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“All the world’s a stage”, so it shouldn’t be
surprising to find performing arts at every turn, be it in the street, the pub
or in traditional theatres. From storytelling around the campfire to the great
Greek tragedies, the medieval morality plays to Shakespeare’s accessibility to
the common man, theatre has played an important role in the human story.
The beating of war drums and chanting of
religious rituals, to the delicate music of winds and strings performed in a
family setting, music has been a way for people to communicate, share their time
and entertain one another.
The focused energy of the performers transmits to
the viewer creating a collective experience which magnifies and inspires a
unique energy throughout the room – an interactive experience that television
and movies just can’t replace.
You don’t need to search far and wide to find
wonderful performances. Most communities have local theatre and symphonies as
well as street festivals. Most anywhere people gather, you’re likely to find
street performers with their hats out; singing, dancing and performing for their
supper.
This month’s Tour Hosts offer a great selection
of trips to events musical and theatrical as well as just plain festive. From
opera and classical music in some of the most spectacular venues on the planet,
to theatre under the stars and in the streets, the performing arts are alive,
well, and just waiting to be experienced.
This
month's tour hosts review:
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Music and Markets
Pick of
the Month |
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Location: France, Prague and Italy
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| Specialty: Chamber and classic music concerts |
| Why
We Like Them: A unique combination of intimate musical events and
visits to local markets and cultural sites makes Music and Markets tours a
delight. All trips are custom designed and led by Anne and Kirk Woodyard the company’s founders. Small group size and
a dedication to providing fabulous experiences makes traveling with the
Woodyards more like exploring Europe with knowledgeable friends than with a
group tour.
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Article:
Pleasures of Bordeaux |
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Herzerl Tours division of Omnifics Assoc.,
Inc. |
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Location: Austria |
| Specialty:
Music and culinary tours |
| Why
We Like Them: Susanne Marie Servin the company’s founder knows Austria
and is delighted to show travelers her native land. Custom designed trips made
to order, or join one of her small group tours. A special Mozart & Friends
249 years and counting tour is planned for June 2005, for those travelers
wanting to get a jump on the 250 anniversary celebrations for the composer.
Other great food and wine tours as well as Spa holidays are offered. |
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Dailey-Thorp Travel, LLC |
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Location: Europe and New York |
| Specialty: Opera tours and cruises |
| Why
We Like Them: For nearly 35 years, Dailey-Thorp Travel has been creating
fabulous trips to the grand opera events in Europe. In addition to the opera
tours, music theme cruises on the rivers in Europe, allow travelers to visit key
opera capitals along the ship's itinerary and attend performances. Lecturers
knowledgeable in music and the arts accompany the tours ensuring guests enjoy a
selection of fine and performing arts at every turn. |
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Morgan Tours |
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Location: Europe, Canada |
| Specialty: Opera and theater tours |
| Why
We Like Them: With over a dozen unique tours from Iceland to Italy,
Canada and Eastern Europe Morgan Tours is a great way to experience the music
and arts of many nations. Trips include the opera, ballet, symphony, theatre,
art galleries and museums, while at the same time observing the beauty and
uniqueness of each country and culture. Their
self-directed travel plan provide tickets to cultural events, arranges
accommodations and all other needs for the independent traveler. |
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Martin Randall Travel Ltd. |
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Location: Europe, Middle East, and Northern Africa |
| Specialty: Music, archaeology, history and culinary trips |
| Why
We Like Them: Offering over 30 opera and music tours and operating a
number of musical festivals as well, Martin Randall Travel Ltd. trips are lead
by exceptional lecturers specializing in their field. The web site includes
brief biographies of the lecturers stressing the importance of this position to
the company’s trips. Tours are all inclusive with meals and additional tours to
museums and other sites of interest for a well-rounded cultural experience.
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MagicalSpain |
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Location: Spain |
| Specialty: Historic, cultural and culinary tours |
| Why
We Like Them: With organized tours focusing on the history and
culture of Spain, MagicalSpain also arranges custom tours
including visits to some of Spain’s most famous festivals.
With so many different festivals, it’s hard to imagine
knowing them all, but MagicalSpain incorporates as many
local events and fiestas as possible in their trips to
insure the authentic Spanish experience. |
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Article:
Getting Festive in Historic Spain |
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Stratford Festival of Canada |
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Location: Ontario, Canada |
| Specialty:
Theatre |
| Why
We Like Them: With more than a dozen performances on four stages, the
Stratford Festival of Canada is the home of the largest classical repertory
theatre in North America. A great venue for theatre lovers for over 50 years,
the event attracts over 600,000 visitors yearly and includes a full program of
fringe activities; lectures, concerts and readings by celebrated authors as well
as educational programs for students and patrons. The event takes place every
April though November. |
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Article:
Summer Shakespeare |
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Chamber Music Holidays and
Festivals |
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Location: Europe |
| Specialty:
Chamber music holidays for musicians and listeners |
| Why
We Like Them: Geared toward musicians due to the many opportunities
to play with other participants and local performers, these trips are also ideal
for the chamber music enthusiast looking for an in-depth musical experience.
Lectures and special events with international performers and many local tours
to sites associated with the region’s premier musicians are also included for a
thorough immersion into the musical wonders of the destination. |
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Article:
Music Festivals in Prague |
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Act 1 Performing Arts Tours Inc. |
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Location: Europe and United States |
| Specialty: Opera and music tours |
| Why
We Like Them: Sherwin Sloan and Desirée Mays lead a diverse selection of
Opera and music tours in the U. S and Europe. Both well-respected lecturers in
their fields, their insider knowledge into the companies and performances
promise to enlighten and entertain all participants. Trips include visual as
well as performing arts to round out the cultural experience.
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