OPERA, BALLET CLASSICAL MUSIC HOLIDAYS · tenor Brian Jagde delights with a solo recital in the Cloisters of the Carmen Church. page 20-21 OPERA AND ART IN AMSTERDAM 18 - 21 May 2020

TRAVEL FOR THE ARTS

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

SPRING, SUMMER & AUTUMN FESTIVALS 2020

OPERA, BALLET CLASSICAL MUSIC

HOLIDAYS

NEW TOURS FOR 2020

100 YEARS OF HANDEL IN GÖTTINGEN

WELCOME TO STUTTGART

AWARD-WINNING FESTIVAL IN BRNO

FESTIVAL CASTELL PERALADA

page 10page 8

page 28pages 20 – 21

welcome

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

welcome to the world of

OPERA, BALLET & CLASSICAL MUSIC HOLIDAYSTravel for the Arts is committed to creating quality tours that offer unique and unforgettable experiences for opera, ballet and classical music lovers.

In this 2020 Spring, Summer and Autumn brochure we are delighted to introduce you to four new destinations: for ballet lovers, a stunning new production of Mayerling in Stuttgart and, for our opera friends, three fabulous festivals – one hundred years of Handel in Göttingen, sensational singers at the Festival Castell Peralada in Girona and the award-winning Janáček Festival in Brno. This is in addition to some of our popular destinations which include Parma, Pesaro, Salzburg and Verona, plus three tours within the UK for those who wish to make the most of Britain’s delightful summer opera season.

Please don’t forget that if you would like to extend your chosen tour, we would be more than happy to help – our aim is to be as flexible as possible to ensure that you have the holiday that you truly want!

TURANDOT © ENNEVI / COURTESY OF FONDAZIONE ARENA DI VERONA COVER IMAGE: DIE WALKÜRE BY SOFIA OPERA © VICTOR VICTOROV

BOOKING DETAILSAll tours mentioned in this brochure (as well as additional tours) are available to view online at www.travelforthearts.comMany of our holidays are filled very quickly after the brochure launch. Sometimes they are fully booked after appearing on our website or as advance information in our Newsletter, so we would encourage you to book early if you are interested in one of our group tours.

MAKE AN ENQUIRYYou can make an enquiry about one of our tours in three ways:• Call us on 020 8799 8350 • Email [email protected] • Visit our website www.travelforthearts.com and make an

enquiry by going into the tour and completing the enquiry form.If space is available on the tour of your choice you will be given a 7-day option.

PRE/POST-TOUR EXTENSIONSIf you would like to extend your chosen tour either before or after the dates programmed in this brochure, Travel for the Arts would be more than happy to help. Please email your request to [email protected], or call us on 020 8799 8350 to discuss your wishes with a member of our team, and we will do our utmost to assist you as best we can.

COMPLETE A BOOKING FORMOnce you have your option, we require a completed booking form. This can be found at the back of this brochure or can be downloaded from our website https://www.travelforthearts.com/how-to-book/ When you return your booking form we require your deposit or full payment (see Late Bookings below). You must read and agree to the Terms and Conditions.

LATE BOOKINGS If you book within 8 weeks of departure, you will need to provide a credit/debit card number or send us a cheque for the full amount of the holiday.

BOOKING REFERENCEWhen you make an enquiry you will be given a booking reference. Please quote your booking reference on all subsequent correspondence.

FITNESS AND MOBILITYShould you suffer from any serious physical handicaps or experience difficulty in walking long distances and tire easily, please do bring this to our attention at the time of booking in order that we can provide the necessary assistance at airports and hotels. Please note that some of the activities on our tours may not be suitable if you have any particular disability or reduced mobility. In the interests of safety and comfort for the whole group, you should be fit enough to participate or alternatively have an able bodied carer with you to assist.

PERFORMANCE TICKETSAll performance tickets are subject to confirmation. This is due to the differences in the way opera houses administer their ticket sales and the limited availability of certain performances. We will inform 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 to departure, although this can vary depending on the destination.

SEATING ARRANGEMENTSFor all included performances we obtain best available tickets (as specified by the venue). However many of the older theatres in Europe have non-staggered rows, little rake, cramped legroom and sometimes poor sightlines. Please be assured that we do our best to request the best available tickets for all performances but that, on occasion, allowances might need to be made for the age and layout of the venue.

OPENING HOURSOur 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.

SPRING, SUMMER & AUTUMN 2020We are proud to offer an array of opera, ballet and classical music holidays throughout Europe and the UK between Spring and Autumn 2020, with a wide range of destinations, stars and celebrations to choose from.

CONTENTS PageTours with late availability 4Tours 6 – 31À la Carte information 32 – 33

TOUR IN ASSOCIATION WITH CARPENTER HOLIDAYS1 – 7 Sep Stresa Festival 30 – 31

All information is available on our website www.travelforthearts.com.

All the flights and flight-inclusive holidays in this brochure are financially protected by the ATOL scheme under ATOL no.2178. When you pay for a flight inclusive holiday you will be supplied with an ATOL Certificate. Please ask for it and check to ensure that everything you booked (flights, hotels and other services) is listed on it. Please see our booking conditions for further information or for more information about financial protection and the ATOL Certificate go to:www.atol.org.uk/ATOLCertificate

Travel For The Arts 3rd Floor, Craven House 40-44 Uxbridge Road, Ealing London W5 2BS Telephone: +44 20 8799 8350 E-mail: [email protected] www.travelforthearts.com

1

CALENDAR OF TOURSDate Tour 14 – 18 Apr Wonderful Wrocław 627 Apr – 1 May A Literary View of Venice 714 – 17 May Welcome to Stuttgart 818 – 21 May Opera and Art in Amsterdam 920 - 24 May 100 Years of Handel in Göttingen 1029 May – 2 Jun Salzburg Pays Homage to Pauline Viardot 1119 – 22 Jun Verdi in Vienna 1225 – 28 Jun The Grange Festival 1327 Jun – 3 Jul Wagner in Sofia 1429 Jun – 1 Jul Longborough’s Elixir of Love 157 – 10 Jul Beautiful Buxton 1612 –16 Jul Jonas Kaufmann in Munich 1723 – 27 Jul Cultural exploration in Naples 1823 – 27 Jul Savonlinna celebrates Karita Mattila 194 – 8 Aug Festival Castell Peralada 20 – 2110 – 15 Aug Great Italian Opera in Verona 2214 – 18 Aug Juan Diego Flórez returns to Pesaro 2315 – 21 Aug The Salzburg Festival Centenary 24 – 2517 – 20 Aug Back to Baroque in Stockholm 2628 – 30 Sep Ballet stars in Milan 2730 Sep – 4 Oct Award-winning Festival in Brno 287 – 11 Oct Celebrations in Parma 29

welcome

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

EXPERTS IN CULTURAL TRAVELAll our tours are planned and led by experts in travel and performing arts. 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.

Carol Savage is a professional concert and opera singer, with a degree in History of Art from London University.

Zita Stockwell has been leading our tours for over 25 years and is an expert on many destinations, particularly her native Budapest. She is a keen opera and concert attendee.

Amaryllis Logotheti was born in Greece and lived in Cyprus, Turkey, France and Germany, and has been working as a tour manager for over ten years.

Stephen Carpenter has planned and led several tours in association with us over the last five years and continues to offer tours to music festivals with his company, Carpenter Holidays.

Patrick Mylon will be familiar to many of our guests, having tour managed for over ten years. He is a true opera fan, particularly of Wagner, and has attended more than ten Ring Cycles.

Averil Harrison-Thuemmel has managed tours while based in Vancouver, Beijing, New York, Mumbai and Berlin. She is an avid choral singer and former military musician.

Fiona Rose has pursued a career in opera, after studying at the Royal College of Music and the National Opera Studio. She is one of our tour managers.

Eva Gordon-Smith is a consultant, lecturer and Blue Badge Guide. She has been managing concert tours in a number of European countries for 25 years.

Richard Savage C.E.O.

NO SINGLE SUPPLEMENTWe 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 feature in the introduction box of the relevant tour.

Joel Rubenstein Head of Tour Operations

Kristina Aljinovic Managing Director

TRAVEL FOR THE ARTS TEAM

Mark Saunsbury à la Carte

Reservations Manager

Gisela Pereira Marketing Manager

Vanessa Kyriacou Product Manager

Helena Matheopoulos, Associate Editor of Opera Now magazine and author of eight books, is one of our knowledgeable speakers to give talks on a variety of operatic subjects.

Rita Grudzień is our programme researcher who takes exceptional care in programming the quality tours you see in our publications. For many years, she worked at the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden.

Tel: 020 8799 8350 | Email: [email protected] | www.travelforthearts.com 3 CARMEN BY WROCŁAW OPERA HOUSE © MAREK GROTOWSKI

BROCHURE HIGHLIGHTS

BALLET STARS IN MILAN28 – 30 Sep 2020 Tour code: MIL1 Price from £1595 ppTwo of the ballet world’s greatest stars of the day – prima ballerina Svetlana Zakharova and principal dancer étoile Roberto Bolle - perform the lead roles in John Neumeier’s classical ballet La Dame aux Camélias, in what promises to be a spectacular evening at the prestigious Teatro alla Scala, Milan.

page 27

FESTIVAL CASTELL PERALADA4 – 8 Aug 2020 Tour code: GRO1 Price from £1865 ppFour outstanding singers – Sondra Radvanovsky, Anita Rachvelishvili, Piotr Beczała and Carlos Álvarez – come together for Verdi’s Aida in the Castle of Peralada, whilst tenor Brian Jagde delights with a solo recital in the Cloisters of the Carmen Church.

page 20-21

OPERA AND ART IN AMSTERDAM18 - 21 May 2020 Tour code: AMS1 Price from £1890 ppThis short break to Amsterdam offers two contrasting works at Dutch National Opera – Bizet’s fiery and passionate Carmen and a new production of Strauss’s romantic opera Die Frau ohne Schatten – plus the unique opportunity to witness conservators as they work on Rembrandt’s masterpiece ‘The Night Watch’ at the Rijksmuseum.

page 9

THE GRANGE FESTIVAL25 – 28 Jun 2020 Tour code: BAS1 Price from £1425 ppNow in its fourth season, The Grange Festival is dedicated to presenting eminent names, emerging singers and insightful productions to its audiences. New productions this year are Puccini’s Manon Lescaut and Rossini’s La Cenerentola.

page 13

On this page we offer a reminder of current tours on sale which still have some availability. Please see our website www.travelforthearts.com for more details, and telephone us on +44 20 8799 8350 or email [email protected] to reserve your place.

Remember we can book from local

airports – please contact us for a quote.

2020 WINTER, SPRING AND SUMMER TOURS WITH LATE AVAILABILITY


RENÉE FLEMING IN BADEN-BADEN13 – 16 March 2020 Tour Code: BAD1

Two special programmes have been selected for you at the Festspielhaus in Baden-Baden: world-renowned soprano Renée Fleming presents a recital, accompanied by the great Russian pianist Evgeny Kissin, whilst Andris Nelsons conducts the Wiener Philharmoniker in Beethoven’s Third Symphony. In addition, author Helena Matheopoulos will give a talk highlighting some of Renée’s signature roles, plus a possible Q&A with the distinguished singer herself.

FROM£1820

per person

BALLET TRIO IN MUNICH27 May – 1 June 2020 Tour Code: MUC1

A tempting trio of ballets are on offer at Munich’s Staatsoper in May. In Jewels, George Balanchine uses three gem stones – emeralds, rubies and diamonds – as the inspiration for this three-act ballet. Yuri Grigorovich’s powerful production of Spartacus tells the tale of the slave uprising against the Romans, whilst John Neumeier’s 1978 ballet The Lady of the Camellias is based on Alexandre Dumas fils' famous 19th-century novel. A “must-see” tour for any lover of ballet!

FROM£2125

per person

THE 25th BERLIN FESTTAGE9 – 13 April 2020 Tour Code: BER2

In 2020 Daniel Barenboim’s internationally-acclaimed Easter Festival celebrates 25 years with a programme of Beethoven and Mozart. Sir Andràs Schiff performs piano works by these two celebrated composers, whilst Barenboim conducts Beethoven’s Symphonies 2 and 9. Further Mozart comes with a new production of Così fan tutte starring two exceptional Italian singers – soprano Barbara Frittoli and bass Ferruccio Furlanetto.

FROM£2095

per person

GENOA & TURIN, PUCCINI & VERDI8 – 14 June 2020 Tour Code: GEN1

Two great composers and two proud cities vie for your attention on this tour to northern Italy. Genoa lays claims to having the largest seaport and historic centre in Italy, whilst Turin was the capital of Savoy and the first capital of the newly-united Italy. Both cities boast fabulous food – pesto in Genoa and the Slow Food movement in Turin – and beautiful opera houses at which you can enjoy performances of Puccini’s Manon Lescaut and Verdi’s Simon Boccanegra.

FROM£2395

per person

EASTER CELEBRATIONS IN BUDAPEST9 – 14 April 2020 Tour Code: BUD20

This tour to Hungary’s historic capital city, Budapest, focuses on musical works that are set at Easter, or have been inspired by Biblical stories: the ‘Good Friday’ scene from Wagner’s final music drama, Parsifal; Bach’s oratorio, St Matthew Passion, considered by many as the pinnacle of church music; and Mascagni’s Cavalleria rusticana which takes place on Easter Sunday. The sightseeing programme includes a journey to the Great Plains of Hungary for some unique Easter entertainment.

FROM£1875

per person

250th ANNIVERSARY AT VERSAILLES30 June – 4 July 2020 Tour Code: VER1

Set in the glorious surroundings of the Palace of Versailles, a highlight of L’Opéra Royal’s 250th anniversary season is a new production of Rameau’s comedy Platée, a jewel of French baroque opera. Three sensational singers – Patricia Petibon, Philippe Jaroussky and Valer Sabadus – present two fiery and fascinating recital programmes. An excursion to Monet’s beloved garden in Giverny is a delightful addition to this sumptuous Gallic tour.

FROM£1950

per person

SPRING, SUMMER AND AUTUMN TOURSHighlights of this 2020 Spring, Summer and Autumn brochure include the centenary celebrations at The Salzburg Festival and the return “home” of three stars of the opera world – Jonas Kaufmann to Munich, Karita Mattila to Savonlinna in Finland and Juan Diego Flórez to Pesaro, his artistic cradle. We are also delighted to introduce four new destinations: Stuttgart, Göttingen, Girona and Brno. Italy features strongly with tours to Milan, Naples, Parma, Pesaro, Venice and Verona, whilst this season’s UK summer festivals include Buxton, Longborough and The Grange Festival.

5

spring, summer & autumn tours 2019

Tel: 020 8799 8350 | Email: [email protected] | www.travelforthearts.comARENA DI VERONA / COURTESY OF FONDAZIONE ARENA DI VERONA

TUE 14 APR Late afternoon arrival in Wrocław via Munich, and transfer to the 5-star Sofitel Old Town Hotel. Located in the heart of the historic district, the hotel is close to many of the city’s main tourist attractions. There will be a little time to rest and relax before a welcome dinner that evening.

WED 15 APR Join your guide this morning for a tour of the Old Town. Highlights include the impressive Market Square, historic Solny Square, the picturesque street of Stare Jatki and the City Museum, housed in a former Royal Palace. The tour then continues to Cathedral Island and Sand Island, with their superb Gothic and Baroque churches, and ends with lunch

in a local restaurant. The afternoon is free before the short walk to the National Forum of Music for that evening’s special Opera Gala. After the performance, there may be the possibility to meet the star of the show, the charming Polish tenor Piotr Beczała.

THU 16 APR Today is an excursion to Lower Silesia, stopping first in Książ to visit the town’s vast Castle, strikingly perched on a rock face high above sea level. After lunch in a local restaurant, you will continue to Świdnica and the 17th-century Church of Peace, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Built from wood and hay and adorned with folk-style paintings, it resembles a theatre, and there you will be treated to a 15-minute

private organ recital. Return to Wrocław for some free time before the opera performance that evening.

FRI 17 APR This morning you will join your guide for further cultural exploration of Wrocław. Visits include the University and the Aula Leopoldina (an impressively ornate Baroque Hall), as well as the Centennial Hall, an outstanding example of early Modernism and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Lunch and the afternoon are at leisure before the opera performance that evening.

SAT 18 APR Morning transfer to the airport for the homeward flight via Munich.

opera

PIOTR BECZAŁA

WONDERFUL WROCŁAW

Price from £1825 pp

14 – 18 April 2020 Tour code: WRO1

GALA PERFORMANCE | MEET THE ARTIST*

A warm welcome awaits you in Wrocław, one of the oldest and most beautiful cities in Poland. Rich in history, Wrocław has a wonderful architectural heritage, symbolised by its reconstructed and magnificent market square. Wrocław is also a dynamic cultural centre and this pleasant spring tour combines a Gala performance (starring renowned Polish tenor Piotr Beczała) at the elegant, state-of-the-art National Opera Forum, with productions of Carmen and Nabucco at the beautiful and more traditional Wrocław Opera House.

NABUCCO BY WROCŁAW OPERA HOUSE © URLICH MACIEJ

6

PROGRAMME

15 Apr 19.00 OPERA GALA WITH PIOTR BECZAŁA Inc C: Wojciech Rajski

Tenor: Piotr Beczała Programme: tbc Venue: National Forum of Music

16 Apr 19.00 CARMEN Bizet Inc D: Maria Sartova

C: tbc Cast: tbc Venue: Wrocław Opera House

17 Apr 19.00 NABUCCO Verdi Inc D: Cezary Iber

C: tbc Cast: tbc Venue: Wrocław Opera House

*Please note that Travel for the Arts cannot confirm this meeting with Piotr Beczała till closer to the performance date.

FLIGHTS Lufthansa14 Apr London Heathrow - Munich dep: 09.00 arr: 11.45 Munich - Wrocław dep: 15.10 arr: 16.1518 Apr Wrocław - Munich dep: 13.00 arr: 14.05Munich - London Heathrow dep: 16.05 arr: 17.05Flight schedules are subject to alteration. Flights from other UK airports can be arranged on request.

PRICE (PER PERSON)

Tour price £1825Single room supplement £180Business Class flight upgrade from £350Land-only tour price £1625Deposit required £350Tour 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 service of our local representative or tour manager.

EXTENDED STAYIf you would like to extend your holiday either before or after this programmed tour, please contact us to discuss your wishes.


opera & classical music

MON 27 APR Afternoon arrival in Venice and transfer by water taxi to the luxurious 5-star Baglioni Hotel Luna, one of the oldest hotels in Venice with many literary connections, and walking distance to Piazza San Marco and the Gran Teatro La Fenice. Enjoy a welcome drink and an introduction to literary Venice by Adrian Mourby before dinner that evening in a local restaurant.

TUE 28 APR This morning join Adrian for a walking tour of the Castello area of Venice, focusing on sights associated with writers across the ages – from Petrarch, Lorenzo da Ponte, Charles Dickens, Henry James and Franz Kafka to Donna Leon and her fictional Venetian hero, Inspector Brunetti.

Stop at Venice’s “floating” Libreria Acqua Alta, one of the most beautiful bookshops in the world, before lunch in a local restaurant. The afternoon is at leisure with dinner provided prior to the late evening concert at Chiesa San Vidal.

WED 29 APR A second walking tour with Adrian this morning will explore the Venice of Ernest Hemingway, Henry James and Lord Byron, passing by the legendary Harry’s Bar, the Gritti Palace and the home of Adriana Ivancich, Hemingway’s last love who inspired his 1950 novel ‘Across the River and into the Trees’. The tour ends with lunch in a local restaurant. Time to rest and relax before walking to La Fenice for the opera performance that evening.

THU 30 APR Your final full day in Venice starts by walking with Adrian in the footsteps of one of Donna Leon’s many murder mystery stories, and ends with a trip to Isola San Michele where Ezra Pound and Stravinsky are buried – as well as many of Inspector Brunetti’s “victims”. Lunch and the afternoon are free. The early evening performance at Teatro Malibran will be followed by a farewell dinner.

FRI 1 MAY Spend the morning soaking in the atmosphere of this special city before transferring to the airport for the late afternoon flight home.

A LITERARY VIEW OF VENICE


27 April – 1 May 2020 Tour code: VCE1

NEW PRODUCTION

Discover Venice through the eyes of great writers and poets, past and present, led by award-winning author and producer Adrian Mourby. This unique tour provides a literary insight into the city that has inspired so many. Adrian will lead you in the footsteps of Charles Dickens, Ernest Hemingway, Henry James and many others, regaling you with fascinating tales and anecdotes en route. Musical interludes include a new production of Vivaldi’s rarely-performed opera Farnace at the richly-decorated 17th-century Teatro Malibran and, at the legendary opera house, La Fenice, Damiano Michieletto’s innovative and provocative production of Verdi’s Rigoletto, an opera based on Victor Hugo’s play ‘Le roi s’amuse’.


VENICE GRAND CANAL

Tour price includes: Flights and airport taxes, group transfers from and to airport and for included activities where applicable, accommodation, breakfast daily, two lunches, three dinners, welcome drinks, sightseeing tours as described including guides and entrance fees, first category ticket for each included performance, opera synopses, restaurant guide and city notes, the service of our local representative or tour manager.

FLIGHTS British Airways27 Apr London Gatwick - Venice dep: 11.50 arr: 15.001 May Venice - London Gatwick dep: 17.15 arr: 18.25Flight schedules are subject to alteration. Flights from other UK airports can be arranged on request.

PRICE (PER PERSON)

Tour price £3095Single room supplement £880Club Europe flight upgrade from £300Land-only tour price £2985Deposit required £400

PROGRAMME

28 Apr 21.00 INTERPRETI VENEZIANI Concert Inc Violinists: Anania Maritan,

Giacobbe Stevenato Programme: Vivaldi - The Four Seasons, Geminiani - Follia for strings and harpsichord, Brescianello - Concerto for violin, strings and harpsichord Venue: Chiesa San Vidal

29 Apr 19.00 RIGOLETTO Verdi Inc D: Damiano Michieletto

C: Daniele Callegari Cast includes: Luca Salsi, Ivan Ayon Rivas, Claudia Pavone, Gianfranco Montresor Venue: Gran Teatro La Fenice

30 Apr 18.00 FARNACE Vivaldi Inc D: Christophe Gayral

C: Diego Fasolis Cast includes: Carlo Vistoli, Sonia Prina, Lucia Cirillo, Raffaele Pe, Rosa Bove, Valentino Buzza, David Ferri Durà Venue: Teatro Malibran New production

LIBRERIA ACQUA ALTA


GRAN TEATRO LA FENICE

ballet

THU 14 MAY Arrive late evening in Stuttgart and transfer (approx. 30 minutes) to the 5-star Althoff Hotel am Schlossgarten. This luxurious hotel is located on the edge of the city’s Schlossgarten with a magnificent view of the park and surrounding hills, and is just a three-minute walk to the Staatstheater. Check-in and enjoy a welcome dinner.

FRI 15 MAY Join your guide this morning for a walking tour of Stuttgart. The tour will delve into the history and culture of this Swabian metropolis, from Roman monuments and medieval squares to baroque palaces, parks and the Königstrasse, Europe’s longest pedestrianised shopping street. Lunch and the afternoon are at leisure before the short walk to the opera house for that evening’s performance.

SAT 16 MAY Half-day excursion to Solitude Palace (Schloss Solitude), an impressive hunting lodge and summer residence built for Duke Carl Eugen in the 1760s. Designed in the late rococo and early neoclassical styles, the interior of the palace radiates splendour with its numerous decorative and intricate rooms, the highlight being the magnificent White Hall, considered one of the most beautiful in all of Württemberg. The tour ends with a farewell lunch in a local restaurant. Return to Stuttgart with a little time to rest and relax before that evening’s ballet performance.

SUN 17 MAY Morning transfer to the airport for the homeward flight.

PROGRAMME AT THE STAATSTHEATER STUTTGART

Tour 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, best available ticket for each included performance, opera synopsis, restaurant guide and city notes, the service of our local representative or tour manager.

FLIGHTS

British Airways14 May London Heathrow - Stuttgart dep: 15.25 arr: 18.1517 May Stuttgart - London Heathrow dep: 11.05 arr: 11.55Flight schedules are subject to alteration. Flights from other UK airports can be arranged on request.

PRICE (PER PERSON)

Tour price £1795Club Europe flight upgrade from £400Land-only tour price £1730Deposit required £400

15 May DEATH IN VENICE Britten Inctime tbc Direction and Choreography: Demis Volpi

Musical Direction: Bas Wiegers Cast: Matthias Klink, Markus Eiche, Elliott Carlton Hines, Christopher Sokolowski, Andrew Bogard, Claudia Muschio Co-production of State Opera Stuttgart and Stuttgart Ballet

16 May MAYERLING Inctime tbc Choreography: Sir Kenneth MacMillan

Music: Liszt New production

WELCOME TO STUTTGART


14 – 17 May 2020 Tour code: STR1

NEW DESTINATION | NEW PRODUCTION NO SINGLE SUPPLEMENT

Ballet in Stuttgart has a rich history whose origins go back to the 17th-century court of Württemberg. Stuttgart Ballet was founded by the dancer and choreographer John Cranko in 1961 and today the company is renowned for its exciting and visually arresting style. This exciting new tour offers a stunning new production of Mayerling, designed by Jürgen Rose choreographed by Sir Kenneth Macmillan, plus a collaboration between Stuttgart opera and ballet in Benjamin Britten’s intense and atmospheric Death in Venice.

MAYERLING BY STUTTGARTER BALLET


STAATSTHEATER STUTTGART

DEATH IN VENICE


opera

MON 18 MAY Arrive early afternoon in Amsterdam and transfer to the downtown 4-star Radisson Blu Hotel (or similar). Located in the lively De Wallen area of the city, this central hotel is a just a five-minute walk to the Dutch National Opera. Enjoy some time to yourself before a welcome dinner that evening in a local restaurant.

TUE 19 MAY Join your guide this morning for a walking tour of Amsterdam during which you will discover the history, architecture and culture of the city via its many landmarks, such as Museum Square and Anne Frank House. Lunch and the afternoon are at leisure before walking the short distance to the theatre for that evening’s opera performance.

WED 20 MAY The morning is spent at the world-renowned Rijksmuseum where you will be guided around galleries filled with Dutch and Flemish masterpieces with time to observe ‘Operation Nachtwacht’, the elaborate and skilled restoration of one of the most important works of art in the world today, Rembrandt’s ‘The Night Watch’. After your visit, a farewell lunch will be served in a local restaurant. The rest of the afternoon is free, with a return to the theatre in the evening for the second opera of this tour.

THU 21 MAY Transfer to the airport for the afternoon flight home.

OPERA AND ART IN AMSTERDAM


18 – 21 May 2020 Tour code: AMS1

NEW PRODUCTION

This short break to Amsterdam offers two contrasting works at Dutch National Opera – Robert Carsen’s hugely popular interpretation of Bizet’s fiery and passionate Carmen with rising star J’Nai Bridges in the title role and Katie Mitchell’s new production of Strauss’s romantic opera Die Frau ohne Schatten under the baton of Marc Albrecht, the 2019 International Opera Awards’ Conductor of the Year. This tour also includes a visit to the Rijksmuseum with the unique opportunity to witness conservators in action as they work on Rembrandt's masterpiece ‘The Night Watch’, the largest research and restoration project of today.


CARMEN BY DUTCH NATIONAL OPERA © MONIKA RITTERSHAUS

PROGRAMME AT DUTCH NATIONAL OPERA

19 May 19.00 CARMEN Bizet Inc D: Robert Carsen

C: Andrés Orozco-Estrada Cast includes: J’Nai Bridges, Dmytro Popov, Alexander Vinogradov, Anett Fritsch

20 May 19.00 DIE FRAU OHNE SCHATTTEN Strauss Inc D: Katie Mitchell

C: Marc Albrecht Cast: Elza ven der Heever, A J Glueckert, Michaela Schuster, Eva Kroon, Josef Wagner, Irène Theorin New production

FLIGHTS

British Airways18 May London Heathrow - Amsterdam dep: 11.45 arr: 14.0521 May Amsterdam - London Heathrow dep: 14.55 arr: 15.20Flight schedules are subject to alteration. Flights from other UK airports can be arranged on request.

PRICE (PER PERSON)

Tour price £1725Single room supplement £345Club Europe flight upgrade from £350 Land-only tour price £1505 Deposit 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, one dinner, sightseeing tours as described including guides and entrance fees, top category ticket for each included performance, opera synopses, restaurant guide and city notes, the service of our local representative or tour manager.


REMBRANDT'S 'THE NIGHT WATCH' RIJKSMUSEUM

opera

WED 20 MAY Late morning arrival in Hanover and transfer (2 hours 15 minutes) to the comfortable and stylish 4-star Hotel FREIgeist in Göttingen. The afternoon is free for you to rest or explore this famed University town. A welcome dinner that evening will be served in the hotel.

THU 21 MAY Join your guide this morning for a walking tour of Göttingen. An important University town, alumni of its Georg-August University include more than 40 Nobel Prize winners. Stroll around the pleasant Barfüsserstrasse (Barefoot Street) to admire the half-timbered houses and see also the beautiful Old Town Hall and the Gänseliesel (little goose girl) statue, hailed locally as the most kissed woman in the world. The tour ends with lunch in a local restaurant. The afternoon is at leisure before walking the short distance (10 minutes) to the theatre for the early evening performance.

FRI 22 MAY The day is free for you to spend as you wish. Late afternoon transfer (approx. 45 minutes) to Einbeck for the evening performance.

SAT 23 MAY A half-day tour to Sangerhausen, home to Europa Rosarium, a municipal garden with the largest rose collection in the world. The collection includes more than 8,000 cultivars, 500 species of wild rose, and about 850 climbing rose varieties from different countries and different eras. Lunch is in a local restaurant before returning to Göttingen. Time to relax before walking to the theatre that evening for the final opera performance.

SUN 24 MAY Transfer to the airport for the late morning flight home.

100 YEARS OF HANDEL IN GÖTTINGEN


20 – 24 May 2020 Tour code: GOT1

NEW DESTINATION | NEW PRODUCTION

2020 marks the 100th anniversary of the highly-esteemed Handel Festival in Göttingen and this tour is a true treat for lovers of this great baroque composer. The Festival offers the opportunity to hear some of Handel’s rarely-performed operas with today’s early music stars, notably countertenor Bejun Mehta, soprano Julia Lezhneva and contralto Sonia Prina, under the batons of early music specialists, including the Festival’s Artistic Director Laurence Cummings.

DEUTSCHES THEATER GÖTTINGEN


PROGRAMME

21 May 18.00 ALESSANDRO Handel Inc C: Diego Fasolis

Cast: Bejun Mehta, Julia Lezhneva, Lucia Cirillo, Raffaele Pe, Sonia Prina, Carlo Allemano, José Coca Loza Venue: Lokhalle Göttingen Concert performance

22 May 19.00 OTTONE Handel Inc D: Anna Magdalena Fitzi

C: Fabrizio Ventura Cast: Marie Seidler, Mariamielle Lamagat, Valentina Stadler, Alberto Miguélez Rouco, Angelica Monje Torrez, Yannick Debus Venue: PS Halle, Einbeck

23 May 19.00 RODELINDA Handel Inc D: Dorian Dreher C: Laurence Cummings

Cast: Christina Gansch, Christopher Lowrey. Thomas Cooley, Franziska Gottwald, William Breger, Owen Willetts Venue: Deutsches Theater Göttingen New production

Please note that all performances will be sung in Italian without surtitles in English.

FLIGHTS

British Airways 1 Jan London Heathrow - Hanover dep: 7.55 arr: 10.25 1 Jan Hanover - London Heathrow dep: 11.20 arr: 12.00Flight schedules are subject to alteration. Flights from other UK airports can be arranged on request.

PRICE (PER PERSON)

Tour price £1765 Single room supplement £260 Club Europe flight upgrade from £400 Land-only tour price £1645 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 lunches, one dinner, sightseeing tours as described including guides and entrance fees, top category ticket for each included performance, opera synopses, restaurant guide and city notes, the service of our local representative or tour manager.


BEJUN MEHTA SONIA PRINAJULIA LEZHNEVA


There will then be time for an independent lunch before a guided tour of the State Exhibition celebrating the 100-year anniversary of the Salzburg Festival. Dinner and the evening are at leisure.

MON 1 JUN An excursion this morning to the ancient town of Hallein and a visit to the Celtic Museum which offers an insight into the history of the town and the importance of salt mining in the region. Return to Salzburg for lunch and the afternoon at leisure. There will be an early farewell dinner at a local restaurant followed by the final Gala concert featuring Cecilia Bartoli and many of her musical friends.

TUE 2 JUN Spend the day sightseeing or shopping before transferring to the airport for the early evening flight home.

FRI 29 MAY Arrive late morning and transfer the short distance to the opulent 5-star Hôtel Bristol, conveniently located in the centre of Salzburg and close to the Festival’s performance venues. A welcome lunch will be provided at the hotel with some time to rest before the opera that evening.

SAT 30 MAY Join your guide this morning for a walking tour of the city, focusing on some of Salzburg’s historic and cultural highlights, including Mozart’s birthplace and the Cathedral where he was baptised. Lunch is at leisure before the afternoon concert. The rest of the day is free for you to spend as you wish, with the option to attend the evening’s concert performance.

SUN 31 MAY The day starts with a delightful matinee recital encapturing the spirit of this year’s Festival.

SALZBURG PAYS HOMAGE TO PAULINE VIARDOT


29 May – 2 June 2020 Tour code: SZG1

NEW PRODUCTION

Continuing her focus on female figures, Cecilia Bartoli dedicates the 2020 Whitsun Festival to the remarkable 19th-century singer, pianist and composer Pauline Viardot. During the course of her life, Viardot (the younger sister of the legendary Maria Malibran) championed a multitude of musical styles by Meyerbeer, Brahms, Gounod, Saint-Saëns and Fauré. It is works by these composers that form the concert repertoire you will hear on this tour. Festival highlights include Bartoli’s role debut as Norina in a new production of Don Pasquale performed on period instruments, and a special Gala performance which pays homage to Viardot’s exceptionally-talented musical family.


STIFTUNG MOZARTEUM - GROSSER SAAL © CHRISTIAN SCHNEIDER

VARDUHI ABRAHAMYAN

CECILIA BARTOLI

VIVICA GENAUX

PAULINE VIARDOT

29 May 19.00 DON PASQUALE Donizetti Inc D: Moshe Leiser / Patrice Caurier

C: Gianluca Capuano Cast: Cecilia Bartoli, Peter Kálmán, Javier Camarena, Nicola Alaimo Venue: Haus für Mozart New production

30 May 15.00 ÉCOLE CLASSIQUE Concert Inc C: Gianluca Capuano

Mezzo-sopranos: Varduhi Abrahamyan, Cecilia Bartoli Programme: Includes works by Rossini, Meyerbeer, Gounod, Handel Venue: Stiftung Mozarteum – Großer Saal

30 May 19.30 REQUIEM Fauré Concert £225 C: John Eliot Gardiner

Orchestre Révolutionnaire et Romantique Monteverdi Choir & Soloists Venue: Felsenreitschule

PROGRAMME

31 May 11.00 JEUX D’ESPRIT – Inc ‘VIVICA & VIARDOT’ Recital

Mezzo-soprano: Vivica Genaux Pianist: Carlos Aragón Programme: Includes works by Viardot, Rossini, Gluck, R. Schumann, Saint-Saëns Venue: Stiftung Mozarteum – Großer Saal

1 June 20.00 UNE AFFAIRE DE FAMILLE Inc Gala Concert

Artists: Maxim Vengerov, Cecilia Bartoli, Varduhi Abrahamyan, Javier Camarena, Julia Hagen, Khatia Buniatishvili, Anna Laudere Programme: Includes works by Rossini, F. Mendelssohn, Glinka, Liszt, Saint-Saëns Venue: Großes Festspielhaus

FLIGHTS

British Airways 29 May London Gatwick - Salzburg dep: 07.45 arr: 10.45 2 Jun 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 PERSON)

Tour price £2550 Single room supplement £480 Club Europe flight upgrade from £240 Land-only tour price £2430Deposit 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, one dinner, sightseeing tours as described including guides and entrance fees, first or second category ticket for each included performance, opera synopsis, restaurant guide and city notes, the service of our local representative or tour manager.


20 Jun time tbc LA TRAVIATA Verdi Inc D: Jean-François Sivadier

C: Plácido Domingo Cast includes: Aida Garifullina, Benjamin Bernheim, Simon Keenlyside

21 Jun time tbc UN BALLO IN MASCHERA Verdi Inc D: Josef Ernst Köpplinger

C: Michele Mariotti Cast includes: Francesco Meli, Ludovic Tézier, Krassimira Stoyanova, Monika Bohinec, Maria Nazarova New production

22 Jun time tbc IL TROVATORE Verdi RQ D: Daniele Abbado C: Marco Armiliato

Cast includes: George Petean, Marina Rebeka, Anita Rachvelishvili, Gregory Kunde, Ryan Speedo Green

opera

FRI 19 JUN Afternoon arrival in Vienna and transfer to the elegant 5-star Hotel Bristol, one of the leading hotels in Vienna and just a few steps away from the Staatsoper. Welcome dinner that evening in the hotel restaurant.

SAT 20 JUN Join your guide this morning for a walking tour of the city “in the footsteps of Vienna’s famous musicians”. Visits include the magnificent St Stephen’s Cathedral in which Haydn sang as a choirboy, Mozarthaus (the composer's only surviving home in Vienna) and the Wiener Staatsoper where countless composers, conductors and singers have left their mark. The tour ends with lunch in a local restaurant. The afternoon is at leisure before walking the short distance to the theatre for that evening’s opera performance.

SUN 21 JUN Half-day excursion to Schönbrunn Palace and a guided tour of this beautiful imperial residence. One of the most important architectural, cultural

and historic monuments in Austria, its history and rich decor reflect the changing tastes, interests and aspirations of successive Habsburg monarchs. Lunch and the afternoon are at leisure before returning to the Staatsoper for the second Verdi opera of this tour.

MON 22 JUN Spend the morning as you wish before transferring to the airport for the afternoon flight home.

Tour 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 category ticket for each included performance, opera synopses, restaurant guide and city notes, the service of our local representative or tour manager.

FLIGHTS

British Airways19 Jun London Heathrow - Munich dep: 11.35 arr: 15.0022 Jun Munich - London Heathrow dep: 14.50 arr: 16.20Flight schedules are subject to alteration. Flights from other UK airports can be arranged on request.

PRICE (PER PERSON)


VERDI IN VIENNAPrice from £2375 pp

19 – 22 June 2020 Tour code: VIE1

NEW PRODUCTION

Some of the greatest names in opera gather in Vienna for a trio of Verdi operas. Plácido Domingo conducts Russian soprano Aida Garifullina, French tenor Benjamin Bernheim and British baritone Simon Keenlyside in La traviata, whilst an equally strong international cast in Verdi’s Un Ballo in maschera includes Francesco Meli, Ludovic Tézier and Krassimira Stoyanova. For those wishing to extend their stay in this cultural capital, there is a chance to see Il trovatore, the opera that Caruso claimed required the four greatest singers in the world. The Staatsoper does not disappoint with Gregory Kunde, Marina Rebeka, George Petean and Anita Rachvelishvili.

LA TRAVIATA BY WIENER STAATSOPER

12


PROGRAMME AT THE WIENER STAATSOPER


POST-TOUR EXTENSIONMON 22 JUN Those who wish to extend their stay will have the opportunity to spend the day further exploring this cultural capital, with a third Verdi opera on offer that evening.

TUE 23 JUN The morning is at leisure, with independent transfer to the airport for your homeward flight. Please ask for a quote.

SCHÖNBRUNN PALACE WIENER STAATSOPER

THU 25 JUN Independent arrival at the 4-star deluxe Audleys Wood Hotel, a handsome and comfortable country house hotel situated just outside Basingstoke. Welcome dinner that evening in the hotel.

FRI 26 JUN A morning visit to nearby Chawton House. This 16th-century house is strongly associated with the author Jane Austen as it was owned by her brother Edward, and Jane was a frequent visitor. The house features many portraits of women writers, many of them famous in their day, as well as a changing display of works from the library’s unique collection of books by female authors. A few minutes’

walk away is the house where Jane Austen spent the last years of her life and there will be time to discover this small independent museum before returning to the hotel. Lunch is at leisure before transferring to The Grange for the early evening performance. During the long interval, dinner will be served in the faded grandeur of the historic mansion. After the performance there will be a drinks reception with Michael Chance and members of the cast.

SAT 27 JUN Transfer this morning to Mottisfont Abbey, a romantic house set in beautiful riverside gardens. Its spacious art gallery features regularly changing art exhibitions, whilst the grounds are home to a spectacular rose garden and a collection of ancestral species with 19th-century rose cultivars. Return to the hotel for an independent lunch with a late afternoon transfer to The Grange for the final opera of the tour. This evening you will dine al fresco in the beautiful grounds of this heavenly Hampshire house.

SUN 28 JUN Independent departure.

opera

THE GRANGE FESTIVAL


25 – 28 June 2020 Tour code: BAS1

NEW PRODUCTIONS | MEET THE ARTISTS INDEPENDENT TRAVEL

Now in its fourth season, The Grange Festival has already established itself as a deserved highlight of the British summer opera season. Under the artistic direction of Michael Chance OBE, the Festival is dedicated to presenting eminent names, emerging singers and insightful productions to its audiences. Treat yourself to a drink on the portico above the lake before enjoying new productions of Puccini’s Manon Lescaut and Rossini’s La Cenerentola. There is also an option to see the Festival's delightful version of A Midsummer Night’s Dream, with Jonathan Lemalu returning as Bottom.

THE GRANGE FESTIVAL CHAWTON HOUSE


THE GRANGE FESTIVAL

PROGRAMME

24 Jun 17.30 A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM Britten RQ D: Paul Curran C: Anthony Kraus

Cast: Patrick Terry, Rhian Lois, Chris Darmanin, Roberto Lorenzi, Angharad Lyddon, Peter Kirk, Dominic Sedgwick, Angela Simkin, Eleanor Dennis, Jonathan Lemalu, Graeme Danby, Ben Johnson, Sion Goronwy, Adrian Thompson, Johnny Herford

26 Jun 17.30 MANON LESCAUT Puccini Inc D: Stephen Lawless C: Francesco Cilluffo

Cast: Elin Pritchard, Nicholas Lester, Samuel Sakker, Stephen Richardson, Kamil Bien, Angharad Lyddon New production

27 Jun 17.30 LA CENERENTOLA Rossini Inc D: Stephen Barlow C: David Parry

Cast: Josè Maria Lo Monaco, Nico Darmanin, Christian Senn, Luciano di Pasquale, Roberto Lorenzi, Carolina Lippo, Maria Ostroukhova New production

ARRIVAL INFORMATION

Direct train services from London Waterloo to Basingstoke station are available (approx. 45 minutes), then a 10-minute taxi transfer.

PRICE (PER PERSON)

Tour price £1425 Single room supplement £150 Deposit required £450Tour price includes: Group transfers from included activities where applicable, accommodation, breakfast daily, two dinners, one picnic supper, sightseeing tours as described including entrance fee, first category ticket for each included performance, opera synopses, restaurant guide, the services of our local representative or tour manager.


PRE-TOUR EXTENSIONWED 24 JUN For those also wishing to attend the revival of the Festival’s acclaimed production of Britten’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream with a starry cast which includes Jonathan Lemalu as Bottom, Travel for the Arts can offer an extension. Please ask for a quote.

SAT 27 JUN Early afternoon arrival at Sofia airport and transfer (approx. 1 hour 45 minutes) to the 4-star Grand Hotel in the heart of the ancient city of Plovdiv, where you will be based for the next three nights. A welcome dinner will be served that evening in a local restaurant.

SUN 28 JUN The day starts with a walking tour of Plovdiv. Join your guide to explore this city which, like Rome, straddles seven hills. Founded by Philip of Macedon, it is Europe’s oldest continuously inhabited city and more ancient than Bulgaria itself. Little is left today of the early city, but much of the Roman one survives, including the forum, stadium, fortress and amphitheatre. You will also visit the romantic Old Town with its colourful 19th-century mansions. Lunch and the afternoon are at leisure before departing to the award-winning Villa Yustina Winery, situated on the edge of the Rhodopi Mountains, for dinner and wine-tasting.

MON 29 JUN A full-day excursion to Kazaniak. The town is the centre of rose oil extraction in Bulgaria

and your first stop will be at a distillery with the chance to taste some rose brandy. Kazaniak is home to the country’s largest and best-preserved Thracian tombs, and a visit to the archaeological museum will reveal many treasures, including a 23-carat gold mask of an early Thracian ruler. The tour ends with lunch in a local restaurant, after which there will be some time for you to explore independently before returning to Plovdiv and the evening at leisure.

TUE 30 JUN Depart this morning for Sofia via the magnificent medieval monastery at Bachkovo. Its centerpiece is the early 17th-century Church of Sveta Bogoroditsa which contains colourful frescoes and houses a much-cherished icon of the Virgin Mary. Lunch will be served in a local restaurant before continuing to Sofia where you will check in at the 5-star Arena di Serdica Hotel. It is a short walk to the opera house for the early evening performance of Parsifal. After the opera, there will be an opportunity to meet the artists.

WED 1 JUL Meet your guide this morning for an excursion to Rila monastery, the largest Eastern Orthodox monastery in Bulgaria. Founded in the 10th century by St. Ivan of Rila whose humble dwelling and tomb became a holy site which later developed into a monastic complex known today for its frescoes, museum and exquisite architecture. Lunch is in a local restaurant after which you will return to Sofia for the rest of the day at leisure.

THU 2 JUL This morning join your guide for a city tour of Sofia. Visits include the 6th-century basilica St. Sofia, the National Theatre and delightful fountains and garden, the imposing St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, with its glittering golden domes, and the archaeological museum. Enjoy a farewell lunch in a local restaurant with a little time to relax before walking to the theatre for the early evening opera performance.

FRI 3 JUL Transfer to the airport for the early afternoon flight home.

WAGNER IN SOFIA


27 June – 3 July 2020 Tour code: SOF1

MEET THE ARTISTS

Immerse yourself in the history and culture of Bulgaria with visits to its capital city Sofia and surrounding regions, including the ancient city of Plovdiv and medieval town of Kazaniak. During your stay, you will discover churches, monasteries, rose brandy and award-winning Bulgarian wine. This tour also offers a treat for Wagner aficionados with a production of Parsifal and the second instalment of his epic Ring cycle, Die Walküre, at the national opera house in Sofia.

wagner

PROGRAMME AT SOFIA OPERA

Tour price includes: Flights and airport taxes, group transfers from and to airport and for included activities where applicable, accommodation, breakfast daily, four lunches, two dinners, wine-tasting, sightseeing tours as described including guides and entrance fees, first category ticket for each included performance, opera synopses, restaurant guide and city notes, the service of our local representative or tour manager.

PRICE (PER PERSON)


FLIGHTS

British Airways 27 Jun London Heathrow - Sofia dep: 07.45 arr: 12.55 3 Jul Sofia - London Heathrow dep: 14.15 arr: 15.45Flight schedules are subject to alteration. Flights from other UK airports can be arranged on request.

30 Jun 18.00 PARSIFAL Wagner Inc D: Plamen Kartaloff

C: Ira Levin Cast: tbc

2 Jul 18.00 DIE WALKÜRE Wagner Inc D: Plamen Kartaloff

C: tbc Cast includes: Catherine Foster

PARSIFAL BY SOFIA OPERA


EXTENDED STAYIf you would like to extend your holiday either before or after this programmed tour, please contact us to discuss your wishes.ANTIQUE FORUM IN PLOVDIV

MON 29 JUN Independent arrival at The Lygon Arms in Broadway, a charming and historic 4-star hotel in the heart of the golden-stoned Cotswolds. Enjoy time strolling around what is considered to be one of the loveliest villages in the country before a welcome dinner that night in the hotel’s Great Hall restaurant.

TUE 30 JUN Travel by coach to Hidcote Manor Garden, created by the American horticulturist Lawrence Johnston in 1907. After a brief introductory talk, you will independently explore this beautiful Arts and Crafts garden which is divided by tall hedges and walls to create a series of outdoor rooms, each with its own special and unique character. Return to the hotel for lunch at leisure and a little time to rest. You will then meet Warwick Thompson, a writer, lecturer and critic who is passionate about communicating the pleasures of opera. Warwick will talk you through the background to Donizetti’s much-loved comedy The Elixir of Love, before departing to Longborough for what promises to be an exciting new production. During the interval, enjoy dinner in the Valley Marquee area with further time to discuss the opera with Warwick. Return by coach to the hotel.

WED 1 JULY Independent departure.

LONGBOROUGH’S ELIXIR OF LOVE

Price from £895 pp

29 June – 1 July 2020 Tour code: LNG1

NEW PRODUCTION | PRE-PERFORMANCE TALK INDEPENDENT TRAVEL

Set amidst the glorious rolling hills of the Cotswolds, Longborough Festival Opera is an intimate theatre with a big reputation. Delight in a new production of Donizetti’s comedy The Elixir of Love directed by Cal McCrystal (renowned for his award-winning West End hit One Man, Two Guvnors), with a pre-performance talk by opera expert Warwick Thompson, and a splendid three-course interval dinner. Staying at The Lygon Arms in the beautiful village of Broadway, this tour also includes a visit to Hidcote Manor Garden, one of the best-known Arts and Crafts gardens in Britain.

LONGBOROUGH FESTIVAL OPERA © MATTHEW WILLIAMS-ELLIS

PROGRAMME

30 Jun 17.00 THE ELIXIR OF LOVE Donizetti Inc D: Cal McCrystal

C: Alice Farnham Cast: Jung Soo Yun, Robyn Allegra Parton, Emyr Wyn Jones, Marcus Farnsworth, Lizzie Holmes New production (sung in English)

ARRIVAL INFORMATION

If travelling by car, use the postcode WR12 7DU to navigate to The Lygon Arms on High Street, or alternatively look for the A44 and follow the signs to Broadway. Valet Parking is available for all patrons of The Lygon Arms Hotel along with a private car park to the rear of the property. The closest and most convenient train stations are Evesham, Honeybourne and Moreton-in-Marsh. They are all within a short taxi ride to Broadway.

PRICE (PER PERSON)

Tour price £895Single room supplement £140Deposit required £300Tour price includes: Group transfers from included activities where applicable, accommodation, breakfast daily, two dinners, sightseeing tour as described including entrance fee, introductory talks, first category ticket for the performance, opera synopsis, restaurant guide, the service of our local representative or tour manager.


opera


ALICE FARNHAM

HIDCOTE MANOR GARDEN

WARWICK THOMPSON

LONGBOROUGH FESTIVAL OPERA

THE LYGON ARMS

TUE 7 JUL Independent arrival in Buxton and check in at the centrally-located 4-star deluxe Buxton Crescent Hotel and Thermal Spa, just a three-minute walk from the Opera House. The Crescent was at the heart of the 5th Duke of Devonshire’s plans to establish a fashionable Georgian spa town in Buxton in the 18th century, and this new hotel will occupy the majority of this grade 1 listed building, as well as the magnificent Assembly Rooms. Welcome drinks and canapés will be served in the hotel before walking the short distance to the Opera House for that evening’s performance. After the opera, there will be a drinks reception with members of the cast.

WED 8 JUL The day starts with a walking tour of Buxton. Your first stop is at the beautiful Cavendish Arcade

to sample hand-made chocolates from Charlotte’s Chocolatier and visit the Jantar Pottery shop to see some exquisitely crafted pieces of Blue John and learn about this precious stone’s unique Derbyshire history. You will then head to the Devonshire Dome (the largest unsupported dome in Europe) for a glass of wine and a taste of the award-winning cheese from nearby Hartington. Lunch and the afternoon are at leisure before that evening’s performance.

THU 9 JUL A morning excursion through the stunning Peak District takes you to Haddon Hall. With over 900 years of history, its Long Gallery (reputed to be one of the most beautiful rooms in England), rare 15th-century frescoes and terraced Elizabethan walled gardens, Haddon provides a unique view of

early English life, and is the setting for numerous films and TV series. Return to the hotel for lunch, with the rest of the afternoon at leisure before the final opera of this tour.

FRI 10 JULY Independent departure.

opera

PROGRAMME AT BUXTON OPERA HOUSE

Tour price includes: Group transfers from included activities where applicable, accommodation, breakfast daily, one lunch, welcome drinks and canapés, drinks with the cast, sightseeing tour as described including entrance fee, introductory talks, best available ticket for each included performance, opera synopses, restaurant guide, the service of our local representative or tour manager.

Please note: Haddon Hall has some uneven floors and steps within the house and gardens, so may not be suitable for anyone unsteady on their feet.

ARRIVAL INFORMATION

Direct train services from London Euston to Macclesfield or Stockport station are available (approx. 2 hours) then either a connection to Buxton station (approx. 1 hour 10 minutes from Macclesfield or 50 minutes from Stockport) or a taxi transfer of approx. 30 minutes.

PRICE (PER PERSON)

Tour price £1025Single room supplement £270Deposit required £250

7 Jul 19.15 ACIS AND GALATEA Handel Inc D: Martin Constantine

C: Christian Curnyn Cast: Nick Pritchard, Mary Bevan, Jorge Navarro Colorado, Lukas Jakobski, David de Winter New production (Co-production with Early Opera Company)

8 Jul 19.15 LA DONNA DEL LAGO Rossini Inc D: Jacopo Spirei

C: Adrian Kelly Cast includes: Nico Darmanin, John Irvin, Catherine Carby New production

9 Jul 19.15 CIBOULETTE Hahn Inc D: Jeff Clarke

C: Wyn Davies Cast includes: Soraya Mafi New production

BEAUTIFUL BUXTON


7 – 10 July 2020 Tour code: BUX1

NEW PRODUCTIONS | MEET THE ARTISTS INDEPENDENT TRAVEL

Nestled in the heart of the beautiful Peak District, Buxton International Festival brings to life rarely-performed operas alongside more established repertoire. This year is no exception with three new productions: Handel’s Acis and Galatea with an impressive cast of young singers, Rossini’s La Donna del Lago, conducted by the new Artistic Director Adrian Kelly, and Ciboulette by Reynaldo Hahn, considered one of the last masterpieces of French operetta. There will also be the opportunity to meet some of the artists over post-performance drinks.

BUXTON OPERA HOUSE


BUXTON CRESCENT HOTEL


PEAK DISTRICT

HADDON HALL


SUN 12 JUL Afternoon arrival in Munich and transfer to the 4-star family-owned Hotel Torbräu, close to the colourful Marienplatz and only a five-minute walk to the Bayerischer Staatsoper. Time to rest and relax before a welcome dinner in the hotel that evening.

MON 13 JUL Meet your guide this morning for a walking tour of the Old Town. Stroll around Marienplatz where the town hall’s impressive Carillon clock delights with a display of life-sized figures that reenact events from Bavarian history. Visits include the Frauenkirche with its landmark twin towers and the upstairs floor of the city’s famous Hofbrau House. Lunch and the afternoon are at leisure before the short walk to the theatre for the song recital that evening.

TUE 14 JUL Today is an excursion to the charming market town of Murnau am Staffelsee on the edge of the Bavarian Alps. The spectacular landscape of the region attracted many painters, including Gabriele Münter and Wassily Kandinsky, and Murnau became home to the early 20th-century art movement ‘The Blue Rider’, a precursor to expressionism. You will have time for individual sightseeing and an independent lunch before a short cruise on the clear waters of the Staffelsee. Return to Munich with some free time before that evening’s opera performance.

WED 15 JUL The day starts with a guided tour of the sumptuous Residenz Munich which served as the seat of government of the Bavarian dukes, electors

and kings from 1508 to 1918, and is today one of the most important palace museums in Europe. Continue to the Treasury to view an impressive display of jewels, goldsmiths' work, enamels, crystal objects and ivories, the result of centuries of avid collecting by the rulers of Bavaria, as well as an independent visit to the Cuvilliés Theatre, the former court theatre. The tour ends with a farewell lunch in a local restaurant. The rest of the day is free for you to enjoy as you wish before the performance that evening.

THU 16 JUL Transfer to the airport for the early afternoon flight home.

JONAS KAUFMANN IN MUNICH


12 – 16 July 2020 Tour code: MUC2

NEW PRODUCTIONS

As part of the 2020 Munich Opera Festival, the highly-acclaimed German tenor Jonas Kaufmann returns to his home city to perform a song recital with his frequent accompanist, Helmut Deutsch. Other great names appearing in the Festival include Roberto Alagna, Anja Harteros, Wolfgang Koch and Aleksandra Kurzak who all perform principal roles in two new Verdi productions, Otello and the composer’s final opera Falstaff.


JONAS KAUFMANN © GREGOR HOHENBERG / SONY CLASSICAL

PROGRAMME AT THE BAYERISCHER STAATSOPER

13 Jul 20.00 JONAS KAUFMANN Recital Inc Piano: Helmut Deutsch

Programme: tbc

14 Jul 19.00 FALSTAFF Verdi Inc D: Mateja Koležnik

C: Kirill Petrenko Cast includes: Wolfgang Koch, Boris Pinkhasovich, Bogdan Volkov, Kevin Conners, Galeano Salas, Callum Thorpe, Aleksandra Kurzak, Elsa Benoit, Okka von der Damerau, Dorottya Láng New production

15 Jul 19.00 OTELLO Verdi Inc D: Mateja Koležnik

D: Amélie Niermeyer C: Adam Fischer Cast includes: Roberto Alagna, Anja Harteros, Claudio Sgura, Galeano Salas, Dean Power, Bálint Szabó, Milan Siljanov, Markus Suihkonen, Katarina Bradić New production

FLIGHTS

British Airways12 Jul London Heathrow - Munich dep: 12.40 arr: 15.3516 Jul Munich - London Heathrow dep: 12.45 arr: 13.50Flight schedules are subject to alteration. Flights from other UK airports can be arranged on request.

PRICE (PER PERSON)

Tour price £2525Double for single use rooms £470Single for single use rooms £190Club Europe flight upgrade from £400Land-only tour price £2340Deposit required £800* High deposit due to great demand for tickets.

Tour 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 category ticket for each included performance, opera synopses, restaurant guide and city notes, the service of our local representative or tour manager.


BAYERISCHE STAATSOPER

opera

ROYAL PALACE OF CASERTA NAPLES

THU 23 JUL Arrive early evening in Naples and transfer (approx. 45 minutes) to the 4-star Grand Hotel Santa Lucia. Perfectly located on a pedestrianised area along the seafront, this elegant hotel is away from the main hustle and bustle of the city. After checking-in, there will be a welcome dinner in the hotel’s restaurant which offers splendid views across the harbour.

FRI 24 JUL Start the day with a walking tour of Naples, visiting some of the city’s numerous treasures, including the San Severo Chapel with its famous statue of the Veiled Christ and the beautiful cloisters of Santa Chiara, coated with majolica ceramic floral decorations. Stop for coffee and cake at the charming literary Caffè Intra Moenia, which also serves as a publishing house. Both lunch and the afternoon are at leisure before transferring to the theatre for that evening’s opera performance.

SAT 25 JUL Transfer this morning outside of the city to the Royal Palace of Caserta, constructed for the Bourbon kings of Naples in the 18th century. In terms of volume, the palace is the largest royal residence in the world and is the crowning achievement of the architect Luigi Vanvitelli. Lunch will be served at the restaurant Antica Osteria Massa in the nearby town of Caserta. Return to Naples where dinner and the evening are at leisure.

SUN 26 JUL Both the morning and lunch are free for you to spend as you wish before transferring to Teatro di San Carlo for a tour of this beautiful and historic theatre. This will be followed by the late afternoon performance of a new production of Carmen. After the performance, enjoy a farewell dinner in a local restaurant by the waterfront.

MON 27 JUL Transfer to the airport for the late morning flight home.

CULTURAL EXPLORATION IN NAPLES


23 – 27 July 2020 Tour code: NAP1

NEW PRODUCTION

The wealth of cultural assets in Naples is exceptional – churches and museums abound, adorned with frescoes, sculptures and great works of art – whilst the Teatro di San Carlo is one of the most beautiful and important opera houses in Italy. By the sea and blessed with rich volcanic soil and a long culinary tradition, Naples boasts exquisite seafood and, of course, the best pizza in the world! Outside of the city lies Caserta and the UNESCO World Heritage listed royal palace, with breathtaking furnishings and decoration, plus magnificent gardens that stretch over three kilometres with a baroque spectacle of fountains.

TEATRO SAN CARLO


PROGRAMME AT TEATRO SAN CARLO

24 Jul 20.00 LA RONDINE Puccini Inc D: Lorenzo Mariani

C: Juraj Valčuha Cast includes: Dinara Alieva, Ruth Iniesta, Marco Ciaponi, Celso Albelo, Giovanni Meoni

26 Jul 17.00 CARMEN Bizet Inc D: Michele Sorrentino Mangini

C: Emmanuel Villaume Cast includes: Clémentine Margaine / Carmen Topciu, Saimir Pirgu / Luciano Ganci, Samuel Youn / Alessandro Luongo, Roberto Accurso, Costantino Finucci, Karen Gardeazabal New production

FLIGHTS

British Airways 23 Jul London Gatwick - Naples dep: 15.25 arr: 19.00 27 Jul Naples - London Gatwick dep: 11.00 arr: 12.55Flight schedules are subject to alteration. Flights from other UK airports can be arranged on request.

PRICE (PER PERSON)

Tour price £1875 Single room supplement £300 Club Europe flight upgrade from £400 Land-only tour price £1605 Deposit 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 service of our local representative or tour manager.



THU 23 JUL Afternoon arrival in Helsinki and travel by coach to Savonlinna (approx. 4 hours). Check-in at the stylish Hotel Seurahuone in the centre of Savonlinna, adjacent to the Market Square and Passenger Harbour, with magnificent views over Lake Saimaa. A welcome dinner will be served that night at the nearby Lighthouse restaurant.

FRI 24 JUL Join your guide this morning for a walking tour of Savonlinna. Visits include Olavinlinna Castle where you will go backstage and witness the challenges of staging opera in a medieval castle. Lunch and the rest of the day are at leisure with the option of the opera performance that evening.

SAT 25 JUL Check-out in the morning and transfer (approx. 30 minutes) to the Punkaharju Resort, a relaxing water amusement park. After checking-in, head to the nearby Finnish Forest Museum at Lusto for a diverse and illuminating insight into the significance of forests for the Finnish people. Return to the resort, stopping en route for lunch at Punkaharju Hotel. Time to relax before boarding the steamer for dinner and a stylish journey to Savonlinna for that evening’s celebratory Gala. After the performance, you will return by coach to Punkaharju.

SUN 26 JUL Check-out and transfer to the beautiful landscape of Heinävesi for a visit to the New Valamo Monastery, a tranquil centre of Orthodox religious life and culture, where you will sample the monks’ homemade wine and a buffet lunch. Return to Savonlinna via Kerimäki church, reputedly the world’s oldest wooden church, and back to the Seurahuone Hotel for your final night. After the opera that evening, there will be a farewell dinner in the medieval halls of Olavinlinna Castle.

MON 27 JUL Transfer to Savonlinna airport for the homeward flight via Helsinki.

SAVONLINNA CELEBRATES KARITA MATTILA


23 – 27 July 2020 Tour code: SAV1

GALA PERFORMANCE | NEW PRODUCTION

Travel for the Arts are delighted to offer this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to hear Finnish superstar soprano Karita Mattila in a special festive gala in celebration of her 60th birthday. Winner of the first Cardiff Singer of the World Competition in 1983, “La Karita” will perform arias from her recent major roles in the stunning setting of Olavinlinna Castle. This tour will be based for three nights in the centre of Savonlinna, with one night at the Punkaharju Resort on the shore of picturesque Lake Saimaa, from where you will travel by boat to the Gala event of the season.


KARITA MATTILA

NEW VALAMO MONASTERY

OLAVINLINNA CASTLE

PROGRAMME AT OLAVINLINNA CASTLE

Tour price includes: Flights and airport taxes, group transfers from and to airport and for included activities where applicable, accommodation, breakfast daily, two lunches, three dinners, sightseeing tours as described including guides and entrance fees, wine tasting, top category tickets for each included performance, and second category ticket for Karita Mattila, opera synopsis, restaurant guide and city notes, the service of our local representative or tour manager.

FLIGHTS Finnair23 Jul London Heathrow - Helsinki dep: 10.20 arr: 15.1527 Jul Savonlinna - Helsinki dep: 14.05 arr: 15.00 Helsinki - London Heathrow dep: 17.00 arr: 18.05Flight schedules are subject to alteration. Flights from other UK airports can be arranged on request.

PRICE (PER PERSON)

Tour price £2555Single room supplement £435Business Class flight upgrade from £350Land-only tour price £2240Deposit required £450

24 Jul 19.00 THE BARBER OF SEVILLE Rossini £165 D: Kari Heiskanen

C: Evelino Pidò Cast includes: Annalisa Stroppa, Tuomas Katajala, Roberto de Candia, Michele Pertusi

Please note that this production contains some nudity.

25 Jul 19.00 KARITA MATTILA – THE GRAND Inc FESTIVE GALA

C: Hannu Lintu Soprano: Karita Mattila Programme to include arias from operas by Strauss, Wagner and Janáček

26 Jul 19.00 WERTHER Massenet Inc D: Fabrizio Melano C: Yordan Kamdzhalov

Cast includes: Aljaž Farasin, Ivana Srbljan, Domen Križaj, Vanja Zelčić, Giorgio Surian, Robert Kolar, Marko Fortunato New production


SONDRA RADVANOVSKY PIOTR BECZAŁA CARLOS ÁLVAREZ


FESTIVAL CASTELL PERALADA


4 – 8 August 2020 Tour code: GRO1


Travel for the Arts are delighted to introduce this Festival of world-class performances in the ancient Castle of Peralada near Figueres, birthplace of the surrealist artist Salvador Dalí. During the day you can explore this region of northern Spain with visits to Girona and the attractive coastal town of Cadaqués, whilst in the evening four outstanding singers – Sondra Radvanovsky, Anita Rachvelishvili, Piotr Beczała and Carlos Álvarez – come together for the spectacle of Verdi’s Aida in the Castle itself. American tenor Brian Jagde delights with a solo recital in the Cloisters of the Carmen Church. A promise of summer nights you will never forget!

CASTLE OF PERALADA

BRIAN JAGDE

20

opera


TUE 4 AUG Arrive early afternoon in Barcelona and transfer (approx. 1 hour 45 minutes) to the 4-star Hotel Pirineos in Figueres. This stylish hotel, located just a few minutes walk from from the Salvador Dalí Museum, is still run by the family who commissioned local architect Pelayo Martínez Paricio to design it in 1961. Spend the afternoon exploring the town before a welcome dinner that evening in a local restaurant.

WED 5 AUG A morning visit to the Dalí Museum, designed by the artist himself and considered to be his last great work. The museum contains over 1500 paintings, drawings, sculptures, engravings, holograms and photographs which serve to illustrate the captivating world of this unique surrealist. Lunch is at leisure after which you will transfer the short distance to Castell de Peralada for a visit to the museum which houses the most important glass collection in Spain. Dinner that evening will be in the Michelin-starred castle restaurant followed by the opera performance in the castle gardens.

THU 6 AUG Mid-morning departure to the picturesque town of Cadaqués, one of the most beautiful and unspoilt villages on the Mediterranean and a favourite spot for many painters, including Chagall, Magritte, Matisse and Picasso as well as Dalí, whose

house you will visit in nearby Portlligat. Lunch is in a local restaurant before returning to the hotel. The evening’s opera recital will take place in the peaceful cloisters of Carmen Church within the walls of the Castell de Peralada.

FRI 7 AUG A full-day excursion starts with a walking tour of Girona during which you will explore the history of this ancient city with its narrow streets, huge 15th-century cathedral, fascinating Jewish

quarter and colourful façades. After an independent lunch, continue to the remarkably well-preserved medieval town of Besalú noted for its impressive 11th-century fortified bridge. Return to Figueres for the evening and dinner at leisure.

SAT 8 AUG Spend the morning either last-minute sightseeing or shopping before transferring to Barcelona for the homeward flight.

PROGRAMME

5 Aug 22.00 AIDA Verdi Inc D: Paco Azorín

C: Dan Ettinger Cast includes: Sondra Radvanovsky, Anita Rachvelishvili, Piotr Beczała, Carlos Álvarez Venue: The Castle Gardens Auditorium New production

6 Aug 20.00 BRIAN JAGDE Recital Inc Programme: Various songs and arias

Venue: The Cloisters of Carmen Church

PRICE (PER PERSON)


FLIGHTS

British Airways4 Aug London Heathrow - Barcelona dep: 9.25 arr: 12.358 Aug Barcelona - London Heathrow dep: 15.50 arr: 16.10Flight schedules are subject to alteration. Flights from other UK airports can be arranged on request.

Tour 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 synopsis, restaurant guide and city notes, the service of our local representative or tour manager.


SALVADOR DALÍ MUSEUM

CADAQUÉSGIRONA

INTERIOR OF SALVADOR DALÍ MUSEUM

MON 10 AUG Afternoon arrival at Verona airport and transfer to the elegant 4-star Hotel Colomba d’Oro in the heart of Verona, conveniently located a very short walking distance from the Arena di Verona. Welcome dinner that evening in a local restaurant.

TUE 11 AUG Join your guide this morning for a walking tour of Verona, taking in the medieval and Roman Piazza delle Erbe and Piazza dei Signori, as well as Casa di Giulietta to view the balcony where Juliet was said to have received Romeo’s declaration of love. A travel pass is included for independent visits to three notable churches. Lunch and the afternoon are at leisure for you to further explore this historic city. There is the option that evening to attend the performance of Verdi’s Nabucco.

WED 12 AUG A full-day excursion to the UNESCO World Heritage city of Mantua. You will visit the Palazzo Ducale, originally the residence of the powerful Gonzaga family, which houses exceptional frescoes by Mantegna in the Camera degli Sposi (Bridal Chamber), demonstrating the artist’s masterful use of perspective and trompe l’oeil. Other visits include the Basilica Palatina di Santa Barbara. After lunch in a local restaurant you will continue to the baroque Teatro Scientifico del Bibiena, the Basilica di Sant’Andrea and catch a glimpse of the Casa di Rigoletto. Return to Verona for the evening and dinner at leisure.

THU 13 AUG The day is free for you to spend as you wish. The performance that evening is a new production of the classic double-bill of Cavalleria rusticana and Pagliacci.

GREAT ITALIAN OPERA IN VERONA


10 – 15 August 2020 Tour code: VRN1

NEW PRODUCTIONS

This tour offers a feast of much-loved Italian operas in the spectacular setting of the Arena di Verona. There is the option of Verdi’s Nabucco with its famous ‘Chorus of the Hebrew Slaves’ (which Italian audiences are known to frequently sing along to), with a highlight being new productions of the classic verismo pairing of Cavalleria rusticana and Pagliacci. As a tribute to the late Franco Zeffirelli, his much-lauded and sumptuous production of Turandot is the final opera of this tour, with the option of extending your stay to see this great director’s gorgeous production of La traviata.

opera

PROGRAMME AT THE ARENA DI VERONA

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 service of our local representative or tour manager.

PRICE (PER PERSON)

Tour price £1995Single room supplement £445Land-only tour price £1745Deposit required £400

11 Aug 20.45 NABUCCO Verdi £212 D: Arnaud Bernard

C: tbc Cast: tbc

13 Aug 20.45 CAVALLERIA RUSTICANA / PAGLIACCI Mascagni / Leoncavallo Inc D: tbc

C: tbc Cast: tbc New productions

14 Aug 20.45 TURANDOT Verdi Inc D: Franco Zeffirelli

C: tbc Cast: tbc

15 Aug 20.45 LA TRAVIATA Verdi RQ D: Franco Zeffirelli

C: tbc Cast: tbc

Full casting will be confirmed in Spring 2020. Please note that tickets are on request.

FLIGHTS

Easyjet10 Aug London Gatwick - Verona dep: 13.15 arr: 16.2015 Aug Verona - London Gatwick dep: 16.50 arr: 17.55Flight schedules are subject to alteration. Flights from other UK airports can be arranged on request.

NABUCCO © ENNEVI / COURTESY OF FONDAZIONE ARENA DI VERONA


LA TRAVIATA

FRI 14 AUG Spend the morning exploring nearby Castelvecchio. Built in 1350, this huge fortress was severely damaged both by Napoleon and in World War II, but ingeniously restored under the guidance of the renowned Italian architect Carlo Scarpa, who constructed bridges over exposed foundations and filled gaping holes with glass panels. The complex is now home to a diverse collection of statuary, frescoes, jewellery, medieval artefacts and paintings. There will be a farewell lunch in a local restaurant with time to rest and relax before that evening’s performance of Turandot.

SAT 15 AUG Spend the morning and lunch at leisure before transferring to the airport for the afternoon flight home.


POST-TOUR EXTENSIONSAT 15 AUG Spend the day at leisure before the evening performance of La traviata.

SUN 16 AUG Spend the morning and lunch at leisure before transferring to the airport for the afternoon flight home. Please ask for a quote.

TEATRO ROSSINI

URBINOFRI 14 AUG Arrive late afternoon in Bologna and transfer to Pesaro (approx. 2 hours). Check in at the 4-star Hotel Cruiser overlooking the sea and enjoy a welcome buffet dinner in the hotel.

SAT 15 AUG Join your guide this morning for a walking tour "in the footsteps of Rossini". View a section of the 6th-century mosaic floor at the Cathedral before spending time at Casa Rossini, the great composer’s birthplace and now a museum housing a large collection of memorabilia. Lunch and the afternoon are at leisure before the evening performance at Teatro Rossini.

SUN 16 AUG Spend the morning discovering the nearby borgo of Gradara, one of the best-conserved medieval villages in Italy. You will visit the Castello di Gradara, known as the ‘Rocca’ to the locals and reputedly the setting for Dante’s story of Paolo and Francesca in his ‘Divine Comedy’. Lunch is in a local restaurant before returning to Pesaro. The afternoon is free for independent exploration or relaxation before transferring to the Vitrifrigo Arena for the evening concert with Juan Diego Flórez.

JUAN DIEGO FLÓREZ RETURNS TO PESARO


14 – 18 August 2020 Tour code: PES1

NEW PRODUCTIONS

Peruvian superstar tenor Juan Diego Flórez returns to Pesaro and the festival where he first shot to fame in 1996. Devoted to Pesaro’s most famous son, the composer and gourmet Gioachino Rossini, this annual festival is a showcase for many great singers, conductors and directors. In addition to a Gala concert by Flórez, this tour offers you two new productions: Rossini’s one-act comic opera La cambiale di matrimonio (which will be paired with his delightful cantata Giovanna d’Arco) and Elisabetta, Regina d’Inghilterra.

JUAN DIEGO FLÓREZ © GREGOR HOHENBERG / SONY MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT

PROGRAMME

15 Aug 20.00 GIOVANNI D’ARCO / LA CAMBIALE DI MATRIMONIO Rossini Inc D: Laurence Dale

C: Dmitry Korchak Cast: tbc Venue: Teatro Rossini New production

16 Aug 20.00 JUAN DIEGO FLÓREZ Concert Inc Programme: tbc

Venue: Vitrifrigo Arena

17 Aug 20.00 ELISABETTA, REGINA D’INGHILTERRA Rossini Inc D: Davide Livermore

C: Evelino Pidò Cast: tbc Venue: Vitrifrigo Arena New production

Full casting will be confirmed in Spring 2020.

FLIGHTS

British Airways14 Aug London Heathrow - Bologna dep: 14.40 arr: 17.5018 Aug Bologna - London Heathrow dep: 18.50 arr: 20.10Flight schedules are subject to alteration. Flights from other UK airports can be arranged on request.

PRICE (PER PERSON)

Tour price £2095Single room supplement £280Club Europe flight upgrade from £275Land-only tour price £1940Deposit required £450Tour price includes: Flights and airport taxes, group transfers from and to airport and for included activities where applicable, accommodation, breakfast daily, two lunches, 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 service of our local representative or tour manager.




MON 17 AUG The day is spent in Urbino, one of Italy’s idyllic hill towns and the birthplace of Raphael. Your guide will take you to the adjacent churches of San Giovanni and San Giuseppe and then to the Palace of the Dukes of Montefeltro, widely regarded as the pinnacle of Renaissance architecture of the cinquecento. The palace contains many art treasures including works by Raphael, Piero della Francesca, Titian and Botticelli. Lunch will be served in a local restaurant. Return to Pesaro with time to relax before the opera performance that evening.

TUE 18 AUG Spend the morning as you wish and enjoy a lunch of your choice before transferring to Bologna for the early evening flight home.


THE SALZBURG FESTIVAL CENTENARY


15 – 21 August 2020 Tour code: SZG2

ANNIVERSARY | NEW PRODUCTION

In 2020, the internationally renowned Salzburg Festival will celebrate its centenary with an array of world-class performances by a myriad of outstanding artists. Its impressive anniversary programme includes a new production of Elektra, a starry cast that includes Cecilia Bartoli and Javier Camarena in Don Pasquale, and a concert version of I Vespri Siciliani with Plácido Domingo. On the concert platform, Riccardo Muti conducts the Vienna Philharmonic, whilst the legendary pianist Martha Argerich joins forces with the violinist Renaud Capuçon. Both concerts include works by Beethoven as part of his own very special anniversary year.


SALZBURG FESTIVAL



SAT 15 AUG Early morning arrival in Salzburg and transfer to either the comfortable 4-star Hotel NH Salzburg City or the luxurious 5-star Hotel Bristol, both located in the city centre. A welcome lunch will be served at restaurant M32 which is located in the Museum of Modern Art overlooking the historic district of Salzburg. After lunch, check in to your chosen hotel and spend the rest of the day at leisure.

SUN 16 AUG A late morning concert performance is followed by an independent lunch, with the rest of the day free to explore the beautiful baroque city of Salzburg.

MON 17 AUG A full-day excursion to the scenic Salzkammergut, an Alpine region of lakes and

mountains to the east of the city, which has inspired many an operetta melody. Pass through the village of St Gilgen where Mozart’s sister lived, and visit the idyllic spa resort of Bad Ischl, popular with the 19th-century Viennese elite, where you will have a guided tour of the Kaiservilla, the Imperial Villa which was a summer residence for Franz Josef I and his wife Elisabeth (Sisi). Lunch will be in a local restaurant before your return to Salzburg for the performance that evening.

TUE 18 AUG A guided walking tour of Salzburg will allow you to visit some of the most important sights of the city such as the Mozarteum, Landestheater, Mirabell Palace and the Cathedral, as well as a visit to the State Exhibition celebrating the 100-year

anniversary of the Salzburg Festival. Lunch and the afternoon are at leisure before the early evening opera performance.

WED 19 AUG This morning, subject to rehearsal schedules, there will be backstage tours of the main Festival houses: the Grosses Festspielhaus, Haus für Mozart and the Felsenreitschule. Lunch will be served in a local restaurant, with the afternoon at leisure before the recital that evening.

THU 20 AUG The day is free for you to spend either sightseeing, shopping or simply relaxing. There will be an early farewell dinner before the evening recital.

FRI 21 AUG Transfer to the airport for the late morning flight home.

SALZBURG FESTIVAL

PROGRAMME

16 Aug 11.00 VIENNA PHILHARMONIC Inc C: Riccardo Muti

Singers include: Asmik Grigorian, Marianne Crebassa, Daniel Johansson, Gerald Finley Programme: Beethoven - Symphony No. 9 in D minor, Op. 125 Venue: Grosses Festspielhaus

17 Aug 20.00 ELEKTRA Strauss Inc D: Krzysztof Warlikowski

C: Franz Welser-Möst Cast includes: Tanja Ariane Baumgartner, Aušrine Stundyte, Asmik Grigorian, Michael Laurenz, Derek Welton Venue: Grosses Felsenreitschule New production

18 Aug 18:30 DON PASQUALE Donizetti Inc D: Moshe Leiser and Patrice Caurier

C: Gianluca Capuano Cast includes: Cecilia Bartoli, Javier Camarena, Peter Kálman, Nicola Alaimo Venue: Haus für Mozart

19 Aug 19.00 I VESPRI SICILIANI Verdi Inc C: Daniele Rustioni

Cast includes: Plácido Domingo, Neven Crnić, Fabio Sartori, Mika Kares, Rachel Willis-Sørensen Venue: Grosses Felsenreitschule Concert performance

20 Aug 19.30 RECITAL – ARGERICH / R. CAPUÇON Inc Piano: Martha Argerich

Violin: Renaud Capuçon Programme: Beethoven - Sonata for Violin and Piano No. 8 in G major, , Op. 30/3 R. Schumann - Sonata for Violin and Piano No. 2 in D minor, Op. 121 Prokofiev - Sonata for Violin and Piano No. 2 in D major, Op. 94a Venue: Haus für Mozart

Please note that tickets are on request and will not be confirmed until Spring 2020.

FLIGHTS

British Airways15 Aug London Gatwick - Salzburg dep: 07.25 arr: 10.2521 Aug Salzburg - London Gatwick dep: 11.35 arr: 12.35Flight schedules are subject to alteration. Flights from other UK airports can be arranged on request.

PRICE (PER PERSON)

Tour price (NH Hotel) £3380Single room supplement (NH Hotel) £765Tour price (Bristol Hotel) £3695Single room supplement (Bristol Hotel) £660Club Europe flight upgrade from £450Land-only tour price (NH Hotel) £3185Land-only tour price (Bristol Hotel) £3500Deposit required £1200* High deposit due to great demand for tickets.

Tour price includes: Flights and airport taxes, group transfers from and to airport and for included activities where applicable, accommodation, breakfast daily, two lunches, 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 service of our local representative or tour manager.


opera

MON 17 AUG Early afternoon arrival in Stockholm and transfer to the 4-star Berns Hotel. This award-winning and stylish boutique hotel is located in the centre of Stockholm’s dynamic shopping and restaurant district, overlooking Berzelii Park and the Baltic Sea. Time to rest before a welcome dinner that evening in the hotel.

TUE 18 AUG Meet your guide this morning for a walking tour of Stockholm’s Old Town. You will visit some of the city’s major sights including the Cathedral, the City Hall (home of the Nobel Prize banquet) and the magnificent Royal Palace. Lunch is at leisure before departing by steamer in the afternoon to Drottningholm Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the private residence of the Swedish royal family. Dinner will be served in the Pavilion prior to the opera performance at the Court Theatre. Return to Stockholm by coach.

BACK TO BAROQUE IN STOCKHOLM


17 – 20 August 2020 Tour code: STO1

NEW PRODUCTIONS

Return to the 18th century during this tour to Stockholm with operas at two beautiful and historical theatres. The wooden stage machinery at the Drottningholm Court Theatre is still operated by hand, whilst wind, thunder and cloud machines, as well as traps and moving waves, add authenticity and a touch of charm. A new production of Handel’s Agrippina will be performed on period instruments with Swedish mezzo-soprano Ann Hallenberg in the title role. At Sweden’s oldest rococo theatre, the Ulriksdal Palace Theatre (Confidencen), clever programming pairs one of the earliest known English operas, John Blow’s Venus and Adonis, with his pupil Henry Purcell’s much-loved Dido and Aeneas.

DROTTNINGHOLMS SLOTTSTEATER © LOUISE BERG


PROGRAMME FLIGHTS

PRICE (PER PERSON)

18 Aug 19.00 AGRIPPINA Handel Inc D: Staffan Valdemar Holm

C: Francesco Corti Cast: Ann Hallenberg, Bruno de Sá, Kristina Hammarström, Giulia Semenzato, Renato Dolcini, Emil Næshagen Venue: Drottningholms Slottsteater New production (sung in Italian with surtitles in Swedish)

19 Aug 19.00 VENUS AND ADONIS / Inc DIDO AND AENEAS* Blow / Purcell D: William Relton

C: Olof Boman Choregrapher: Sara Ekman Cast: TBC Venue: Confidencen New production (sung in English)

* Please note that these performances will be recorded by Sveriges Television and Sveriges Radio and may involve repetition of a scene or two.

British Airways17 Aug London Heathrow - Stockholm dep: 11.20 arr: 14.5520 Aug Stockholm - London Heathrow dep: 15.25 arr: 17.05Flight schedules are subject to alteration. Flights from other UK airports can be arranged on request.

Tour price includes: Flights and airport taxes, group transfers from and to airport and for included activities where applicable, accommodation, breakfast daily, two dinners, one light snack, sightseeing tours as described including guides and entrance fees, first category ticket for each included performance, opera synopses, restaurant guide and city notes, the service of our local representative or tour manager.† Please note that the journey by boat to Ulriksdal Palace is subject to availability. In case of cancellation, alternative transport and refreshments will be provided.


DROTTNINGHOLM PALACE

ULRIKSDAL PALACE


WED 19 AUG The morning is free for you to further explore the city and lunch independently. In the late afternoon you will transfer to the Strandvägen boulevard and take a boat trip† across the Edsviken Lake to Ulriksdal Palace, during which you will be served a glass of wine and a plate of Swedish delicacies. The double bill that evening is at the Confidencen Theatre, after which you will return by coach to the hotel.

THU 20 AUG Spend the morning at leisure before transferring to the airport for the homeward flight.

ballet

SAT 28 SEP Afternoon arrival and transfer to the Hotel Cavour, a comfortable 4-star hotel in the centre of Milan, and a 10-minute walk to the Teatro alla Scala. Time to rest, relax or stroll around the city before a visit to Villa Medici Giulini, home to an impressive collection of musical instruments, for a welcome buffet dinner and private piano recital.

SUN 29 SEP Meet your guide this morning for a walking tour of Milan. Visits include the city’s glorious Cathedral and La Scala museum with its many

treasures - scores, photos, ceramics and porcelain from the Commedia dell’Arte - tracing the history of the many great singers, dancers and composers who have all added to the glory of this theatre. The tour ends with lunch at the atmospheric Ristorante Al Cantinone. The afternoon is at leisure before the short walk to the theatre for that evening’s special ballet performance.

MON 30 SEP Spend the morning as you wish before transferring to the airport for the afternoon flight home.

BALLET STARS IN MILAN


28 – 30 September 2020 Tour code: MIL1

Two of the ballet world’s greatest stars of the day join forces for what promises to be a spectacular evening at the prestigious Teatro alla Scala, Milan. Prima ballerina Svetlana Zakharova and principal dancer étoile Roberto Bolle perform the lead roles in John Neumeier’s classical ballet La Dame aux Camélias, and Travel for the Arts are thrilled to be able to offer you this opportunity to witness a performance to remember.


PROGRAMME

Tour price includes: Flights and airport taxes, group transfers from and to airport and for included activities where applicable, accommodation, breakfast daily, one dinner, one lunch, sightseeing tours as described including guides and entrance fees, first category ticket for the performance, ballet synopsis, restaurant guide and city notes, the service of our local representative or tour manager.

FLIGHTS

British Airways28 Sep London Heathrow - Milan Linate dep: 12.00 arr: 15.0030 Sep Milan Linate - London Heathrow dep: 15.50 arr: 16.50Flight schedules are subject to alteration. Flights from other UK airports can be arranged on request.

PRICE (PER PERSON)

Tour price £1595Single room supplement £240Club Europe flight upgrade from £250Land-only tour price £1440Deposit required £400Tour Extension from £150pppn sharing

£120pppn single supplement

29 Sep 20.00 LA DAME AUX CAMÉLIAS Inc Choreography: John Neumeier

Music: Chopin Étoiles: Svetlana Zakharova and Roberto Bolle

TEATRO ALLA SCALA

SVETLANA ZAKHAROVA

ROBERTO BOLLE


ROBERTO BOLLE AND SVETLANA ZAKHAROVA

WED 30 SEP Afternoon arrival in Vienna and transfer (approx. 2 hours) to Brno. Check-in at the stylish 5-star Barceló Brno Palace, perfectly located in the centre of the city. There will be time to rest and relax before a welcome dinner that evening in a local restaurant.

THU 1 OCT Join your guide this morning for a walking tour of Brno. The tour starts at the Janáček Theatre, named after the Czech composer whose life and work is intrinsically linked with the city. You will see the magical curtain of water with its cascade of colour in front of the theatre before moving to Freedom Square with its six-metre tall granite bullet and then to Brno’s beautiful market square, as well as the monumental Cathedral of St Peter and Paul. Lunch is in a local restaurant with the afternoon at leisure. The concert performance that evening is at the Reduta Theatre, the oldest theatre in Central Europe, and where Mozart conducted as a young boy in 1767.

FRI 2 OCT Transfer (approx. 2 hours) to the village of Hukvaldy where Janáček was born and spent his final

years. This rural location provided the inspiration for many of the composer’s works and you will visit his birthplace – the local schoolhouse – which contains numerous photographs, letters and notes from the composer’s life, and the romantic ruins of the large 15th-century castle where Janáček would allegedly come to contemplate his compositions. Lunch will be served in a local restaurant. Return to Brno and the evening at leisure.

SAT 3 OCT A morning visit to Villa Jurkovič, one of the many architectural gems in Brno. Built in 1906, the Slovak architect Dušan Jurkovič was much influenced by folk art which he incorporated into the design of his house and garden. There is also a fascinating exhibition of furniture that Jurkovič designed, plus photographs of other commissions that he undertook after he left Brno in 1919. Lunch and the afternoon are at leisure before the opera performance that evening.

SUN 4 OCT Transfer to Vienna for the afternoon flight home.

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, top category tickets for each included performance, opera synopses, restaurant guide and city notes, the service of our local representative or tour manager.

FLIGHTS

British Airways30 Sep London Heathrow - Vienna dep: 11.35 arr: 15.004 Oct Vienna - London Heathrow dep: 14.50 arr: 16.20Flight schedules are subject to alteration. Flights from other UK airports can be arranged on request.

PRICE (PER PERSON)


PROGRAMME

1 Oct 19.00 THE DIARY OF ONE WHO DISAPPEARED Inc Janáček Recital

Tenor: Pavel Breslik Piano: Robert Pechanec NB This will be preceded by a piano recital Pianist: Jan Jiraský Programme to include works by Janáček, Bartók, Novák and Stravinsky Venue: Reduta Theatre (Mozart Hall)

3 Oct 19.00 JENŮFA Janáček Inc D: Claus Guth

C: Robert Kružík Cast includes: Karita Mattila Venue: Janáček Theatre New production (Co-production with Covent Garden)

AWARD-WINNING FESTIVAL IN BRNO


30 September – 4 October 2020 Tour code: BRN1


Another new destination for Travel for the Arts is Brno in the Czech Republic. This charming capital of Moravia is where the composer Leoš Janáček lived for many years, and today is home to The Janáček Brno Festival which won the award for ‘Best Festival’ at the prestigious International Opera Awards in 2019. This new tour includes two of Janáček’s powerful compositions – a concert performance of his song cycle The Diary of One who Disappeared and a new production of Jenůfa with the renowned Finnish soprano Karita Mattila as the Kostelnicka.

CATHEDRAL OF ST PETER AND PAUL


PAVEL BRESLIK KARITA MATTILA



opera

WED 7 OCT Early evening arrival in Bologna. Transfer to Parma (approx. 1 hour) and check-in at the elegant 5-star Grand Hotel de la Ville. The welcome dinner that evening is in the hotel’s aptly-named restaurant ‘Parmigiano’, where you will have a chance to sample some of the famous cuisine for which Parma is rightly proud.

THU 8 OCT Start the day with a walking tour of Parma, seeing the striking octagonal Baptistry and 12th-century Romanesque cathedral with its famous frescoes by Correggio, the most important Renaissance painter of the school of Parma. Further frescoes by this great artist can be viewed in the sumptuous Camera di San Paolo, a room in the former monastery of San Paolo. You will also visit the early 17th-century Teatro Farnese, a stunning baroque-style theatre built entirely of wood and plaster and painted to seem like marble. Lunch and the afternoon are at leisure before transferring to the Teatro Regio for that evening’s performance.

FRI 9 OCT A half-day excursion to Mantua. Known affectionately by the locals as “La bella addormentata”, Mantua is a true sleeping beauty that has scarcely changed since the middle ages.

Visits include the huge Ducal Palace which boasts two particular highlights: a room decorated by Pisanello and the extraordinary and witty frescoes by Mantegna in the Camera degli Sposi (Bridal Chamber) that demonstrate the artist’s masterful use of perspective and trompe l’oeil. You will also visit Palazzo del Te, one of the most beautiful villas in Italy, before having lunch in a local restaurant. Return to Parma for the evening at leisure or the optional performance in the recently restored Chiesa di San Francesco del Prato.

SAT 10 OCT This morning is free for you to spend as you wish. After an independent lunch you will transfer to Sant’Agata, Verdi’s home for more than 50 years, then head to the composer’s birthplace in the village of Le Roncole and finally to Casa Barezzi in Busseto, where Verdi gave his earliest public performance and also fell in love with his first wife Margherita Barezzi. Enjoy a farewell dinner at the local restaurant ‘I due Foscari’, formerly owned by the great tenor Carlo Bergonzi, followed by the evening performance at the Teatro Giuseppe Verdi in Busseto. Return to Parma.

SUN 11 OCT Transfer to the airport for the flight home.

CELEBRATIONS IN PARMA


7 – 11 October 2020 Tour code: PMF1

NEW PRODUCTION

As Parma continues its celebrations as the 2020 Italian Capital of Culture, its annual Verdi Festival returns with performances of the great composer’s works in two beautiful and historic theatres – a new production of I Lombardi alla prima crociata in Parma’s prestigious Teatro Regio and Rigoletto in the intimate and ornate Teatro Giuseppe Verdi in Busseto. If you wish, there is also a rare opportunity to hear the French version of Macbeth in the magnificent and monumental setting of the Chiesa di San Francesco del Prato in the heart of Parma.


TEATRO REGIO DI PARMA

PROGRAMME

8 Oct time tbc I LOMBARDI ALLA PRIMA CROCIATA Verdi Inc D: tbc

C: tbc Cast: tbc Venue: Teatro Regio di Parma New production

9 Oct time tbc MACBETH (French version) Verdi 230 D: tbc

C: tbc Cast: tbc Venue: Chiesa di San Francesco del Prato New production

10 Oct time tbc RIGOLETTO Verdi Inc D: tbc

C: tbc Cast tbc Venue: Teatro Giuseppe Verdi di Busseto

FLIGHTS

British Airways7 Oct London Heathrow - Bologna dep: 14.45 arr: 17.5511 Oct Bologna - London Heathrow dep: 12.05 arr: 13.25Flight schedules are subject to alteration. Flights from other UK airports can be arranged on request.

PRICE (PER PERSON)


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 service of our local representative or tour manager.

DUCAL PALACE (MANTUA) TEATRO GIUSEPPE VERDI DI BUSSETO


STRESA FESTIVALPrice from £1995 pp

1 – 7 September 2020 Tour code: STR2

A CARPENTER HOLIDAY

Situated on the western shore of Lake Maggiore, Stresa is set in one of the most beautiful locations in Italy. The town’s annual International Festival runs for a week in early September and this year features music from the baroque and classical periods. As well as enjoying five concerts, we will explore the charming Borromean Islands and take the cable car to the nearby Mount Mottarone, which affords wonderful panoramic views over Stresa and the surrounding lakes.

I hope that you will enjoy browsing through the details of this visit to the Stresa Festival on Lake Maggiore in northern Italy. There could hardly be a more magical setting to enjoy some wonderful views and to listen to beautiful music together. Our hotel, the Regina Palace, is separated from the lake only by its lush green front lawn and the esplanade, and is a short walk from the main concert venue and the town of Stresa. I do hope that you will decide to join this trip and I will look forward to travelling with you to this special destination.

Stephen Carpenter Director, Carpenter Holidays

Over the past five years, Travel for the Arts has enjoyed a fruitful collaboration with Stephen Carpenter who has led holidays to Scotland (his unique "Mendelssohn in Scotland" journey), Lake District Summer Music Festival, Oxford Lieder, the Whittington Festival and to the Schubertiade in Schwarzenberg. We are delighted to announce this new holiday to the Stresa Festival in September 2020, details of which can be found here and on Stephen's website, www.carpenterholidays.com. This holiday will be arranged and led by Stephen Carpenter in association with Travel for the Arts and will be fully covered by our ABTA and ATOL membership.

in association with CARPENTER HOLIDAYS

TRAVEL FOR THE ARTS

carpenter holidays

Welcome to CARPENTER HOLIDAYS

“Thanks again for organising such an enjoyable visit.”Mr L, May 2017, Whittington Festival

“Scotland and the Lake District are among the best holidays I’ve ever had and I do hope that there will be many more to come in the future!”Miss D, August 2017, Mendelssohn in Scotland and Lake District

LAKE MAGGIORE

TUE 1 SEP Early afternoon arrival and transfer (approx. 1.5 hours) to Stresa. Check in to lakeside-view rooms at the 4-star art nouveau Regina Palace Hotel, overlooking the shores of Lake Maggiore. Early welcome dinner at the hotel followed by a boat trip across the lake for the first concert at the Eremo di Santa Caterina del Sasso.

WED 2 SEP Free day to explore Stresa. Early dinner at the hotel followed by the boat trip across the lake for the second concert.

THU 3 SEP Depart this morning for a tour of the three Borromean Islands – Isola Madre, Isola Pescatore (where you will have lunch under your own arrangements in one of the many restaurants and cafés on the island) and Isola Bella. Return to Stresa for the afternoon at leisure before dinner in the hotel and the evening concert at the Stresa Convention Centre.

FRI 4 SEP This morning we take the 20-minute cable car ride over the gentle, grassy slopes of Mottarone, which divides Lake Maggiore from Lake Orta and offers one of the most breathtaking views of the lakes and the distant Alps. Return to Stresa and the afternoon at leisure. Dinner will be served at the hotel, followed by the evening concert.

SAT 5 SEP Free day in Stresa. Enjoy the hotel facilities which include the heated swimming pool, sauna and Turkish Bath, or explore further afield with an optional visit to the beautiful and almost ethereal Lake Orta, one of Italy’s best kept secrets!

SUN 6 SEP Another day at leisure. A farewell dinner will be served at the hotel, followed by the final concert.

MON 7 SEP Early morning departure to Milan for the flight home.


PROGRAMME

1 Sep 20.30 RECITAL Cellist: Narek Hakhnazaryan Programme: J S Bach - Suites for Cello, part one Venue: Eremo di Santa Caterina del Sasso

2 Sep 20.30 RECITAL Cellist: Narek Hakhnazaryan Programme: J S Bach - Suites for Cello, part two Venue: Eremo di Santa Caterina del Sasso

3 Sep 20.30 CONCERT: I CORNI DELLA SCALA Programme to be announced, but will feature repertoire for the horn players from the opera orchestra of La Scala, Milan Venue: Stresa Convention Centre

Tour price includes: Flights and airport taxes, group transfers from and to airport and for included activities where applicable, accommodation, breakfast daily, one lunch, five dinners, sightseeing tours as described including entrance fees, best ticket for each included performance, concert programmes, the services of Stephen Carpenter as tour manager.

FLIGHTSBritish Airways1 Sep London Heathrow - Milan Linate dep 10.25 arr 13.257 Sep Milan Linate - London City Airport dep 11.00 arr 11.55Flight schedules are subject to alteration. Flights from other UK airports can be arranged on request.

PRICE (PER PERSON)

Tour Price £1995Single room supplement £390Lakeview room HB (5 nights) £180Lakeview BB (1 night) £72Club Europe flight upgrade from £350Land-only tour price £1885Deposit required £400

4 Sep 20.30 CONCERT: SONAR IN OTTAVA C: Riccardo Doni Violin: Giuliano Carmignola Cello piccolo: Mario Brunello Accademia dell’Annunciata Programme: Vivaldi - Concerto in C major for Strings, RV 116 J S Bach - Concerto in C minor for violin and cello piccolo, BWV 1060 Vivaldi - Sinfonia in D for Strings, RV 125 Vivaldi - Concerto in E flat for violin and cello piccolo, RV 515 J S Bach - Concerto in D minor for violin and cello piccolo, BWV 1043 Goldberg - Sonata in D minor for Strings Vivaldi - Concerto in C major for violin and cello piccolo, RV 508 Venue: Stresa Convention Centre

6 Sep 20.30 CONCERT: ADDA SIMFONICA C: Josep Vicent Pianist: Javier Perianes Beethoven - Piano Concerto No 1 in C Beethoven - Piano Concerto No 2 in B flat Beethoven - Symphony No 7 in A Venue: Stresa Convention Centre

CABLE CAR TO MOUNT MOTTARONE

REGINA PALACE HOTEL

ISOLA BELLA

carpenter holidays

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 arranging travel for groups and individuals, we are often able to source tickets for the most sought-after performances, many featuring the star performers of the day.

• We tailor your itinerary for the dates you wish to travel and for the performances you wish to see. We can also offer suggestions based on your requirements, providing seasonal opera and ballet programmes and making recommendations.

• We arrange your travel to suit your needs and can investigate journeys by air, rail or even private jet. We also offer private transfers on arrival or departure.

• We are able to book your own choice of hotel or offer advice on suitable alternatives.

• We can advise on and arrange unique bespoke experiences such as backstage tours, guided sightseeing, restaurant bookings and access to other cultural events.

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.

OPERA, BALLET CLASSICAL MUSICÀ LA CARTE

32

à la carte


33

à la carte

DIE WALKÜRE BY SOFIA OPERA © VICTOR VICTOROV 33

HOW TO BOOKTelephone 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.

“Just to say a big thank you to Mark who was so helpful, courteous and efficient.”

Mr P and Mrs M, Cambridgeshire

Tel: 020 8799 8350 | Email: [email protected] | www.travelforthearts.com34

terms and conditions

1. ABOUT TRAVEL FOR THE ARTS1.1 Your contract will be with Specialised Travel Ltd trading as TRAVEL FOR THE ARTS, whose registered office is at Craven House, 40-44 Uxbridge Road, London W5 2BS, telephone number 020 8799 8350 and email address [email protected], which is a fully bonded member of the Association of British Travel Agents (ABTA) (ABTA number V7795) and appointed by the International Air Transport Association (IATA).1.2 The air holidays and flights in our brochures & promotional material are ATOL protected (as detailed in clause 1.3 below), since we hold an Air Travel Organiser’s Licence granted by the Civil Aviation Authority. Our ATOL number is ATOL 2178. In the unlikely event of our insolvency, the CAA will ensure that you are not stranded abroad and will arrange to refund any money you have paid to us for an advance booking. For further information, visit the ATOL website at www.caa.co.uk, the CAA can be contacted at 45-59 Kingsway, London WC2B 6TE.

YOUR FINANCIAL PROTECTION1.3 We provide financial protection for our package holidays.a) When you buy a flight-based holiday from us, you will receive financial protection for your

flight-based holiday under our ATOL licence (detailed above), and you will receive an ATOL Certificate. This lists what is financially protected, where you can get information on what this means for you and who to contact if things go wrong.

b) We, or the suppliers identified on your ATOL Certificate, will provide you with the services listed on the ATOL Certificate (or a suitable alternative). In some cases, where neither we nor the supplier are able to do so for reasons of insolvency, an alternative ATOL holder may provide you with the services you have bought or a suitable alternative (at no extra cost to you). You agree to accept that in those circumstances the alternative ATOL holder will perform those obligations and you agree to pay any money outstanding to be paid by you under your contract to that alternative ATOL holder. However, you also agree that in some cases it will not be possible to appoint an alternative ATOL holder, in which case you will be entitled to make a claim under the ATOL scheme (or your credit card issuer where applicable).

c) If we, or the suppliers identified on your ATOL certificate, are unable to provide the services listed (or a suitable alternative, through an alternative ATOL holder or otherwise) for reasons of insolvency, the Trustees of the Air Travel Trust may make a payment to (or confer a benefit on) you under the ATOL scheme. You agree that in return for such a payment or benefit you assign absolutely to those Trustees any claims which you have or may have arising out of or relating to the non-provision of the services, including any claim against us, the travel agent (or your credit card issuer where applicable). You also agree that any such claims may be re-assigned to another body, if that other body has paid sums you have claimed under the ATOL scheme.

1.4 Financial protection for non-flight packages is provided to you as bonded members of ABTA. When you buy a package holiday from us that does not include a flight, then financial protection is provided by way of our ABTA bond (please see www.abta.co.uk, who can be contacted at 30 Park Street, London SE1 9EQ), as per the Package Travel and Linked Travel Arrangements Regulations 2018.

2. TO MAKE A BOOKING2.1 When you make a booking you must complete the Booking Form accepting on your own behalf and on behalf of all your party (for whom you have authority to accept) the terms of these Booking Conditions and pay a deposit of the amount per person specified in the relevant brochure, or in the case of an independent holiday, the amount specified in writing by our staff at the time of booking, plus insurance premium and any additional performance tickets ordered. A contract will exist when we issue our confirmation invoice. Your contract will consist of these Booking Conditions, the completed Booking Form and the contents of the relevant brochure. When you make your booking you must pay a deposit (calculated as a percentage of your holiday cost) per person and as notified to you at the time of booking. Where you have provided us with card payment details in the Booking Form as your payment method for the deposit (and any insurance premium and additional performance tickets), we shall take payment from your card at the time we issue our confirmation invoice to you.2.2 The contract is governed by English law and the non-exclusive jurisdiction of the English courts. You may however choose the law and jurisdiction of Scotland or Northern Ireland if you live there and wish to do so.2.3 The balance of the price of your holiday must be paid at least 8 weeks before the departure date. If the balance is not paid in time, we reserve the right to cancel your holiday and retain your deposit. If you paid your deposit by card and wish to authorise us to take payment of the balance on or just after the due date for payment using the same card, you may do so by ticking the relevant box in the Booking Form.2.4 We make no charge if you pay by cheque, personal credit card, debit card or by electronic transfer. However, should you choose to make payment by commercial credit card, or you are a card holder outside the EEA, we will make a charge of 2% of the total price of the holiday.

3. WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THE PRICE3.1 We reserve the right to alter the prices of any of the holidays shown in the promotional literature, in accordance with these Booking Conditions. The current price of the holiday will be notified to you before your contract is confirmed.3.2 All Travel for the Arts tours are inclusive of the following:Round trip Economy Class air travel on scheduled or charter airline(s) specified (aircraft type not known when going to press) including local airport taxes and security charges; or Eurostar Passenger Service.Hotel accommodation at the hotels shown in the relevant promotional literature (or similar grade) in twin bedded rooms with private bathroom or shower and w.c. Double rooms and single rooms are available on request. NB: We are well aware of the considerable distress which can sometimes be experienced by those travelling alone when “single rooms” do not appear to come up to the standards expected. At all times we strive to overcome this on our clients’ behalf (but can offer no guarantees) and sometimes it pays to take double or twin for sole occupancy.Round trip private transfers from airports or local railway stations to hotels.Hotel service charges and local taxes.Sightseeing tour programme as detailed in each itinerary including admission charges and guide services.The services of a Travel for the Arts Tour Manager or local representative.NB: If you have any special requests relating to diet, accommodation and so forth, these must be made known at the time of booking. We will do our best to comply with them but cannot guarantee to do so (also see clause 13 below).3.3 We can change your holiday price after you’ve booked, only in certain circumstances. Changes in the price of your travel arrangements can be made due to changes in: transportation costs i.e. the price of the carriage of passengers resulting from changes to the cost of fuel or other power sources; the level of taxes or fees imposed by third parties including tourist taxes, landing taxes or embarkation or disembarkation fees at ports and airports; or exchange rates, which means that the price of your travel arrangements may change after you have booked.

However, there will be no change within 20 days of your departure. We will absorb, and you will not be charged for, any increase equivalent to 2% of the price of your travel arrangements, excluding insurance premiums and any amendment charges. You will be charged for the amount over and above that. If this means that you have to pay an increase of more than 8% of the price of your travel arrangements, you will have the option of accepting a change to another holiday if we are able to offer one (and we will refund any price difference if the alternative is of a lower value), or cancel and receive a full refund of all moneys paid, except for any amendment charges. Should you decide to cancel: (1) you must do so within the time period shown on your final invoice; (2) we will provide a refund of insurance premiums paid to us if you can show that you are unable to transfer of reuse your policy. Whether you cancel or not you will also be entitled, under the terms set out in respect of major changes (Alterations and Cancellations by us) to accept from us an offer of alternative travel arrangements if we are able to do so and compensation as set out below.3.4 Should the price of your holiday go down due to the changes mentioned above, then any refund due will be paid to you. We will deduct from this refund our administrative expenses incurred. Please note that travel arrangements are not always purchased in local currency and some apparent changes have no impact on the price of your travel due to contractual and other protection in place.3.5 Please note that in accordance with Air Navigation Orders, in order to qualify for infant status, a child must be under 2 years of age on the date of its return flight.

4. ALTERATIONS AND CANCELLATIONS BY YOU4.1 If, after our confirmation has been issued, you wish to change to another of our holidays or modify, at any time, the travel arrangements and/or tour itineraries shown, we will do our utmost to make the changes provided that notification is received in writing at our offices from the person who signed the Booking Form. We reserve the right to charge an administration fee of £35.00 per person in order to process that change, in addition to any further cost in making the alteration. You should be aware that these costs could increase the closer to the departure date that changes are made and you should contact us as soon as possible. Please note that certain travel arrangements (eg, concert tickets) may not be changeable after a reservation has been made and any alteration request could incur a cancellation charge of up to 100% of that part of the arrangements.4.2 You, or any member of your party, may cancel your holiday at any time provided that notice of the cancellation is made to our offices by the person signing the Booking Form and is in writing. As certain travel arrangements and bookings cannot be changed after confirmation, cancellation incurs administration costs. We will retain your deposit and the cost of any performance tickets, and in addition may apply cancellation charges up to the maximum shown in Clause 4.3 below.4.3 Period before departure within which written confirmation of cancellation is received and amount of cancellation charge shown as a percentage of the holiday price:More than 56 days .........................Holiday deposit and performance tickets 56 - 42 days ...................................................................................40% of tour price 41-31 days .....................................................................................65% of tour price 30 – day of travel ........................................................................100% of tour price4.4 No refund will be given after the commencement of travel except at our discretion. Please note that if the reason for your cancellation is covered under the terms of your insurance policy then you may be able to reclaim these charges.4.5 You can cancel your booking without paying cancellation charges if the performance of your package, or the carriage of passengers to your destination, is significantly affected by unavoidable and extraordinary circumstances. In such circumstances, we will arrange for your booking to be terminated and for you to receive a full refund. We will observe advice provided by the UK Foreign & Commonwealth Office.4.6 You can transfer your booking to another person, who satisfies all the conditions that apply to this booking, by giving us notice in writing at least 7 days before departure. Both you and the new traveller are responsible for paying all costs we incur in making the transfer.

5. ALTERATIONS AND CANCELLATION BY US5.1 It is possible that we may have to make changes to your holiday (other than the price) as the arrangements are planned many months in advance. Occasionally changes may be made, and we reserve the right to do so at any time. Most of these changes are insignificant and we will ensure that we advise you as early as possible. Flight timings and carriers in the promotional literature are subject to change as a result of airline procedures which are beyond our control. Flight timings in the promotional literature are for guidance only. Actual times will be given on your ticket. In accordance with EU Regulations we are required to advise you of the actual carrier operating the flight, connecting flight (if any) and transfer. The potential carriers likely to be used are as set out in the promotional literature. Any changes to the actual airline after you have received your tickets will be notified to you as soon as possible and in all cases at check-in or at the boarding gate. Examples of insignificant changes include alteration of your outward/return flights by less than 12 hours, changes to aircraft type, change of accommodation to another of the same standard or higher standard, changes of carriers.5.2 If a major change becomes necessary and we are constrained by circumstances beyond our control to significantly alter any of the main characteristics of the travel services that make up your package you will have the rights set out below.We will inform you as soon as reasonably possible if there is time before departure. You will have the choice of either, accepting the change of arrangements, accepting an offer of available alternative travel arrangements of comparable standard from us (where we offer one, we will refund any price difference if the alternative is of a lower value) or cancelling your holiday and receiving a full refund of all monies paid. We will tell you the procedure for making your choice. Please read any notification of changes carefully and respond promptly as if you do not respond to us within the timescale given your booking may be cancelled.If you choose to accept a refund:i) we will provide a full refund of your travel insurance premiums if you paid them

to us and can show that you are unable to transfer or reuse your policy;ii) we will pay compensation as detailed below except where the significant change

is due to unavoidable and extraordinary circumstances (as defined below). 5.3 We reserve the right to cancel your booking. For example, if the minimum number of people required for a particular travel arrangement is not reached, we reserve the right to cancel the tour up to 70 days in advance. In this case we offer the choice of an alternative tour of comparable standard, if available (we will refund any price difference if the alternative is of a lower value), or a full refund of all monies paid. We will not cancel less than 49 days before the scheduled departure date except for reasons of unavoidable or extraordinary circumstances or your failure to pay the final balance. If your holiday is cancelled you can either have a refund of all monies paid or accept an alternative holiday of comparable standard from us if we offer one (we will refund any price difference if the alternative is of lower value). In the event a refund is paid to you, we will:i) provide a full refund of your travel insurance premiums if you paid them to us and can show

that you are unable to transfer or reuse the policy.ii) pay compensation as detailed below except where the cancellation is due to unavoidable

and extraordinary circumstances.

Tel: 020 8799 8350 | Email: [email protected] | www.travelforthearts.com 35

booking formTRAVEL FOR THE ARTS

HOW TO BOOK Please contact us by telephone (020 8799 8350) - you will speak to one of our sales team usually after three rings! If space is available on the tour of your choice you will be given a 7-day option. We will then require a completed booking form together with your deposit or full payment (see Late Bookings). You must agree to the Booking Conditions.

BOOK EARLY Many of our holidays are taken up very quickly after the brochure launch, when tours appear on our website. Sometimes they are fully booked after appearing as advanced information in our Newsletter.

LATE BOOKINGS If you book within 8 weeks of departure, you will need to provide a credit/debit card for the full amount of the holiday, or send us a cheque within 24-hours.

TOUR CODE & BOOKING REFERENCE Please include these on the booking form and quote your Booking Reference in all subsequent communications.

OPENING HOURS are Monday-Friday, 9.30-5.30. The office is closed on UK public holidays.

NAME OF TOUR / À LA CARTE DESTINATION DATES TOUR CODE (e.g. BUD1 or CPH3)

BOOKING REFERENCE WHERE DID YOU HEAR ABOUT THIS TOUR?

PERSONAL DETAILS (Please show names as they appear on your passport)

No. TITLE FIRST NAME FAMILY NAME

1

2

3

4

SPECIAL NEEDS/FITNESS AND MOBILITY In order to assist us in ensuring you and fellow travellers maximum comfort please indicate below any special requirements or conditions about which we should be aware.

PERSONAL DETAILS (Please show names as they appear on your passport)

No. AGE WHEELCHAIR ASSISTANCE SPECIAL DIET OTHER

1

2

3

4

EMERGENCY / NEXT OF KIN: (Must be completed at time of booking)

NAME:

ADDRESS:

TEL NO:

RELATIONSHIP:

NAMES AS YOU WISH TO APPEAR ON THE PARTICIPANT LIST (if different from above)

1

2

3

4

PASSPORT DETAILS (essential for airline ticketing & in case of emergency)

No. D.O.B PASSPORT No. NATIONALITY DATE DATE OF ISSUE OF EXPIRY

1

2

3

4

NB If travelling to the USA you will require a machine-readable passport

ADDRESS (for correspondence) TELEPHONE: (Day)

TELEPHONE: (Eve)

MOBILE:

EMAIL:

FAX:

TELEPHONE: 24-hours pre-departure

SPECIAL OCCASION If this holiday coincides with a special occasion, please indicate below (e.g. birthday or wedding anniversary)

Travel For The Arts, Craven House, 40-44 Uxbridge Road, London W5 2BS Telephone: 020 8799 8350 e-mail: [email protected] www.travelforthearts.com

Travel for the Arts is a division of Specialised Travel Ltd

ROOM TYPE CLUB CLASS Twin, Double or Single Yes or No

(e.g. brochure, a friend, magazine or newspaper, email, etc.?)

Tel: 020 8799 8350 | Email: [email protected] | www.travelforthearts.com36

booking form

AIRPORT PARKING / AIRPORT HOTEL / REGIONAL FLIGHTS Please send me details of: (please tick)

AIRPORT PARKING AIRPORT HOTEL

Comments:

AIRPORT LOUNGE DOMESTIC FLIGHT

No. of Places PER PERSON TOTAL

Deposit (See tour price panel) £ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . OR Full payment (if booking within 8 weeks of departure) £ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Supplementary Performance £ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Tickets / Services* £ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

TOTAL £ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .* Payable at time of booking

REDEMPTION OF VOUCHERS If you are redeeming a voucher please attach it to your booking form. Vouchers cannot be redeemed retrospectively.

MEMBERSHIP NUMBERS If you are a Friend of Covent Garden, British Friend of the Salzburg Festival or Member of the The Wagner Society of England or New York, please complete details below:

NAME OF ORGANISATION MEMBERSHIP NO.

FINANCIAL

I wish to pay by Debit Card I wish to pay by Credit Card

I wish to pay by Cheque (Please tick box)

NB: Payment by commercial card will incur a 2% charge. No charge is made for personal cards, unless the card holder is outside the EEA.

CARD NO:

NAME ON CARD ..................................................................................................................................

DATE OF ISSUE

DATE OF EXPIRY

SECURITY CODE

ISSUE NO

Please tick this box if you would like the balance of payment charged to your card

Billing address if different from address overleaf

METHOD OF PAYMENT

OPTIONAL OR SUPPLEMENTARY PERFORMANCE TICKETS Please book the following supplementary services

DATE PERFORMANCE REQUIRED OR DESCRIPTION OF SERVICES No. REQUIRED

TRAVEL INSURANCE It is a condition of booking that you have comprehensive travel insurance for all the activities you will be undertaking whilst on holiday – please provide the details below. We can introduce you to an insurance company if you do not have any cover. Full details are shown in our Booking Terms and Conditions.

INSURANCE CO. NAME POLICY NUMBER EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE TEL No.

DECLARATION

I am over 18 years of age and I have read and understood the booking conditions, Data Protection Policy, general information and travel insurance advice and accept them on behalf of myself and the members of my party.

SIGNATURE: ........................................................................................................... DATE: .................................................................................................................................................

Tel: 020 8799 8350 | Email: [email protected] | www.travelforthearts.com 37

terms and conditions

5.4 If it is necessary to cancel your holiday (except for reasons of unavoidable and extraordinary circumstances) or make a significant change after the date when payment of the balance becomes due, we will in addition pay you compensation as follows:Period before departure within which Compensation notification of change or cancellation is given per personMore than 49 days ...................................................Nil49 – 42 days........................................................£10.0041 – 25 days........................................................£20.0024 – 16 days........................................................£30.0015 – 1 days ..........................................................£40.00 Please note compensation is not payable in the case of minor changes. The compensation offered does not exclude you from claiming more if you are entitled to do so.‘Unavoidable and extraordinary circumstances’ means a situation beyond our control, the consequences of which could not have been avoided even if all reasonable measures had been taken, including (for example) but not limited to, war, riot, industrial dispute, terrorist activity and its consequences, natural or nuclear disaster, fire, adverse weather conditions, epidemics and pandemics, unavoidable technical problems with transport.

6. NON-APPEARANCE AND ALTERATIONS TO REPERTOIRE/ITINERARY6.1 Opera and music lovers will appreciate that performances and artists can be changed without notice. Fortunately, this is a rare occurrence but nevertheless disappointing. Every effort is made to obtain and pass on to you up to date information regarding performances and artists. This information is based upon details supplied to us by other parties and we cannot guarantee its accuracy or that there will not be further changes to the programme. The non-appearance of an artist, cancellation of event or other changes, are entirely outside our control or even the control of those organising the event. We will always do our utmost to find a suitable alternative in such a case and wherever refunds from an event organiser are received we will pass this on to you.6.2 Specific outside events – in the event of adverse weather conditions a full refund of the face value of the performance ticket will be made only if the performance fails to start. If abandonment occurs after the start, conditions of the ticket purchased prevent any refund.6.3 Please note that the order of events on itineraries is subject to alteration due to local circumstances, unscheduled closures etc. However, every effort will be made to include all elements of the programme during the tour dates or a suitable alternative which will be notified to you.

7. OUR LIABILITIES TO YOU7.1 You must inform us without undue delay of any failure to perform or improper performance of the travel services included in the package holiday sold to you by us. If any of the travel services included in your package are not performed in accordance with the contract, or any improperly performed, by us or the travel service suppliers, and this has affected the enjoyment of your travel arrangements, you may be entitled to an appropriate price reduction or compensation, or both. However, we will not be liable where any failure to perform or improper performance of the travel services is due to you or another member of your party; or a third party unconnected with the provision of the travel arrangements and whether the failure is unforeseeable or unavoidable; or unavoidable and extraordinary circumstances (as defined above) beyond our control, the consequences of which could not have been avoided even if all reasonable measures had been taken.7.2 If an event within the itinerary is cancelled due to unavoidable and extraordinary circumstances within one month prior to the event, we reserve the right to refund the cost of the admission ticket to the event only.7.3 We accept responsibility for the negligent acts and/or omissions of our employees, agents or suppliers. Save for liabilities under clause 7.4 below, our liability to you in all cases (except where they lead to death, injury or illness) shall be limited to a maximum of three times the cost of the original travel arrangements.7.4 Our liability to you will also be limited in accordance with and/or in an identical manner to:i) the contractual terms of the companies that provide the travel services that make up your

package. These are incorporated into this booking; andii) any relevant international conventions (for example, the Montreal Convention for travel by air,

the Athens Convention for travel by sea, the Berne Convention for travel by rail and the Paris Convention for accommodation), which limit the amount of compensation that you can claim for death, injury, delay to passengers and loss, damage and delay to luggage. We are to be regarded as having all benefit of any limitation of compensation contained in these or any conventions.

You can ask for copies of the travel service contractual terms, or the international conventions, from us. 7.5 If you, or any member of your party, suffers death, illness or injury whilst overseas arising out of activity which does not form part of the inclusive holiday arrangements or excursion arrangements through us (as per clause 17 below), we shall at our discretion, offer advice, guidance and assistance to help in resolving any claim you may have against a third party. We limit the cost of our assistance to you or a member of your party to £5,000.00 in total. Where legal action is contemplated and you want our assistance you must obtain our authority prior to commencement of proceedings. Our consent will be given subject to you undertaking to assign any costs, benefits received under any relevant insurance policy to ourselves.7.6 If you are prevented from travelling on an aircraft because in the opinion of any person in authority at the airport you appear, by reason of intoxicating liquor or use of drugs, either to be unfit for travel or likely to cause discomfort or disturbance to other passengers, our responsibility for your journey, including any return flight thereupon ceases. You must accept responsibility for your proper conduct and we therefore have the right to terminate our contract in circumstances of serious misconduct by you or any member of your party.7.7 Under EU law, you have rights in some circumstances to refunds and/or compensation from your airline in cases of denied boarding, cancellation or delay to flights. Full details of these rights will be available at EU airports and will also be available from airlines. However, please note that reimbursement in such cases does not automatically entitle you to a refund of the cost of your holiday from us. Your right to a refund and/or compensation from us is set out in these Booking Conditions. If any payments to you are due from us, then if the airline makes payment of these to you then such sum will be deducted from this amount. If your airline does not comply with such rules then you can complain to the Aviation Consumer Advocate Panel on 020 7453 6888 or www.caa.co.uk.7.8 If it is impossible to ensure your return as scheduled due to unavoidable and extraordinary circumstances, we will bear the cost of necessary accommodation, if possible of equivalent category, for a maximum of three nights. The limit doesn’t apply to persons with reduced mobility and any person accompanying them, pregnant women and unaccompanied minors, or persons in need of specific medical assistance, provided that you notified us of these needs at least 48 hours before the start of your holiday. NB: This clause does not apply to any separate contracts that you may enter into for excursions or activities whilst on holiday.

8. DATA PROTECTION POLICYIn order to process your booking and to ensure your travel arrangements run smoothly and meet your requirements, we need to use the information you provide to us, such as name, address, contact details and any special needs/dietary requirements. Please see our Privacy Policy for details of how we collect and process your personal data, and the personal data of those in your party. http://www.travelforthearts.com/privacy/

9. PASSPORTS, VISAS AND HEALTH9.1 You and your party’s specific passport, visa and other immigration requirements are your responsibility and we do not accept responsibility for the validity of your passports or visas or for the refusal of visas by the Issuing Authorities. You should therefore confirm these with the relevant authorities, Embassies and/or Consulates. We shall not be liable for any loss, expense, cost, damage, injury or loss of enjoyment suffered as a result of such invalidity or loss, including any responsibility if you cannot travel because you have not complied with such requirements.9.2 British subjects require a passport. We will provide information about visas and health requirements and can also apply for visas on your behalf for a small fee and handling charge. If you do not hold a valid EU passport, please inform us at point of booking. Although we can apply for any visa on a client’s behalf, we cannot be held responsible for declined visas and normal cancellation charges will be levied should this occur. Higher charges may also be applied to non-British citizens and late applications which will be charged accordingly. For further advice visit the FCO website, www.fco.gov.uk, visit the ABTA website www.abta.com/gotravel or telephone ABTA on 020 3117 0599.

10. PHYSICAL HANDICAPS AND MOBILITYShould you suffer from any serious physical handicaps or experience difficulty in walking long distances and tire easily, please do bring this to our attention at the time of booking in order that we can provide the necessary assistance at airports and hotels. Please note that some of the activities on our tours may not be suitable if you have any disability or reduced mobility. In the interests of safety and comfort for the whole group, you should be fit enough to participate or alternatively have an able bodied carer with you to assist.

11. COMPLAINTS AND DISPUTES11.1 If you have a compliant about any of the services included in your holiday, you must inform the relevant supplier and our representative (whose details will be provided to you prior to the commencement of your trip) without undue delay, who will endeavour to put things right quickly. If your complaint cannot be resolved locally, your representative will ask you to make a report, the original of which is for you and a copy will be forwarded to our Head Office, as detailed on our invoice to you. Please follow this up within 28 days of your return home by writing to us giving your original tour reference number and all other relevant information. Please keep your letter concise and provide all relevant information. If you fail to follow the requirement to report your complaint during your holiday, we will have been deprived of the opportunity to investigate and rectify it and this may affect your rights under this booking.11.2 It is unlikely that you will have a complaint that cannot be settled amicably between us. However, disputes arising out of or in connection with this contract which cannot be amicably settled, may (if you so wish) be settled by way of an alternative dispute resolution procedure. We are a member of ABTA. We are also obliged to maintain a high standard of service to you by ABTA’s Code of Conduct. We can also offer you ABTA’s Scheme for the resolution of disputes which is approved by the Chartered Trading Standards Institute. If we can’t resolve your complaint, go to www.abta.com to use ABTA’s simple procedure. Further information on the Code and ABTA’s assistance in resolving disputes can be found on www.abta.com. You can also access the European Commission Online Dispute Resolution (ODR) platform at http://ec.europa/consumers/odr/. This ODR platform is a means of notifying us of your compliant; it will not determine how your complaint should be resolved.

12. ADDITIONAL ASSISTANCEIf you’re in difficulty whilst on holiday and ask us to help we will provide appropriate assistance, in particular by providing information on health services, local authorities and consular assistance; and helping you to find alternative arrangements and any necessary phone calls/emails. You must pay any costs we incur, if the difficulty is your fault.

13. SPECIAL REQUESTSAny special requests made on your Booking Form are noted and we do our very best to comply with these wherever possible. However, although we do make every effort to meet your requirements, we cannot unfortunately give a guarantee.

14. TOUR MANAGERS AND LOCAL REPRESENTATIVESWherever possible and practical, our tours are escorted throughout by a representative from the UK. On occasions when circumstances dictate, we retain the services of a local representative to meet our clients and to escort them to cities and on excursions accompanied by our local guide.

15. TRAVEL INSURANCEIt is a condition of these Booking Conditions and your contract with us that you have comprehensive travel insurance cover. We are able to introduce you to Citybond Suretravel. Citybond Suretravel insurance is underwritten by Union Reiseversicherung AG, UK. Specialised Travel, trading as Travel for the Arts, is an Introducer Appointed Representative of Citybond Suretravel for the sale of travel insurance and we have negotiated discounts on the Citybond Suretravel schemes for our clients.Citybond Suretravel can provide a comprehensive range of travel insurance offering high levels of cover for medical emergency, repatriation, personal baggage, cancellation and much more.They are able to provide single trip policies with no upper age limit, annual multi trip policies up to age 85, long stay policies for trips up to 12 months and gap year policies for trips up to 18 months.All their policies offer the option to include existing medical conditions as well as, automatic cover for participation in over 100 sports and activities.Referral Code 56275Please use the above code to receive the premium discounts: Online at https://www.suretravel.co.uk/?intcode=56275 or by phone on Freephone 0333 207 0481 for 10%

16. SEVERABILITYIf any part of these Booking Conditions is held to be invalid, unreasonable or unenforceable, such portion(s) shall be deemed as severable from these Booking Conditions and the remainder of these Booking Conditions shall remain in full force and effect and enforceable.

17. EXCURSIONSExcursions or other tours that you may choose to book or pay for whilst you are on holiday are not part of your package holiday provided by us. For any excursion or other tour that you book which does not form part of your package holiday with us, your contract will be with the operator of the excursion or tour and not with us. We are not responsible for the provision of the excursion or tour or for anything that happens during the course of its provision by the operator.

3rd Floor, Craven House 40-44 Uxbridge Road, Ealing London W5 2BS Telephone: +44 20 8799 8350 Email: [email protected] www.travelforthearts.com This brochure went to print in December 2019

TRAVEL FOR THE ARTS

Travel for the Arts is a division of Specialised Travel Ltd

LAST PLACES AVAILABLE

THE MARIINSKY BALLET IN ST PETERSBURG25 – 30 March 2020 Tour Code: STP1

The cultural centre of Russia, St Petersburg is a treasure trove of art and culture. For more than two centuries the Mariinsky has been presenting world-class performances, and today a new generation continues in the footsteps of the great artistes of the past at both the traditional Mariinsky Theatre and the company’s contemporary new theatre, Mariinsky II. This tour presents three quintessentially Russian ballets and visits to the great palaces and museums of this majestic and revolutionary city.

FROM£1875

per person

RICHARD STRAUSS IN LEIPZIG9 – 13 July 2020 Tour Code: LE12

This tour offers the opportunity to enjoy three of Richard Strauss’s operatic masterpieces - Arabella, Capriccio and Die Frau ohne Schatten - in one weekend. Ulf Schirmer, Leipzig Opera’s Intendant and General Music Director, conducts the world-class Gewandhausorchester and sensational Strauss singers in all three productions. Excursions will explore this most musical of cities, and introduce you to Halle and some unique chocolate treats!

FROM£1895

per person

Sign up to our e-newsletterTravelfortheArts

Documents

OPERA, BALLET CLASSICAL MUSIC HOLIDAYS · tenor Brian Jagde delights with a solo recital in the Cloisters of the Carmen Church. page 20-21 OPERA AND ART IN AMSTERDAM 18 - 21 May 2020