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Italian Summer Music Festivals     

In collaboration with Musica Viva Australia, and with the participation of Robert Gay during the first week

Friday 27 June to Friday 11 July 2008 

EURO 4350                                        AUD 7350  Subject to change

Staying in the countryside near Montefalco in Umbria and then in the beautiful hilltop town of Ravello on the Amalfi coast. Visiting Spoleto, Magione, Spello, Assisi, Bevagna and Perugia, Amalfi, Positano and the island of Capri.

The tour includes seven glorious performances set in the most amazing and evocative settings at spectacular Italian Summer Music Festivals including the Spoleto Festival, the new Trasimeno Festival of Angela Hewitt, Umbria Jazz (optional) in Perugia, and the Ravello Festival with spectacular views over the Amalfi coast.

 
 
 
 

Spoleto & Ravello are two of the loveliest towns in Italy.

The Ravello festival, in its spectacular setting on the Amalfi coast boasts an association with Richard Wagner who stayed at Villa Rufolo in 1880, and who was reportedly so taken with the beauty of the place that he is said to have proclaimed, in reference to a character in his opera Parsifal: “here is the enchanted garden of Klingsor”. And although the original emphasis during the festival was on Wagner’s music, the event has grown into an almost two-month event with a variety of music featuring large orchestras, chamber ensembles, jazz, performing arts and exhibitions. The main venue includes a suspended stage, built around the gardens of the villa and hanging above a cliff 350m (1,150ft) above the sea. Top artists and musicians are attracted here, where the music is rivalled in excellence only by the location – the stunning landscape of the famous Amalfi Coast.

  
   
 
  Highlights of the tour
 
 
  • Guided visits to some of Italy's most beautiful towns and cities
  • The best available seats at seven included performances
  • Talks on a selection of the musical events
    		•
    		 
     
      Accommodation
    		 
     

    In Umbria The Fabrizi Estate is located just outside the walls of the medieval hilltown of Montefalco. The accommodation is ideally situated for our visits to nearby towns and villages. In 1991 a cluster of four of the farm buildings was converted into high quality accommodation, with a swimming pool added later.  All have their own bathroom and private entrance. Meals are held in a pleasant dining room and there are lounge areas in two of the buildings. There is a garden and terrace with spectacular views across the Vale of Umbria. This is often used as an outdoor eating area but is also a wonderful place to read or just take in the sun. The rooms are not air-conditioned, but the thick walls and shady trees keep the temperature pleasant even on hotter days. The region also produces some of the finest natural produce in Italy. The estate is still a working farm producing its own wine and olive oil which are used to prepare the delicious simple meals which are such a feature of the tour.

    In Ravello Hotel Giordano or Hotel Villa Maria with a sea view (Euro 600 per room supplement). Both properties are o    wned by the Palumbo family and are close by each other in central positions between Villa Rufolo and the main square. Restaurant with sea view terraces and solarium. Or similar in Ravello centre.

    		 
     
     

    Detailed itinerary             CURRENTLY UPDATING WITH MUSIC EVENTS

     

    This is a preliminary itinerary and will be adjusted to fit a range of variables, including performances as information becomes available. Otherwise the essential content will remain the same. B L D means that breakfast, lunch or dinner will be included.

    Fri 27 June     Transfer to Umbria Performance #1             B D     O'night Montefalco
     You will be met at Rome's Leonardo da Vinci airport at Fiumicino at 10.30am and transferred by private air-conditioned coach to your accommodation in the "Green heart of Italy", the magical region of Umbria.  This evening an opera at the newly revises Festival of  Spoleto.

    Opera-ballet in 2 acts by Albert Roussel (1869-1937)
    Conductor Emmanuel Villaume
    Director Sanjay Leela Bhansali
    Choreography Tanusree Shankar
    scene Omung Kumar Bhandula
    Costumes Rajhes Pratap Singh
    lights Somak Mukherjee
    Prague National Symphony Orchestra
    Châtelet Choir
    Chior master Stephen Betteridge
    Production Théâtre du Châtelet

    Sat 28 June                  Spoleto & Performance #2              B D    O'night Montefalco 
     travelling to the beautiful hill town of Spoleto.  Roman and Medieval history come alive as we first enter the town over the dramatic "Ponte delle Torri", a medieval aqueduct bridge with 10 towering arches towards the main Piazza.  Roman theatres are recycled into wonderful settings for the music festival enabling us a preview of these special venues.  A leisurely afternoon to enjoy the bliss and tranquility of our setting before     an early dinner at the accommodation and transport to Magione.     This evening we attend the GALA DINNER & OPENING PERFORMANCE of the new Trasimeno Music Festival

    Castle of the Knights of Malta, Magione

    Angela Hewitt and Garrick Ohlsson, piano four hands

    Mozart: Andante with Five Variations in G, K. 501
    Mozart: Sonata in F major, K.497
    Schubert: Fantasia in F minor, D. 940
    Bizet: Jeux d’enfants
    Gershwin: Rhapsody in Blue (arr. by Henry Levine)

    Sun 29 June      Montefalco                                 B L D     O'night Montefalco
         An easy start to the day as we awaken to the magnificent views of the Umbrian Vale, a  breathtaking landscape lost in time.  We walk up into the town through a landscape punctuated by medieval hilltowns and castles immersed in a green patchwork of olive groves, vineyards and sunflowers.  The walled town of Montefalco is famous for its award winning Sagrantino wine and its golden green olive oil.  An introduction to the rich food and wine with local truffles during lunch, and then a special chance to view a jewel of Renaissance art,  the splendid fresco cycle by Benozzo Gozzoli with the life of St. Francis of Assisi painted amidst beautiful backdrops of this timeless landscape. 

    Mon 30 June                Perugia  &  Performance #3               B       O'night Montefalco 
    The morning is at leisure. In the afternoon     we head to Perugia, a famous Etruscan city and home to Umbria Jazz.  The atmosphere is buzzing as street musicians mix with locals and tourists from all over the world to hear the sounds of some of jazz's legends.  We enter through an extraordinary Medieval underground city buried during the middle ages to emerge onto the main pedestrian street. Works of art by Perugino and Raphael decorate the interiors of palaces as music, art and culture fuse together.  The included performance tonight is at the Trasimeno Music Festival.

    JCF Bach: Sinfonia in D
    Bach: Cantata No. 82, Ich habe genug
    JC Bach: Sinfonia in F, Op. 3 No. 5
    Bach: Keyboard Concerto in F minor
    Bach: Triple Concerto in A minorPerugia

    Gerald Finley, baritone
    Jorja Fleezanis, violin
    Angela Hewitt, piano/director
    Trasimeno Festival Orchestra

     

    Tue 01 July               Spello                               B L D     O'night Montefalco
    Early afternoon we lazily make our way along the beautiful Umbria Vale, to visit the medieval hilltowns of Spello dressed in characteristic pink and cream stone. A leisurely stroll through the town to admire the generous flower arrangements decorating the balconies of the town. Lunch at the accommodation and the afternoon to rest.  Later we drive towards Italy's fourth largest lake, Lake Trasimeno. Steeped in history, the lake was the scene of the Romans worst defeat at the hands of Hannibal in 217bc. It provides a beautiful natural setting for us to enjoy dinner at a local seafood trattoriato
    Wed 02 July         Assisi & Performance #4            B D     O'night Montefalco
    This morning we visit the nearby sacred city of Assisi. The afternoon is at leisure back at the accommodation and then     transport to the Trasimeno festival

    Brahms Horn Trio

    Jorja Fleezanis, violin
    Stephen Stirling, horn
    Angela Hewitt, piano

    Bach: Sonata in E major for violin and piano
    Schumann: Sonata in A minor for violin and piano
    Schumann: Adagio and Allegro for horn and piano
    Brahms: Horn Trio


    Thu 03 July         Bevagna & Optional Performance          B       O'night Montefalco 
    Late morning in nearby Bevagna and an optional evening p    erformance at the Spoleto Festival if the mood takes you.

    Jeffery Swann, pianoforte
    Olivier Messiaen
    Catalogue d´Oiseaux:Le Chocard des alpes
    Le Loriot
    Le Courlis cendre
    Le Merle bleu


    Fri 04 July           Day at Leisure  & Performance #5        B L D       O'night Montefalco 
    The day is at leisure in Montefalco with lunch and GALA DINNER & FINAL PERFORMANCE of the Trasimeno Festival


    Angela Hewitt Solo Piano Recital
    Castle of the Knights of Malta, MagioneJ.S. Bach: Partita No. 5 in G major
    F.J. Haydn: Sonata in E-flat major, Hob. XVI/52
    Gabriel Fauré: Valses-Caprice Nos. 1 and 2
    Samuel Barber: Sonata for Piano

    Sat 05 July 2008  

     Montefalco to Ravello

     B D

     O'night Ravello

    Departing Umbria, we journey south in the direction of Naples dominated by the still active volcano, Vesuvius for four days of music & relaxation in the beautiful town of Ravello on the Amalfi coast. We skirt Naples gradually making our way towards the Sorrento Peninsular and the Amalfi Coast, considered to be one of the most spectacular stretches of coast lines in Europe with its famous "corniche road".  The remainder of the afternoon will be at leisure followed by an early welcome Dinner in Ravello.
     

    Sun 06 July

    Ravello & Performance#6

     B D

      O'night Ravello

    This morning we awaken to beautiful sea vistas.  From the "balcony of infinity" we capture pastel coloured villages scattered along the coast waking up under the Mediterranean sun.  Suspended between towering limestone cliffs, sky and sea Ravello is said to be close to heaven.  A relaxed start to the day as we are introduced to the town of Ravello, considered to be the most beautiful on the Amalfi stretch.   In the afternoon we descend along the famous corkscrew drive to Amalfi town where we are given a short tour of the Cathedral, with the "cloister of paradise" and the tomb of "St. Andrew" the Apostle. Chilli peppers and all things lemon decorate the little street stalls.  The rest of the afternoon is free to browse and perhaps try the famous lemon gelato.   This evening an included performance at Villa Rufolo.
     
    Mon 07 July            Cruise to Positano                               B D     O'night Ravello  
     A late start this morning and we head down to the docks at Amalfi again, this time to explore the coast is by boat. From here we can capture the full contrast of panoramas, changing with every twist and turn as we putter along the most glamourous stretch of coast in Italy to the artists colony of Positano.  This vertical village has inspired thousands of postcards and helped turn it into a second Capri in the celebrity stakes. Arriving by boat we have great photo opportunities on the approach.  Famous for its grey pebble beaches, you may wish to dip your toes in the Mediterranean sea before we are set free to explore. Labyrinth streets lined with boutiques famous for linen clothes, handmade sandals and lemon products tempt as do the pastry shops teasing us with sfogliatelle and rum soaked babas.  There is ample time to soak up this pleasure lovers paradise and perhaps find the perfect watercolour painting from one of the many local artists.  

    Tue 08 July                         The Isle of Capri                     B          O'night Ravello 
    Rising out of the sea, just off the end of the Sorrento Peninsula, Capri has been beckoning visitors for over 2,000 years with Emperor Tiberius loving it so much he ruled the empire from the island.  It is a place of legend, home to the mythical sirens     and playground to the rich and famous.  After arriving by Jet foil we ascend to Capri town by funicular. We stroll past the glizzy boutiques to Augustus's gardens to admire the symbol of the island the famous Faraglioni rocks.  However, the best way to appreciate Capri is to travel the hairpin bends to Ana Capri famous for being the highest village. Breathtaking and inspirational views await as you may be tempted to take a serene chairlift ride to "Paradise" as we commute with the silence of nature and the intoxicating perfume of lemon groves and wildflowers surrounding us to reach the peak, complete with a 360 birds-eye view.  For those who prefer to keep their feet on the ground an alternative visit to Villa San Michele and gardens or weather permitting a minibus ride to the Blue Grotto are options during your free time. Optional perfomance at Conca dei Marini
    Wed 09 July                      Herculaneum & Performance#7         B       O'night Ravello 
    We visit the archealogical site of Herculaneum, situated on the Bay of Naples.  Named after its legendary founder Hercules, Herculaneum was buried along with Pompeii,  by Vesuvius's eruption in 79 ad.  Smaller, less crowed, more intact and more exclusive than its neighbour, the town was the holiday playground for rich and famous Romans who built their summer holiday villas 2,000 years ago.   We step back in time and enjoy a guided tour of this resort town.  An included performance this evening at the Ravello Festival.

    Thu 10 July                                                                             B D         O'night Ravello 
    A day at leisure with easy access down to the coastal towns. This evening we come together for our farewell dinner.

    Fri 11 July                   Departure                                                  B 
    Leaving Ravello and heading towards Rome, we glimpse some of the back streets of the Bay of Naples with the characteristic washing strung between balconies and zigzagging over lane ways. Transport is provided to Rome's Fiumicino International Airport where, at 12 noon, this portion of the tour officially ends
    		 
     
     

    How much does it cost?

    The cost of the tour is EURO 4450 / AUD 7350 per person in twin share accommodation. A non-refundable deposit of EURO 800 / AUD 1350 per person is required to reserve a place on the tour. This deposit is non-refundable unless the tour is cancelled. A limited number of single supplements is available at an additional cost of EURO 1000, AUD 1675 in a single room or EURO 1400 AUD 2300 in a double room.  A limited number of room upgrades with sea views in Ravello are available for an additional Euro 600 AUD 990. Final payment is due by 28 April 2008. The tour is costed on a minimum of 12 people travelling and is limited to the 12 rooms we have reserved for the tour. Subject to final tour numbers and exchange rate fluctuations the price may vary slightly. You will be notified immediately of any change.

    		 
     
     

    What is included?

    • Arrival & Departure transfers: Rome’s Leonardo da Vinci Airport at Fiumicino

    • Accommodation in Montefalco for 8 nights

    • Accommodation in Ravello for 6 nights

    • Breakfast everyday, plus 10 excellent meals of characteristic cuisine

    • Best available tickets to 7 performances

    • Background lectures on performances and aspects of various performances

    • Guided tours in Ravello, Montefalco, Spoleto

    • Admission to all galleries, museums, historical sites mentioned in the itinerary

    • All land travel within Italy by air-conditioned coach

    • The services of the tour leader and a tour manager throughout the tour

     

    What is not Included?

    ྅ Airfares

    ྅ Travel insurance (this is a prerequisite of participation in the tour)

    ྅ Entry fees to places other than those specifically mentioned on the itinerary

    ྅ Meals not specifically mentioned in the itinerary

    ྅ Additional concerts or optional excursions may be offered which are not included in the tour price

    ྅ Drinks outside normal meal times, or additional wine in restaurants

    ྅ Personal transport costs, taxis, phone calls or tips

    ྅ Laundry

     

    Talks and lectures
       
     

    Robert Gay will give two special talks during the tour about aspects of the performances you will be attending at the Spoleto Festival and the Trasimeno Music Festival.

     
    		 
     
     

    Additional Information

    The Ravello festival

    The Spoleto festival

    What will the weather be like?

    What kinds of people go on Living Italy tours? Although this itinerary is aimed particularly at people who are interested in music, the interests of Living Italy groups are usually wide-ranging - history, fine arts, music, architecture, food, reading etc. The age of group members varies greatly, but most would be more than forty years old and have travelled. With a maximum of twenty places on the tour the group is large enough for you to find like-minded friends, but small enough for us to get to know you all.

    How fit do I have to be? In order to visit and enjoy the natural attractions of the countryside and the historical centres of towns it is necessary to be able to walk well, as bus and car access can be difficult. While there are no medical restrictions on who may book a place on the tour, you should be fit enough to stroll for periods of up to an hour (with short breaks) and you should specially note that the towns are not called 'hilltowns' for nothing! Wherever possible we break up walking tours with coffee stops and extended lunches and we have tried to mix busy and relaxed days in the itinerary. Remember that it is always possible to take time off from the program whenever you like.
    		 
     
     

    Your Host
     

    Carol Searle Dip Mus Ed Conservatorium of Music NSW and Robert Gay for the first part of the tour.