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Toronto Opera
Weekend - April
4th - 7th, 2002 |
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458
West 52nd Street #1D
New York, NY 10019 (800) 916-0312 |
Thursday, April 4th
Independent arrivals, and Coach Arrival from Ottawa, Ontario, at the Crowne
Plaza Toronto Centre, perfectly situated in the heart of Toronto's vibrant
Entertainment District. Welcome wine and cheese reception.
Historic Massey
Hall is the unique setting for our evening concert with the Toronto Symphony
under the baton of Guest Conductor Gianandrea Noseda in a mixed program featuring
Elgar's In the South, Respighi's Roman Festivals, and virtuoso pianist Alexander
Toradze in the demanding Tchaikovsky Piano Concerto No 1.
Friday, April 5th
We start our day with a guided tour of the Art Gallery of Ontario, an outstanding
collection of European Old Masters, Canadian Group of Seven, Inuit, and Canadian
art. Following the tour, you will have the opportunity to explore the collection
independently. This afternoon, we have organized an exclusive meet the artist
session and short Handel Recital by a featured member of the Canadian Opera
Company. Join us for this unique experience to hear some beautiful music in
an intimate environment, and enjoy the opportunity to discuss the music of
Handel with our guest artist.
This evening, we attend the Hummingbird Centre for the Performing Arts and
the Canadian Opera Company (COC) Premiere of the majestic Russian Opera, Boris
Godunov, by Modeste Mussorgsky, after Pushkin. Mussorgsky leads us deep into
the heart of Mother Russia with a grand scale historical saga of a Tsar and
his people living in fear. The tormented figure of Boris, facing corruption,
guilt, despair and madness, provides an ideal showcase for the powerful voice
of bass Gidon Saks. Conducted by General Director, Richard Bradshaw, and staged
by Francesca Zambello. The cast features Shannon Mercer, Vadim Zaplechny,
Gustav Belacek, Jay Hunter Morris, and Benoit Boutet.
Saturday, April 6th
Day at leisure. Toronto is a city of many small neighbourhoods, and we have
left this day free for independent sightseeing. You may choose to explore
the Harbour Front, Chinatown, trendy Yorkville, or romantic Casa Loma, Toronto's
only castle.
This evening we
attend our second Premiere by the COC, the Baroque masterpiece, Julius Caesar
in Egypt, by George Frideric Handel. The story of the romantic and strategic
alliance between Caesar and Cleopatra is told through Handel's sumptuous music
in this, his best known and most dramatically satisfying opera. A dream cast
of viruoso singers is featured: Polish contralto Ewa Podles as Giulio Cesare,
alongside Isobel Bayrakdarian, Daniel Taylor, and Brian Asawa. A Farewell
Dessert Reception has been arranged after the performance, to celebrate the
weekend.
Sunday, April 7th
Independent departures from Toronto. Coach Return to Ottawa at Noon.
TOUR PRICE
Land Arrangements
US$799 (CD$1150) (Based on Double Occupancy)
Single Supplement US$150 (CD$200)
$400 Deposit is required to secure your space on tour. Balance due on March
1st, 2002.
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.
Private Coach transportation for tour members from Ottawa, Canada is included
Please call for details.