Arrive in Melbourne on suggested Qantas flights. Renaissance Tours or your travel agent can assist you with your flights and other travel arrangements, including pre-tour accommodation.

Tour arrangements begin at Sofitel Melbourne on Collins at 12:00 or Melbourne Tullamarine Airport at 1:00pm with a group transfer to Mitchelton winery, the venue for the Renaissance Tours Festival of Chamber Music.

After arriving and checking into the on-site hotel, gather in the early evening for welcome drinks and canapés. Then, be introduced to the festival’s musicians at the first concert of the festival.

CONCERT I (OPENING GALA) – PROGRAM:
Vitali – Chaconne in G minor

Schultz – Twelve Variations for piano 4 hands

Enescu – Concert Piece for Viola and Piano

Boulanger – Three Pieces for Cello and Piano

Cardillo – Core ‘ngrato (Ungrateful Heart)

Herbert – Art is calling for me! (The Diva Song) from The Enchantress

Szymanowski – Nocturne and Tarantella Op. 28

After the performance, enjoy a special welcome dinner at the winery’s Muse Restaurant, paired with the best of Mitchelton’s signature wines.

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Indulge this morning in the music of a master of the Classical period, Franz Schubert, just as they did in the Viennese salons of the 1840s.

CONCERT II (‘SCHUBERTIADE’) – PROGRAM:
Schubert – Violin Sonata in A Major Grand Duo D.574

Schubert – A selection of Lieder

Schubert – String Quartet No.12 in C Minor Quartettsatz D.703

Schubert – Fantasie in F Minor for piano 4 hands D.940

After a light lunch at the winery’s Provedore café, attend a performance featuring an exploration of early twentieth-century music composed in the tumultuous years between the two world wars.

CONCERT III (BETWEEN THE WARS) – PROGRAM:
Britten – On This Island Op. 11

Bloch – Piano Quintet No. 1 B.43

Hindemith – Sonata for Viola and Piano Op. 11 No. 4

Martin – Trio on Popular Irish Melodies

This evening, enjoy drinks and canapés in Mitchelton’s subterranean wine cellar and art gallery, featuring a collection of stunning Aboriginal art on display, before dinner.

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This morning, enjoy an optional private cruise along the scenic Goulburn River (not included in tour price; additional cost applies). Experience the beauty of the river, taking in the picturesque waterways, sweeping bends, and springtime setting. Alternatively, spend some time at leisure to absorb the serenity of Mitchelton winery.

In the afternoon, enjoy a performance entitled Czech Patterns, featuring a program of music from a region with a rich history and strong artistic identity.

CONCERT IV (CZECH PATTERNS) – PROGRAM:
Smetana – From My Homeland

Janáček – Violin Sonata

Dvořák – Gypsy Songs Op. 55

Fibich – Piano Quintet in D Major Op. 42

In the evening, enjoy a drinks reception before taking your seats for the final performance of the festival.

CONCERT V (FINALE) – PROGRAM:
Beethoven – String Trio in G Major Op. 9 No. 1

Quilter – It was a Lover and his Lass Op. 23

Mozart – Bei Männern, welche Liebe fühlen from The Magic Flute K.620

Beethoven – O namenlose Freude! from Fidelio Op. 72

Schumann – Piano Quintet in E-flat Major Op. 44

After the performance, celebrate the conclusion of three days and nights of sumptuous chamber music with a special farewell dinner and an opportunity to mingle with the musicians, in the winery’s Ashton Tower, overlooking the vineyards.

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Depart Mitchelton winery and transfer to Melbourne (group coach transfer included in tour price if using group transfer).

Arrangements conclude upon arrival at Melbourne Tullamarine Airport around 11:30am for flights departing from 13:00, or at Sofitel Melbourne on Collins around 12:30pm. Renaissance Tours or your travel agent can assist you with your flights and other travel arrangements, including additional nights’ accommodation either before or after the tour, and travel insurance (highly recommended).

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