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Canberra International Music Festival

Spend five days at the Canberra International Music Festival, under the theme of ‘The Idea of Vienna’, with fine performances by leading musicians.

With writer and festival board member Genevieve Jacobs, be part of the annual musical extravaganza in the nation’s capital, featuring Vienna’s musical legacy with captivating works by Schubert, Mozart and Beethoven. Attend six performances by leading musicians and ensembles including the Australian Romantic & Classical Orchestra and the Australian Art Orchestra, performing in some of the city’s most iconic settings, including Parliament House, the National Gallery of Australia and the Fitters’ Workshop.

Between performances, enjoy an exclusive, behind-the-scenes tour of Parliament House, and view the outstanding Botticelli to Van Gogh exhibition at the National Gallery of Australia.

At a Glance

  • Enjoy premium seats for all included performances
  • Delight in performances by celebrated guest artists and ensembles
  • Enrich your appreciation of the program and its artists with engaging pre-performance talks with your tour leader, Genevieve Jacobs
  • Take an exclusive, behind-the-scenes tour of Parliament House with a special lunch in the Members’ and Guests’ Dining Room
  • Enjoy a private guided tour of the world-class Botticelli to Van Gogh exhibition at the National Gallery of Australia

Tour Leader

Genevieve Jacobs

Destination

A.C.T

Dates

30 April – 04 May 2021 (5 days)

Fitness Level

Moderate

?

Tour Status

Available

Enquire Book now

At a Glance

  • Enjoy premium seats for all included performances
  • Delight in performances by celebrated guest artists and ensembles
  • Enrich your appreciation of the program and its artists with engaging pre-performance talks with your tour leader, Genevieve Jacobs
  • Take an exclusive, behind-the-scenes tour of Parliament House with a special lunch in the Members’ and Guests’ Dining Room
  • Enjoy a private guided tour of the world-class Botticelli to Van Gogh exhibition at the National Gallery of Australia
Download Brochure
  • Itinerary
  • Pricing
  • Hotels

Friday 30 April 2021 / Arrive Canberra

Arrive in Canberra on suggested Qantas 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 a private transfer to the hotel and pre-tour accommodation.

Tour arrangements commence at 15:30 with a welcome briefing and a pre-performance talk by your tour leader, Genevieve Jacobs.

This evening, attend the Opening Gala of the Canberra International Music Festival at the Fitters’ Workshop, a transformed heritage-listed building in the heart of the Kingston Cultural Precinct, featuring Mozart’s Turkish credentials performed by pianist Edward Neeman, and the world premiere of new works by composer Kate Neal and First Nations composer Brenda Gifford. The Australian Art Orchestra will be joined by the Golden Gate Brass Quintet.

PROGRAM:

Mozart – Piano Sonata Alla Turca K.331

Kate Neal – Fanfare (from Beaver Blaze, world premiere)

Brenda Gifford – The Elements (world premiere)

After the performance, return to the hotel for dinner.

(D)

Sat 01 May / Canberra

This morning, attend a pre-performance talk by Genevieve followed by a performance in the Fitters’ Workshop of Schubert’s final and posthumously published string quartet. The Partridge Quartet and cellist James Morley recreate Schubert’s transcendent final statement, an embrace of life and death.

PROGRAM:

Schubert – String Quartet in C Major D.956

Enjoy lunch at a nearby restaurant followed by some time at leisure in the afternoon.

This evening, return to the Fitters’ Workshop for a special tribute to Mozart, including his flute quartet, followed by the legendary piano concerto No. 23, performed with the sound of clarinets instead of the traditional oboes, featuring the Australian Romantic & Classical Orchestra, and with Sally Walker on flute and Neal Peres da Costa on fortepiano.

PROGRAM:

Mozart – Flute Quartet in D Major K.285

Mozart – Piano Concerto in A Major No.23 K.488

(BL)

Sun 02 May / Canberra

Start the morning with a performance by musicians from the Australian Romantic & Classical Orchestra of a Beethoven trio and septet by composer Franz Berwald, modelled on Beethoven’s septet that finally became a trio.

PROGRAM:

Beethoven – Trio for clarinet, cello and piano Op.38

Franz Berwald – Grand septet in B flat Major

After lunch at a nearby restaurant, enjoy a private guided tour at the National Gallery of Australia of the world-class exhibition, Botticelli to Van Gogh: Masterpieces from the National Gallery, London, that presents 60 paintings by some of Europe’s most acclaimed artists, including Titian, Rembrandt, Vermeer, Velázquez, Goya, Turner, Renoir, Cézanne and Gauguin.

Return to the hotel, in the late afternoon; the remainder of the evening is at leisure.

(BL)

Mon 03 May / Canberra

Today, begin with a pre-performance talk by Genevieve, and then enjoy a concert at the Fitters’ Workshop. Enjoy performances by First Nations didgeridoo virtuosos Delmae and William Barton, singers Daniel and David Wilfred, the Golden Gate Brass Quartet, clarinettist Jason Noble and Lorelei Dowling on bassoon.

PROGRAM:

Vincent Plush – Bakery Hill Rising

Delmae and William Barton – Welcome to the Great

Johannes MacDonald – new work for bass clarinet solo

Christopher Sainsbury – Red Kangaroo Standing

Olga Neuwirth – Torsion

Daniel and David Wilfred – traditional songs

Luke Styles – Solder

After the performance, take an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of sections of Parliament House ordinarily closed to the public, before enjoying a special farewell lunch in the Members’ and Guests’ Dining Room, usually reserved for visiting dignitaries.

This evening, conclude the tour at the Fitters’ Workshop with a performance featuring the Australian Romantic & Classical Orchestra of Mozart’s piano quartet, considered the first major piece composed for piano quartet in the chamber music repertoire, and his renowned clarinet quintet.

PROGRAM:

Mozart – Piano Quartet in G Minor K.478

Mozart – Clarinet Quintet in A Major K.581

(BL)

Tue 04 May / Depart Canberra

Tour arrangements conclude after breakfast. Renaissance Tours or your travel agent can assist you with your flights and other travel arrangements, including any additional nights’ accommodation, either before or after the tour, a room category upgrade and private airport transfers.

(B)

Per person, twin-share

AUD 3,550

Single supplement

AUD 500

Deposit per person (at time of booking)

AUD 750

Final payment due

26 February 2021

Room category upgrade available on request; please enquire with us.

Tour code

SB2107

Fitness level

Moderate
Please see Terms & Conditions for fitness level definitions.

Suggested airline

Qantas
Please contact Renaissance Tours or your travel agent for current airfares and flight reservations.

Visa

New Zealand passport holders do not require a visa to visit Australia.

Tour price includes

  • Four nights’ accommodation in a centrally-located five-star hotel with breakfast daily (B)
  • Category 1 tickets for all included performances as per itinerary
  • Meals as per itinerary (L = Lunch, D = Dinner), including wine with meals
  • Pre-performance talks by your tour leader, Genevieve Jacobs
  • Transportation throughout on comfortable, air-conditioned coaches
  • Sightseeing as per itinerary, including local guides and entrance fees as per itinerary
  • Gratuities for local guides, drivers and waiting staff
  • Hotel porterage (one piece per person)

Tour price does not include

  • Airfares (please contact Renaissance Tours or your travel agent for assistance)
  • Airport/hotel transfers on arrival and departure
  • Airport porterage
  • Items of a personal nature (e.g. telephone, laundry, room service, minibar, taxis etc.)
  • Travel insurance (highly recommended; please contact Renaissance Tours or your travel agent for assistance)

 

Your hotel

Canberra – Hyatt Hotel Canberra *****

NB: Hotel of a similar standard may be substituted.

Fitness Level

Moderate

?

Canberra International Music Festival © Anthony Browell

Opening Gala – Brenda Gifford © Anthony Browell

Great Hall Rising - William Barton. Photo courtesy of ABC Music

The Partridge Quartet. Photo courtesy of the artists

Seven and Three. Photo courtesy of Australian Romantic and Classical Orchestra (ARCO)

Canberra International Music Festival © William Hall

Canberra International Music Festival © William Hall

City of Canberra

Canberra International Music Festival

Spend five days at the Canberra International Music Festival, under the theme of ‘The Idea of Vienna’, with fine performances by leading musicians.

With writer and festival board member Genevieve Jacobs, be part of the annual musical extravaganza in the nation’s capital, featuring Vienna’s musical legacy with captivating works by Schubert, Mozart and Beethoven. Attend six performances by leading musicians and ensembles including the Australian Romantic & Classical Orchestra and the Australian Art Orchestra, performing in some of the city’s most iconic settings, including Parliament House, the National Gallery of Australia and the Fitters’ Workshop.

Between performances, enjoy an exclusive, behind-the-scenes tour of Parliament House, and view the outstanding Botticelli to Van Gogh exhibition at the National Gallery of Australia.

  • Itinerary
  • Pricing
  • Hotels

Friday 30 April 2021 / Arrive Canberra

Arrive in Canberra on suggested Qantas 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 a private transfer to the hotel and pre-tour accommodation.

Tour arrangements commence at 15:30 with a welcome briefing and a pre-performance talk by your tour leader, Genevieve Jacobs.

This evening, attend the Opening Gala of the Canberra International Music Festival at the Fitters’ Workshop, a transformed heritage-listed building in the heart of the Kingston Cultural Precinct, featuring Mozart’s Turkish credentials performed by pianist Edward Neeman, and the world premiere of new works by composer Kate Neal and First Nations composer Brenda Gifford. The Australian Art Orchestra will be joined by the Golden Gate Brass Quintet.

PROGRAM:

Mozart – Piano Sonata Alla Turca K.331

Kate Neal – Fanfare (from Beaver Blaze, world premiere)

Brenda Gifford – The Elements (world premiere)

After the performance, return to the hotel for dinner.

(D)

Sat 01 May / Canberra

This morning, attend a pre-performance talk by Genevieve followed by a performance in the Fitters’ Workshop of Schubert’s final and posthumously published string quartet. The Partridge Quartet and cellist James Morley recreate Schubert’s transcendent final statement, an embrace of life and death.

PROGRAM:

Schubert – String Quartet in C Major D.956

Enjoy lunch at a nearby restaurant followed by some time at leisure in the afternoon.

This evening, return to the Fitters’ Workshop for a special tribute to Mozart, including his flute quartet, followed by the legendary piano concerto No. 23, performed with the sound of clarinets instead of the traditional oboes, featuring the Australian Romantic & Classical Orchestra, and with Sally Walker on flute and Neal Peres da Costa on fortepiano.

PROGRAM:

Mozart – Flute Quartet in D Major K.285

Mozart – Piano Concerto in A Major No.23 K.488

(BL)

Sun 02 May / Canberra

Start the morning with a performance by musicians from the Australian Romantic & Classical Orchestra of a Beethoven trio and septet by composer Franz Berwald, modelled on Beethoven’s septet that finally became a trio.

PROGRAM:

Beethoven – Trio for clarinet, cello and piano Op.38

Franz Berwald – Grand septet in B flat Major

After lunch at a nearby restaurant, enjoy a private guided tour at the National Gallery of Australia of the world-class exhibition, Botticelli to Van Gogh: Masterpieces from the National Gallery, London, that presents 60 paintings by some of Europe’s most acclaimed artists, including Titian, Rembrandt, Vermeer, Velázquez, Goya, Turner, Renoir, Cézanne and Gauguin.

Return to the hotel, in the late afternoon; the remainder of the evening is at leisure.

(BL)

Mon 03 May / Canberra

Today, begin with a pre-performance talk by Genevieve, and then enjoy a concert at the Fitters’ Workshop. Enjoy performances by First Nations didgeridoo virtuosos Delmae and William Barton, singers Daniel and David Wilfred, the Golden Gate Brass Quartet, clarinettist Jason Noble and Lorelei Dowling on bassoon.

PROGRAM:

Vincent Plush – Bakery Hill Rising

Delmae and William Barton – Welcome to the Great

Johannes MacDonald – new work for bass clarinet solo

Christopher Sainsbury – Red Kangaroo Standing

Olga Neuwirth – Torsion

Daniel and David Wilfred – traditional songs

Luke Styles – Solder

After the performance, take an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of sections of Parliament House ordinarily closed to the public, before enjoying a special farewell lunch in the Members’ and Guests’ Dining Room, usually reserved for visiting dignitaries.

This evening, conclude the tour at the Fitters’ Workshop with a performance featuring the Australian Romantic & Classical Orchestra of Mozart’s piano quartet, considered the first major piece composed for piano quartet in the chamber music repertoire, and his renowned clarinet quintet.

PROGRAM:

Mozart – Piano Quartet in G Minor K.478

Mozart – Clarinet Quintet in A Major K.581

(BL)

Tue 04 May / Depart Canberra

Tour arrangements conclude after breakfast. Renaissance Tours or your travel agent can assist you with your flights and other travel arrangements, including any additional nights’ accommodation, either before or after the tour, a room category upgrade and private airport transfers.

(B)

Per person, twin-share

AUD 3,550

Single supplement

AUD 500

Deposit per person (at time of booking)

AUD 750

Final payment due

26 February 2021

Room category upgrade available on request; please enquire with us.

Tour code

SB2107

Fitness level

Moderate
Please see Terms & Conditions for fitness level definitions.

Suggested airline

Qantas
Please contact Renaissance Tours or your travel agent for current airfares and flight reservations.

Visa

New Zealand passport holders do not require a visa to visit Australia.

Tour price includes

  • Four nights’ accommodation in a centrally-located five-star hotel with breakfast daily (B)
  • Category 1 tickets for all included performances as per itinerary
  • Meals as per itinerary (L = Lunch, D = Dinner), including wine with meals
  • Pre-performance talks by your tour leader, Genevieve Jacobs
  • Transportation throughout on comfortable, air-conditioned coaches
  • Sightseeing as per itinerary, including local guides and entrance fees as per itinerary
  • Gratuities for local guides, drivers and waiting staff
  • Hotel porterage (one piece per person)

Tour price does not include

  • Airfares (please contact Renaissance Tours or your travel agent for assistance)
  • Airport/hotel transfers on arrival and departure
  • Airport porterage
  • Items of a personal nature (e.g. telephone, laundry, room service, minibar, taxis etc.)
  • Travel insurance (highly recommended; please contact Renaissance Tours or your travel agent for assistance)

 

Your hotel

Canberra – Hyatt Hotel Canberra *****

NB: Hotel of a similar standard may be substituted.

Book now
Enquire
Download Brochure

Canberra International Music Festival

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        Participation in tours

        Most of our tours require a MODERATE level of fitness. However, in certain destinations, or in certain seasons, or because of the nature of travel, certain tours will require an ABOVE MODERATE or CHALLENGING level of fitness. For the overall benefit of the group, at the time of booking we will require you to declare in writing that you are fit to participate in your chosen tour according to the level of fitness required for that tour. If you (or we) have any doubts about your level of fitness, you may be required to undergo a doctor’s appraisal. This would require your doctor to read the itinerary of your chosen tour, including the fitness level, and provide you (and us) with a written confirmation of your ability to participate.
        We reserve the right to refuse admission to the tour for any reason before commencement of the tour. Further, if after the tour has begun it becomes apparent that you are unfit or unsuitable to travel on the tour, we reserve the right to require you to withdraw from the tour at the earliest opportunity to do so. No refund will be provided.
        It is also a requirement that you do not cause any significant disruption to the tour or the tour group, and we may refuse admission on the tour, or require you to withdraw from the tour at any time if your participation causes significant disruption for other guests or the tour group or there is any safety issue as a result of your ongoing participation in the tour.

        Fitness to participate

        Moderate

        Tour members must be able to:

        • negotiate airports and railway stations without wheelchair assistance
        • use combined shower/bath facilities (it is impossible to guarantee walk-in shower facilities)
        • undertake walking tours of 1-2 hours duration, including using stairs, walking over cobblestones and other uneven surfaces
        • stand for long periods in museums and other sites
        • embark / disembark coaches, trains and other methods of transportation without assistance
        • handle your own luggage

        Above Moderate

        In addition to the above, tour members must also be able to:

        • undertake walking tours of 2-3 hours
        • climb staircases of 100 or more steps

        Challenging*

        In addition to the above, tour members must also be able to:

        • handle extremes of temperature (e.g. below 0 or above 35 degrees)
        • handle extremes of altitudes (e.g. 4000 metres and above)

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        Renaissance Tours

        Level 4, 47 York Street, Sydney NSW 2000 | GPO Box 5068, Sydney NSW 2001

        1300 727 095 (Australia) | 0800 403 621 (New Zealand)
        phone +61 2 9299 5801 | fax +61 2 9299 5805 | email info@renaissancetours.com.au

        ABN 14 069 591 448.

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