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Europe
 

Spain in Spring

Valencia Opera House

The great opera houses of Spain entice us: Teatro Liceu in Barcelona. Teatro Real in Madrid, and the stunning 21st century opera house in Valencia. Colourful Seville and flamenco are a must and we can't miss Cordoba with its church built within a mosque. Artist Oliver Bevan will share his insights into the works of Picasso, Gaudi and Miro in Barcelona and we will visit the great collections of the Prado in Madrid.

Operas and concerts with top Spanish and international artists include La Vida Breve by Falla, La Traviata by Verdi, Salome by Richard Strauss, Cavalleria Rusticana by Catalani and Mozart’s The Abduction from the Seraglio.

HIGHLIGHTS ITINERARY

Madrid

This elegant capital city offers us an opera performance in the royal theatre, Teatro Real, and an evening of authentic flamenco. A guided tour of the Prado Museum is a must, as we study the works of the great Spanish artists.
Seville All opera goers must visit this city of opera lore - will we find a Barber? Or a Carmen? Or a Bullring? We will certainly find the flavours and excitement of this quintessential Spanish city.
Valencia

The recently opened Palau de les Arts Reina Sofia, designed by Santiago Calatrava, must be one of the most stunning opera houses in the world. This building and the others nearby are a feast of 21st century architecture, a totally different experience from the old town and the Valencian coast.
Barcelona Sited on the famous La Rambla promenade, the Teatro Liceu offers among the best of opera seasons in Spain. We are joined by artist Oliver Bevan, who will give us his insights into the works of Picasso, Miro and Gaudi among others who are all celebrated in this Catalonian capital. The markets and tapas bars also entice us!

 

 

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WHEN

11 - 23 April 2010

Meet in Madrid, depart from Barcelona
COST

From approx. NZ$9500 (share twin) and approx. NZ$10900 (single) excluding airfares
NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS
10 – 15 people
 

NZSO Tour to Europe - Supporters Tour

Experience the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra performing on the international stage and enjoy additional orchestra and opera performances in the cities we visit. In partnership with the NZSO, our tour will accompany the orchestra in Italy, Vienna and Germany. A unique tour!

More details available in February.

Contact Patricia for more information.

 

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WHEN

2 - 17 November 2010
COST

Approximate costs: from NZ$9,500 excluding airfares
NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS
15 - 20 people
 

Verona Villa in Tuscany and Rome with Dame Malvina Major and Friends

Dame Malvina Major

Dame Malvina Major

Dame Malvina Major wants to have a holiday in Tuscany! Join us and Dame Malvina’s emerging artists on our Italian opera adventure offering many experiences exclusive to our tour participants.

Two spectacular well-loved operas, Aida by Verdi and Carmen by Bizet, under the stars in the great Arena of Verona.

Villa in Tuscany set amidst vines and olive groves. While our young singers study and prepare for the Gala Concert in the Villa’s grand chandeliered Salone, we explore Puccini’s hometown of Lucca, Tuscan gardens and historic villas, and villages off the beaten track.

All roads lead to Rome where we end the tour taking Dame Malvina to the famed Tosca places.

HIGHLIGHTS ITINERARY

Verona Aida and  Carmen in the great Arena of Verona, the biggest open air theatre in the world where magnificent operas have taken place since 1913. You must experience this opera icon at least once in your life! Explore this elegant city where Maria Callas made her Italy debut.
Lucca Get to know Puccini in his home town and at his Villa across the lake at Torre del Lago where he composed most of his operas. We might meet Simonetta Puccini, his grand-daughter.
Rome Visit the sites of Rome made famous by Puccini in Tosca: the chapel of Sant’Andrea della Valle, Palazzo Farnese, and the Castel Sant’Angelo where Tosca threw herself from the ramparts.

 

Villa in Tuscany: A week in the heart of Tuscany, near Arezzo

18th century Villa in Tuscany: a week in the heart of Tuscany between Arezzo and Siena, with young New Zealand singers in Patricia’s Italian for Opera Singers Masterclasses.

Imagine yourself tasting the finest of Italian wines and cuisine on the terrace of a beautiful villa in summer surrounded by the famed Tuscan countryside, listening to your favourite opera arias.

Here we relax and enjoy the Villa in its ideal Tuscan setting with gardens, swimming pool, tennis court, vines and olive groves. You can walk in the hills around the Villa, climb to the nearby medieval tower and visit the Romanesque church.

We eat in these beautiful surroundings at least twice a day sampling the local cuisine prepared especially for us and, of course, sample the Villa’s own olive oils and wines.

Observe at first hand the artistic process and befriend talented young New Zealand opera singers. You will learn their aspirations and get involved in their studies as they prepare for our Concert in the Grand Salone and study for future roles. A unique experience not offered by any other tour!

With the Villa as a base we visit many beautiful places nearby:

  • Gardens
  • Villas
  • Wineries
  • Markets and the Prada Outlet
  • Villages off the beaten track

Invite your friends in Italy to come to our Concert in the Grand Salone of the Villa followed by New Zealand wines and buffet dinner on 3 September. Eagerly awaited by the owners of the Villa, their families and friends, our Concert has become an annual event. Accommodation may be available for additional guests

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WHEN

25 August – 7 September 2009
Meet in Verona, depart from Roma
COST

From approx. NZ$9500 (share twin) and approx. NZ$10900 (single) excluding airfares

Various accommodation prices available.
NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS
10 - 15 people