Arrive in Copenhagen on suggested flights and make your way to the hotel. Renaissance Tours or your travel agent can assist you with your flights and other travel arrangements including travel insurance (a condition of travel), private hotel transfer, accommodation before or after the tour and a room category upgrade.

At 17:30, join your tour leader Phillip Sametz and fellow travellers for a welcome briefing followed by dinner at the hotel.

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After a talk on the coming days’ performances, begin exploring Copenhagen with a coach tour and marvel at the impressive buildings dating from the golden age of the 17th century when the extensive canal network was founded. Then, enjoy a harbour cruise to view this colourful city from the water.

This evening, attend a performance by the DR Symphony Orchestra led by the legendary conductor Herbert Blomstedt.

PROGRAM:
Mozart – Symphony No. 38 in D major, K. 504, Prague
Beethoven – Symphony No. 7 in A major, Op. 92

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This morning, enjoy a guided tour of the National Gallery of Denmark, with its diverse display of artwork from the European Renaissance to contemporary artists, including its famed Matisse collection.

Tonight, attend a performance of The Merry Widow, directed by Kasper Holten in the iconic Copenhagen Opera House, a striking piece of contemporary architecture that stands prominently on the waterfront. This modernised production sees theatre director Zeta, performed by bass Morten Staugaard, endeavour for a lifeline through a sponsorship from the wooed widow Hanna Glawari, performed by soprano Sine Bundgaard, who in this version has her large inheritance from a wealthy Jutland pig producer.

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Spend the morning at leisure to relax or to explore one of the many museums of Copenhagen. In the early afternoon, attend a performance of Vivaldi’s opera Griselda, performed at the historic Old Stage in the Royal Danish Theatre.

Leading international voices fill the cast: mezzo-soprano Noa Beinart, a member of the ensemble at the Vienna State Opera, portrays the beleaguered Griselda, and the internationally acclaimed Norwegian soprano Mari Eriksmoen sings the role of Costanza.

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This morning, fly to Norway’s capital, Oslo, a city renowned for its thriving arts scene and a rich cultural heritage.

Nestled between the Oslofjord and verdant hills, the city boasts a superb mix of modern and traditional architecture and is home to an impressive collection of galleries, museums and concert halls. The city’s vibrant music scene is equally celebrated, with world-class performances at venues like the Oslo Opera House and the Oslo Concert Hall.

Tonight, enjoy dinner at one of Oslo’s revered restaurants.

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Begin the day with a talk by Phillip about the upcoming performances, followed by a short orientation tour of the main attractions of Oslo, including Vigeland Park, Akershus Fortress and the 19th century Royal Palace.

Enjoy some time at leisure before visiting the Oslo Opera House, with its design reminiscent of a floating glacier. Then, attend a performance of Mozart’s Così Fan Tutte, directed by renowned Danish director Katrine Wiedemann. The starting point for her version of this timeless opera is a place where dreams of a shared life and couple drama unfold – at IKEA! The sisters Fiordiligi and Dorabella are sung by sopranos Frøy Hovland Holtbakk and Annie Fredriksson respectively.

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After breakfast, unlock the inner workings of the Oslo Opera House with a privately guided backstage tour of this architectural masterpiece and gain unique insights into its world-class productions.

Following the tour, enjoy lunch at the onsite restaurant, offering dramatic views of the waterfront.

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Start the day with a visit to the Munch Museum, a striking modern gallery dedicated to the life and works of Norway’s most famous artist, Edvard Munch. Explore his iconic masterpieces, including The Scream, while discovering the depth and emotions of his innovative, expressionist style.

Enjoy an afternoon at leisure before returning to the Oslo Opera House for a performance of Puccini’s Tosca. In this production, director Calixto Bieito portrays the brutal reality that in this society there is only room for those who generate a profit, art has no raison d’être as singer Floria Tosca, performed by acclaimed soprano Elisabeth Teige, and the rebellious artist Mario Cavaradossi, performed by guest soloist tenor Joachim Bäckström, soon discover.

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Today, enjoy a private, guided tour of the National Museum and explore its diverse collection of art spanning centuries, including masterpieces by both Norwegian and international artists.

After an early dinner, walk to the minimalist Oslo Concert Hall, designed by the architectural firm Henning Larsen. Here, attend a performance by the Oslo Philharmonic Orchestra led by the acclaimed conductor Eivind Aadland and featuring piano soloist Paul Lewis.

PROGRAM:
Beethoven – Piano Concerto No. 2 in B-flat major, Op. 19
Beethoven – Piano Concerto No. 3 in C minor, Op. 37

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Depart Oslo in the mid-morning and fly across the Baltic Sea to the Hanseatic port city of Hamburg, dating back 1,200 years. The city is stylish, dynamic and defined by water – a bustling port, two lakes, the majestic Elbe and two other rivers, a system of narrow canals and over 2,000 bridges. Hamburg has a superb mix of traditional and contemporary architecture, a rich program of world-class cultural events, and boasts the largest collection of Michelin-starred restaurants in Germany.

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This morning, after a pre-performance talk by Phillip, visit the Composers Quarter, where six dedicated museums bring to life the city’s rich musical traditions. From the exhibition on Fanny and Felix Mendelssohn, to Johannes Brahms and Gustav Mahler, this metropolis of music’s diverse history is evident, from the Baroque to the early modern age. After lunch, enjoy some time at leisure.

In the evening, travel to the Elbphilharmonie to experience the Chicago Symphony Orchestra under the baton of Jaap van Zweden perform Mahler’s powerful Symphony No. 6, often referred to as the “Tragic”.

PROGRAM:
Mahler – Symphony No. 6 in A minor, Tragic

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Begin the day with a guided visit of the tranquil Ernst Barlach Haus, a museum dedicated to the powerful Expressionist sculptures and artworks of Ernst Barlach, set amidst the picturesque Jenisch Park.

Then, explore the elegant Jenisch Haus, a neoclassical villa offering a glimpse into 19th-century Hamburg life, with its beautifully preserved interiors and scenic views of the River Elbe.

Tonight, enjoy another concert by the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Jaap van Zweden.

PROGRAM:
Mahler – Symphony No. 7 in E minor, Song of the Night

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Start the day with a visit to the city’s expansive Loki Schmidt Garden, named in honour of Hannelore “Loki” Schmidt at the University of Hamburg. This 24-hectare botanical garden is divided into three major themes, demonstrating the extensive flora of North and South America, China, Japan and Europe. After lunch, enjoy the remainder of the afternoon at leisure.

In the evening, return to the Elbphilharmonie for a performance by the Dresden Philharmonic and the Dresden Boys’ Choir accompanied by soprano Katharina Konradi and mezzo-soprano Marie Henriette Reinhold of Mozart’s haunting Requiem directed by Martin Lehmann. This masterpiece, shrouded in mystery as Mozart’s final composition, is a powerful and poignant work that blends sorrow and beauty.

PROGRAM:
Mozart – Requiem in D minor, K. 626

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Enjoy a full day at leisure to visit a favourite store, museum, gallery or sight, before joining Phillip and fellow travellers for a special farewell dinner.

Then, experience the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment, conducted by one of the world’s leading pianists, Sir András Schiff, presenting works by two composers who embody the very essence of German Romanticism.

PROGRAM:
Schumann – Introduction and Allegro appassionato for Piano and Orchestra in G major, Op. 92
Mendelssohn – A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Op. 61
Schumann – Concerto for Piano and Orchestra in A minor, Op. 54

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Tour arrangements conclude after breakfast.

For those returning home today, make your way to Hamburg Airport for suggested flights to Australia or New Zealand.  Renaissance Tours or your travel agent can assist you with your flights and other travel arrangements, including private airport transfers, additional nights’ accommodation either before or after the tour and travel insurance (a condition of travel).

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