MUNICH & GLYNDEBOURNE OPERA FESTIVALS JULY 3-14, 2018 TOUR LEADER: ROBERT GAY

Overview Munich and Glyndebourne are two of the world’s leading opera festivals. Through our special connections at both festivals, Academy Travel is pleased to offer a unique tour for music lovers built around seven outstanding performances. The variety of repertoire and quality of casting on offer at these two wonderful venues is inspiring, with some of the world’s greatest singers performing works by German, French and Italian composers ranging from the baroque to the twentieth century. The tour begins in Munich where each year in July the Bavarian State Opera presents all the new productions from its previous season. The impressive roster of singers features sopranos Angela Gheorghiu, Pretty Yende, Nina Stemme and Anja Harteros, tenors Jonas Kaufmann and Vittorio Grigolo, and baritone Thomas Hampson. These performances are complemented by music-themed sightseeing and a journey along the famous ‘Romantic Road’ to some of Bavaria’s most charming towns. Glyndebourne is the doyen of English country-house opera festivals, with superb productions, excellent singers and the London Philharmonic Orchestra or the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment in the pit. Since its inception in 1934, Glyndebourne has also been an important launching pad for young singers. The relatively small size of the theatre, its fine acoustics and memorable productions make for a very satisfying experience. The setting is also very special, a private estate in the Sussex Downs south of London. Academy Travel has been a sponsor of Glyndebourne since 2012, giving it special access to the best tickets. Pre-performance talks will place each of the works in a clear historical and musical context. Afterwards, you will have the opportunity to reflect on the production, the singers and conductors with your tour leader and your fellow like-minded opera lovers. Note that this tour can be combined with Wagner’s Ring Cycle in Munich, running from July 19-28.

Your tour leader For over 25 years, Robert Gay has presented music history courses for the Centre for Continuing Education at the University of Sydney. Over the same period he has designed and escorted more than 80 musical and cultural tours to Europe and America. On tour, Robert will provide a thorough introduction to the performances you see, with detailed pre-performance talks and post-performance reviews. Robert’s approach to music is multi-faceted. First and foremost, he

links the music to the biographical, historical and social context in which it was created. Secondly, he explains in plain language technical aspects of the music – how the composer communicates through sound. Finally, as a trained singer who attends dozens of performances each year, he offers great insight into the qualities of the performances you see on tour.

MUNICH & GLYNDEBOURNE OPERA FESTIVALS

Tour dates: July 3-14, 2018

Tour leader: Robert Gay

Tour Price: $11,980 per person, twin share

Single Supplement: $1,970 for sole use of double room

Booking deposit: $500 per person

Recommended airline: Singapore Airlines, Emirates or Etihad

Maximum places: 20

Itinerary: Munch (7 nights), Lewes (4 nights)

Date published: November 6, 2017

Enquiries and bookings

For further information and to secure a place on this tour please contact Frederick Steyn at Academy Travel on 9235 0023 or 1800 639 699 (outside Sydney) or email frederick@academytravel.com.au

Performance program Best available tickets to seven outstanding operas.

MUNICH

Richard Strauss’s Arabella, starring Anja Harteros

Richard Wagner’s Parsifal, starring Jonas Kaufmann, René Pape and Nina Stemme

Donizetti’s L’elisir d’amore, with Pretty Yende and Vittorio Grigolo

Puccini’s Tosca, starring Angela Gheorghiu, Joseph Calleja and Thomas Hampson

GLYNDEBOURNE

A new production of Debussy’s Pelléas et Mélisande with Christina Gansch and John Chest

Madama Butterfly makes its Glyndebourne debut in Annilese Miskimmon’s thought-provoking production

Handel’s dazzling masterpiece Giulio Cesare in celebrated Glyndebourne production with Sarah Connolly

Above: The Bavarian State Opera’s past production of Donizetti’s L’elisir d’amore

Above: Angela Gheorghiu

Above: Nina Stemme

Above: Glyndebourne auditorium, photo credit Charlotte Boulton

Detailed itinerary Included meals are shown with the letters B, L, D and C for canapes.

Tuesday July 3 Arrival

You should arrange your travels to arrive at our Munich hotel by the late afternoon. In the early evening, meet your tour leader and fellow travellers in the hotel for drinks and canapes. Overnight Munich (C)

Wednesday July 4 Arabella

This morning there is a talk on Strauss’s 1933 opera Arabella. It is the last of six works he created with his librettist Hugo von Hofmannsthal, one of the most productive creative partnerships in music history. Arabella is a lyrical work, often compared to the better-known Der Rosenkavalier. The title role is a showcase for a lyric soprano, and tonight we hear the celebrated German soprano Anja Harteros as Arabella. There will be time to explore the centre of Munich, perhaps visiting the open-air Viktualienmarkt before we enjoy a welcome lunch in a Munich restaurant. Tonight’s performance starts at 7.00pm. Overnight Munich (B, L) Performance details Venue: National Theatre, Munich Program: Richard Strauss’s Arabella Performers: Anja Harteros (Arabella), Hanna-Elisabeth Müller (Zdenka), Thomas J. Mayer (Mandryka), Constantin Trinks (conductor)

Thursday July 5 Augsburg

Today we make a full-day excursion to Augsburg, about an hour from Munich. This historically and artistically significant town is often overlooked by tourists. Augsburg was the home-town of Leopold Mozart, so there are some important musical connections as well. Our first stop is the Schaezlerpalais, a magnificent German baroque town house, with a painting collection of German Renaissance works, including Augsburg-born Hans Holbein, and later masters such as Veronese, Canaletto, Van Dyck and Tiepolo. We also visit the medieval cathedral and the Fuggerei, a gated district of poor-houses built

Above: The Bavarian State Opera’s past production of Richard Strauss’s Arabella Below: the Schaezlerpalais in Augsburg

Get the most from performances

In order to fully enjoy the performances, we suggest you plan to arrive in Europe at least a day before the tour commences. As well as flights, we are happy to arrange pre-tour accommodation in Munich or another European city. Please contact us to discuss the best options.

in 1519 by Jakob Fugger, banker to Emperor Charles V and the wealthiest man in Europe at the time. It is thanks to Fugger and other wealthy Augsburghers that the city earned its reputation as the Bavarian Florence. We return to Munich in the late afternoon. Overnight Munich (B)

Friday July 6 L’elisir d’amore

Our pre-performance talk today explores the bel canto period and Donizetti’s comic opera L’elisir d’amore. Like many bel canto works, the success of the performance depends very much on the virtuosity of the performers. Tonight we get to hear two leading exponents of the bel canto style in action. Young South-African coloratura soprano Pretty Yende shot to stardom after winning the Vincenzo Bellini prize in 2010. She thrilled Parisian audiences as Lucia in 2016, a role she will reprise at the Met in early 2018. Vittorio Grigolo’s liquid lyric tenor will fit the role of the lovelorn Nemorino perfectly, and the magnificent buffo bass, Ambrogio Maestri, sings the role of the quack doctor, Dulcamara. After the pre-performance talk, we visit one of Munich’s leading art galleries, the Alte Pinakothek. Those interested in Kandinsky and Munich’s ‘Blue Rider’ movement will also want to visit the nearby Pinakothek der Modern. Tonight’s performance begins at 7.00pm. Overnight Munich (B) Performance details Venue: National Theatre, Munich Program: Donizetti’s L’elisir d’amore Performers: Pretty Yende (Adina), Vittorio Grigolo (Nemorino), Ambrogio Maestri (Dulcamara)

Saturday July 7 The Romantic Road

Bavaria’s famous Romantic Road follows the rivers and valleys of Bavaria through some of the region’s most beautiful small towns, largely untouched by war and modern development. Today’s excursion takes us to two standout villages. Medieval Dinkelsbühl has ramparts, watchtowers and a castle of the order of the Teutonic Knights. Rothenburg-ob-der-Tauber, where we have lunch, was founded in the 12th century. It is home to one of the largest and most important works by German Renaissance sculptor Tilman Riemenschneider, the St Francis Altar. Riemenschneider worked in many of the towns along the Romantic Road. Towns like Dinkelsbühl and Rothenburg were ‘rediscovered’ in the 19th century as Germany explored its national identity, and were an inspiration for Wagner and others to create works set in the Middle Ages. We return to Munich in the late afternoon. Overnight Munich (B, L) Sunday July 8 Parsifal

After our previous day’s journey, it is rather fitting that we see Wagner’s contemplative medieval drama Parsifal this evening. The three-act music-drama is based loosely on a 13th-century German epic poem, and tells the tale of the Arthurian knight, Sir

Above: The National Theatre in Munich; and The Bavarian State Opera’s past production of Donizetti’s L’elisir d’amore; Below: the promotional poster for Wagner’s Parsifal, photo credit The Bavarian State Opera

Percival. Kirill Petrenko conducts tonight’s performance of a new production by Pierre Audi. The cast is unbeatable, with Munich-based tenor Jonas Kaufmann in the title role, Swedish superstar Nina Stemme as Kundry, fine bass René Pape as Gurnemanz and baritone Christian Gerhaher as Amfortas. This morning there is a pre-performance talk, followed by free time to relax or visit one of Munich’s many fine galleries and museums. The performance begins at 4.00pm. Overnight Munich (B) Performance details Venue: National Theatre, Munich Program: Wagner’s Parsifal Performers: Jonas Kaufmann (Parsifal), Nina Stemme (Kundry), René Pape (Gurnemanz), Christian Gerhaher (Amfortas), Wolfgang Koch (Klingsor), Kirill Petrenko (conductor)

Monday July 9 Tosca

From medieval drama, we move to Italian verismo melodrama for our final performance in Munich. Puccini’s Tosca is a very familiar work to most opera-lovers, but Puccini’s stirring music and a great cast can still thrill even the most jaded music lover. Tonight we hear Angela Gheorghiu in the role of Floria Tosca, with American baritone Thomas Hampson as the villainous Baron Scarpia and charismatic tenor Joseph Calleja as the revolutionary lover Cavaradossi. The Luc Bondy production premiered at the Metropolitan Opera a few years ago, and is conducted by Met regular, Marco Armiliato. The morning is free, with an afternoon talk on the performance before the curtain rises at 7.00pm. Overnight Munich (B) Performance details Venue: National Theatre, Munich Program: Puccini’s Tosca Performers: Angela Gheorghiu (Floria Tosca), Joseph Calleja (Mario Cavaradossi), Thomas Hampson (Baron Scarpia), Marco Armiliato (conductor)

Tuesday July 10 To England

We check out of our hotel this morning and take a late morning flight to London’s Heathrow airport. From there it is a 90-minute transfer to Lewes, a market town in the Sussex Downs about 10 minutes’ drive from the Glyndebourne Estate. After time to settle in and perhaps enjoy a stroll along the banks of the Ouse River, we have dinner in a local restaurant. Overnight Lewes (B, D)

Wednesday July 11 Lewes and Debussy

After a morning talk on this evening’s performance, we explore Lewes with a local guide. The town’s Norman castle overlooks the surrounding territories, and there are historic churches, houses and inns lining the high street. Closer to the Ouse River and our hotel are the shops and cafes of the town. We head to

Above: past production of Puccini’s Tosca staring Angela Gheorghiu Below: Jonas Kaufmann

Glyndebourne in the mid-afternoon. There will be time to stroll around the magnificent gardens and lawns before the performance. In the long interval, there will be dinner in Nether Wallop, one of Glyndebourne’s three restaurants. Overnight Lewes (B, D) Performance details Venue: Glyndebourne Program: Debussy’s Pelléas et Mélisande Performers: Christina Gansch (Mélisande), John Chest (Pelléas), Christopher Purves (Golaud), Brindley Sherratt (Arkel), Karen Cargill (Geneviève), Robin Ticciati (conductor)

Thursday July 12 Charleston and Puccini

A morning talk on this evening’s opera is followed by some free time before we head for Charleston, the country house associated with London’s literary Bloomsbury Group. It was here in the first decades of the 20th century that group members escaped London to work, argue and make love. Critic Clive Bell and his artist wife Virginia Bell established Charleston, and a great number of artists, writers and public figures passed through over the years. The house is decorated throughout with furniture and artworks by the Bloomsbury group, while in a room on the first floor John Maynard Keynes wrote his ground-breaking work, The Economic Consequences of the War. We arrive at Glyndebourne in good time for the performance. Overnight Lewes (B, D) Performance details Venue: Glyndebourne Program: Puccini’s Madama Butterfly Performers: Olga Busuioc (Cio-Cio-San), Elizabeth DeShong (Suzuki), Joshua Guerrero (Lieutenant B F Pinkerton), Michael Sumuel (Sharpless), Omer Meir Wellber (conductor)

Friday July 13 A stately home and a Handel opera

Our final opera at Glyndebourne is a masterpiece of the baroque period by Handel. Glyndebourne is closely associated with the rehabilitation of such forgotten works into the mainstream repertoire. On our way to Glyndebourne we visit Firle, an 18th century home with fine grounds and an impressive art collection. We arrive at Glyndebourne in good time for the performance. Dinner is at Mildmay restaurant in the grounds of the estate. Overnight Lewes (B, D) Performance details Venue: Glyndebourne Program: Handel’s Giulio Cesare Performers: Sarah Connolly (Giulio Cesare), Joélle Harvey (Cleopatra), Christophe Dumaux (Tolomeo), Patricia Bardon (Cornelia) William Christie / Jonathan Cohen (conductor)

Above: Glyndebourne 2018 Festival preview, photo credit Glyndebourne; on the lawn at Glyndebourne Below: Firle Manor

Saturday July 14 Departure

The tour ends after breakfast. Transfers to Gatwick or Heathrow airport are included for travellers booking their flights through Academy Travel. (B)

Hotels Hotels have been selected principally for their central location. Both of the hotels are excellent four-star properties that are within renovated historic buildings.

Munich - Hotel Torbraeu (7 nights)

This historic four-star family-run hotel is conveniently located a short walk from the National Theatre, in the heart of Munich. The rooms are classically furnished and comfortable, each with modern amenities. The hotel is in walking distance of many of Munich’s most popular attractions. www.torbraeu.de

Lewes, Premier Inn Lewes Town Centre (4 nights)

The newly opened Premier Inn is the best small group accommodation close to Glyndebourne. Spacious and simple furnished rooms, each with modern amenities. The hotel is by the river Ouse, a short, level walk to the shops and restaurants of Lewes. www.premierinn.com/gb/en/hotels/england/east-sussex/lewes/lewes-town-centre.html

Weather on Tour July is a pleasant time to be in Munich and the Sussex Downs with summer temperatures ranging on average from the mid-20s, dropping to 12-16°C at night. However, you should pack for a few days which are cooler than this, as well as a few warmer ones. Rainfall is fairly evenly spread across the year, and it is reasonable to expect rain on at least a few days, though not enough to disrupt our program.

Above: Hotel Torbraeu, Munich; building facade and double room accommodation Below: Glyndebourne signpost

Tour Price The tour price is $11,980 per person, twin share (land content only). The supplement for a single room is $1,970 per person. A non-refundable deposit of $500 per person is required to secure a place on the tour.

Final program and second deposit In January 2018, an updated itinerary with most performance details will be published. At this stage, we will send you a second invoice for $1,500 to cover the cost of tickets. If you are not satisfied with the range and quality of performances in the final itinerary, you can withdraw from the tour within 14 days of receiving the final version and receive a full refund of your deposit.

Tour Inclusions Included in the tour price

Accommodation in carefully selected four-star hotels Breakfasts daily, plus lunches and dinners as noted One-way economy class flight from Munich to London Land travel by air-conditioned coach Best available seats for performances Extensive tour notes and background talks Services of an Australian tour leader throughout the tour All entrance fees to sites mentioned in the itinerary Qualified local guides where appropriate Tips for all services included in the itinerary

Not included

International airfares, taxes and surcharges (see below) Travel insurance Meals not mentioned in itinerary Expenses of a personal nature

Air travel OPTIONS The tour price quoted is for land content only. For this tour we recommend Singapore Airlines, Emirates or Etihad; each offering daily flights into Munich and home from London. Please contact us for further information on competitive economy, business and first class airfares. Transfers between airport and hotel are included for all passengers booking their flights through Academy Travel. These may be group or individual transfers.

Enquiries & bookings For further information and to secure a place on this tour please contact Frederick Steyn at Academy Travel on 9235 0023 or 1800 639 699 (outside Sydney) or email frederick@academytravel.com.au

Fitness Requirements of THIS tour GRADE ONE

It is important both for you and for your fellow travellers that you are fit enough to be able to enjoy all the activities on this tour. To give you an indication of the level of physical fitness required to participate on our tours, we have given them a star grading. Academy Travel’s tours tend to feature extended walking tours and site visits, which require greater fitness than coach touring. We ask you instead to consider carefully your ability to meet the physical demands of the tour.

Participation criteria for this tour

This Grade One tour is appropriate for travellers in good health with good mobility. You should be able to comfortably participate in up to three hours of physical activity per day on most days, including walking at an easy pace, sometimes on uneven terrain, climbing stairs and standing in galleries. You should be able to: keep up with the group at all times walk for 2-3 kilometres at a moderate to slow pace with

only short breaks stand for a reasonable length of time in galleries and

museums negotiate stairs and bridges get on and off a coach, ferry or boat with steep stairs

unassisted move your luggage a short distance if required

A note for older travellers

If you are more than 80 years old, or have restricted mobility, it is likely that you will find this itinerary challenging. You may have to miss certain activities and may not get the full value of the tour. Before submitting your booking form, please contact Academy Travel to discuss your situation and the exact physical requirements of this tour. While we will do our best to reasonably accommodate the physical needs of all group members, we reserve the right to refuse bookings if we feel that the requirements of the tour are too demanding for you and/or if local conditions mean we cannot reasonably accommodate your condition.