Monday March 18th

 

Independent arrivals at the four-star Empire Hotel, ideally located on West 63rd Street, directly across the street from Lincoln Center.  Having recently completed a multi-million dollar renovation, the elegant Empire features beautifully decorated rooms with a number of acclaimed restaurants both on the premises and close by.  Coach arrival from Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.  Welcome wine and cheese reception.

 

We start our tour with the Metropolitan Opera’s new production by Elijah Moshinsky of Verdi’s Luisa Miller.  James Levine will lead an exceptional cast including the remarkable Barbara Frittoli, Denyce Graves, Neil Shicoff, Roberto Frontali, Carlo Colombara and Phillip Ens. 

 

Tuesday March 19th

 

Morning at leisure.  This afternoon, we will enjoy a private tour of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, one of the foremost art collections in the world.  The highly anticipated exhibiton, Surrealism: Desire Unbound, will be featured during our visit.  Following the tour, you will have plenty of time for further personal exploration of the splendors of the permanent collection.

 

This evening, we are thrilled to attend another new production at The Metropolitan Opera, Prokofiev’s War and Peace.  Gianandrea Noseda makes his debut at the podium, leading a group of the foremost singers of the Russian repertoire:  Anna Netrebko, Ekaterina Semenchuk, Larissa Shevchenko, Gegam Grigorian, Dmitri Hvorostovsky, Vassily Gerello and Samuel Ramey.

Wednesday March 20th

 

This morning takes us to SOHO, home of the Museum for African Art.  This captivating museum is a leading organizer of exhibitions dedicated to traditional and contemporary African Art.  Our private tour will feature an extensive exhibition, the details of which were being finalized at press time.

 

Afternoon at leisure.  You may wish to continue to explore the galleries, museums and shops of Soho. Please note:  An extra performance matinee of a Broadway or Off-Broadway show may be scheduled this afternoon.  Tickets to a specific performance will be secured by Pro Musica on request, subject to availability.

 

This evening, we cross the plaza at Lincoln Center to the New York City Opera for their internationally acclaimed production of Gershwin’s only opera, Porgy and Bess.  Featuring the triumphant return of Alvy Powell and Marquita Lister, the performance will be preceded by an informative lecture.

 

Thursday March 21st

 

Morning at leisure.  This afternoon, we have planned a truly unique event for our tour members:  A private masterclass with artists and members of the Metropolitan Opera Music staff.  We will have the opportunity not only to hear some of the best young singers in the world in the intimate environment of the studio, but we will watch and listen as these young singers are coached on their arias and roles by a world famous coach.  During the class, we will have an opportunity to interact with the singers and teachers and learn what it really takes to become an opera singer—an afternoon you will surely remember for years to come!  Following the masterclass, we will enjoy a backstage tour of the Metropolitan Opera House.

 

This evening, Verdi’s Falstaff returns to the repertory of the Metropolitan Opera with the restoration and re-staging of the classic Franco Zeffirelli Production.  Bryn Terfel headlines the all star cast, along with Camilla Tilling, Marina Mescheriakova, Stephanie Blythe, Susanne Mentzer, Gregory Turay, and Dwayne Croft.  James Levine conducts.

 

Friday March 22nd

 

Morning at leisure.  This afternoon, we visit another of the nation’s premiere art institutions, the Brooklyn Museum.  Our private tour will include highlights from the permanent collection, including the renowned Egyptian collection; the Rodin galleries; and a diverse collection of European sculpture and painting.  Following our tour, you will have further time for personal exploration.

 

This evening we return to the Met for an exciting French Triple Bill under the baton of James Levine: Satie’s ballet Parade with choreography by Gray Veredon; Poulenc’s one act opera Les Mamelles de Tirésias with Ainhoa Arteta, Earle Patriarco and Dwayne Croft; and Ravel’s beloved L’Enfant et les Sortilèges with Danielle de Niese, Olga Makarina, Ruth Ann Swenson, Youngok Shin and John Del Carlo.

 

Saturday March 23rd

 

This morning we will enjoy an expert guided private tour of the newly renovated galleries of The Asia Society.  Three unique exhibitions will be featured during our stay: The Creative Eye; The New Way of Tea; and Sacred Gold of Gods and Kings in Ancient Southeast Asia.

 

Afternoon at leisure.   Please note:  An extra performance matinee of a Broadway or Off-Broadway show may be scheduled this afternoon.  Tickets to a specific performance will be secured by Pro Musica on request, subject to availability.

 

This evening’s performance at The Met is Giancarlo del Monaco’s beautiful production of Puccini’s Madama Butterfly, featuring Daniela Dessì, Fabio Armiliato and William Shimell.  Marco Armiliato conducts.

 

Sunday March 24th

 

Morning at leisure.  This afternoon, we will attend the Metropolitan Opera Pension Fund Gala.  Under the baton of James Levine, Angela Gheorghiu and Roberto Alagna will be featured in a program to be announced.  Following the Gala, we will enjoy dinner together at one of Manhattan’s finest restaurants, Aquavit.

 

Monday March 25th

 

Independent departures from New York.  Coach Return to Ottawa, Canada.  Check out time from the Empire Hotel is Noon.

 

PLEASE NOTE:  Private Coach Transportation is included for tour and performance transfers.

 

PERFORMANCES

Metropolitan Opera: Luisa Miller, War and Peace, Falstaff, Parade, Les Mamelles de Tirésias, L’Enfant et les Sortilèges, Madama Butterfly, Pension Fund Gala.

New York City Opera:  Porgy and Bess

 

INCLUDED MEALS

Welcome Wine and Cheese Reception, Aquavit Dinner

 

TOUR PRICE

Land Arrangements (Based on Double Occupancy) US$ 3795

Single Supplement US$ 800

$1500 Deposit is required to secure your space on tour.  Balance due on February 1st, 2001.

Gala ticket prices include a tax-deductable donation to the Richard Tucker Foundation.  All tour members will be provided with the appropriate documentation for this donation.

 

TRANSPORTATION

Lowest airfare at time of booking is available directly through Pro Musica Tours, at cost, for your convenience.  A Saturday night stay is included to assure you the lowest airfare possible.