Legendary Singers and Classic Operas
New York in May during the closing week at the Metropolitan Opera sees the city and its cultural jewel in peak form.
The opera tour includes two new productions that are among the most hotly-anticipated of the season:
Verdi meets Shakespeare in Macbeth, an early masterpiece with a powerful cast; and
Donizetti's brilliantly funny La Fille du Regiment, which stars Natalie Dessay and, staking his claim as
the new "King of the High C's," Juan Diego Florez. Mozart's last opera, La Clemenza di Tito, returns in the Met's
glorious production by Jean-Pierre Ponnelle with Susan Graham and Ramon Vargas in the leading roles.
Finally, the Met is bringing back‐for three performances only—The First Emperor, the opera it commissioned
for Plácido Domingo from composer Tan Dun. Completely sold out last season, the Met opera tour is a rare opportunity
to hear a new work with the world's most admired tenor. The Met will take this production to China in August 2008
to be part of the arts festival of the summer Olympics.
Fred Plotkin, author of Opera 101: A Complete
Guide to Learning and Loving Opera, sets the gold standard as a study leader for
opera, food, wind and all the pleasures of life. On this opera tour you will join him for all performances in addition to four outstanding meals at peerless New York
restaurants.
We have secured tickets for this exceptional experience, so act now!
Accomodations will be in a lovely four-star hotel in a central location and you will enjoy four
fine meals with wine with restaurants and menus hand picked by Fred.
Legendary Singers and Classic Operas
New York City
Itinerary
Day One - Tuesday, May 13
- Begin opera tour by arriving in the morning or early afternoon to check into your luxurious accommodations at a centrally located hotel.
- 5:00 pm: Meet in the lobby for transportation to your Welcome Dinner at a major New York restaurant.
- 7:30 pm: Walk to the Metropolitan Opera House.
- 8:00 pm: Attend the new production of Giuseppe Verdi's Macbeth,
starring Andrea Gruber (Lady Macbeth), Joseph Calleja (Macduff), Carlos Alvarez (Macbeth) and
René Pape (Banquo), and conducted by James Levine.
- 11:20 pm: Return to the hotel.
|
Day Two - Wednesday, May 14
- Breakfast on your own.
- 11:00 am - 12:30 pm: A chance to discuss Macbeth and The First Emperor from Fred.
- Afternoon free to explore New York or attend a Broadway matinee.
- 5:15 pm:Walk to dinner at an excellent New York restaurant.
- 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm: Walk to the Metropolitan Opera House.
- 8:00 pm: Attend The First Emperor by Tan Dun starring Plácido Domingo, conducted by the composer.
- 11:15 pm: Return to the hotel.
|
Day Three - Thursday, May 15
- Breakfast on your own.
- 11:00 am:Enjoy the afternoon to explore New York City on your own.
- 2:00 pm: Return to your hotel.
- 2:30 - 4:00 pm: Meet with Fred Plotkin to discuss how uneasy is the head
that wears the crown in The First Emperor and Mozart's last opera, La Clemenza di Tito.
- 8:00 pm: Attend Mozart's La Clemenza di Tito,
starring Susan Graham (Sesto), Ramon Vargas (Tito), and conducted by Harry Bicket.
- 11:00 pm: Return back to your hotel.
|
Day Four - Friday, May 16
- Breakfast on your own.
- 11:30 am - 1:00 pm: Discussion with Fred Plotkin of Gaetano Donizetti's
little-known genius and his knowledge of the intricacies of the human voice.
- 1:15 pm: Walk to one of New York's top restaurants for a farewell luncheon.
- 6:30pm: Transfer to the Metropolitan Opera House.
- 7:30 pm: Enjoy La Fille du Regiment (the Daughter of the Regiment),
by Gaetano Donizetti (new production) starring Natalie Dessay (Marie), Juan Diego Florez (Tonio),
Zoe Caldwell, Alessandro Corbelli.
- 10:15 pm: Return to your hotel and join Fred Plotkin for a drink and conversation.
|
Day Five - Saturday, May 17
- Departure, following the four unforgettable nights of your opera tour.
|
US $3195 per person based on double occupancy in a standard room with one large bed
US $3270 per person based on double occupancy in a superior room with one large bed or two double beds
US $700 Single supplement
US $1200 for non-opera companion in standard room (includes accommodations in double occupancy and meals listed in itinerary)
US $1275 for non-opera companion in superior room (includes accommodations in double occupancy and meals listed in itinerary)
|
|
|
2008 Tour Dates
New York City: May 13 - 17
|
Included in the program:
- Four nights accommodation at a four star hotel (All rooms have plasma screen TV, WiFi Internet connection, Frette linens, bathrobes, rainshowers)
- Orchestra Prime tickets to four outstanding opera performances at the Metropolitan Opera
- Fascinating lectures and discussions with Fred Plotkin about the operas you will attend
- Four excellent meals (one lunch; three dinners) with wine at some of the finest restaurants in New York;
menus selected by Fred Plotkin
- All taxes and service charges, hotel porterage (one bag per person) and restaurant gratuities.
Among the restaurants that might be featured in Fred Plotkin's New York opera tours are: Abboccato,
Alto, Aureole, Beacon, Cafe des Artistes, Cafe Fiorello, Cafe Luxembourg,
Compass, Le Cirque, the Modern, Molyvos, Oceana, Picholine, Porter House,
San Domenico, and Town. We continue to seek out the chefs and tables
that will offer a dining experience during your stay that only New York can offer. Restaurant choices subject to change, but will be
of same quality.
Casting and program always subject to change.
Pre and post nights on request at special rates, but must be booked in advance and subject to availability.
|
|
Cooking Vacations 
Printer Friendly Page