LIBRETTO TRAVELFOR THE ARTS AUTUMN 2015

www.travelforthearts.com +44 20 8799 8350 [email protected] welcome to the world of , DANCE CLASSICAL MUSIC HOLIDAYS

Welcome to the Autumn Libretto of Travel for the Arts, the UK’s leading opera, classical music and dance holiday specialist, established in 1988 for The Friends of Covent Garden. In this edition we offer more new tours for like-minded travellers to the world’s legendary opera houses and music festivals.

Once again we are delighted to be able to offer you new destinations, including the charming Italian city of Piacenza for New Year, and picturesque Ljubljana for performances in the Slovenian National Opera and Ballet Theatre. Spring sees the Salzburg Whitsun Festival celebrate the 400th anniversary of the death of William Shakespeare with a programme based around the tale of star-crossed lovers Romeo and Juliet. We also travel to to hear Plácido Domingo sing I due Foscari, to for a tour celebrating opera and Polish national composer Chopin, and to for the finale of their 50th Season Anniversary celebrations (including the new production of Pique Dame, as seen in the photograph on this page). Finally, we present two Ring Cycles; in Washington DC and for the last ever cycle of Götz Friedrich’s acclaimed production in April 2017.

All details including hotels, meals, excursions and tour leaders are hand-picked. We pride ourselves on the dedicated service we give to our patrons; many of our travellers are regulars with up to 100 TFA tours under their belts. Single travellers, couples and groups are all welcomed, and many firm friendships have been forged on Travel for the Arts tours over the years.

Don’t forget, we also specialise in creating bespoke tours for private groups and arranging ‘à la Carte’ itineraries for individuals – do get in touch with us to find out more.

In the panel along the bottom of each tour page, we also give a reminder of our tours on which a few places remain. Please see our website www.travelforthearts.com, telephone us on +44 20 8799 8350 or email [email protected] for more information and to reserve your place.

PUBLICITY IMAGE FOR THE NEW PRODUCTION OF PIQUE DAME BY THE © PETROVSKY & RAMONE CAPODANNO IN CREMONA AND PIACENZA 28 December 2015 – 1 January 2016 Tour Code: PIA1

NEW DESTINATION

A new tour to see in New Year on the banks of Italy’s Po river! We base ourselves in the musical city of Cremona, with performances in the Teatro Municipale di Piacenza, and a New Year’s Eve Gala Dinner in the historic Rocca di Soragna. Built in 1385, this fortress has been enriched over time with countless works of art, remaining the property of the Meli Lupi family who still live there. Programme at Teatro Municipale di Piacenza 29 Dec 20.30 NABUCCO Verdi Inc D: Stefano Monti C: Aldo Sisillo Cast: Leo Nucci, Anna Pirozzi, Roberto Scandiuzzi, Leonardo Gramegna, Elisa Barbero, Antonio Di Matteo

31 Dec 17.00 NEW YEAR’S EVE CONCERT Inc CREMONA C: Vito Lombardi Mezzo-soprano: Anna Maria Chiuri Filarmonica Arturo Toscanini Coro del Teatro Municipale di Piacenza MON 28 DEC Afternoon arrival in Milan and retreat built by the composer after he had Programme: Works by Verdi, transfer to Cremona by coach (approx. 1 hour achieved international fame. We continue to Bizet, Ponchielli, Offenbach, J Strauss and Suppé and 30 minutes) to check in at the central Busseto where he studied as a young man. family-run 3-star Hotel Astoria, just 300m from After lunch in a local restaurant we see the Teatro Flights: British Airways the Duomo. Welcome dinner in a local restaurant. Verdi, built in his honour, and Casa Barezzi, home 28 Dec London Heathrow - Milan Linate dep: 12:50 arr: 15:50 of Verdi’s patron Antonio Barezzi and the venue for 1 Jan Milan Linate - London Heathrow dep: 16:35 arr: 17:30 TUE 29 DEC Join your guide for a walking Flight schedules are subject to alteration. Flights from other his first public performances. Return to Cremona tour of the highlights of Cremona city centre. UK airports can be arranged on request. for a free evening. We visit the Museo del Violino where we hear Price per person a short demonstration of one of its historic THU 31 DEC This morning we take a guided Tour price £1675 Stradivarius violins. We continue to a violin- tour (subject to availability) of Cremona’s Single room supplement £100 maker’s atelier to see how the instruments are Teatro Ponchielli, originally built in 1747. The Club Europe flight upgrade from £450 made. The afternoon is at leisure. In the evening early afternoon is at leisure before our transfer Land only tour price £1475 we transfer to Piacenza for the performance; to Piacenza for the late afternoon New Year’s Eve Deposit required £350 Tour price includes: Flights and airport taxes, group drinks and canapés will be served at the Opera concert. This is followed by a celebratory New Year transfers from and to airport and for included activities during the evening. Return to Cremona by coach dinner at the Rocca di Soragna with live music. where applicable, accommodation, breakfast daily, one after the performance. Return to Cremona by coach after midnight. lunch, two dinners, drinks and canapés at the Opera, sightseeing tours as described including guides and entrance fees, first category ticket for each included performance, WED 30 DEC Today we follow in the footsteps FRI 1 JAN Late morning transfer to Milan airport opera synopses, restaurant guide and city notes, the services of Verdi, visiting the Villa S. Agata, the country for your homeward flight. of our local representative or tour manager.

THE VERDI SCINTILLATING SICILY WEXFORD FESTIVAL IN PARMA 20 – 24 October Tour code: SIC1 FESTIVAL OPERA 16 – 21 October Tour code: PAR1 We return to the spectacular island of Sicily for 29 October – 2 November Tour code: WEX1 We visit Verdi’s homeland for Otello and Il the premiere of Mozart’s Die Zauberflötein the The annual Wexford Festival Opera is renowned for Corsaro in the opulent Teatro Regio in Parma, Teatro Massimo in Palermo, and a performance its fascinating programme of lesser-known . and the option to attend a production of of Verdi’s in Catania. The tour includes This year the Theatre Royal presents performances Rigoletto in the intimate Teatro Regio in sightseeing of some of the treasures of the isle, of Delius’ Koanga, Mascagni’s Guglielmo Ratcliff, and Busseto. These performances are combined and will be led by our expert lecturer Simon Rees. Le Pré aux clercs, an opera comique by Ferdinand with visits of the surrounding area, including From £1795 per person Hérold. There will also be the opportunity to Verdi’s birthplace in Roncole. book for some of the pre-performance talks. From £1795 per person | Tour on request From £1495 per person TEATRO ALLA SCALA PLÁCIDO DOMINGO AT 8 – 10 March 2016 Tour Code: MIL1

NEW PRODUCTION

We visit Milan to hear Plácido Domingo sing Francesco Foscari in the new production of Verdi’s I due Foscari at the Teatro alla Scala, conducted by Michele Mariotti. With plenty of free time for independent sightseeing and shopping, this short weekend break also features a welcome dinner at a private residence owned by a local collector of antique musical instruments, with a demonstration included.

Programme 9 Mar 20.00 I DUE FOSCARI Verdi Inc D: Alvis Hermanis C: Michele Mariotti Cast: Plácido Domingo, Francesco Meli, TUE 8 MAR Afternoon arrival in Milan and Anna Pirozzi, Andrea Concetti, Edoardo Milletti, Chiara Isotton check in at the 4-star Hotel de la Ville, located Venue: Teatro alla Scala in the heart of the city very close to the Duomo, New production Teatro alla Scala and the Via Montenapoleone. Flights: British Airways In the evening we transfer to our welcome 8 Mar London Heathrow - Milan Linate dep: 12.50 arr: 15.50 buffet dinner at Casa Giulini in the city centre. 10 Mar Milan Linate - London Heathrow dep: 16.35 arr: 17.30 Owned by Fernanda Giulini, a trained pianist Flight schedules are subject to alteration. Flights from other and entrepreneur, the house contains a selection airports can be arranged on request. of her extensive collection of antique musical instruments, some of which have been lent to Price per person institutions including Teatro alla Scala to be Tour price £1145 Single room supplement £180 used in their performances. Club Europe flight upgrade from £450 Land-only tour price £990 WED 9 MAR Today is at leisure for your Deposit required £350 own exploration of cosmopolitan Milan. Tour price includes: Flights and airport taxes, group Evening performance at Teatro alla Scala. transfers from and to airport and for included activities where applicable, accommodation, breakfast daily, one buffet dinner, THU 10 MAR Morning at leisure for last-minute sightseeing tours as described including guides and entrance fees, first category ticket for each included performance, opera shopping and sightseeing. Afternoon transfer synopses, restaurant guide and city notes, the services of our to the airport for your homeward journey. PLÁCIDO DOMINGO local representative or tour manager.

CHRISTMAS MARKETS CHRISTMAS IN BUDAPEST AN ALPINE CHRISTMAS IN NUREMBERG 23 – 27 December Tour code: BUD2 24 – 28 December Tour code: ALP1 26 – 30 November Tour code: NUR1 A festive feast of Puccini is served up in this We celebrate Christmas this year in 5-star The traditional Christmas Markets in the Christmas tour to the historic Hungarian capital. style with a two-centre holiday in the charming city of Nuremberg are a highlight of La bohème at the wonderfully opulent State Opera picturesque Austrian Alps. Salzburg presents this advent opera weekend. They decorate and House is joined by a double-bill of Suor Angelica a festive classical concert in the stunning infuse the city with festive handicrafts and spices, and Gianni Schicchi at the more modern Erkel Mozarteum. We then continue the festivities while the Staatstheater Nürnberg presents Theatre. With an added ballet performance of in charming Innsbruck with two performances performances of Puccini’s La bohème and Wagner’s The Nutcracker, this tour is a feast for the senses. in the Landestheater; Puccini’s Turandot and Götterdämmerung for a pre-Christmas treat. From £1545 per person | No single supplement Johann Strauss’ Die Fledermaus. From £1395 per person From £1695 per person LJUBLJANA DISCOVER SLOVENIA 16 – 20 March 2016 Tour Code: LJU1

NEW DESTINATION & NO SINGLE SUPPLEMENT

We are delighted to present a brand-new tour to picturesque Slovenia. Based in the delightful capital Ljubljana, we will enjoy sightseeing excursions to view some of the spectacular scenery of the country, as well as attending performances of Mozart’s Le nozze di Figaro and Gluck’s Orfeo ed Euridice by the Slovenian National Opera.

Programme at the Slovenian LAKE BLED National Opera and Ballet Theatre 17 Mar 19.30 LE NOZZE DI FIGARO Mozart Inc D: Yulia Roschina C: Marko Hribernik Cast: tbc New production

19 Mar 19.30 ORFEO ED EURIDICE Gluck Inc WED 16 MAR Midday arrival at Zagreb airport, included during the tour, before returning D: Jernej Lorenci C: Jaroslav Kyzlink and transfer to Ljubljana (approx. 2 hours by to Ljubljana for an evening at leisure. Cast: Darko Vidic, Jože Vidic, Mojca Bitenc, Norina Radovan, coach) to check in at the 4-star Best Western Martina Zadro, Urška Arlič Gololičič, SAT 19 MAR This morning we take a half-day Premier Hotel Slon, located in the heart of the Karina Oganjan excursion to the Postojna Caves and Predjama city and just a few minutes walk from the Opera. Castle, with lunch included. The Postojna Caves Flights: British Airways Welcome dinner in the hotel or a local restaurant. have been known for centuries, but the inner parts, 16 Mar London Heathrow - Zagreb dep: 08:30 arr: 11:50 THU 17 MAR Join your guide this morning for not explored until 1818, display a multitude of 20 Mar Zagreb – London Heathrow dep: 12:35 arr: 14:10 a walking tour of the beautiful city of Ljubljana, stalactites, stalagmites in a variety of shapes and Flight schedules are subject to alteration. Flights from other UK airports can be arranged on request. starting at the Baroque Town Hall and continuing sizes. During the tour we also visit Predjama Castle; past the Cathedral, across the many bridges and situated in the gaping mouth of a cavern halfway Price per person taking in the most famous sights along the way. up a cliff, this one of the most dramatically situated Tour price £1295 Afternoon at leisure before the evening performance fortresses seen anywhere. Return to Ljubljana for Club Europe flight upgrade from £300 at the National Opera and Ballet Theatre. the evening performance. Land-only tour price £1195 Deposit required £300 FRI 18 MAR Today we take a day excursion SUN 20 MAR Morning transfer to Zagreb airport Tour price includes: Flights and airport taxes, group transfers from and to airport and for included activities to stunning Lake Bled. The emerald waters, for your homeward journey. where applicable, accommodation, breakfast daily, two picture-postcard church on an islet and the lunches, one dinner, sightseeing tours as described including guides and entrance fees, first category ticket for each included Julian Alps as backdrop make this a must-see performance, opera synopses, restaurant guide and city notes, on any tour of Slovenia. Lunch will be the services of our local representative or tour manager.

NOËL AT THE SILVESTER IN BERLIN A VIENNESE NEW YEAR OPÉRA 28 December – 1 January Tour Code BER2 28 December – 1 January Tour Code VIE5 24 – 28 December Tour code: PAR2 Entertainment for the Silvester festivities includes The State Opera is in its finest element Our selection of performances include a Puccini’s La bohème at the Deutsche Oper and for the traditional New Year gala performance Christmas Day ballet Triple Bill, with works by two productions by the Staatsoper, performed of Johann Strauss’ Die Fledermaus, as well as Christopher Wheeldon, Wayne McGregor and at the Schiller Theatre; with presenting a festive performance of Rossini’s Pina Bausch in the Palais Garnier, Rudolf Nureyev’s Christopher Maltman in the title role and their La Cenerentola. Our tour also offers the chance classic La bayadère in the Opera Bastille, and new production of Verdi’s La traviata, conducted to attend the Vienna State Ballet’s production Bryn Terfel singing the role of Méphistophélès in the by , on New Year’s Day. of La fille mal Gardée. new production of Berlioz’ The Damnation of . From £1595 per person From £2595 per person From £1845 per person TWILIGHT OF THE GODS © CORY WEAVER/SAN FRANCISCO OPERA THE RING IN WASHINGTON DC 29 April – 8 May 2016 Tour Code: WAS1 The Washington National Opera presents their production of the Ring, directed by Artistic Director Francesca Zambello and conducted by Philippe Auguin. With a complementary sightseeing programme showcasing the best of Washington DC and the surrounding area, this is a great chance to experience the Ring Stateside. Please contact us as soon as possible to register your interest for this tour. Programme at the Kennedy Center 30 Apr 19.00 Inc

2 May 18.00 DIE WALKÜRE Inc

4 May 18.00 Inc

6 May 17.00 GÖTTERDÄMMERUNG Wagner Inc D: Francesca Zambello C: Philippe Auguin Cast: Alan Held (Wotan), Elisabeth Bishop (Fricka), Catherine Foster (Brünnhilde), Christopher Ventris (Siegmund), Meagan Miller (Sieglind), Raymond Aceto (Hunding), Daniel Brenna (Siegfried), David Cangelosi (Mime), Eric Halfvarson (Hagen)

Please note: tickets for this production can only be held until September 2015, so early booking is essential. FRI 29 APR Early afternoon arrival in Washington TUE 3 MAY Join your guide for an excursion to DC and transfer to the comfortable 4-star Westin Hillwood Mansion; we also see the elaborately Flights: British Airways Georgetown Hotel, located within walking distance landscaped Gardens. Lunch will be served before 29 Apr London Heathrow - Dulles Intl dep: 10.45 arr: 13.45 of the Kennedy Center. Welcome dinner in the hotel. returning to the city for the rest of the day at leisure. 7 May Dulles Intl - London Heathrow dep: 18.30 arr: 06.50* * Next-day arrival. Flight schedules are subject to alteration. SAT 30 APR Join your guide this morning for a tour WED 4 MAY This morning we visit Embassy Row, Flights from other UK airports can be arranged on request. by coach of the highlights of the city, including Washington Cathedral and the US Supreme Court. Capitol Hill, The White House, The Mall, The Lincoln Afternoon at leisure and early evening performance. Price per person Memorial and The Supreme Court. Lunch will be Tour price £3945 THU 5 MAY Today we make our way to the colonial Single room supplement £800 served at a local restaurant before the afternoon at town of Annapolis to visit the US Naval Academy World Traveller Plus upgrade from £795 leisure. Evening performance. and the Maryland State House. There will be free Land-only tour price £3425 Deposit required £800* SUN 1 MAY Today we take a full-day tour visiting the time for an independent lunch on the waterfront. *High deposit due to great demand for tickets, which require Arlington National Cemetery, George Washington’s immediate payment upon confirmation. FRI 6 MAY Farewell brunch at a local restaurant estate Mount Vernon and Reynolds Museum and Tour price includes: Flights and airport taxes, group before the late afternoon performance at the Education Center. Lunch is included in a local transfers from and to airport and for included activities Kennedy Center. where applicable, accommodation, breakfast daily, three restaurant during the tour. Return to Washington lunches, one brunch, one dinner, sightseeing tours as for a free evening. SAT 7 MAY Free morning and afternoon transfer to described including guides and entrance fees, first category ticket for each included performance, opera synopses, the airport for your homeward flight. restaurant guide and city notes, the services of our local MON 2 MAY Day at leisure and early evening representative or tour manager. performance. SUN 8 MAY Early morning arrival at Heathrow.

SPRING WAGNER IN SPAIN MALTA OPERA FESTIVAL THE BERLIN FESTTAGE 2 – 6 March Tour code: BCN1 14 – 18 March Tour Code MLA1 19 – 24 March Tour Code BER1 A new two-centre tour to vibrant Spain includes We are delighted to return to picturesque Two operas performed by the Staatsoper at a performance of Wagner’s Götterdämmerung Malta for their annual Opera Festival at the the Schiller Theatre, both conducted by Daniel at the Teatre del in Barcelona, and the historic Teatru Manoel in Valletta. Our visit Barenboim; Wagner’s with René Pape and option to attend a concert held in the stunning includes a performance of Gluck’s Orfeo ed Waltraud Meier amongst its distinguished cast, art nouveau Palau de la Musica. We continue Euridice, and a private recital in Mdina Cathedral, and a new production of Gluck’s Orfeo ed Euridice to regal Madrid to see the production of Das as well as the chance to discover some of the starring countertenor Bejun Mehta. We also attend Liebesverbot at the Teatro Real, and enjoy the treasures of this delightful island. recitals showcasing the unique artistry of tenor opportunity to meet a member of the opera cast. From £1275 per person and cellist Yo-Yo Ma. From £1695 per person From £1955 per person THE SALZBURG WHITSUN FESTIVAL 13 – 17 May 2016 Tour Code: SZG1 Programme 14 May 17.00 GIULIETTA E ROMEO Zingarelli £275 NEW PRODUCTION C: George Petrou Cast: Franco Fagioli, Ann Hallenberg, The Salzburg Whitsun Festival celebrates the Bogdan Mihai, Xavier Sabata, Dilyara Idrisova, Juan Sancho, 400th anniversary of the death of Shakespeare Armonia Atenea with a programme centred around the tale of star- Venue: Haus für Mozart Concert performance crossed lovers Romeo and Juliet. A performance of 15 May 15.00 WEST SIDE STORY Bernstein Inc West Side Story, starring Cecilia Bartoli and Norman D: Phil McKinley C: Gustavo Dudamel Reinhardt, is conducted by Gustavo Dudamel and Cast: Cecilia Bartoli, Norman Reinhardt, Simón Bolivar Orchestra accompanied by the world-renowned Simón Bolivar of Venezuela Orchestra of Venezuela. We also attend the Gala Venue: Felsenreitschule Concert starring Angela Gheorghiu and Juan Diego 16 May 16.00 GALAKONZERT Inc C: Adám Fischer Flórez, and offer the option to attend a concert Soprano: Angela Gheorghiu Tenor: Joan Diego Flórez, performance of Zingarelli’s Giulietta e Romeo. Benjamin Berheim Wiener Symphoniker Programme: Tchaikovsky Romeo und SALZBURG Juliet, Fantasie für Orchester in Form einer Ouvertüre, Bellini Excerpts from I Capuleti e I Montecchi, Gounod Excerpts from Roméo et Juliette FRI 13 MAY Afternoon arrival in Salzburg to Salzburg. This summer palace, built by Italian Venue: Grosses Festspielhaus check in at the 5-star Radisson Blu Hotel Altstadt, architect Santino Solari, was commissioned by Tickets will be confirmed in Autumn 2015. located in the heart of the Old Town. Welcome Markus Sittikus von Hohenems, prince-bishop to dinner in a local restaurant. Salzburg from 1612 to 1619. Enjoy the beautiful park Flights: British Airways with water-features and the ‘trick fountains’. Lunch 13 May London Gatwick - Salzburg dep: 13:30 arr: 16:30 SAT 14 MAY This morning join your guide for a will be served in a local restaurant before returning 17 May Salzburg - London Gatwick dep: 18:45 arr: 19:45 tour of Salzburg. Our tour along the theme ‘the city to Salzburg for the afternoon at leisure. Afternoon Flight schedules are subject to alteration. Flights from other is a stage’ will include visits to Mozart’s birthplace UK airports can be arranged on request. performance at the Grosses Festspielhaus. where the family lived from 1747 to 1773, and the Price per person cathedral where he was baptised. Afternoon at TUE 17 MAY Morning at leisure before the Tour price £2095 leisure. Optional evening performance at the mid-afternoon transfer to Salzburg airport for Single room supplement £380 Haus für Mozart. your homeward flight. Club Europe flight upgrade from £300 Land-only tour price £1990 SUN 15 MAY Today we will take a backstage Deposit required £500 tour of the festival houses, subject to rehearsal Tour price includes: Flights and airport taxes, group schedules. The remainder of the day is at leisure transfers from and to airport and for included activities where applicable, accommodation, breakfast daily, one for independent sightseeing before the afternoon lunch, one dinner, sightseeing tours as described including performance at the Felsenreitschule. guides and entrance fees, first or second category ticket for each included performance, opera synopses, restaurant MON 16 MAY Morning excursion to the CECILIA BARTOLI GUSTAVO DUDAMEL guide and city notes, the services of our local representative or tour manager. 17th-century Hellbrunn Palace outside

DRESDEN BAROQUE DAYS OPERA AND BALLET WAGNER AND 23 – 27 March Tour code: DRS1 IN ST PETERSBURG MUSSORGSKY IN The fascinating city of presents its 11 – 17 April Tour Code STP1 13 – 17 May Tour Code THU1 ‘Baroque Days’ festival with productions of The is renowned the world over The imposing Wartburg Castle in Eisenach presents Handel’s Giulio Cesare in Egitto, Alcina and for its spectacular opera and ballet productions. their traditional semi-staged performance of Orlando, all performed in the magnificent Our tour to the glorious city of St Petersburg, replete Wagner’s Tannhäuser in its original setting. We then . Our tour explores the musical with Imperial treasures, will combine performances make our first visit to the spa-town of Wiesbaden for history of the city. in the traditional theatre, the new venue Mariinsky a performance of Mussorgsky’s Boris Godunuv at the From £1595 per person II, and the Mariinsky Concert Hall for a musical Hessisches Staatheater, starring Matti Salminen in experience never to be forgotten. the title role. From £1895 per person From £1435 per person MARIA STUARDA BY THE POLISH NATIONAL OPERA CHOPIN AND OPERA IN WARSAW 19 – 23 May 2016 Tour Code: WRS1 A pilgrimage to ’s historic capital offers a feast of opera and music, including the Polish National Opera’s performances of Donizetti’s Maria Stuarda and Verdi’s . Our sightseeing excursions take in the most renowned sights of the city and its surroundings with a special emphasis Programme on Poland’s most prolific composer, 20 May PRIVATE PIANO CONCERT Inc Programme: Works by Chopin Frederyk Chopin, and we also attend a Venue: Palace tbc

private piano concert in one of Warsaw’s 21 May 19.00 MARIA STUARDA Donizetti Inc magnificent palaces. D: Moshe Leiser, Patrice Caurier C: Andriy Yurkevych Cast: Bernadetta Grabias, Cristina Giannelli, Anna Bernacka, Shalva Mukeria, Wojciech Gierlach, Łukasz Goliński Venue: Warsaw National Opera

22 May 18.00 AIDA Verdi Inc D: Roberto Lagana Manoli C: Patrick Fournillier THU 19 MAY Early afternoon arrival in Warsaw and beautifully restored Old Town Square. Cast: Mieczysław Milun, Lucrezia Garcia, Anna Lubańska, Rudy Park, transfer to the 5-star Hotel Bristol, located in the Afternoon at leisure and evening performance. Andrzej Dobber, Grzegorz Szostak historic city centre. Welcome dinner at the hotel. Venue: Warsaw National Opera SUN 22 MAY Today we make an excursion to FRI 20 MAY Join your guide this morning for the outskirts of Warsaw, where the beauty of Flights: British Airways a visit to the Frederyk Chopin Museum in the the Polish landscape is complemented by the 19 May London Heathrow - Warsaw dep: 14.00 arr: 17.25 beautiful Ostrogski Castle, which illustrates his charm of the old aristocratic residences. Our first 23 May Warsaw - London Heathrow dep: 12.20 arr: 14.00 life in a collection of correspondence, paintings stop is Zelazowa Wola, where we visit Chopin’s Flight schedules are subject to alteration. Flights from other UK airports can be arranged on request. and documents. Afternoon at leisure before the birthplace. We then continue to Nieborów, to see evening piano concert in one of Warsaw’s palaces, its sumptuous palace and Arkadia gardens based Price per person followed by dinner. on classical mythology. Lunch will be included Tour price £1395 in a local restaurant during the tour. Afternoon Single room supplement £260 SAT 21 MAY Join your guide for a walking tour Club Europe flight upgrade from £250 at leisure before the evening performance at the of the Old Town, stunningly rebuilt and now a Land-only tour price £1300 National Opera. haven for the artistic life of the city. The Royal Deposit required £400 Tour price includes: Flights and airport taxes, group Route is the most beautiful avenue in Warsaw MON 23 MAY Morning transfer to the airport for transfers from and to airport and for included activities and we will visit the most important sites of your homeward flight. where applicable, accommodation, breakfast daily, one lunch, interest here. We continue to the Royal Castle, two dinners, sightseeing tours as described including guides and entrance fees, first-category ticket for each included the medieval residence presiding over the performance, opera synopses, restaurant guide and city notes, the services of our local representative or tour manager.

THE WAGNER VERDI IN VIENNA THE RING IN LEEDS FESTTAGE IN 23 – 26 May Tour Code VIE1 24 – 30 May Tour Code LEE1 19 – 23 May Tour code: LEI1 A host of operatic stars gather at the Vienna Staged by Peter Mumford, this award-winning Leipzig, birthplace of in 1813, State Opera this spring for performances of and compelling production, designed especially presents its Spring Festtage dedicated to the three of Verdi’s masterpieces. Plácido Domingo for the concert hall, places the 100-strong works of its patron composer. This year our tour sings the role of George Germont in in Jean- orchestra on the stage with singers including includes the chance to see Wagner’s early operas François Sivadier’s production of La traviata, Giselle Allen, Susan Bickley, Michael Druiett Das Liebesverbot and Die Feen, and culminates while Dmitri Hvorostovsky and Ramón Vargas and Lee Bisset, conducted by Opera North’s with a performance of Rienzi on Wagner’s actual take the title roles in and music director Richard Farnes. The tour will be birthday on 22 May. Don Carlo respectively. accompanied by our lecturer Simon Rees. From £1395 per person From £2195 per person | Tour on request From £1395 per person THE DUTCH NATIONAL OPERA’S 50TH ANNIVERSARY 29 June – 2 July 2016 Tour Code: AMS1

BY RAIL & NEW PRODUCTION

The Dutch National Opera celebrates their 50th anniversary in the 2015/16 Season. We travel by rail to the vibrant city of Amsterdam Programme at De Nederlandse Opera to see their new production of Tchaikovsky’s 30 Jun 19.30 PIQUE DAME Tchaikovsky Inc Pique Dame, and attend the Anniversary concert D: Stefan Herheim C: Marriss Jansons Cast: Misha Didyk, Alexey Markov, starring soprano Eva-Maria Westbroek. Vladimir Stoyanov, Andrei Popov, Andrei Goniukov, Mikhail Makarov, Anatoly Sivko, Morschi Franz, Larissa Diadkova, Svetlana Ignatovich, Anna Goryachova, Maria Fiselier, Pelageya Kurennaya, Olga Savova New production

AMSTERDAM CANAL 1 Jul 20.00 ANNIVERSARY CONCERT Inc Soprano: Eva-Maria Westbroek C: Jaap van Zweden Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra WED 29 JUN Mid afternoon arrival in to the Opera for the Anniversary Concert, a Programme: Berlioz Death of Cleopatra, R Strauss Final Song Amsterdam, and transfer to the 4-star Park fitting end to the tour and the Dutch National from Hotel located in the heart of the museum Opera’s anniversary celebrations. district, close to the Rijksmuseum. Welcome Rail: Eurostar and Thalys SAT 2 JUL Morning transfer to Amsterdam dinner in a local restaurant. 29 Jun London St Pancras - Midi dep: 08.55 arr: 12.05 station for your homeward rail journey. Brussels Midi - Amsterdam dep: 12.52 arr: 14.42 THU 30 JUN Join your guide for a morning 2 Jul Amsterdam - Brussels Midi dep: 10.17 arr: 12.08 walking tour of Amsterdam, seeing many of the Brussels Midi - London St Pancras dep: 12.52 arr: 14.05 Rail schedules are subject to alteration. Flights from UK well-known sights and including the Rembrandt airports can be arranged on request. House, a 17th century building which contains an almost complete set of his world-famous Price per person etchings. Free afternoon before transferring to Tour Price £1345 the Opera for the evening performance. Single room supplement £285 Land-only tour price £1240 FRI 1 JUL Today we visit the Rijksmuseum, one Deposit required £450 of the major art museums which contains many Tour price includes: Rail travel, group transfers from and to station and for included performances where applicable, examples of Dutch and world art. A farewell lunch accommodation, breakfast daily, one lunch, one dinner, will be served in a local restaurant before the sightseeing tours as described including guides and entrance fees, first category ticket to each included performance, afternoon at leisure. In the evening we transfer DUTCH NATIONAL OPERA opera synopses, restaurant guide and city notes, the services of our local representative or tour manager.

THE RING IN LEIPZIG 27 June – 4 July Tour code: LEI2 The Wagner festivities are a highlight each summer 2016 à la carte year in the historic city of Leipzig and our tour We are currently planning for the 2016 Summer Our à la Carte service is designed for those includes a full cycle of their new Ring production Festivals Season, and our brochure featuring wishing to travel independently. We tailor your by Rosamund Gilmore, the first part of which the best of the opera, classical music and dance itineraries to your specification, for the time you was unveiled during the 200th anniversary performances on offer will be with you in December. wish to travel. celebrations in 2013. Ulf Schirmer leads the Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any For more details, please contact Mark Saunsbury international cast, accompanied by suggestions for destinations or festivals which you on +44 20 8799 8354, or email [email protected] the Gewandhaus Orchestra. would like to visit. From £2195 per person GÖTTERDÄMMERUNG © BETTINA STOLZ THE RING IN BERLIN 12 – 18 April 2017 Tour Code: BER1 We are delighted to present the opportunity to pre-book for Götz Friedrich’s iconic production of the Ring which returns to the Deutsche Oper for the last time in 2017. Our Easter performances boast an impressive cast including Samuel Youn, Thomas Johannes Mayer, Evelyn Herlitzius, Eva-Maria Westbroek, Ricarda Merbeth and Stefan Vinke. This tour is sure to be extremely popular, so early booking is essential.

Programme at the Deutsche Oper 13 Apr 19.30 DAS RHEINGOLD Inc

14 Apr 17.00 DIE WALKÜRE Inc

15 Apr 17.00 SIEGFRIED Inc

17 Apr 16.00 GÖTTERDÄMMERUNG Wagner Inc WED 12 APR Late afternoon arrival in Berlin SUN 16 APR Join your guide for an excursion D: Götz Friedrich C: Donald Runnicles and transfer to the comfortable 4-star Hotel to the Sanssouci Park in Potsdam. We take a Cast includes: Samuel Youn and Thomas Johannes Mayer (Wotan), Residenz, a traditional boutique-hotel located guided tour of Sanssouci Palace, followed by Daniela Sindram (Fricka), Evelyn just off the Kurfürstendamm. Welcome dinner lunch in a local restaurant. In the afternoon Herlitzius and Ricarda Merbeth (Brünnhilde), Brandon Jovanovich in a local restaurant. we visit Cecilienhof, the country mansion where (Siegmund), Eva-Maria Westbroek Truman, Atlee and Stalin drew up the 1945 (Sieglind), Tobias Kehrer (Hunding), THU 13 APR This morning join your guide for a Stefan Vinke (Siegfried), Burkhard Ulrich Potsdam Agreement that ended World War II. tour of East Berlin. Afternoon at leisure. Transfer (Mime), Albert Pesendorfer (Hagen) Return to Berlin for the evening at leisure. to the evening performance at the Deutsche Oper. Please note: tickets for this production can only be held until the end of 2015 so early booking is essential. MON 17 APR Morning city tour of West Berlin, FRI 14 APR This morning we visit the Musical with lunch served in a local restaurant. Early Flights: British Airways Instruments Museum which includes a portable afternoon at leisure before the transfer to the harpsichord once owned by Prussia’s Queen 12 Apr London Heathrow - Berlin Tegel dep: 13.15 arr: 16.00 mid-afternoon performance. 18 Apr Berlin Tegel - London Heathrow dep: 14.30 arr: 15.30 Sophie Charlotte, flutes from the collection of Flight schedules are subject to alteration. Flights from other UK Frederick the Great, and Benjamin Franklin’s glass TUE 18 APR Mid-morning transfer to airports can be arranged on request. harmonica. Transfer to the Deutsche Oper for the Tegel Airport for your homeward flight. Price per person late afternoon performance. Tour price £2495 SAT 15 APR Day free for independent exploration of Single room supplement £210 the city. Transfer to the late afternoon performance. Club Europe flight upgrade from £300 Land-only tour price £2365 Deposit required £1000* *High deposit due to great demand for tickets, which require immediate payment upon confirmation. 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 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.

“Of the many 'Rings' that I have seen, the Götz Friedrich production in Berlin must stand out as one of the best. The 'Time Tunnel' staging was innovative and very impressive. It would be a pity to miss this performance, even if one has seen it before.”

DIE WALKÜRE © BETTINA STOLZ Patrick Mylon, TFA Tour Manager SIEGFRIED © BETTINA STOLZ TRAVELFOR THE ARTS

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