LIBRETTO TRAVEL FOR THE ARTSAUTUMN 2015

www.travelforthearts.com+44 20 8799 8350 tfa@stlon.com

In the panel along the bottom of each tour page, wealso 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 tfa@stlon.comfor more information and to reserve your place.

welcome to the world of

OPERA, DANCE CLASSICAL MUSIC HOLIDAYSWelcome 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 Milan to hear Plácido Domingo sing I due Foscari, to Warsaw for a tour celebrating opera and Polish national composer Chopin, and to Amsterdam 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 Berlin 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.

PUBLICITY IMAGE FOR THE NEW PRODUCTION

OF PIQUE DAME BY THE DUTCH NATIONAL

OPERA © PETROVSKY & RAMONE

MON 28 DEC Afternoon arrival in Milan and transfer to Cremona by coach (approx. 1 hour and 30 minutes) to check in at the central family-run 3-star Hotel Astoria, just 300m from the Duomo. Welcome dinner in a local restaurant.

TUE 29 DEC Join your guide for a walking tour of the highlights of Cremona city centre. We visit the Museo del Violino where we hear a short demonstration of one of its historic Stradivarius violins. We continue to a violin- maker’s atelier to see how the instruments are made. The afternoon is at leisure. In the evening we transfer to Piacenza for the performance; drinks and canapés will be served at the Opera during the evening. Return to Cremona by coach after the performance.

WED 30 DEC Today we follow in the footsteps of Verdi, visiting the Villa S. Agata, the country

retreat built by the composer after he had achieved international fame. We continue to Busseto where he studied as a young man. After lunch in a local restaurant we see the Teatro Verdi, built in his honour, and Casa Barezzi, home of Verdi’s patron Antonio Barezzi and the venue for his first public performances. Return to Cremona for a free evening.

THU 31 DEC This morning we take a guided tour (subject to availability) of Cremona’s Teatro Ponchielli, originally built in 1747. The early afternoon is at leisure before our transfer to Piacenza for the late afternoon New Year’s Eve concert. This is followed by a celebratory New Year dinner at the Rocca di Soragna with live music. Return to Cremona by coach after midnight.

FRI 1 JAN Late morning transfer to Milan airport for your homeward flight.

CAPODANNO IN CREMONA AND PIACENZA28 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.

THE VERDI FESTIVAL IN PARMA16 – 21 October Tour code: PAR1We visit Verdi’s homeland for Otello and Il Corsaro in the opulent Teatro Regio in Parma, and the option to attend a production of Rigoletto in the intimate Teatro Regio in Busseto. These performances are combined with visits of the surrounding area, including Verdi’s birthplace in Roncole.

From £1795 per person | Tour on request

SCINTILLATING SICILY 20 – 24 October Tour code: SIC1We return to the spectacular island of Sicily for the premiere of Mozart’s Die Zauberflöte in the Teatro Massimo in Palermo, and a performance of Verdi’s Rigoletto in Catania. The tour includes sightseeing of some of the treasures of the isle, and will be led by our expert lecturer Simon Rees.

From £1795 per person

WEXFORD FESTIVAL OPERA29 October – 2 November Tour code: WEX1 The annual Wexford Festival Opera is renowned for its fascinating programme of lesser-known operas. This year the Theatre Royal presents performances of Delius’ Koanga, Mascagni’s Guglielmo Ratcliff, and Le Pré aux clercs, an opera comique by Ferdinand Hérold. There will also be the opportunity to book for some of the pre-performance talks.

From £1495 per person

Programme at Teatro Municipale di Piacenza29 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 C: Vito Lombardi Mezzo-soprano: Anna Maria Chiuri Filarmonica Arturo Toscanini Coro del Teatro Municipale di Piacenza Programme: Works by Verdi, Bizet, Ponchielli, Offenbach, J Strauss and Suppé

Flights: British Airways28 Dec London Heathrow - Milan Linate dep: 12:50 arr: 15:50 1 Jan Milan Linate - 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 personTour price £1675Single room supplement £100Club Europe flight upgrade from £450Land only tour price £1475Deposit required £350Tour price includes: Flights and airport taxes, group transfers from and to airport and for included activities where applicable, accommodation, breakfast daily, one 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, opera synopses, restaurant guide and city notes, the services of our local representative or tour manager.

CREMONA

CHRISTMAS MARKETS IN NUREMBERG26 – 30 November Tour code: NUR1

The traditional Christmas Markets in the charming city of Nuremberg are a highlight of this advent opera weekend. They decorate and infuse the city with festive handicrafts and spices, while the Staatstheater Nürnberg presents performances of Puccini’s La bohème and Wagner’s Götterdämmerung for a pre-Christmas treat.

From £1395 per person

CHRISTMAS IN BUDAPEST23 – 27 December Tour code: BUD2A festive feast of Puccini is served up in this Christmas tour to the historic Hungarian capital. La bohème at the wonderfully opulent State Opera House is joined by a double-bill of Suor Angelica and Gianni Schicchi at the more modern Erkel Theatre. With an added ballet performance of The Nutcracker, this tour is a feast for the senses.

From £1545 per person | No single supplement

AN ALPINE CHRISTMAS24 – 28 December Tour code: ALP1We celebrate Christmas this year in 5-star style with a two-centre holiday in the picturesque Austrian Alps. Salzburg presents a festive classical concert in the stunning Mozarteum. We then continue the festivities in charming Innsbruck with two performances in the Landestheater; Puccini’s Turandot and Johann Strauss’ Die Fledermaus.

From £1695 per person

TUE 8 MAR Afternoon arrival in Milan and check in at the 4-star Hotel de la Ville, located in the heart of the city very close to the Duomo, Teatro alla Scala and the Via Montenapoleone. In the evening we transfer to our welcome buffet dinner at Casa Giulini in the city centre. Owned by Fernanda Giulini, a trained pianist and entrepreneur, the house contains a selection of her extensive collection of antique musical instruments, some of which have been lent to institutions including Teatro alla Scala to be used in their performances.

WED 9 MAR Today is at leisure for your own exploration of cosmopolitan Milan. Evening performance at Teatro alla Scala.

THU 10 MAR Morning at leisure for last-minute shopping and sightseeing. Afternoon transfer to the airport for your homeward journey.

Programme9 Mar 20.00 I DUE FOSCARI Verdi Inc D: Alvis Hermanis C: Michele Mariotti Cast: Plácido Domingo, Francesco Meli,

Anna Pirozzi, Andrea Concetti, Edoardo Milletti, Chiara Isotton Venue: Teatro alla Scala New production

Flights: British Airways8 Mar London Heathrow - Milan Linate dep: 12.50 arr: 15.5010 Mar Milan Linate - London Heathrow dep: 16.35 arr: 17.30 Flight schedules are subject to alteration. Flights from other airports can be arranged on request.

Price per personTour price £1145Single room supplement £180Club Europe flight upgrade from £450Land-only tour price £990Deposit required £350Tour price includes: Flights and airport taxes, group transfers from and to airport and for included activities where applicable, accommodation, breakfast daily, one buffet 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.

PLÁCIDO DOMINGO AT LA SCALA 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.

TEATRO ALLA SCALA

PLÁCIDO DOMINGO

DISCOVER SLOVENIA16 – 20 March 2016 Tour Code: LJU1

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.

SILVESTER IN BERLIN28 December – 1 January Tour Code BER2Entertainment for the Silvester festivities includes Puccini’s La bohème at the Deutsche Oper and two productions by the Staatsoper, performed at the Schiller Theatre; Don Giovanni with Christopher Maltman in the title role and their new production of Verdi’s La traviata, conducted by Daniel Barenboim, on New Year’s Day.

From £1595 per person

A VIENNESE NEW YEAR28 December – 1 January Tour Code VIE5The Vienna State Opera is in its finest element for the traditional New Year gala performance of Johann Strauss’ Die Fledermaus, as well as presenting a festive performance of Rossini’s La Cenerentola. Our tour also offers the chance to attend the Vienna State Ballet’s production of La fille mal Gardée.

From £2595 per person

NOËL AT THE PARIS OPÉRA24 – 28 December Tour code: PAR2Our selection of performances include a Christmas Day ballet Triple Bill, with works by Christopher Wheeldon, Wayne McGregor and Pina Bausch in the Palais Garnier, Rudolf Nureyev’s classic La bayadère in the Opera Bastille, and Bryn Terfel singing the role of Méphistophélès in the new production of Berlioz’ The Damnation of Faust.

From £1845 per person

Programme at the Slovenian 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 D: Jernej Lorenci C: Jaroslav Kyzlink Cast: Darko Vidic, Jože Vidic,

Mojca Bitenc, Norina Radovan, Martina Zadro, Urška Arlič Gololičič, Karina Oganjan

Flights: British Airways16 Mar London Heathrow - Zagreb dep: 08:30 arr: 11:5020 Mar Zagreb – London Heathrow dep: 12:35 arr: 14:10Flight schedules are subject to alteration. Flights from other UK airports can be arranged on request.

Price per personTour price £1295Club Europe flight upgrade from £300Land-only tour price £1195Deposit required £300Tour 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.

WED 16 MAR Midday arrival at Zagreb airport, and transfer to Ljubljana (approx. 2 hours by coach) to check in at the 4-star Best Western Premier Hotel Slon, located in the heart of the city and just a few minutes walk from the Opera. Welcome dinner in the hotel or a local restaurant.

THU 17 MAR Join your guide this morning for a walking tour of the beautiful city of Ljubljana, starting at the Baroque Town Hall and continuing past the Cathedral, across the many bridges and taking in the most famous sights along the way. Afternoon at leisure before the evening performance at the National Opera and Ballet Theatre.

FRI 18 MAR Today we take a day excursion to stunning Lake Bled. The emerald waters, picture-postcard church on an islet and the Julian Alps as backdrop make this a must-see on any tour of Slovenia. Lunch will be

included during the tour, before returning to Ljubljana for an evening at leisure.

SAT 19 MAR This morning we take a half-day excursion to the Postojna Caves and Predjama Castle, with lunch included. The Postojna Caves have been known for centuries, but the inner parts, not explored until 1818, display a multitude of stalactites, stalagmites in a variety of shapes and sizes. During the tour we also visit Predjama Castle; situated in the gaping mouth of a cavern halfway up a cliff, this one of the most dramatically situated fortresses seen anywhere. Return to Ljubljana for the evening performance.

SUN 20 MAR Morning transfer to Zagreb airport for your homeward journey.

LJUBLJANA

LAKE BLED

NO SINGLE SUPPLEMENT&NEW DESTINATION

FRI 29 APR Early afternoon arrival in Washington DC and transfer to the comfortable 4-star Westin Georgetown Hotel, located within walking distance of the Kennedy Center. Welcome dinner in the hotel.

SAT 30 APR Join your guide this morning for a tour by coach of the highlights of the city, including Capitol Hill, The White House, The Mall, The Lincoln Memorial and The Supreme Court. Lunch will be served at a local restaurant before the afternoon at leisure. Evening performance.

SUN 1 MAY Today we take a full-day tour visiting the Arlington National Cemetery, George Washington’s estate Mount Vernon and Reynolds Museum and Education Center. Lunch is included in a local restaurant during the tour. Return to Washington for a free evening.

MON 2 MAY Day at leisure and early evening performance.

TUE 3 MAY Join your guide for an excursion to Hillwood Mansion; we also see the elaborately landscaped Gardens. Lunch will be served before returning to the city for the rest of the day at leisure.

WED 4 MAY This morning we visit Embassy Row, Washington Cathedral and the US Supreme Court. Afternoon at leisure and early evening performance.

THU 5 MAY Today we make our way to the colonial town of Annapolis to visit the US Naval Academy and the Maryland State House. There will be free time for an independent lunch on the waterfront.

FRI 6 MAY Farewell brunch at a local restaurant before the late afternoon performance at the Kennedy Center.

SAT 7 MAY Free morning and afternoon transfer to the airport for your homeward flight.

SUN 8 MAY Early morning arrival at Heathrow.

MALTA OPERA FESTIVAL14 – 18 March Tour Code MLA1We are delighted to return to picturesque Malta for their annual Opera Festival at the historic Teatru Manoel in Valletta. Our visit includes a performance of Gluck’s Orfeo ed Euridice, and a private recital in Mdina Cathedral, as well as the chance to discover some of the treasures of this delightful island.

From £1275 per person

THE BERLIN FESTTAGE19 – 24 March Tour Code BER1Two operas performed by the Staatsoper at the Schiller Theatre, both conducted by Daniel Barenboim; Wagner’s Parsifal with René Pape and Waltraud Meier amongst its distinguished cast, and a new production of Gluck’s Orfeo ed Euridice starring countertenor Bejun Mehta. We also attend recitals showcasing the unique artistry of tenor Jonas Kaufmann and cellist Yo-Yo Ma.

From £1955 per person

THE RING IN WASHINGTON DC29 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 DAS RHEINGOLD Inc

2 May 18.00 DIE WALKÜRE Inc

4 May 18.00 SIEGFRIED 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.

Flights: British Airways29 Apr London Heathrow - Dulles Intl dep: 10.45 arr: 13.45

7 May Dulles Intl - London Heathrow dep: 18.30 arr: 06.50** Next-day arrival. Flight schedules are subject to alteration. Flights from other UK airports can be arranged on request.

Price per personTour price £3945Single room supplement £800World Traveller Plus upgrade from £795Land-only tour price £3425Deposit required £800**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, three lunches, one brunch, 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.

SPRING WAGNER IN SPAIN2 – 6 March Tour code: BCN1A new two-centre tour to vibrant Spain includes a performance of Wagner’s Götterdämmerung at the Teatre del Liceu in Barcelona, and the option to attend a concert held in the stunning art nouveau Palau de la Musica. We continue to regal Madrid to see the production of Das Liebesverbot at the Teatro Real, and enjoy the opportunity to meet a member of the opera cast.

From £1695 per person

TWILIGHT OF THE GODS © CORY WEAVER/SAN FRANCISCO OPERA

THE SALZBURG WHITSUN FESTIVAL 13 – 17 May 2016 Tour Code: SZG1

NEW PRODUCTION

The Salzburg Whitsun Festival celebrates the 400th anniversary of the death of Shakespeare with a programme centred around the tale of star-crossed lovers Romeo and Juliet. A performance of West Side Story, starring Cecilia Bartoli and Norman Reinhardt, is conducted by Gustavo Dudamel and accompanied by the world-renowned Simón Bolivar Orchestra of Venezuela. We also attend the Gala Concert starring Angela Gheorghiu and Juan Diego Flórez, and offer the option to attend a concert performance of Zingarelli’s Giulietta e Romeo.

FRI 13 MAY Afternoon arrival in Salzburg to check in at the 5-star Radisson Blu Hotel Altstadt, located in the heart of the Old Town. Welcome dinner in a local restaurant.

SAT 14 MAY This morning join your guide for a tour of Salzburg. Our tour along the theme ‘the city is a stage’ will include visits to Mozart’s birthplace where the family lived from 1747 to 1773, and the cathedral where he was baptised. Afternoon at leisure. Optional evening performance at the Haus für Mozart.

SUN 15 MAY Today we will take a backstage tour of the festival houses, subject to rehearsal schedules. The remainder of the day is at leisure for independent sightseeing before the afternoon performance at the Felsenreitschule.

MON 16 MAY Morning excursion to the 17th-century Hellbrunn Palace outside

Salzburg. This summer palace, built by Italian architect Santino Solari, was commissioned by Markus Sittikus von Hohenems, prince-bishop to Salzburg from 1612 to 1619. Enjoy the beautiful park with water-features and the ‘trick fountains’. Lunch will be served in a local restaurant before returning to Salzburg for the afternoon at leisure. Afternoon performance at the Grosses Festspielhaus.

TUE 17 MAY Morning at leisure before the mid-afternoon transfer to Salzburg airport for your homeward flight.

OPERA AND BALLET IN ST PETERSBURG11 – 17 April Tour Code STP1The Mariinsky Theatre is renowned the world over for its spectacular opera and ballet productions. Our tour to the glorious city of St Petersburg, replete with Imperial treasures, will combine performances in the traditional theatre, the new venue Mariinsky II, and the Mariinsky Concert Hall for a musical experience never to be forgotten.

From £1895 per person

WAGNER AND MUSSORGSKY IN GERMANY13 – 17 May Tour Code THU1The imposing Wartburg Castle in Eisenach presents their traditional semi-staged performance of Wagner’s Tannhäuser in its original setting. We then make our first visit to the spa-town of Wiesbaden for a performance of Mussorgsky’s Boris Godunuv at the Hessisches Staatheater, starring Matti Salminen in the title role.

From £1435 per person

DRESDEN BAROQUE DAYS23 – 27 March Tour code: DRS1The fascinating city of Dresden presents its ‘Baroque Days’ festival with productions of Handel’s Giulio Cesare in Egitto, Alcina and Orlando, all performed in the magnificent Semperoper. Our tour explores the musical history of the city.

From £1595 per person

Programme14 May 17.00 GIULIETTA E ROMEO Zingarelli £275 C: George Petrou Cast: Franco Fagioli, Ann Hallenberg,

Bogdan Mihai, Xavier Sabata, Dilyara Idrisova, Juan Sancho, Armonia Atenea Venue: Haus für Mozart Concert performance

15 May 15.00 WEST SIDE STORY Bernstein Inc D: Phil McKinley C: Gustavo Dudamel Cast: Cecilia Bartoli, Norman

Reinhardt, Simón Bolivar Orchestra of Venezuela Venue: Felsenreitschule

16 May 16.00 GALAKONZERT Inc C: Adám Fischer Soprano: Angela Gheorghiu Tenor: Joan Diego Flórez, Benjamin Berheim Wiener Symphoniker Programme: Tchaikovsky Romeo und Juliet, Fantasie für Orchester in Form einer Ouvertüre, Bellini Excerpts from I Capuleti e I Montecchi, Gounod Excerpts from Roméo et Juliette Venue: Grosses Festspielhaus

Tickets will be confirmed in Autumn 2015.

Flights: British Airways13 May London Gatwick - Salzburg dep: 13:30 arr: 16:3017 May Salzburg - London Gatwick dep: 18:45 arr: 19:45Flight schedules are subject to alteration. Flights from other UK airports can be arranged on request.

Price per personTour price £2095Single room supplement £380Club Europe flight upgrade from £300Land-only tour price £1990Deposit required £500Tour price includes: Flights and airport taxes, group transfers from and to airport and for included activities where applicable, accommodation, breakfast daily, one lunch, one dinner, sightseeing tours as described including guides and entrance fees, first or second category ticket for each included performance, opera synopses, restaurant guide and city notes, the services of our local representative or tour manager.

GUSTAVO DUDAMELCECILIA BARTOLI

SALZBURG

VERDI IN VIENNA23 – 26 May Tour Code VIE1A host of operatic stars gather at the Vienna State Opera this spring for performances of three of Verdi’s masterpieces. Plácido Domingo sings the role of George Germont in in Jean-François Sivadier’s production of La traviata, while Dmitri Hvorostovsky and Ramón Vargas take the title roles in Simon Boccanegra and Don Carlo respectively.

From £2195 per person | Tour on request

THE RING IN LEEDS24 – 30 May Tour Code LEE1Staged by Peter Mumford, this award-winning and compelling production, designed especially for the concert hall, places the 100-strong orchestra on the stage with singers including Giselle Allen, Susan Bickley, Michael Druiett and Lee Bisset, conducted by Opera North’s music director Richard Farnes. The tour will be accompanied by our lecturer Simon Rees.

From £1395 per person

CHOPIN AND OPERA IN WARSAW19 – 23 May 2016 Tour Code: WRS1

A pilgrimage to Poland’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 Aida. Our sightseeing excursions take in the most renowned sights of the city and its surroundings with a special emphasis on Poland’s most prolific composer, Frederyk Chopin, and we also attend a private piano concert in one of Warsaw’s magnificent palaces.

THU 19 MAY Early afternoon arrival in Warsaw and transfer to the 5-star Hotel Bristol, located in the historic city centre. Welcome dinner at the hotel.

FRI 20 MAY Join your guide this morning for a visit to the Frederyk Chopin Museum in the beautiful Ostrogski Castle, which illustrates his life in a collection of correspondence, paintings and documents. Afternoon at leisure before the evening piano concert in one of Warsaw’s palaces, followed by dinner.

SAT 21 MAY Join your guide for a walking tour of the Old Town, stunningly rebuilt and now a haven for the artistic life of the city. The Royal Route is the most beautiful avenue in Warsaw and we will visit the most important sites of interest here. We continue to the Royal Castle, the medieval residence presiding over the

beautifully restored Old Town Square. Afternoon at leisure and evening performance.

SUN 22 MAY Today we make an excursion to the outskirts of Warsaw, where the beauty of the Polish landscape is complemented by the charm of the old aristocratic residences. Our first stop is Zelazowa Wola, where we visit Chopin’s birthplace. We then continue to Nieborów, to see its sumptuous palace and Arkadia gardens based on classical mythology. Lunch will be included in a local restaurant during the tour. Afternoon at leisure before the evening performance at the National Opera.

MON 23 MAY Morning transfer to the airport for your homeward flight.

Programme20 May PRIVATE PIANO CONCERT Inc Programme: Works by Chopin Venue: Palace tbc

21 May 19.00 MARIA STUARDA Donizetti Inc 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 Cast: Mieczysław Milun, Lucrezia Garcia, Anna Lubańska, Rudy Park, Andrzej Dobber, Grzegorz Szostak Venue: Warsaw National Opera

Flights: British Airways19 May London Heathrow - Warsaw dep: 14.00 arr: 17.25

23 May Warsaw - London Heathrow dep: 12.20 arr: 14.00Flight schedules are subject to alteration. Flights from other UK airports can be arranged on request.

Price per personTour price £1395Single room supplement £260Club Europe flight upgrade from £250Land-only tour price £1300Deposit required £400Tour price includes: Flights and airport taxes, group transfers from and to airport and for included activities where applicable, accommodation, breakfast daily, one lunch, two 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.

THE WAGNER FESTTAGE IN LEIPZIG19 – 23 May Tour code: LEI1Leipzig, birthplace of Richard Wagner in 1813, presents its Spring Festtage dedicated to the works of its patron composer. This year our tour includes the chance to see Wagner’s early operas Das Liebesverbot and Die Feen, and culminates with a performance of Rienzi on Wagner’s actual birthday on 22 May.

From £1395 per person

MARIA STUARDA BY THE POLISH NATIONAL OPERA

THE DUTCH NATIONAL OPERA’S 50TH ANNIVERSARY 29 June – 2 July 2016 Tour Code: AMS1

BY RAIL

The Dutch National Opera celebrates their 50th anniversary in the 2015/16 Season. We travel by rail to the vibrant city of Amsterdam to see their new production of Tchaikovsky’s Pique Dame, and attend the Anniversary concert starring soprano Eva-Maria Westbroek.

WED 29 JUN Mid afternoon arrival in Amsterdam, and transfer to the 4-star Park Hotel located in the heart of the museum district, close to the Rijksmuseum. Welcome dinner in a local restaurant.

THU 30 JUN Join your guide for a morning walking tour of Amsterdam, seeing many of the well-known sights and including the Rembrandt House, a 17th century building which contains an almost complete set of his world-famous etchings. Free afternoon before transferring to the Opera for the evening performance.

FRI 1 JUL Today we visit the Rijksmuseum, one of the major art museums which contains many examples of Dutch and world art. A farewell lunch will be served in a local restaurant before the afternoon at leisure. In the evening we transfer

to the Opera for the Anniversary Concert, a fitting end to the tour and the Dutch National Opera’s anniversary celebrations.

SAT 2 JUL Morning transfer to Amsterdam station for your homeward rail journey.

Programme at De Nederlandse Opera30 Jun 19.30 PIQUE DAME Tchaikovsky Inc D: Stefan Herheim C: Marriss Jansons Cast: Misha Didyk, Alexey Markov,

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

1 Jul 20.00 ANNIVERSARY CONCERT Inc Soprano: Eva-Maria Westbroek C: Jaap van Zweden

Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra Programme: Berlioz Death of Cleopatra, R Strauss Final Song from Salome

Rail: Eurostar and Thalys29 Jun London St Pancras - Brussels Midi dep: 08.55 arr: 12.05 Brussels Midi - Amsterdam dep: 12.52 arr: 14.422 Jul Amsterdam - Brussels Midi dep: 10.17 arr: 12.08 Brussels Midi - London St Pancras dep: 12.52 arr: 14.05Rail schedules are subject to alteration. Flights from UK airports can be arranged on request.

Price per personTour Price £1345Single room supplement £285Land-only tour price £1240Deposit required £450Tour price includes: Rail travel, group transfers from and to station and for included performances where applicable, accommodation, breakfast daily, one lunch, one dinner, sightseeing tours as described including guides and entrance fees, first category ticket to each included performance, opera synopses, restaurant guide and city notes, the services of our local representative or tour manager.

THE RING IN LEIPZIG27 June – 4 July Tour code: LEI2The Wagner festivities are a highlight each year in the historic city of Leipzig and our tour includes a full cycle of their new Ring production by Rosamund Gilmore, the first part of which was unveiled during the 200th anniversary celebrations in 2013. Ulf Schirmer leads the international cast, accompanied by the Gewandhaus Orchestra.

From £2195 per person

à la carteOur à la Carte service is designed for those wishing to travel independently. We tailor your itineraries to your specification, for the time you wish to travel.

For more details, please contact Mark Saunsbury on +44 20 8799 8354, or email tfa@stlon.com

summer 2016We are currently planning for the 2016 Summer Festivals Season, and our brochure featuring the best of the opera, classical music and dance performances on offer will be with you in December.

Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any suggestions for destinations or festivals which you would like to visit.

DUTCH NATIONAL OPERA

AMSTERDAM CANAL

NEW PRODUCTION&

THE RING IN BERLIN12 – 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.

WED 12 APR Late afternoon arrival in Berlin and transfer to the comfortable 4-star Hotel Residenz, a traditional boutique-hotel located just off the Kurfürstendamm. Welcome dinner in a local restaurant.

THU 13 APR This morning join your guide for a tour of East Berlin. Afternoon at leisure. Transfer to the evening performance at the Deutsche Oper.

FRI 14 APR This morning we visit the Musical Instruments Museum which includes a portable harpsichord once owned by Prussia’s Queen Sophie Charlotte, flutes from the collection of Frederick the Great, and Benjamin Franklin’s glass harmonica. Transfer to the Deutsche Oper for the late afternoon performance.

SAT 15 APR Day free for independent exploration of the city. Transfer to the late afternoon performance.

SUN 16 APR Join your guide for an excursion to the Sanssouci Park in Potsdam. We take a guided tour of Sanssouci Palace, followed by lunch in a local restaurant. In the afternoon we visit Cecilienhof, the country mansion where Truman, Atlee and Stalin drew up the 1945 Potsdam Agreement that ended World War II. Return to Berlin for the evening at leisure.

MON 17 APR Morning city tour of West Berlin, with lunch served in a local restaurant. Early afternoon at leisure before the transfer to the mid-afternoon performance.

TUE 18 APR Mid-morning transfer to Tegel Airport for your homeward flight.

GÖTTERDÄMMERUNG © BETTINA STOLZ

DIE WALKÜRE © BETTINA STOLZ

“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.”

Patrick Mylon, TFA Tour Manager

Programme at the Deutsche Oper13 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 D: Götz Friedrich C: Donald Runnicles Cast includes: Samuel Youn and

Thomas Johannes Mayer (Wotan), Daniela Sindram (Fricka), Evelyn Herlitzius and Ricarda Merbeth (Brünnhilde), Brandon Jovanovich (Siegmund), Eva-Maria Westbroek (Sieglind), Tobias Kehrer (Hunding), Stefan Vinke (Siegfried), Burkhard Ulrich (Mime), Albert Pesendorfer (Hagen)

Please note: tickets for this production can only be held until the end of 2015 so early booking is essential.

Flights: British Airways12 Apr London Heathrow - Berlin Tegel dep: 13.15 arr: 16.00 18 Apr Berlin Tegel - London Heathrow dep: 14.30 arr: 15.30Flight schedules are subject to alteration. Flights from other UK airports can be arranged on request.

Price per personTour price £2495Single room supplement £210Club Europe flight upgrade from £300Land-only tour price £2365Deposit 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.

SIEGFRIED © BETTINA STOLZ

Travel For The Arts 12-15 Hanger Green London W5 3EL UK

Telephone: +44 20 8799 8350 Fax: +44 20 8998 7965 E-mail: tfa@stlon.com

www.travelforthearts.com

Travel for the Arts is a division of Specialised Travel Ltd COVER IMAGE: SIEGFRIED AT THE

DEUTSCHE OPER BERLIN © BETTINA STOLZ

TRAVEL FOR THE ARTS