Italy

LA SCALA, MILAN

a Four night holiday | 12 March, 29 june & 18 november 2020

La Scala, Milan is, for most opera lovers, the world’s most revered and important opera house. The theatre opened in 1778 with a performance of an opera by Salieri and since then many of the greatest Italian operas have received their first performance on its hallowed stage. Two very different divas enjoyed their greatest successes at La Scala – Renata Tebaldi and Maria Callas triumphed here season after season at the height of their careers.

the Itinerary

Included in our tour to Milan are visits to the city’s great Duomo, the Brera Gallery, which houses one of the most important art collections in Italy, Leonardo’s ‘The Last Supper’ at Santa Maria delle Grazie and the wonderful La Scala Museum with displays linked to all the great conductors, performers and designers associated with the opera house. Also included are visits to the Basilica Sant’Ambrogio, named after Milan’s patron saint, and Casa Verdi, founded by Giuseppe Verdi and dedicated to taking care of musicians who have devoted their working lives to opera. This is an exceptionally special visit for everyone with an interest in opera and those who perform it.

the hotel

We stay at the very comfortable and well established 4 star Hotel de la Ville in the heart of Milan’s historic centre and just a short walk from La Scala and the Duomo. The hotel has a restaurant, bar and an indoor swimming pool overlooking the cathedral.

tour information

DEPARTURE DATES & PRICES

DATE PRICE SINGLE SUPP

12 March £1,855 £368 29 June £1,855 £368 18 November £1,855 £368

Price based on two people sharing a twin/double room. Supplement for single occupancy as shown.

flight details Flights with British Airways:

Depart London Heathrow 12.00 arrive Milan Linate 15.05 Depart Milan Linate 15.30 arrive London Heathrow 16.55 Flights from London City Airport with British Airways and on other airlines from regional airports are also available – please speak to one of the team when booking.

what we include

• Return flights to Milan • Four nights’ accommodation with breakfast • Two dinners in carefully selected local restaurants • One opera ticket (stalls) and synopsis • Visits and entrances as described • Timed entry ticket to ‘The Last Supper’ • The services of the Kirker Tour Leader

Duomo, Milan

opera PROGRAMME

June & November departures have a choice of two operas. If you would like to attend the second performance, tickets cost £268. 12 March departure:

Il turco in Italia by Rossini (15 March) Reigning queen of La Scala, Rosa Feola, is the wily Fiorilla who falls for the handsome Turk, Selim, sung by Alex Esposito, which infuriates her husband, Don Geronio, sung by Giulio Mastrototaro. Diego Fasolis conducts. This is Rossini’s most sparkling and witty opera.

29 June departure:

Fedora by Giordano (30 June) A thrilling example of verismo opera is a tale of glamour, adultery, murder and high drama from start to finish. Bulgarian soprano Sonya Yoncheva sings the title role, a part made famous on the stage by Sarah Bernhardt. Roberto Alagna is Count Loris with whom Fedora falls in love. Daniel Oren conducts. Un ballo in maschera by Verdi (2 July) Predicted to be the next Spanish diva by Montserrat Caballé, Saioa Hernandez has already conquered a number of the world’s most important stages. Here she sings the role of Amelia. She is joined by Violeta Urmana and Fabio Sartori. Zubin Mehta conducts.

18 November departure:

La traviata by Verdi (20 November) Angel Blue sings the role of Violetta, Charles Castronovo is Alfredo and George Petean is Germont senior. Michele Gamba conducts. La Gioconda by Ponchielli (21 November) Ponchielli’s very grand opera, La Gioconda, is set in 17th century Venice. Saioa Hernandez sings the title role, Daniela Barcellona is Laura, Francesco Meli is Enzo and the villainous Barnaba is sung by Luca Salsi.