Thursday November 8th

 

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.

 

Our first evening together, we will enjoy Franco Zeffirelli’s acclaimed production of Puccini’s La Bohème at the Metropolitan Opera.  Our wonderful cast includes former Richard Tucker Foundation winner Patricia Racette as Mimi, alongside Ramon Vargas as Rodolfo.  Carlo Rizzi conducts the cast that also features the Met debuts of Inva Mula and Bruno Caproni.

 

Friday November 9th

 

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!

 

This evening, we return to the Metropolitan Opera for another of Franco Zeffirelli’s stunning productions—Verdi’s La Traviata.  Our cast this evening features the highly anticipated return of soprano June Anderson as Violetta, Vinson Cole as Alfredo, and Juan Pons as Germont. Maurizio Benini conducts.

 

Saturday November 10th

 

This morning, our group will enjoy a private tour of the Whitney Museum of American art, featuring the special exhibition Into the Light: The Projected Image in American Art.  This will be the first major museum show to explore the projected image in art and will feature a fascinating collection of holography, slides and film installations.  Following our expert guided tour, there will be time for individual exploration of the Whitney’s extensive permanent collection.

 

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, Verdi’s Luisa Miller returns to the Metropolitan Opera in a new production by Elijah Moshinsky.  James Levine conducts the wonderful cast that includes Sondra Radvanovsky, Wendy White, Martin Thompson, Nikolai Putilin, Carlo Colombara, and Paul Plishka.

 

Sunday November 11th

Morning at leisure.

 

This afternoon, we present the option to attend an optional performance at Avery Fisher Hall of The Helsinki Philharmonic under the baton of Leif Segerstam with mezzo-soprano Monica Groop, baritone Jorma Hynninen and the Polytech Choir of Finland.  The all Sibelius program includes Kullervo (Symphony for soprano, baritone, orchestra and male chorus), Opus 7; and Finlandia, Opus 26.  Prior to the concert, there will be an informative lecture presented by James Hepokoski and Great Performers at Lincoln Center. (Please request tickets upon registration. Prime Orchestra seats are $60).

 

The Richard Tucker Music Foundation is a non-profit cultural organization designed to perpetuate the memory of the great American tenor through the advancement of the careers of promising and talented American opera singers.  This evening, we have confirmed prime orchestra seats to one of the most exciting events of the season - The Richard Tucker Gala.  The program will include performances by some of the biggest stars in Opera from around the globe.  Former winners of the coveted Tucker prize include David Daniels, Dwayne Croft, Jennifer Larmore, Ruth Ann Swenson, Deborah Voigt, Renée Fleming, Richard Leech, Dolora Zajick, Aprile Millo and Diana Soviero.

 

Monday November 12th

 

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: La Bohème, La Traviata, Luisa Miller

Avery Fisher Hall:  Helsinki Philharmonic (optional), Richard Tucker Gala

 

INCLUDED MEALS

Welcome Wine and Cheese Reception

 

TOUR PRICE

Land Arrangements (Based on Double Occupancy) US$ 2350

Single Supplement US$ 450

$1000 Deposit is required to secure your space on tour.  Balance due on October 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.

 

Private Coach transportation for tour members from Ottawa, Canada is included  -  Please call for details.

 

We are pleased to provide a FREE ROOM UPGRADE to Deluxe Rooms at the Empire Hotel for early registrants.  Room upgrades are limited and will be filled in order of registration.