The Ring Cycle in Berlin

AN EIGHT NIGHT HOLIDAY | 3 APRIL 2023

A full production of Wagner’s operatic epic is always a landmark in the musical calendar. This production by Dmitri Tcherniakov, given in the magnificently restored Staatsoper Unter Den Linden, and scheduled to be conducted by the legendary Daniel Barenboim, promises to be an unmissable event – not just for Wagner aficionados. In addition to the operas, we will attend two performances as part of the annual Easter Festtage, including Beethoven’s choral masterpiece Missa Solemnis and a piano recital with Sir Andras Schiff, both at the Philharmonie.

the itinerary

With so much on offer, we have tried to achieve a well-balanced programme of excursions and performances. Visits to the city’s two leading art collections are included – the Alte National Museum and the Gemäldergalerie. We go to Potsdam, once the residence of the Prussian kings and one of the glories of Baroque architecture, with magnificent landscaped parks. Visits to the towering Deutsche Historisches Museum, Check Point Charlie and the Berlin Wall Museum serve to remind us of the city’s recent history.

the hotel

Standing on the corner of Unter den Linden and Friedrichstrasse, the Westin Grand has one of Berlin’s most prestigious addresses. The Brandenburg Gate, the Reichstag, the State Opera House, the Pergamon Museum and Potsdammer Platz are all just a short stroll away. The grand central lobby is dominated by a sweeping staircase leading to the 400 newly renovated rooms. There are two restaurants open daily for lunch and dinner, Coelln where breakfast is also served, and Relish, which offers al fresco dining on the terrace on Friedrichstrasse. In the basement you will find a circular indoor pool, beauty room and fitness centre, whilst on the second floor there is a pleasant garden with fountains and pavilions.

TOUR INFORMATION

DEPARTURE DATE & PRICES

DATE PRICE SINGLE SUPP

3 April £4,876 £792

Our prices are per person, based on the shared occupancy of a twin/double room. Supplement for single occupancy as shown.

FLIGHT DETAILS

Flights with British Airways: Depart Heathrow 11.05, arrive Berlin 14.00 Depart Berlin 14.50, arrive Heathrow 15.50 Flight times subject to change – regional departures available on request.

WHAT WE INCLUDE

• Return flights • Eight nights’ accommodation with breakfast • Three dinners • Music programme as described including 1st category tickets for opera performances • All sightseeing, entrance fees and gratuities • Services of a local guide and the Kirker Tour Leader

MUSIC PROGRAMME

Der Ring des Nibelungen by Wagner 4 April: Das Rheingold 5 April: Die Walküre 8 April: Siegfried 10 April: Götterdämmerung This production of the Berlin Staatsoper Ring was first given there in the autumn of 2022 and these performances are being presented as part of the annual Berlin Festtage with most of the original cast repeating their roles. Daniel Barenboim was due to conduct the performances but he was unwell and his place was taken by Christian Thieleman and Thomas Guggheis. At the time of writing, Daniel Barenboim is still scheduled to conduct the spring Cycle. The Cycle was well received musically and, as is expected these days when a new Ring in unveiled, the production draws mixed reviews. Dmitri Tcherniakov, is no stranger to controversy. He has been awarded Russia’s leading award, the Golden Mask, four times. This production was no exception but the powerful combination of the orchestra playing and the singers eventually triumphed, making Berlin’s 2022 Ring one of the most successful cycles of recent seasons. The Cast The Financial Times wrote that the cast assembled for the Berlin Ring was ‘nothing less than formidable.’ Michael Volle sings the role of Wotan and The Wanderer, Anja Kampe is Brunnhilde, Vida Mikneviciute from Lithuania is Sieglinde, Peter Rose is Fafner, Rolando Villazon is Loge, Anett Fritsch is Freia, Anna Kissjudit is Erda and Mikhail Kares is Hunding. Canadian tenor Robert Watson takes on the vocal challenges of Siegfried. 7 April, 19.00: Philharmonie Missa Solemnis by Beethoven Staatskapelle Staatskapelle Choir Elena Stikhina, soprano Anna Kissjudith, mezzo-soprano Saimir Pirgu, tenor Rene Pape, baritone 9 April, 11.00: Philharmonie Recital by Sir Andras Schiff, piano