A seven night, eight day tour with seven
performances. Private Coach Transfers for all performances and day tour activities are included.

Saturday October 2nd
Independent arrivals at the Novotel Manhattan. Located on Broadway at 52nd Street, the four-diamond Novotel combines comfort and convenience close to Central Park, 5th Avenue Shopping, and the Theatre District. Coach arrival from Ottawa, Canada. Wine and Cheese Reception prior to this evening's performance.

We begin our week together with Franco Zeffirelli's sumptuous production of Bizet's Carmen. Olga Borodina sings the title role, with Neil Shicoff, Hei-Kyung Hong, and Ildar Abdrazkov. James Levine conducts.

Sunday October 3rd
Morning at Leisure

This afternoon, we are delighted to be attending Richard Strauss's Daphne. New York City Opera presents the New York stage premiere of this mythological fantasy, featuring Elizabeth Futral in the title role.
Evening at leisure.

Monday October 4th
Morning at Leisure

This afternoon, we celebrate the 100th anniversary of Times Square as we explore the history, architecture, theater and underworld of this legendary area on a fascinating private tour. Stops include: The New York Public Library, Astor Hotel, Palace Theater, Sardi's and sites associated with the Shubert's, Florenz Ziegfeld, Bob Hope and Evelyn Nesbit.

This evening, we return to the Metropolitan Opera for Verdi's Otello. Canadian tenor Ben Heppner takes on the title role opposite the foremost Desdemona on stage today, Italian soprano Barbara Frittoli, with the resounding Carlo Guelfi as Iago. James Levine conducts.

Tuesday October 5th
Morning at Leisure

This afternoon, we will enjoy a private expert guided tour of New York's Neue Gallerie, a museum devoted to early 20th century German and Austrian art and design. One of the finest specialized collections in the world, the Neue Gallerie features masterpieces by Klimt, Schiele, Kokoshka, Kandinsky, Klee, and many others.

This evening, Wagner's Die Walkure takes the Met stage. Though known best as the second of Wagner's Ring operas, Die Walkure easily stands on its own as a moving and exciting dramatic voyage. Placido Domingo stars as Siegmund, one of his greatest roles, along side a phenomenal international cast including Olga Sergeeva, Katarina Dalayman, Yvonne Naef, Vladimir Vaneev, and Stephen Milling. Valery Gergiev conducts.

Wednesday October 6th
This morning, we will visit the centennial exhibition of the Jewish Museum: Bauhaus Master / Terezin Teacher. Our art historian will guide us through this exhibition celebrating the art, teaching methods and spirit of Friedl Dicker-Brandeis (1898-1944), the remarkable Bauhaus artist and art teacher who taught children in the Terezin ghetto and concentration camp.Afternoon at leisure.
This evening, we are thrilled to attend the Opening Night of Carnegie Hall's 2004-2005 Season. The gala concert features the Philadelphia Orchestra under the baton of Christoph Eschenbach in an all Richard Strauss Program. Don Juan opens the program, followed by the Four Last Songs, sung by Renee Fleming. Cellist Yo-Yo Ma joins the orchestra for the final piece on the program, Don Quixote.

Thursday October 7th
Morning at leisure.

This afternoon, we will enjoy an exclusive private vocal masterclass. Led by a member of the Metropolitan Opera music staff, you will have the unique opportunity to hear a group of young artists from the Met and New York City Opera being coached in the arias and roles they are preparing for performance.

This evening, Puccini's rarely seen La Rondine returns to the stage of New York City Opera. A hidden jewel in the Puccini repertoire, La Rondine features some of the master's most charming and beautiful music. Pamela Armstrong stars in this sparkling production.

Friday October 8th
This morning, we will enjoy a private tour of The Cloisters. the Metropolitan Museum of Art's special collection of Medieval art housed in authentic cloisters nestled peacefully at the most northern tip of Manhattan in Fort Tryon Park.
Afternoon at leisure.

This evening, we will enjoy dinner together at one of New York's finest restaurants. (TBA)

Following dinner, we return to the Metropolitan Opera for the premiere of their new production of Mozart's Die Zauberflote. Julie Taymor makes her Met directing debut, and has also designed the remarkable costumes and puppets that she has become famous for around the world. Perhaps best known for directing and creating the visual world of The Lion King on Broadway, Ms. Taymor has also brought her unique vision to opera stages around the world. James Levine conducts a wonderful cast including Dorothea Roschmann, Matthew Polenzani, Matthias Goerne, Julien Robbins, and Kwangchul Youn.

Saturday October 9th
Independent departures, and coach departure to Ottawa, Canada.
Check out time from the Novotel is 12:00 Noon.

TOUR PRICE
Land Arrangements
US $3495 (Based on Double Occupancy)
Single supplement US $775
$1500 Deposit required to secure your space on tour.
Balance Due on September 1st, 2004.

EARLY REGISTRATION DISCOUNT: REGISTER BEFORE AUGUST 1st, 2004 AND SAVE $500 PER PERSON.

Included Meals
Welcome Reception, 1 Dinner

Transportation
Lowest Airfare at time of booking is available directly through Pro Musica, at cost, for your convenience.
A Saturday night stay is included to assure you the lowest airfare possible.
Private Coach Transportation for tour members from Ottawa, Canada is included.
Please call for details.