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Vienna was the undisputed centre of musical life from the mid-18th century until the early years of the 20th. As the capital of the vast Habsburg empire, the city attracted an impressive list of composers, artists and musicians, while its streets were adorned with grand architecture and magnificent palaces accommodating world-class art collections. We will explore the best of the city’s art galleries and museums, from Old Masters at the Kunsthistorisches Museum to the works of the Vienna Secessionists at the Leopold and the Belvedere, as well as including a performance at the splendid Vienna State Opera.
...when you travel with Kirker
Flights with British Airways:
May Departure:
Depart London Heathrow 11.00 arrive Vienna 14.20
Depart Vienna 16.30 arrive London Heathrow 17.50
June Departure:
Depart London Heathrow 12.25 arrive Vienna 15.45
Depart Vienna 11.10 arrive London Heathrow 12.40
The sister hotel of the Imperial, the Bristol is traditional and elegant and has been the focal point of Vienna’s cultural life for over a century.
Patrick Bade taught for the University of Glasgow MA programme at Christie’s Education in London. He had worked at Christie’s since 1981, where he also gave courses on the history of opera.
During his career he has lectured at the Jewish Cultural Centre, the National Gallery, the British Museum, the Victoria and Albert Museum, the Royal Opera House and the University of Barcelona. Patrick has also participated in programmes on BBC Radio 3, Radio 4 and Classic FM. His first book Femme Fatale: Images of Evil and Fascinating Women came out in 1978. Since then he has written monographs and essays on numerous 19th and early 20th century artists and his latest publications include a book on the use of music in World War II, Music Wars, 1937-45 and the essay Neo-Neoclassicism: Classicism between the Wars.
Please choose one of the following two operas. If you would like to attend a second performance, tickets cost £230 (face value €195).
15 May departure
17 May
Don Pasquale by Donizetti
First performance given at the Theatre-Italiens, Paris on 3 January 1843
Conductor Francesco Lanzillotta leads the Italian baritone Michele Pertusi in the title role, American reigning queen of coloratura. Brenda Rae as Norina, the Canadian tenor Josh Lovell as Ernesto and Michael Arivony from Madagascar, currently a member of the Opera Studio at the Vienna State Opera.
18 May
Tosca by Puccini
First performance given at Teatro Costanzi, Rome on 14 January 1900
Margarethe Wallman’s much loved classic production was first seen more than sixty years ago in 1958
Giampolo Bisanti conducts a starry trio of singers - Maria Agresta, Piotr Beczlala and Bryn Terfel.
22 June departure
23 June
Madama Butterfly by Puccini
First performance given at La Scala, Milan on 17 February 1904
Sonya Yoncheva sings the role of the betrayed Cio-Cio-San and Charles Castonovo is Pinkerton, the man who destroys her. Anthony Mingella’s production comes to Vienna by way of London and New York.
24 June
Double Bill
Cavalleria Rusticana by Mascagni
First performance given at Teatro Costanzi, Rome on 17 May 1890.
Daniel Harding conducts Asmik Gregorian as the wronged Santuzza and fast rising Chilean superstar Jonathan Tetelman is Turiddu, the man who pays with his life for deception.
Pagliacci by Leoncavallo
First performance given at Teatro del Verme, Milan on 21 May 1892
Asmik Gregorian sings the role of Nedda and Yonghoon Lee is Canio.
Tour Leader
Patrick Bade taught for the University of Glasgow MA programme at Christie’s Education in London. He had worked at Christie’s since 1981, where he also gave courses on the history of opera.
During his career he has lectured at the Jewish Cultural Centre, the National Gallery, the British Museum, the Victoria and Albert Museum, the Royal Opera House and the University of Barcelona. Patrick has also participated in programmes on BBC Radio 3, Radio 4 and Classic FM. His first book Femme Fatale: Images of Evil and Fascinating Women came out in 1978. Since then he has written monographs and essays on numerous 19th and early 20th century artists and his latest publications include a book on the use of music in World War II, Music Wars, 1937-45 and the essay Neo-Neoclassicism: Classicism between the Wars.
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