Baroque Opera in Sweden

A FIVE NIGHT HOLIDAY | 8 AUGUST 2023

Built across 14 of the 20,000 islands that shelter the city from the Baltic, Stockholm is a revelation and undoubtedly one of the world’s most elegant capitals. The number of Swedish opera singers who enjoy top-level careers and who grace the world’s stages is nothing less than astonishing. Sweden has a population of fewer than ten million and yet there often seems to be a Swedish singer in an opera every night in the world’s most important houses. This has been the case for two hundred years, no doubt due to the enormous number of people who sing in choirs from a very early age. The holiday includes performances of two Baroque operas at Stockholm’s historic 18th century theatres.

the itinerary

1

We fly to Stockholm where we stay at the 4* First Reisen Hotel which has a great location overlooking the harbour on the edge of the atmospheric old town, Gamla Stan.

2

We begin with a guided walking tour through the old town’s mediaeval maze of narrow streets ending at Stockholm’s City Hall, Ragnar Östberg’s landmark building on the shores of Riddarfjärden. During the afternoon we will enjoy a cruise around the islands of Stockholm’s archipelago.

3

We go to Ulriksdal Palace, located in the leafy environs of the National City Park. We will tour the palace and the Orangery, as well as the exquisite 18th century Rococo theatre, Confidencen where today’s opera performance takes place.

4

We sail to Lake Mälaren today to visit the Royal Palace of Drottningholm, the official residence of King Carl Gustaf and Queen Silvia. Here we will enjoy the performance of The Fairy-Queen by Purcell in the palace theatre.

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DAY 5

Today we go to Sweden’s largest art museum, the recently reopened National Museum of Fine Art. Next, as a complete contrast, we go to the wonderful Vasa Museum to learn about the dramatic sinking of the Vasa as she sailed out of Stockholm’s harbour on her maiden voyage in 1628. Raised from the seabed in 1962, the extraordinarily well-preserved warship can now be enjoyed in a specially-designed museum.

6

This morning we will visit the Nobel Museum, which features interactive displays with dedicated to the winners of the annual prizes first established by Swedish chemist, engineer and industrialist Alfred Nobel, information on the prize-winners as well as recordings of their acceptance speeches, before leaving for the airport.

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TOUR INFORMATION

DEPARTURE DATE & PRICES

DATE PRICE SINGLE SUPP 8 August £2,796 £495

Our prices are per person, based on the shared occupancy of a twin/double room. Supplement for single occupancy as shown. Supplement for Sea View room: £245

FLIGHT DETAILS

Flights with British Airways: Depart Heathrow 13.20, arrive Stockholm 16.55 Depart Stockholm 18.00, arrive Heathrow 19.45 Flight times subject to change – regional departures available on request.

WHAT WE INCLUDE

• Return flights • Five nights’ accommodation with breakfast • Three dinners • Tickets for performances as described • All sightseeing, entrance fees and gratuities • Services of the Kirker Tour Leader

the hotel

The Reisen has a great location, overlooking the harbour on the edge of the atmospheric Gamla Stan. A more intimate and appealing hotel than you might expect considering it has 144 bedrooms, there is a cosy piano bar and the ‘Reiss’ dining room offers Scandinavian cuisine with views of the harbour. The bedrooms are decorated in a modern style with an elegant, classic feel and many have exposed brick walls and harbour views. The relaxation centre in the basement has a sauna and plunge pool and a vaulted ceiling dating from 1690.

MUSIC PROGRAMME

Where better to enjoy this dazzling duo of baroque rarities than in the splendid and perfect surroundings of two original 18th century theatres close to Stockholm: Confidencen and Drottningholm.

Drottningholm Court Theatre, Drottningholm Palace The Fairy-Queen by Purcell First performed at the Dorset Garden Theatre in Dorset House, London on 2 May 1692, this opera was long forgotten after the composer’s premature death. The libretto is based on the story of A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Performances are very few and far between so anyone with an interest in English Baroque music will be well rewarded for making a visit to Drottningholm this summer. Confidencen Theatre, Ulriksdal Palace Please see www.kirkerholidays.com for further details.