeppenfeld, Stephen Gould, magnificently restored after World War II. Lunch will at leisure before the evening performance. Christoph Pohl, Simeon Esper, be served at a local restaurant at the end of the tour. Jukka Rasilainen, Tom Martinsen, SUN 3 MAR Transfer to Berlin airport for your Alexandros Stavrakis, Dorothea Röschmann, homeward journey. Christa Mayer, Tania Lorenzo

DER FLIEGENDE HOLLÄNDER © MATTHIAS CREUTZIGER FLIGHTS

British Airways 28 Feb London Heathrow - Berlin Tegel dep: 10.10 arr: 13.05 3 Mar Berlin Tegel - London Heathrow dep: 16.35 arr: 17.30 Flight schedules are subject to alteration. Flights from other UK airports can be arranged on request.

PRICE (PER PERSON)

Tour price £1375 Club Europe flight upgrade from £350 Land-only tour price £1200 Deposit required £350 Tour price includes: Flights and airport taxes, group transfers from and to airport and for included activities where applicable, accommodation, breakfast daily, two lunches, one wine-tasting, one dinner, sightseeing tours as described including guides and entrance fees, first category ticket for each included performance, opera synopses, restaurant guide and city notes, the services of our local representative or tour manager.

12 Tel: 020 8799 8350 | Email: [email protected] | www.travelforthearts.com tour featuring wagner

THE BERLIN FESTTAGE

Price from £1995 pp

16 – 20 April Tour code: BER1 NEW PRODUCTION

Daniel Barenboim’s Easter Festival is a highlight of Berlin’s vibrant cultural season. Our 2019 tour includes two operas performed at the refurbished Staatsoper Unter den Linden; new productions of Prokofiev’s Die Verlobung im Kloster, and Wagner’s Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg on Good Friday. We also attend a concert of the Berlin Staatskapelle with soprano Anna Netrebko led by Daniel Barenboim in the Philharmonie.

DANIEL BARENBOIM AT THE STAATSOPER UNTER DEN LINDEN © CHRISTIAN MANG

TUE 16 APR Lunchtime arrival in Berlin and transfer FRI 19 APR Today we visit Charlottenburg Palace, to the 4-star superior Westin Grand Hotel located commissioned by Sophie Charlotte, the wife of in the heart of the city and close to the main Friedrich III, Elector of Brandenburg at the end of the sights. Welcome dinner in a local restaurant. 17th century. We take a guided tour of the palace, which features internal decoration of the baroque WED 17 APR Join your guide this morning for a and rococo styles, and visit the gardens. Lunch will sightseeing tour of Historical Berlin, seeing sights be served in a local restaurant before returning by including the Unter den Linden, the Nikolaiviertel boat for the afternoon at leisure. Transfer by coach and the Gendarmenmarkt. Afternoon at leisure. to the evening performance in the Philharmonie. In the evening transfer by foot to the performance at the Staatsoper Unter den Linden. SAT 20 APR Morning at leisure for last minute shopping and sightseeing. Transfer to Berlin THU 18 APR This morning we transfer to the Tegel airport for your homeward journey. Philharmonie for a backstage tour (rehearsal schedules permitting). The afternoon is free for independent exploration before ANNA NETREBKO © VLADIMIR SHIROV the mid-afternoon performance.

PROGRAMME FLIGHTS

17 Apr 19.30 DIE VERLOBUNG IM KLOSTER Inc 18 Apr 16.00 DIE MEISTERSINGER VON NÜRNBERG Inc British Airways Prokofiev Wagner 16 Apr London Heathrow - Berlin Tegel dep: 10.50 arr: 13.40 D: Dmitri Tcherniakov D: Andrea Moses 20 Apr Berlin Tegel - London Heathrow dep: 14.25 arr: 15.25 C: Daniel Barenboim C: Daniel Barenboim Flight schedules are subject to alteration. Cast: Stephan Rügamer, Cast: Wolfgang Koch, Kwangchul Youl, Flights from other UK airports can be arranged on request. Aida Garifullina, Violeta Urmana, Graham Clark, Johannes Martin Kränzle, Bogdan Volkov, Anna Goryachova, Jürgen Linn, Siegfried Jerusalem, PRICE (PER PERSON) Roberto Scandiuzzi, Reiner Goldberg, Florian Hoffmann, Lauri Vasar, Arttu Kataja, Arttu Kataja, Franz Mazura, Olaf Bär, Tour price £1995 Giorgi Mtchedlishvili, Vladimir Ognovenko, Burkhard Fritz, Julia Kleiter, Natalia Skrycka Single room supplement £240 Serena Sáenz Molinero, Venue: Staatsoper Unter den Linden Club Europe flight upgrade from £250 Slávka Zámečníkova, Andrés Moreno García New production Land-only tour price £1855 Venue: Staatsoper Unter den Linden Deposit required £400 New production 19 Apr 20.00 STAATSKAPELLE BERLIN CONCERT Inc Tour price includes: Flights and airport taxes, group transfers from and Soprano: Anna Netrebko to airport and for included activities where applicable, accommodation, C: Daniel Barenboim breakfast daily, one lunch, one dinner, sightseeing tours as described Programme: Verdi Quattro Pezzi Sacri including guides and entrance fees, first category ticket for each Venue: Philharmonie included performance, opera synopses, restaurant guide and city notes, the services of our local representative or tour manager.

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THE RING IN CHEMNITZ

Price from £1990 pp

17 – 23 April Tour code: CHZ1 NEW DESTINATION

We are delighted to present the opportunity to attend the new Ring Cycle from the Chemnitz Opera, which has placed the theme of ‘woman’ at the heart of its debate. Each opera is staged by a different female director; Verena Stoiber for Das Rheingold, Monique Wagemakers for Die Walküre, Sabine Hartmannshenn for Siegfried and Elisabeth Stöppler for Götterdämmerung.

DIE WALKÜRE BY THE CHEMNITZ OPERA © KIRSTEN NIJHOF

WED 17 APR Lunchtime arrival in Berlin and transfer van de Velde in 1902/03 for the Chemnitz based Lunch will be served in a local restaurant before by coach to Chemnitz (approx. 3.5 hours) to check in stocking manufacturer Herbert Esche. The returning to Chemnitz via Seiffen where we see at the 4-star Hotel Chemnitzer Hof, a traditional hotel villa is considered a masterpiece of modern the local craftsmen at work. Evening at leisure. established in 1929 and located next door to the architecture and houses the first Henry van de Velde MON 22 APR This morning we visit the Saxon Opera. Welcome dinner will be served at the hotel. museum in Germany. After the tour we return to Museum of Industry (subject to confirmation), Chemnitz for the mid-afternoon performance. THU 18 APR This morning we take a walking tour which showcases collections of cultural to see the main sights of the town, known from SAT 20 APR The day is at leisure for artefacts, thus preserving Saxony's industrial 1953 to 1990 as Karl-Marx-Stadt, and then renamed independent shopping and sightseeing heritage, including the Chemnitz Tar Mummy, after its river. The tour is followed by lunch in before the mid-afternoon performance. a mummified human body which has been on a local restaurant. Afternoon at leisure before display since 2003. Mid-afternoon performance. SUN 21 APR Today we travel outside of the city into the early evening performance at the Opera. the Ore Mountains (approx. 1.5 hours by coach). TUE 23 APR Check out and transfer to FRI 19 APR Join your guide to visit the Villa From here we continue to the town of Freiberg, Berlin for your homeward flight, with lunch Esche, an art nouveau villa designed by Henry where we attend an organ concert at the Cathedral. served in a local restaurant en route.

PROGRAMME AT DIE THEATER CHEMNITZ FLIGHTS

18 Apr 18.00 DAS RHEINGOLD Wagner Inc British Airways 17 Apr London Heathrow - Berlin Tegel dep: 10.50 arr: 13.40 19 Apr 16.00 DIE WALKÜRE Wagner Inc 23 Apr Berlin Tegel - London Heathrow dep: 16.45 arr: 17.40 20 Apr 16.00 SIEGFRIED Wagner Inc Flight schedules are subject to alteration. Flights from other UK airports can be arranged on request. 22 Apr 16.00 GÖTTERDÄMMERUNG Inc Wagner PRICE (PER PERSON) D: Verena Stoiber (Das Rheingold), Tour price £1990 Monique Wagemakers (Die Walküre), Single room supplement £220 Sabine Hartmannshenn (Siegfried), Club Europe flight upgrade from £300 Elisabeth Stöppler (Götterdämmerung) Land-only tour price £1800 C: Guillermo García Calvo Deposit required £400 Cast includes: Krisztián Cser, Andreas Beinhauer, Viktor Antipenko, Tour price includes: Flights and airport taxes, group transfers from and Magnus Piontek, Aris Argiris, to airport and for included activities where applicable, accommodation, Stephanie Müther, Daniel Kirch, breakfast daily, three lunches, one dinner, sightseeing tours as Arnold Bezuyen, Ralf Lukas, Christiane Kohl, described including guides and entrance fees, first category ticket for CHEMNITZ each included performance, opera synopses, restaurant guide and Jukka Rasilainen, Angel Hristov city notes, the services of our local representative or tour manager.

14 Tel: 020 8799 8350 | Email: [email protected] | www.travelforthearts.com tour featuring wagner

STRAUSS AND WAGNER IN VIENNA

Price from £2295 pp

22 – 25 April Tour code: VIE1 The majestic Vienna State Opera presents productions from two Richards this spring; Salome by Richard Strauss and Parsifal by Richard Wagner, the latter conducted by Valery Gergiev and featuring a fine cast including Matthias Goerne and René Pape. There is also the option to attend a performance of Beethoven’s Fidelio, while our sightseeing programme focusses on the history of music and culture in the Imperial capital.

PARSIFAL © WIENER STAATSOPER /MICHAEL POEHN

MON 22 APR Afternoon arrival in Vienna and Quartets) and the majestic State Opera and PROGRAMME AT THE VIENNA STATE OPERA transfer to the elegant 5-star Hotel Bristol, Opera Museum. Lunch will be served in a 22 Apr SALOME R Strauss Inc centrally located next to the Vienna State local restaurant after the tour. Afternoon at D: Boleslaw Barlog Opera. A welcome drink will be served in the leisure and optional evening performance. C: Michael Boder hotel before the evening performance. Cast: Herwig Pecoraro, Jane Henschel, WED 24 APR Join your guide this morning to Gun-Brit Barkmin, Markus Marquardt TUE 23 APR This morning we take a tour of Vienna visit the Spanish Riding School for a traditional 23 Apr FIDELIO Beethoven £260 ‘in the footsteps of Vienna’s famous musicians’, performance by the Lipizzan stallions which D: Otto Schenk visiting St Stephen’s Cathedral with its distinctive were first schooled there during the Habsburg C: Adam Fischer Cast: Thomas Johannes Mayer, multi-coloured tile roof, the Mozarthaus where Monarchy in 1572. The afternoon is at leisure. Brandon Jovanovich, Anne Schwanewilms, the Mozart family from 1784 to 1787 (during Evening performance at the State Opera. Lars Woldt, Chen Reiss which time he wrote the world-famous opera The THU 25 APR Morning transfer to the airport for 24 Apr PARSIFAL Wagner Inc Marriage of Figaro and three of the six Haydn D: Alvis Hermanis your homeward journey. C: Valery Gergiev Cast: Matthias Goerne, René Pape, Simon O’Neill, Boaz Daniel, Elena Zhidkova

VIENNA STATE OPERA FLIGHTS

British Airways 22 Apr London Heathrow - Vienna dep: 11.35 arr: 14.55 25 Apr Vienna - London Heathrow dep: 14.15 arr: 15.45 Flight schedules are subject to alteration. Flights from other UK airports can be arranged on request.

PRICE (PER PERSON)

Tour price £2295 Single room supplement £300 Club Europe flight upgrade from £350 Land-only tour price £2145 Deposit required £400 Tour price includes: Flights and airport taxes, group transfers from and to airport and for included activities where applicable, accommodation, breakfast daily, welcome drink, one lunch, sightseeing tours as described including guides and entrance fees, first category ticket for each included performance, restaurant guide and city notes, the services of our local representative or tour manager.

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OPERA, BALLET AND CLASSICAL MUSIC TOURS Baroque works abound this Season, with special programmes in Berlin, Valletta, Salzburg and Versailles. Fans of Verdi will find interesting options in Ravenna and Oman, while for ballet lovers, there is the opportunity to see the New York City Ballet on home ground. We also visit Athens for the first time and return to Oslo.

16 L'INCORONAZIONE DI POPPEA AT THE STAATSOPER UNTER DEN LINDEN opera

ROSSINI IN VENICE

Price from £2095 pp

18 – 21 October Tour code: VCE1 ROSSINI 2018 & NEW PRODUCTION

An autumn visit to Venice, a city for which Rossini had a lifelong fondness. The Teatro La Fenice marks the 150th anniversary of the composer’s death with a new production of Semiramide, his final Italian opera which premiered at La Fenice on 3 February 1823, and a revival of Il barbiere di Siviglia, now one of the composer’s most popular operas.

TEATRO LA FENICE, VENICE

THU 18 OCT Late afternoon arrival at Venice airport SAT 20 OCT Today is free for independent and transfer to the 4-star Duodo Palace Hotel, a shopping and sightseeing. Walk to the Teatro short walk from St Mark's Square and the Teatro La Fenice for the matinee performance, followed La Fenice. Welcome dinner in a local restaurant. by a farewell dinner in a local restaurant. FRI 19 OCT This morning meet your guide for a SUN 21 OCT Transfer to the airport for the walking introduction of the centre of Venice, around homeward journey. St Mark’s Square. Visit the Doge’s Palace, the symbol of Venetian power, and discover the formal rooms decorated by Tintoretto and Veronese behind the pink and white marble façade. We continue to the “The performances at La Fenice Basilica San Marco, decorated in awe-inspiring lived up to all expectations.” mosaics depicting the old and new testaments. VENICE Afternoon at leisure and evening performance. Mr N, London

ST MARK'S BASILICA PROGRAMME AT TEATRO LA FENICE FLIGHTS

19 Oct 19.00 SEMIRAMIDE Rossini Inc British Airways D: Cecilia Ligorio 18 Oct London Gatwick - Venice dep: 13.05 arr: 16.15 C: Riccardo Frizza 21 Oct Venice - London Gatwick dep: 15.15 arr: 16.30 Cast: Jessica Pratt, Teresa Iervolino, Flight schedules are subject to alteration. Alex Esposito, Edgardo Rocha, Flights from other UK airports can be arranged on request. Simon Lim, Silvia Frigato New production PRICE (PER PERSON) 20 Oct 15.30 IL BARBIERE DI SIVIGLIA Rossini Inc Tour price £2095 D: Bepi Morassi Single room supplement £240 C: Gregory Kunde Club Europe flight upgrade from £300 Cast: Chiara Amarù, Francisco Brito, Land-only tour price £1930 Julian Kim, Omar Montanari, Deposit required £400 William Corrò Please note that single rooms at the hotel are single only, not double for single occupancy. Tour price includes: Flights and airport taxes, group transfers to and from airport and for included performances where applicable, accommodation, breakfast daily, two dinners, sightseeing tours as described including guides and entrance fees, first category ticket to each included performance, restaurant guide and city notes, the services of our local representative or tour manager.

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WEXFORD FESTIVAL OPERA

Price from £1595 pp

1 – 5 November Tour code: WEX2 NEW PRODUCTION

The annual autumn opera festival in Wexford is renowned for its fascinating programme of little performed operas, and is a key event in the opera-lover’s diary. This year the refurbished Theatre Royal presents the European premiere of Bolcom’s Dinner at Eight, Mercadante's Il bravo and a double-bill of Leoni’s L’oracolo and Giordano's Mala vita.

PROGRAMME AT THE NATIONAL OPERA HOUSE 2 Nov 20.00 IL BRAVO Mercadante Inc WEXFORD FESTIVAL AUDIENCE D: Renaud Doucet C: Jonathan Brandani Cast: Rubens Pelizzari, Alessandro Luciano, Gustavo Castillo, Simon Mechlinski, Clarissa Costanzo, Jennifer Davis, José de Eça, Toni Nežić, Richard Shaffrey, Ioana Pipelea THU 1 NOV Afternoon arrival in Dublin and transfer to Ages. Several medieval structures, including the New production Wexford by coach (approx. 2 hours) to check in at the unforgettable Chorister's Hall, are integrated within. 3 Nov 20.00 L’ORACOLO/MALA VITA Leoni/Giordano Inc D: Rodula Gaitanou traditional-style 4-star Talbot Hotel overlooking the We also take a tour of the Bishop’s Palace before C: Francesco Cilluffo quay front in the town centre. A welcome drink and lunch which will be served in a local restaurant. Cast: Migran Aghadzanyan, Leon Kim, canapes will be served at the hotel. Return to Wexford for some free time and the Francesca Tiburzi, Dorothea Spilger, Benjamin Cho, Elisabetta Farris, evening performance. FRI 2 NOV This morning meet your guide for a Louise Innes, Anna Jeffers New production walking tour of Wexford. The town’s inhabitants have SUN 4 NOV Join your guide for a visit to nearby included Celtic tribes, Norman knights and Oliver New Ross, where we visit the Ros Tapestries, which 4 Nov 20.00 DINNER AT EIGHT Bolcom Inc D: Tomer Zvulun C: David Agler Cromwell’s army, and in more peaceful times it has have been created by teams of embroiderers around Cast: Mary Dunleavy, Stephen Powell, been a prosperous port town. Welcome lunch in a Wexford and Kilkenny since 1998, and which depict Gemma Summerfield, Brenda Harris, local restaurant, followed by an afternoon at leisure. events around the Anglo-Norman arrival in the Craig Irvin, Susannah Biller, Sharon Carty, Brett Polegato, Richard Cox, Ashley There is the chance to attend a pre-performance talk South-East of Ireland. Return to Wexford for a free Mercer, Sheldon Baxter, Maria Hughes, before the evening performance at the Opera House. afternoon before the optional pre-opera talk and Laura Margaret Smith, Claire Egan, Ranald evening performance at the Opera House. McKusker, Henry Grant Kerswell SAT 3 NOV Today we take a journey to nearby New production Waterford. We visit the Medieval Museum, which MON 5 NOV Check out and transfer to Dublin recreates life as it was in the city during the Middle airport for your homeward flight. FLIGHTS British Airways 1 Nov London Heathrow - Dublin dep: 13.20 arr: 14.45 WEXFORD SKYLINE © ROS KAVANAGH 5 Nov Dublin - London Heathrow dep: 15.30 arr: 16.50 Flight schedules are subject to alteration. Flights from other UK airports can be arranged on request.

PRICE (PER PERSON) Tour Price £1595 Single room supplement £200 Club Europe flight upgrade from £200 Land-only tour price £1530 Deposit required £350 Tour price includes: Flights and airport taxes, group transfers from and to airport and for included activities where applicable, accommodation, breakfast daily, welcome drink and canapes, two lunches, sightseeing tours as described including guides and entrance fees, best available ticket for each included performance, opera synopses, restaurant guide and city notes, the services of our local representative or tour manager.

18 Tel: 020 8799 8350 | Email: [email protected] | www.travelforthearts.com opera

THE RAVENNA FESTIVAL

Price from £1495 pp

29 November – 3 December Tour code: RAN1 NEW PRODUCTION

A feast of opera at the Ravenna Festival, which this year presents three Verdi works, celebrating different stages of the composer’s career. His early operas Nabucco and Rigoletto are joined by his later work Otello, all performed in the Teatro Alighieri, while our sightseeing takes in the most prominent sights from the ‘city of mosaics’, where the poet Dante spent his final years.

RIGOLETTO © MAURIZIO MONTANARI

THU 29 NOV Early evening arrival in Bologna Dating from the Roman Republic through the Afternoon at leisure and evening performance and transfer to Ravenna by coach (approx. Byzantine time, this particularly interesting at Teatro Alighieri. 1 hour). We check in at the 4-star NH Hotel find was a small palace, in which every room SUN 2 DEC This morning we visit the Sant'Apollinare Ravenna, located in the centre of the city boasted a floor covered with marble tarsia or Nuovo Basilica by foot, and then travel by coach and close to many of the historical sights. mosaics. After being restored, the 'carpets' of to the Mausoleum of Theodoric, built in 520 AD, Welcome dinner in a local restaurant. stone were placed in an underground room that and the Basilica of Sant’Apollinare in Classe, can be entered from the 18th-century Church FRI 30 NOV This morning meet your guide for which contains exceptional Byzantine mosaics. of Sant’Eufemia. Afternoon at leisure before the a walking tour of Ravenna. We see some of Return to Ravenna for some free time before first evening performance at Teatro Alighieri. the most important buildings which contain the mid-afternoon final performance, followed mosaics of the early Christian and Byzantine eras, SAT 1 DEC Today we take a tour ‘in the footsteps of by a farewell dinner in a local restaurant. including the San Vitale Basilica and the Galla Dante’, visiting the Basilica di San Francesco where MON 3 DEC Check out and transfer to Bologna Placidia Mausoleum. We also visit the Domus his funeral was held in 1321, and his tomb. We airport for your homeward flight. dei Tappeti di Pietra, one of the most important also see the Battistero degli Ariani, before taking recent archaeological discoveries in Italy. a short coach ride to the Battistero Neoniano.

SANTA MARIA IN PORTO BASILICA PROGRAMME AT TEATRO ALIGHIERI, RAVENNA FLIGHTS

30 Nov 20.30 NABUCCO Verdi Inc British Airways D: Cristina Mazzvillani Muti 29 Nov London Heathrow - Bologna dep: 14.30 arr: 17.40 C: Pietro Borgonovo 3 Dec Bologna - London Heathrow dep: 12.35 arr: 14.00 New production Flight schedules are subject to alteration. Flights from other UK airports can be arranged on request. 1 Dec 20.30 RIGOLETTO Verdi Inc D: Cristina Mazzvillani Muti PRICE (PER PERSON) C: Hossein Pishkar Tour price £1495 2 Dec 15.30 OTELLO Verdi Inc Single room supplement £160 D: Cristina Mazzvillani Muti Club Europe flight upgrade from £250 C: Nicola Paszkowski Land-only tour price £1410 Deposit required £350 Casting to be confirmed nearer to the date of departure. Tour price includes: Flights and airport taxes, group transfers from and to airport and for included activities where applicable, accommodation, breakfast daily, two dinners, sightseeing tours as described including guides and entrance fees, first category ticket for each included performance, restaurant guide and city notes, the services of our local representative or tour manager.

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BERLIN BAROQUE DAYS

Price from £1830 pp

27 November – 1 December Tour code: BER2 NEW PRODUCTION

The Staatsoper Unter den Linden presents a winter Barockfest in its spectacularly refurbished auditorium. Monteverdi’s L’incoronazione di Poppea is joined by a new production of Rameau’s Hippolyte et Aricie conducted by Sir Simon Rattle and featuring Anna Prohaska and Magdalena Kožená. There is also a new staging of Monteverdi’s L’Orfeo with direction and choreography by Sasha Waltz.

L'INCORONAZIONE DI POPPEA

TUE 27 NOV Afternoon arrival in Berlin and including the UNESCO World Heritage Museum transfer to the 4-star Steigenberger Hotel situated Island. Transfer to the evening performance. in the heart of the city close to the Tiergarten. FRI 30 NOV Join your guide for a day excursion Welcome dinner in a local restaurant. to Potsdam where we visit Sanssouci Palace, the WED 28 NOV Join your guide this morning for a former summer residence of Frederick the Great sightseeing tour of Historical Berlin, seeing sights of Prussia, built in Rococo style and considered including the Unter den Linden, the Nikolaiviertel and a rival to Versailles. We also see the spectacular the Gendarmenmarkt, followed by lunch in a local terraced gardens. Lunch will be served in a local restaurant. Afternoon at leisure and evening transfer to restaurant before returning to the hotel for some the performance at the Staatsoper Unter den Linden. free time. Transfer to the evening performance. THU 29 NOV Today is free for you to make your SAT 1 DEC Morning at leisure for last minute own choice of the museums and sights in Berlin; shopping and sightseeing. Transfer to Berlin a Museum Pass is included that will gain you Tegel airport for your homeward journey. access to over 30 exhibitions and museums,

PROGRAMME AT THE STAATSOPER UNTER DEN LINDEN FLIGHTS

28 Nov 19.00 L’INCORONAZIONE DI POPPEA Inc 30 Nov 19.00 L’ORFEO Monteverdi Inc British Airways Monteverdi D/Choreographer: Sasha Waltz 27 Nov London Heathrow - Berlin Tegel dep: 12.45 arr: 15.40 D: Eva-Maria Höckmayr C: Leonardo Garcia Alarcón 1 Dec Berlin Tegel - London Heathrow dep: 16.35 arr: 17.30 C: Diego Fasolis Cast: Georg Nigl, Anna Lucia Richter, Flight schedules are subject to alteration. Cast: Max Emanuel Cencic, Charlotte Hellekant, Flights from other UK airports can be arranged on request. Katharina Kammerloher, Roberta Mameli, Grigory Shkarupa, Konstantin Wolff, Xavier Sabata, Franz-Josef Selig, Luciana Mancini, Julián Millán, PRICE (PER PERSON) Adam Kutny, Linard Vrielink, Cécile Kempenaers Florian Hoffmann, Bartosz Araszkiewicz, New production Tour price £1830 Lucia Cirillo, Narine Yeghiyan, Single room supplement £320 Jochen Kowalski, Mark Milhofer Club Europe flight upgrade from £300 Land-only tour price £1760 29 Nov 19.00 HIPPOLYTE ET ARICIE Rameau Inc Deposit required £400 D: Aletta Collins C: Sir Simon Rattle Tour price includes: Flights and airport taxes, group Cast: Anna Prohaska, Magdalena Kožená, transfers from and to airport and for included activities Adriana Queiroz, Elsa Dreisig, where applicable, accommodation, breakfast daily, two Sarah Aristidou, Slávka Zámečniková, lunches, one dinner, sightseeing tours as described including Serena Sáenz Molinero, Reinoud Van Mechelen, guides and entrance fees, first category ticket for each included Gyula Orendt, Roman Trekel performance, opera synopses, restaurant guide and city notes, New production the services of our local representative or tour manager.

20 Tel: 020 8799 8350 | Email: [email protected] | www.travelforthearts.com classical music

VALLETTA INTERNATIONAL BAROQUE FESTIVAL

Price from £1390 pp PROGRAMME 13 Jan 17.30 VIVICA GENAUX IS FARINELLI Inc 12 – 16 January Tour code: MLA1 C: Marcello di Lisa Mezzo-soprano: Vivica Genaux We visit picturesque Malta for the International Concerto de’ Cavalieri Baroque Festival, as well as a dose of winter sun. Programme: Corelli Concerto grosso Op.6 No. 10 in C major, Händel Overture from Performances take place at a variety of venues Rinaldo, Händel Cara sposa, aria from Rinaldo around the capital; in our tour we attend a recital by Vivaldi Concerto for strings RV 156 in G minor, Hasse/Broschi Son qual nave, aria Vivica Genaux in the jewel-like Teatru Manoel, one of from Artaserse, Scarlatti Sinfonia from the oldest working theatres in Europe, and a concert La caduta de’ Decemviri, Pergolesi Salve Regina, aria from Salve Regina, of lute song by Dowland and Purcell in Our Lady of Händel Concerto grosso Op.6 No. 2 in F Victories Church, the oldest church in Valletta. major, Händel Lascia ch’io pianga, aria from Rinaldo, Broschi Qual guerriero in campo armato, aria from Idaspe Venue: Teatru Manoel, Valletta 14 Jan 12.00 SACRIFICIUM Inc Cast: Imago Mundi, Sofie Vandenm Eynde, Lore Binon Programme: F. Caccini “Maria, dolce Maria” Girolamo Frescobaldi “Toccata prima” F. Caccini “Dov’io credea la mia speranza vere” Bernardo Storace “Monica” F. Caccini “O chiome belle” Isabella Leonarda “Iam diu dilecti mi jesu” G. Frescobaldi “Toccata Terza” Barbara Strozzi “Lagrimi miei” Armando Picchi “Passamezzo” SAT 12 JAN Afternoon arrival in Malta and transfer MON 14 JAN This morning is at leisure before Antonia Bembo “Anima perfida” to the 5-star Grand Hotel Excelsior, situated the midday concert at the Archaeology Rosa Giacinta Badalla “Non piangete” I. Leonarda “Sonata Duodecima in D-minor” just outside the city walls of ancient Valletta. Museum of Valletta. After some free time for F. Caccini “Ferma, Signore” Welcome drink and canapés in the hotel. an independent lunch, we take a tour of the Venue: Archeology Museum, Valletta historical centre. Important sites of interest SUN 13 JAN Join your guide for a walking tour of 15 Jan 12.00 MUSIC FROM THE FAIREST ISLE: Inc include St John’s Co-Cathedral, Malta’s most LUTE SONG BY DOWLAND AND PURCELL Mdina, ‘the Silent City’ and the medieval capital Soprano: Claire Debono famous monument to the glorious era of the of Malta. Some of the best Norman and baroque Lute: Benjamin Narvey Knights of St John, the Barrakka Gardens and Programme: Dowland Praeludium, architecture lies within its narrow winding streets. the Casa Rocca Piccola, a 16th century palace, Come Heavy Sleep, Awake Sweet Love, We continue on to St Paul’s Catacombs in Rabat, Go Crystal Tears, Forlorn Hope Fancy, which is still a private home. Evening at leisure. a complex of interconnected, underground If my complaints, Come again, All ye whom love or fortune hath betrayed, Roman cemeteries that were in use up to the TUE 15 JAN Midday concert at Our Lady of Ferrabosco Pavan 7th, and possibly the 8th centuries AD and which Victories Church in Valletta, followed by lunch Danyels Pavan represent the earliest and largest archaeological in a local restaurant. The rest of the day is free Purcell If music be the food of love, Music for a while, Sweeter Than Roses, evidence of Christianity in Malta. After the tour for independent shopping and sightseeing. Fairest Isle we return to Valletta for the afternoon at leisure. Venue: Our Lady of Victories Church, Valletta WED 16 JAN Morning at leisure. Afternoon transfer Early evening recital at Teatru Manoel, followed to the airport for your homeward flight. by dinner served in a local restaurant. FLIGHTS

Air Malta 12 Jan London Heathrow - Malta dep: 11.25 arr: 15.35 MDINA MDINA 16 Jan Malta - London Heathrow dep: 16.55 arr: 19.25 Flight schedules are subject to alteration. Flights from other UK airports can be arranged on request.

PRICE (PER PERSON)

Tour price £1390 Single room supplement £220 Club Europe flight upgrade from £275 Land-only tour price £1250 Deposit required £350 Tour price includes: Flights and airport taxes, group transfers to and from airport and for included activities where applicable, accommodation, breakfast daily, welcome drinks and canapes, one lunch, one dinner, sightseeing tours as described including guides and entrance fees, first category ticket for each included performance, opera synopses, restaurant guide and city notes.

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TREASURES OF OMAN

Price from £2720 pp

8 – 13 February Tour code: MCT1 Join us for unforgettable Arabian Nights as we visit the romantic Sultanate of Oman. Our tour begins with a performance of Verdi’s La traviata performed by the Teatro Massimo di Palermo and starring Plácido Domingo at the stunning Royal Opera House, opened in Muscat in 2011. We also take in unmissable highlights of the country including the fabled Green Mountain and the sprawling silken sands of the desert.

THE ROYAL OPERA HOUSE, MUSCAT

22 THE ROYAL OPERA HOUSE, MUSCAT WADI BANI KHALID

DESRET NIGHTS CAMP WAHIBA SANDS

FRI 8 FEB Evening arrival in Muscat and transfer to MON 11 FEB Today we transfer by jeep to Jebal PROGRAMME the sumptuous 5-star Grand Hyatt Hotel, a striking Akhdar, Oman’s Green Mountain. Lunch will be 9 Feb 19.00 LA TRAVIATA Verdi Inc example of Arabian architecture which is located served at the home of a local family before checking D: Marta Domingo right on the beach. Light dinner at the hotel. in at the 5-star Anantara Jabal Akhdar retreat which C: tbc is perched high on the plateau and is also the site of Cast: Kristina Mkhitaryan, SAT 9 FEB Join your guide this morning for a tour Arturo Chacón-Cruz, Plácido Domingo Diana’s Point, named after the visit of Princess Diana visiting the Grand Mosque, a gift to the nation from Venue: The Royal Opera House, Muscat in 1986. Dinner at the hotel and evening at leisure. Sultan Qaboos to mark his 30th year of reign, and the FLIGHTS Royal Opera House. Lunch will be served in a local TUE 12 FEB This morning we return to Muscat via restaurant, after which we visit the Bait Al Zubair the city of Nizwa, where we see one of the country’s Oman Air Museum, founded by the Zubair family to display oldest souks. This is followed by a tour of Jabreen 8 Feb London Heathrow - Muscat dep: 08.25 arr: 19.40 13 Feb Muscat - London Heathrow dep: 14.00 arr: 18.25 their collection of Omani artefacts. In the early Castle, one of the most beautiful in Oman. Lunch is Flight schedules are subject to alteration. evening we enjoy pre-opera cocktails and canapés served in a local restaurant before continuing on to Flights from other UK airports can be arranged on request. in the hotel before transferring to the Royal Opera Muscat to check in at the 5-star Hormuz Grand Hotel PRICE (PER PERSON) House for the evening performance. close to the airport. Dinner will be served at the hotel. Tour price £2720 SUN 10 FEB This morning we leave Muscat for the WED 13 FEB Transfer to Muscat airport for your Single room supplement £670 Bimmah Sinkhole and Wadi Tiwi, a spectacular gorge homeward journey. Business class flight upgrade from £1850 Land-only tour price £2240 carved out of the mountains, before travelling on to Deposit required £500 Desert Nights Camp, a 5-star boutique hotel in the Tour price includes: Flights and airport taxes, group transfers heart of the desert at Wahiba Sands and surrounded from and to airport and for included activities as stated in the itinerary, accommodation, breakfast daily, pre-opera cocktails by endless red gold dunes. Lunch will be served en and canapés, four lunches, four dinners, sightseeing tours as route. In the evening there will be the chance to described including guides and entrance fees, first category ticket for each included performance, restaurant guide and city experience some light ‘dune-bashing’ in a jeep and to notes, the services of our local representative or tour manager. see the sunset from the top of the dunes. Return to the camp for dinner accompanied by traditional Omani folkloric dance and music. After the concert retire to “Thank you for a wonderful holiday - we enjoyed every minute.” your luxurious Bedouin style tent for a memorable night in the desert. Mr and Mrs F, Sussex

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ATHENS ODYSSEY

Price from £1595 pp

22 – 26 March Tour code: ATH1 NEW DESTINATION

This spring Odyssey to the vibrant city of Athens includes a full sightseeing programme to introduce the wonders of Ancient Greece, as well as two performances by the Greek National Opera; Mozart’s The Marriage of Figaro and Donizetti’s Lucia di Lammermoor.

ATHENS PANORAMA

FRI 22 MAR Late afternoon arrival in Athens as the centre of the earth. We see the remains of PROGRAMME AT THE STAVROS NIARCHOS and transfer to the 5-star Electra Metropolis the stadium where the Pytheian Games were held, FOUNDATION CULTURAL CENTER Hotel, a stylish modern hotel located in the the Gymnasium and the 4th century BC Temple of 23 Mar 19.30 THE MARRIAGE OF FIGARO Mozart Inc centre of Athens next to Syntagma Square Apollo located at the end of the Sacred Way, lined D: Alexandros Efklidis and boasting stunning views of the Acropolis. by elegant buildings. Lunch in a local restaurant C: Marios Papadopoulos/Giorgios Balatsinos Cast: tbc Welcome dinner in a local restaurant. before returning to Athens for the evening at leisure. 24 Mar 18.30 LUCIA DI LAMMERMOOR Donizetti Inc SAT 23 MAR This morning join your guide for a city TUE 26 MAR Morning at leisure before your D: Katie Mitchell tour of Athens. Highlights include Syntagma Square transfer to the airport for the homeward flight. C: Pierre Dumoussaud Cast: tbc in the heart of the city, just opposite to where the National Guards in their uniform skirts and Tickets are on request and will be confirmed in late 2018. pompom shoes guard the Tomb of the Unknown DELPHI Soldier outside the parliament building. We also FLIGHTS

visit the Temple of Zeus and walk through the old British Airways Plaka district before continuing to the Acropolis 22 Mar London Heathrow - Athens dep: 11.55 arr: 17.35 26 Mar Athens - London Heathrow dep: 14.25 arr: 16.30 where the timeless beauty of the Parthenon is Flight schedules are subject to alteration. revealed, as well as other monuments including Flights from other UK airports can be arranged on request. the Propylaea, the Temple of Wingless Victory and PRICE (PER PERSON) the Erectheion. Afternoon at leisure. In the evening we transfer to the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Tour price £1595 Single room supplement £300 Cultural Centre for the first performance. Club Europe flight upgrade from £250 Land-only tour price £1455 SUN 24 MAR Day at leisure for independent shopping Deposit required £300 or sightseeing. We recommend the National Tour price includes: Flights and airport taxes, group Archaeological Museum, containing numerous transfers from and to airport and for included activities where applicable, accommodation, breakfast daily, one treasures from prehistoric times to the end of lunch, one dinner, sightseeing tours as described including antiquity. Transfer to the early evening performance. guides and entrance fees, best available ticket for each included performance, opera synopses, restaurant guide and city notes, MON 25 MAR Day tour to Delphi, ancient site of the services of our local representative or tour manager. the most powerful oracle in Greece. Built on the slopes of Mount Parnassus, the site overlooks the Gulf of Corinth and was regarded by the Greeks

24 Tel: 020 8799 8350 | Email: [email protected] | www.travelforthearts.com opera

THE MARIINSKY OPERA IN ST PETERSBURG

Price from £1875 pp

9 – 14 April Tour code: STP1 NO SINGLE SUPPLEMENT

The Mariinsky Theatre is renowned the world over for its spectacular productions. Our tour to the glorious city of St Petersburg, replete with Imperial treasures, will combine performances of three Russian operas in the traditional theatre and the new venue Mariinsky II for an unforgettable experience.

CATHEDRAL ON SPILLED BLOOD

TUE 9 APR Afternoon arrival in St Petersburg SAT 13 APR This morning we visit the Hermitage PROGRAMME AT THE MARIINSKY THEATRES and transfer to the 5-star Domina Prestige Hotel, Museum for a guided tour of the main complex 10 Apr 18.00 RUSLAN AND LUDMILA Glinka Inc situated on the Moika river off St Isaac’s Square of the Winter Palace and its vast collection of art Venue: Mariinsky Theatre and only a 10 minute walk from the Mariinsky treasures. Return to the hotel for some free time. 11 Apr 19.00 EUGENE ONEGIN Tchaikovsky Inc Theatre. Welcome dinner in a local restaurant. A farewell dinner will be served in a local restaurant. Venue: Mariinsky Theatre WED 10 APR Join your guide to take a tour of the SUN 14 APR Morning at leisure for independent 12 Apr 19.00 THE SNOW MAIDEN Inc city by coach, seeing sights along the famous Nevsky shopping and sightseeing. Afternoon transfer Rimsky-Korsakov Venue: Mariinsky II Prospekt, the Spit of Vasily Island, Palace Square and to the airport for your homeward flight. the Church on Spilled Blood. Return to the hotel for an Casting will be confirmed closer to the date of departure. afternoon at leisure before the evening performance on the Old Stage of the Mariinsky Theatres. FLIGHTS

THU 11 APR Today we visit the baroque Catherine British Airways 9 Apr London Heathrow - St Petersburg dep: 09.20 arr: 14.40 Palace, just outside St Petersburg. Built in 1752- 14 Apr St Petersburg - London Heathrow dep: 15.35 arr: 17.10 56, the palace is the home of the recently restored Flight schedules are subject to alteration. and reopened Amber Room, a chamber decorated Flights from other UK airports can be arranged on request. entirely with panels of amber backed with gold leaf, PRICE (PER PERSON) as well as many other treasures. Lunch is included Tour price £1875 in a local restaurant, with Russian folk show. Return Club Europe flight upgrade from £350 to St Petersburg for the late afternoon at leisure and Land-only tour price £1655 Deposit required £400 evening performance in the Old Mariinsky Theatre. Tour price includes: Flights and airport taxes, group transfers FRI 12 APR Today is free for independent from and to airport and for included activities where applicable, accommodation, breakfast daily, one lunch, two dinners, exploration and sightseeing. In the evening sightseeing tours as described including guides and entrance transfer to the New Mariinsky Theatre, otherwise fees, first category ticket for each included performance, opera synopses, restaurant guide and city notes, the services of our local known as Mariinsky II, for the final performance. representative or tour manager. PLEASE NOTE: Visas for Russia are not included. Travel for the Arts THE SNOW MAIDEN can advise on visa applications which need to be applied for in person. We recommend that you discuss this with us upon booking.

“We thoroughly enjoyed this well planned and exciting tour.” Mrs M, Surrey

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NEW YORK CITY BALLET

Price from £2275 pp

6 – 10 May Tour code: NYC1 We return to sparkling New York with a new tour for ballet-lovers. The New York City Ballet presents three performances focusing on their classic repertoire, with particular emphasis on Balanchine. The performances are complemented by the chance to go behind the scenes with the ballet company, and of course experience the iconic city itself in this classic New York break.

MANHATTAN SKYLINE

MON 6 MAY Afternoon arrival in New York and THU 9 MAY Today is at leisure for you to make your PROGRAMME AT THE DAVID H. KOCH THEATER transfer to the stylish 4-star Empire Hotel, centrally own exploration of the city. Its plethora of sights 7 May 19.30 BARBER, BROADWAY AND BALANCHINE Inc located next to Lincoln Center. Welcome drinks and museums include the Empire State Building, Programme: Barber Violin Concerto, and canapés will be served in the hotel bar. the Rockefeller Center and Ground Zero Museum, Slaughter on Tenth Avenue, Diamonds located on the site of the original World Trade TUE 7 MAY Join your guide this morning for a tour 8 May 19.30 ALL BALANCHINE Inc Center, which pays homage to the 2983 victims of Programme: Scotch Symphony, of Manhattan which will focus on the history of the 1993 and 2001 attacks. Evening performance. Le Tombeau de Couperin, Sonatine, music in New York City, including the Metropolitan Stravinsky Violin Concerto Opera. Lunch is included in a local restaurant, FRI 10 MAY This morning we return to the theater for 9 May 19.30 CLASSIC NYCB I Inc before an afternoon at leisure. Walk to the evening a one-hour presentation on life ‘Inside New York City Programme: Valse Fantasie, performance at the David H. Koch Theater. Ballet’ which will explore the history and workings of A Suite of Dances, New Peck 2, Western Symphony the company through performance and discussion. WED 8 MAY This morning we visit the Guggenheim This is followed by a classic New York farewell Tickets are on request and will be confirmed in late Museum which contains exhibitions of summer 2018. brunch in a local restaurant. We then continue to modern and contemporary art in Frank Lloyd the airport for the homeward overnight flight. Wright’s landmark building. Afternoon at FLIGHTS leisure before the evening performance. British Airways 6 May London Heathrow - New York JFK dep: 11.20 arr: 14.05 10 May New York JFK - London Heathrow dep: 18.30 arr: 06.30* *Next day arrival. Flight schedules are subject to change. Alternative flights are available upon request. COLUMBUS CIRCLE THE STATUE OF LIBERTY PRICE (PER PERSON)

Tour price £2275 Single room supplement £520 World Traveller Plus flight upgrade from £2200 Club World flight upgrade from £2800 Land-only tour price £1800 Deposit £400 Tour price includes: Flights and airport taxes, group transfers from and to airport and for included activities where applicable, accommodation, breakfast daily, welcome drinks and canapés, one lunch, one brunch, sightseeing tours as described including guides and entrance fees, second category ticket for each included performance, opera synopses, restaurant guide and city notes, the services of our local representative or tour manager.

26 Tel: 020 8799 8350 | Email: [email protected] | www.travelforthearts.com opera

SPRING OPERA IN OSLO

Price from £1495 pp

24 – 27 May Tour code: OSL1 NO SINGLE SUPPLEMENT

Half submerged and rising from the fjord, the new opera house in Oslo has captured the attention of the opera- loving public since its inauguration on 12 April 2008. This tour offers the chance to discover this spectacular landmark, built in the heart of Oslo’s old Bjørvika harbour area and home to The Norwegian Opera and Ballet, with performances of Rossini’s La Cenerentola directed by Stefan Herheim, and Mozart’s The Magic Flute.

OSLO OPERA HOUSE

FRI 24 MAY Afternoon arrival at Oslo airport THE MAGIC FLUTE THE MAGIC FLUTE and transfer to the 4-star Thon Hotel Opera, located in the heart of the city and just 5 minutes’ walk from the Opera House. Welcome dinner in the hotel or a local restaurant. SAT 25 MAY Meet your guide for a morning walking tour of the city, beautifully situated at the head of the Oslo Fjord and surrounded by forest. Sights of interest will include the City Hall and the Nobel Peace Centre. The afternoon is at leisure before walking to the early evening performance at the opera house. SUN 26 MAY This morning we visit the Vigeland Sculpture Park, containing works by Gustav Vigeland and mainly completed between 1939 and 1949. We continue to the Holmenkollan Skijump Museum and Tower, before lunch in a local restaurant. In PROGRAMME AT OSLO OPERA HOUSE FLIGHTS

the mid-afternoon we return to the opera house 25 May 18.00 LA CENERENTOLA Rossini Inc British Airways for a backstage tour which was designed by the D: Stefan Herheim 24 May London Heathrow - Oslo dep: 10.20 arr: 13.30 27 May Oslo - London Heathrow dep: 15.05 arr: 16.25 architecture firm Snøhetta and is constructed from C: Leo Hussain Cast: Tome Kummervold, Flight schedules are subject to alteration. marble and granite. The tour, accompanied by an Taylor Stayton, Edward Nelson, Flights from other UK airports can be arranged on request. English guide, will offer a chance to hear more about Miklos Sebestyén, Vera Talerko, Astrid Nordstad, Michael Samuel PRICE (PER PERSON) the spectacular architecture and the impressive facilities. Early evening performance. 26 May 18.00 THE MAGIC FLUTE Mozart Inc Tour price £1495 D: Alexander Mørk-Eidem Club Europe flight upgrade from £300 MON 27 MAY A free morning to rest, sightsee or C: Magnus Loddgård Land-only tour price £1395 Cast: Marius Roth Christensen, Deposit required £350 do some last-minute shopping. In the afternoon Thorbjørn Gulbrandsøy, Tour price includes: Flights and airport taxes, group transfers transfer to the airport for your homeward journey. Eli Kristin Hanssveen, Magne Fremmerlid, from and to airport and for included activities where applicable, Jens-Erik Aasbø, Bernt Ola Volungholen accommodation, breakfast daily, one lunch, one dinner, sightseeing tours as described including guides and entrance fees, first category ticket for each included performance, opera synopses, restaurant guide and city notes, the services of our “The opera house is amazing!” Mrs A, Hampshire local representative or tour manager.

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THE SALZBURG WHITSUN FESTIVAL

Price from £2275 pp

7 – 11 June Tour code: SZG1 NEW PRODUCTION

‘I voci celesti’ are the focus of the 2019 Salzburg Whitsun Festival - the heavenly voices of the castrati. The Gala Concert dedicated to Farinelli and friends includes baroque works presented by Rolando Villazón and performed by a host of singers including Cecilia Bartoli and Philippe Jaroussky, who also feature in a production of Handel’s Alcina. There is also the added opportunity PROGRAMME to attend a semi-staged performance of Porpora’s 8 Jun 15.00 POLIFEMO Porpora £275 D: Max Emanuel Cencic Polifemo, which starred Farinelli himself at its debut. C: George Petrou Cast: Yuriy Mynenko, Max Emanuel Cencic, Pavel Kudinov, Julia Lezhneva, Dilyara Idrisova, Nian Wang Venue: Felsenreitschule Semi-staged performance 8 Jun 20.00 GALA CONCERT: FARINELLI & FRIENDS Inc C: Gianluca Capuano Presentation: Rolando Villazón SALZBURG Cast: Julie Fuchs, Patricia Petibon, Sandrine Piau, Nuria Rial, Cecilia Bartoli, Lea Desandre, Vivica Genaux, Ann Hallenberg, Marie-Nicole Lemieux, Christophe Dumaux, Philippe Jaroussky FRI 7 JUN Morning arrival in Salzburg to Reinhardt wanted to realize his vision of baroque Programme: Great baroque arias, scenes and duets by George Frideric Handel, check in at the 5-star Hotel Bristol, located theatre performances, and we see the extravagant Nicola Porpora, Johann Adolph Hasse, in the heart of the city. A welcome dinner open air stage and neo-baroque park, complete Riccardo Broschi and others will be served in a local restaurant. with a garden theatre and artificial ponds. After Venue: Grosses Festspielhaus returning to the city for an independent lunch, 9 Jun 16.00 ALCINA Handel Inc SAT 8 JUN Join your guide for a morning tour of we attend the afternoon performance at the D: Damiano Michieletto Salzburg along the theme ‘the city is a stage’. This C: Gianluca Capuano Haus für Mozart, followed by a free evening. will include visits to some of the most renowned Cast: Cecilia Bartoli, Philippe Jaroussky, Sandrine Piau, Kristina Hammarström, sights, including Mozart’s birthplace where the MON 10 JUN This morning we walk to the Mozarteum Christoph Strehl, Alastair Miles family lived from 1747 to 1773, and the cathedral for the final performance in the tour. Afternoon at Venue: Haus für Mozart where he was baptised. Optional afternoon leisure for independent sightseeing and shopping 10 Jun 11.00 STABAT MATER Pergolesi Inc performance at the Felsenreitschule before the before a farewell dinner served in a local restaurant. C & Violin: Andrés Gabetta Mezzo-soprano: Cecilia Bartoli evening performance at the Festspielhaus. TUE 11 JUN Morning at leisure before Countertenor: Franco Fagioli SUN 9 JUN Today we visit Leopoldskron Palace and the mid-afternoon transfer to Salzburg Cappella Gabetta Venue: Mozarteum garden, bought by Max Reinhardt, co-founder of airport for your homeward flight. the Salzburg Festival, in the 1920s. It was here that Tickets will be confirmed in Autumn 2018.

FLIGHTS

British Airways 7 Jun London Gatwick - Salzburg dep: 07.45 arr: 10.45 11 Jun Salzburg - London Gatwick dep: 18.45 arr: 19.45 Flight schedules are subject to alteration. Flights from other UK airports can be arranged on request.

PRICE (PER PERSON)

Tour price £2275 Single room supplement £380 Club Europe flight upgrade from £240 Land-only tour price £2115 Deposit required £400 Tour price includes: Flights and airport taxes, group transfers from and to airport and for included activities where applicable, accommodation, breakfast daily, two dinners, sightseeing tours as described including guides and entrance fees, first category ticket for CECILIA BARTOLI PHILIPPE JAROUSSKY each included performance, opera synopses, restaurant guide and city notes, the services of our local representative or tour manager.

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THE OPÉRA ROYAL AT VERSAILLES

Price from £1390 pp

14 – 17 June Tour code: VER1 BY RAIL

The Opéra Royal at Versailles was inaugurated on 16 May 1770, the wedding day of the future Louis XVI and the Archduchess Marie-Antoinette. We attend a performance of Purcell’s Dido and Aeneas, presented by artistes of the Juilliard Opera of New York, as well as a concert in the Royal Chapel based upon music played at the coronation of Louis XIV.

OPÉRA ROYAL DE VERSAILLES © AGATHE POUPENEY

FRI 14 JUN Afternoon arrival in Paris, and transfer SUN 16 JUN This morning we return to the Palace PROGRAMME AT THE PALACE OF VERSAILLES to Versailles by coach (approx. 1.5 hours) to for an individual visit of the spectacular gardens, 15 Jun 19.00 CONCERT: LOUIS XIV’S CORONATION Inc check in at the 4-star Le Louis, Versailles Château created and renovated by André Le Nôtre from 1661 Ensemble Correspondances - MGallery by Sofitel, an elegant hotel located onwards and featuring many fountains, sculptures C: Sébastien Daucé in the heart of the city and just steps from the and groves. This afternoon is at leisure before the Programme: Works from the Coronation of Louis XIV Château of Versailles. A welcome drink and early evening opera performance at the Opéra Royal, Venue: Royal Chapel canapés will be served in the hotel this evening. followed by a farewell dinner in a local restaurant. 16 Jun 17.00 DIDO AND AENEAS Purcell Inc SAT 15 JUN Join your guide this morning to visit the MON 17 JUN Transfer to Paris for your D: Mary Birnbaum C: Avi Stein Château, established as a Royal Palace by Louis XIV, homeward journey on Eurostar. Cast: Artistes from the Juillard Opera also known as the ‘Sun King’. We take a guided visit of New York of the sumptuous interior, including the famous Hall Venue: Opéra Royal of Mirrors. There will then be some free time at the RAIL hotel before the evening concert in the Royal Chapel. Eurostar 14 Jun London St Pancras - Paris Gare du Nord dep: 11.31 arr: 14.47 17 Jun Paris Gare du Nord - London St Pancras dep: 13.13 arr: 14.39 If more convenient, flights from your local airport can be arranged on request.

PRICE (PER PERSON)

Tour price £1390 Single room supplement £360 Standard premier upgrade from £100 Land-only tour price £1270 Deposit required £350 Tour price includes: Rail travel, group transfers from and to station and for included activities where applicable, accommodation, breakfast daily, welcome drink and canapés, one dinner, sightseeing tours as described including guides and entrance fees, first category ticket for each included performance, restaurant guide and city notes, the services of our local representative or tour manager.

VERSAILLES

Tel: 020 8799 8350 | Email: [email protected] | www.travelforthearts.com 29 carpenter holidays

OXFORD TRAVEL FOR THE ARTS CHAMBER MUSIC FESTIVAL in association with Price from £1245 pp CARPENTER HOLIDAYS Over the past three years, Travel for the Arts has enjoyed a 3 – 8 October Tour code: OCM1 fruitful collaboration with Stephen Carpenter who has led holidays to the Lake District Summer Music Festival, the A CARPENTER HOLIDAY & INDEPENDENT ARRIVAL Schubertiade in Schwarzenberg in Austria and his ‘Mendelssohn This early-autumn Festival in the beautiful setting of in Scotland’ tour. We are delighted to announce the visit to the Oxford brings together world-class instrumentalists Oxford Chamber Music Festival this autumn, details of which can to perform some of the best-loved chamber works be found here, and on the websites www.travelforthearts.com in the repertoire. Artistic Director and violinist Priya Mitchell has planned the Festival on the theme of “The and . This holiday will be arranged www.carpenterholidays.com Elements”: Earth, Wind, Fire and Water and highlights and led by Stephen Carpenter in association with Travel for the will include performances by cellist Scheku Kanneh- Arts and will be fully covered by our ABTA and ATOL membership. Mason. Composer-in-Residence is Sally Beamish, and there will also be masterclasses and talks. Welcome to CARPENTER HOLIDAYS The Oxford Chamber Music Festival promises a feast of good music performed by leading musicians from around the world, and all in the magnificent setting of Oxford's "dreaming spires". I hope that you will be attracted by the programmes and be tempted to join this tour SHEKU KANNEH-MASON © LARS BORGES featuring such great artists as Priya Mitchell ("She plays with intense expressivity and keen musical insight" New York Times, Carnegie Hall), Chi-chi Nwanoku ("Nwanoku's playing is both athletic and eloquent" Gramophone) and Sheku Kanneh-Mason "whose youth, verve and diversity challenge classical stereotypes in one joyful swoop." (Observer).

Stephen Carpenter

Director, Carpenter Holidays OXFORD

WED 3 OCT Independent arrival early afternoon at the 4-star Mercure Oxford Eastgate Hotel in the centre of the city. “Thanks again for organising such an enjoyable visit.” Afternoon lecture at the Ashmolean Museum by Irving Finkel Mr L, May 2017, Whittington Festival on the musical culture of Mesopotamia and early supper together before evening concert at the Town Hall. THU 4 OCT Chamber music masterclass on Beethoven’s Late “Scotland and the Lake District are among the best String Quartets in the morning and afternoon, and lunchtime holidays I’ve ever had and I do hope that there will and evening concerts, with supper together in between. be many more to come in the future!” FRI 5 OCT Three concerts at lunchtime, early evening (all six of Bach’s Cellos Suites performed by Pieter Miss D, August 2017, Mendelssohn in Scotland and Lake District Wispelwey) and late night concerts, with supper together.

30 Tel: 020 8799 8350 | Email: [email protected] | www.travelforthearts.com carpenter holidays

PROGRAMME AT OXFORD CHAMBER MUSIC FESTIVAL 3 Oct 16.00 LECTURE: “Deep In the Earth” Inc 5 Oct 18.30 CONCERT Inc Irving Finkel, curator of the British Museum, Programme: Bach The Six Cello Suites talks about the fascinating musical culture performed by Pieter Wispelwey of ancient Mesoptomia and the first notated Venue: Shedonian Theatre music known to mankind on cuneiform tablets deep in the earth. With oud player, 5 Oct 22.00 LATE-NIGHT CONCERT Inc Joseph Tawadros. Programme: Messiaen Venue: Ashmolean Museum Quartet for the End of Time Venue: University Church 3 Oct 19.30 OPENING CONCERT Inc Programme: Vaughan Williams 6 Oct 13.00 LUNCHTIME CONCERT Inc The Lark Ascending Programme: Ravel Jeux d’eau Beamish The Day Dawn Debussy (arr Beamish) La Mer Tchaikovsky Rococo Varations Bartok Contrasts Vivaldi The Four Seasons with DJ Kipski, Venue: Holywell Music Room the celebrated world champion of DJing 6 Oct 17.00 LECTURE: Folk Song Collecting Inc Venue: Town Hall “From The People Back To The Land” 4 Oct 11.00 MASTERCLASS Inc Sam Lee Chamber music legend, Eberhard Feltz, Venue: The Vaults and Garden Café – works with the Marmen Quartet on Old Library Beethoven late Quartets. 6 Oct 19.30 CONCERT Inc Venue: Holywell Music Room Programme: Brahms Violin Sonata No 1 in G 4 Oct 13.00 LUNCHTIME CONCERT Inc Berg Four Pieces Op 5 Programme: Beamish Gaia for solo cello Beamish work to be confirmed Lucioan Berio Lied for solo clarinet Bruch Octet Bach Chaconne Venue: Holywell Music Room Meditation Beamish 7 Oct 11.30 BOAT TRIP AND GUIDED WALK Inc Venue: Christ Church Cathedral We join Oxford historian, author, public speaker, 4 Oct 15.00 MASTERCLASS Inc guide, Mark Davies, who will illustrate some Chamber music legend, Eberhard Feltz, intriguing musical associations. He will also works with the Marmen Quartet on talk about the “King of all Balloons” James Beethoven late Quartets. Sadler, the Oxford pastry cook who was the first Venue: Holywell Music Room Englishman to fly in a fire balloon of his own design. Brunch will be served on board 4 Oct 19.30 CONCERT Inc Venue: the boat, Serafina Programme: Sam Lee sings Moon Shines Bright, Jasper Sea, Soul Cake, Airdog 7 Oct 17.00 LECTURE: “Soil And Spirituality” Inc Schubert Trout Quintet Oxford author and gardener Jeremy Naydler Beamish That Recent Earth for solo viola talks about the essential connection to the Beethoven Septet Op 20 earth that we have lost and the importance Venue: St John’s Iffley Road of reconnecting on all levels to the elements. Venue: Worton Organic Farm 5 Oct 13.00 LUNCHTIME CONCERT Inc Programme: Beamish The King’s Alchemist 7 Oct 18.00 CLOSING CONCERT Inc (Aqua Vitae) Programme: Kodaly Duo for violin and cello Stravinsky The Firebird: Berceuse and Inferno Tigran Masurian Lachrimae for clarinet and viola de Falla Ritual Fire Dance for string quartet Brahms Sextet No 1 and double bass Venue: Worton Organic Farm Berio Luftklavier, Wasserklavier, Feuerklavier, Erdklavier Venue: St John’s Iffley Road

SAT 6 OCT Morning tour of the Bodleian Music Library, PROGRAMME INDEPENDENT TRAVEL visiting both the Bodleian Library's wonderful historic ARTISTS APPEARING AT OXFORD CHAMBER MUSIC FESTIVAL: Oxford Station is served by regular trains from London Paddington rooms and the modern underground reading room, Violin: Priya Mitchell, Hannah Dawson, Johannes Marmen, and Birmingham and the Northwest. The Mercure Eastgate Oxford and lunchtime and evening concerts, with a talk on Annette Walther Hotel is a short taxi journey from the station.

Folk Song collecting in the afternoon. Violas: Yura Lee, Vladimir Mendelssohn, Meghan Cassidy, Sally Beamish PRICE (PER PERSON) SUN 7 OCT A boat and walking trip in the late Cellos: Sheku Kanneh-Mason, Matthew Barley, Claude Frochaux, Pieter Wispelwey Tour price £1245 morning, including brunch, followed by an excursion Double bass: Chi-chi Nwanoku OBE Single room supplement £390 outside Oxford to Worton Organic Farm for a lecture Clarinet: Reto Bieri Deposit required £300 on “Soil and Spirituality” by the Oxford gardener and Piano: Natacha Kurdritskaya Tour price includes: Accommodation, breakfast daily, one brunch, Organ and Conductor: Tom Fetherstonehaugh three pre-concert suppers with wine, best ticket for each included writer, Jeremy Naydler, and the final concert which DJ: DJ Kipski performance, sightseeing tours as described including guides culminates in Brahms glorious String Sextet No 1. Oud: Joseph Tawadros and entrance fees, concert programmes, the services of Stephen Folk singer: Sam Lee Carpenter as tour manager. MON 8 OCT Independent departure home. Lecturers: Irving Finkel, Sam Lee, Jeremy Naydler

Tel: 020 8799 8350 | Email: [email protected] | www.travelforthearts.com 31 à la carte

OPERA, BALLET CLASSICAL MUSIC À LA CARTE

Travel for the Arts à la Carte is designed for clients who prefer to travel independently. Our expert consultants offer a complete bespoke planning and booking service, taking care of travel, accommodation and performance tickets in any music or ballet destination you choose.

• With over 30 years’ experience in • We arrange your travel to suit your arranging travel for groups and needs and can investigate journeys individuals, we are often able to by air, rail or even private jet. We source tickets for the most sought- also offer private transfers on arrival after performances, many featuring or departure. the star performers of the day. • We are able to book your own choice • We tailor your itinerary for the of hotel or offer advice on suitable dates you wish to travel and for alternatives. the performances you wish to • We can advise on and arrange see. We can also offer suggestions unique bespoke experiences such based on your requirements, as backstage tours, guided providing seasonal opera and sightseeing, restaurant bookings ballet programmes and making and access to other cultural events. recommendations.

Whether to celebrate a special occasion or simply as a short break, let Travel for the Arts create an unforgettable opera, ballet and classical music experience just for you.

32 à la carte

HOW TO BOOK Telephone our designated à la Carte line on 020 8799 8354 or email [email protected] for a quotation. Your itinerary will be individually designed to meet your requirements.

“Both my friend and I enjoyed our à la Carte holiday with Travel for the Arts – it could not have been better.”

Mrs S, West Sussex

THE RING IN CHEMNITZ © KIRSTEN NIJHOF 33 TRAVELFOR THE ARTS

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