THE BEST OF CHICAGO

With Daughter of the Regiment (Lisette Oropesa, Lawrence Brownlee), Jenůfa (Lise Davidsen, Nina Stemme), plus three performances at Symphony Hall (Rachmaninov/Sibelius, Maxim Vengerov/Polina Osetinskaya, András Schiff).

Art & Architecture tours. Superb meals. Peninsula Hotel.

Chicago is one of our favourite cities, with it's grand architecture (old and new) and world-class art and historical museums.

Our tour there this fall features a stellar slate of performances. Lyric Opera brings Donizetti’s The Daughter of the Regiment—bel canto opera’s equivalent of vintage champagne—to the city for the first time. Marie, the lovable, irrepressible spirited heroine—a foundling, raised by soldiers—loves handsome Tonio. Things get complicated when the Marquise carts her off to refine her with a “proper” education. In one exhilarating number after another, Marie throws off coloratura flourishes like shooting stars, while her tenor sweetheart pops out nine high Cs in a single aria! Bel canto superstar Lawrence Brownlee and comedic veteran Alessandro Corbelli partner with the dazzling Lisette Oropesa in her eagerly awaited Lyric debut. The marvelously stylish Speranza Scappucci conducts Laurent Pelly’s quick-witted, uproarious production.

Janáček’s Jenůfa is a dark and stunning masterpiece, both musically and dramatically. In this profoundly moving story, the Kostelnička secretly drowns her foster-daughter Jenůfa’s illegitimate child, hoping to save Jenůfa—and herself—from shame and humiliation. When the murder is discovered, the Kostelnička accepts the consequences, but Jenůfa ends the opera with hope for the future. Performing Janáček’s magnificent score at Lyric Opera of Chicago will be an enthralling cast led by two of the finest dramatic sopranos of our time: opera’s newest superstar, Lise Davidsen, and the legendary Nina Stemme, Lyric’s sensational Elektra in 2019. Czech maestro Jakob Hrůša will bring unique authenticity to this unforgettable music, leading Claus Guth’s mesmerizing production.

In addition, we have three stellar performances at Symphony Hall, including the Chicago Symphony Orchestra under the baton of John Storgårds playing Rachmaninov’s Third Symphony, Pohjola's Daughter by Sibelius and works by celebrated American composer Christopher Theofanidis. We will also spend an evening with violinist Maxim Vengerov and pianist Polina Osetinskaya, who will perform works by Clara Schumann, Robert Schumann and Johannes Brahms and Prokofiev’s Five Melodies. Finally, we will enjoy a matinée recital by one of the finest pianists of our time, Sir András Schiff.

Guided tours focusing on the city's tremendous architecture and six unforgettable meals (in addition to full breakfast each day) will round out our tour. Our hotel is The Peninsula, one of the finest we have used in North America.

Only 16 spaces are available. Click here to register.

ITINERARY

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 9

Arrival and check-in at the Peninsula Hotel Chicago.

18.45 Gather in the Z Bar (6th floor) for cocktails and introductions before our Welcome Dinner

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 10

10.00 Gather in the lobby and meet our guide, Larry Simon, prior to a tour to Robie House and other buildings of interest on the University of Chicago campus in Hyde Park.

13.00 Back to the hotel.

17.00 Depart for a pre-concert dinner at Acanto, followed by a special recital by Maxim Vengerov at Symphony Hall. 19.30 start; 2 hrs, 10 mins; 1 intermission. With his golden tone and dazzling technical prowess, Maxim Vengerov is a standard-bearer for the great Russian violin tradition. An artist of searching curiosity, Vengerov performs three intertwined works by Clara Schumann, Robert Schumann and Johannes Brahms. Prokofiev’s mellifluous Five Melodies and exuberant sonata complete the program.

21.45 Transfer back to the hotel.

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 11

10.00 This morning we enjoy a guided tour at the Art Institute of Chicago.

13.00 Return to the hotel. Lunch is at leisure.

16.45 Depart by private coach for a special dinner with stunning views of Millenium Park and Lake Michigan at the Chicago Athletic Association's rooftop restaurant.

19.30 Rachmaninov’s Third Symphony performance by the Chicago Symphony Orchestra under the baton of John Storgårds at Symphony Hall. Program also features a new concerto by celebrated American composer Christopher Theofanidis, and Sibelius’ powerfully atmospheric Pohjola's Daughter, inspired by the Kalevala, the Finnish national epic detailing the creation of the cosmos.

21.30 Transfer back to the hotel.

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 12

Today you are free to utilize your City Pass (included) to visit a number of Chicago’s finest museums. The Pass includes entrances to Shedd Aquarium, Skydeck Chicago, Field Museum plus two (your choice) of the following: Art Institute of Chicago, Museum of Science and Industry, 360 CHICAGO Observation Deck, Adler Planetarium. We will discuss the logistics on site.

14.00 Depart once again for Symphony Hall for a recital by Hungarian-born pianist Sir András Schiff. He has put his stamp on an extensive repertoire of piano literature, from works by Bach and Beethoven to Schumann, Bartók and Janáček. Described by The Seattle Times as “a master of nuance and musical wisdom,” Schiff has earned his standing as a longtime favorite of Chicago audiences.

17.30 Dinner is included afterward at The Gage.

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 13

10.00 Gather in the lobby and depart on an architectural tour to Oak Park with Larry Simon.

16.00 Return to the hotel.

19.00 Dinner is included this evening at the hotel.

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 14

10.00 This morning we embark on a fascionating tour of Chicago's great theatres.

13.00 Lunch is included at Gibson's.

18.00 Depart for Lyric Opera for Chicago's first production of Donizetti’s The Daughter of the Regiment — bel canto opera’s equivalent of vintage champagne. Marie, the lovable, irrepressible spirited heroine — a foundling, raised by soldiers — loves handsome Tonio. Things get complicated when the Marquise carts her off to refine her with a “proper” education. In one exhilarating number after another, Marie throws off coloratura flourishes like shooting stars, while her tenor sweetheart pops out nine high Cs in a single aria! Bel canto superstar Lawrence Brownlee and comedic veteran Alessandro Corbelli partner with the dazzling Lisette Oropesa in her eagerly awaited Lyric debut. The marvelously stylish Speranza Scappucci conducts Laurent Pelly’s quick-witted, uproarious production. 19.00 curtain; Sung in French with projected English titles. Running Time: 2 hours and 45 minutes, including 1 intermission

21.45 Transfer back to the hotel.

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 15

Enjoy the final morning in Chicago at leisure.

13.00 Depart for Lyric Opera and a special early performance of Janáček’s Jenůfa (14.00 curtain). This is a dark and stunning masterpiece, profoundly moving both musically and dramatically. The Kostelnička secretly drowns her foster-daughter Jenůfa’s illegitimate child, hoping to save Jenůfa — and herself — from shame and humiliation. When the murder is discovered, the Kostelnička accepts the consequences, but Jenůfa ends the opera with hope for the future.

Performing Janáček’s magnificent score at Lyric Opera of Chicago will be an enthralling cast led by two of the finest dramatic sopranos of our time: opera’s newest superstar, Lise Davidsen, and the legendary Nina Stemme, Lyric’s sensational Elektra in 2019. Czech maestro Jakob Hrůša will bring unique authenticity to this unforgettable music, leading Claus Guth’s mesmerizing production. Language: Sung in Czech with projected English titles; Running Time: 3 hours and 5 minutes, including 2 intermissions.

17.05 Transfer to the Ralph Lauren Restaurant, a block from the hotel, for our Farewell Dinner.

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 16

Airport transfers are included, and will be advised on site.

TOUR INCLUDES

• Premium seats for 3 concerts and 2 operas as listed

• 7 nights Deluxe accommodationat the Peninsula Hotel Chicago

• Full breakfast daily, plus 7 additional meals 

• Private tours as listed

• Airport-hotel transfers 

• On-site Tour Direction

• Comprehensive Tour Guidebook

FLIGHTS

Flights are not included in tour pricing. Return flights should be booked to either ORD or MDW for arrival no later than 16.00 on November 9, with departure on November 16.

TRANSFERS

We provide airport/rail station—hotel transfers for arrivals and departures within within 3 days of the start/end of our tour. We also provide transfers for group meals and performances that are beyond a 10 minute walk.

MOBILITY

There is minimal walking with some stairs and eneven terrain during the guided tours. As for all of our tours, we are happy to accommodate you regardless of your mobility level. Please make clear your mobility concerns at the time of registration. We provide transfers for group meals and performances that are beyond a 10 minute walk.

INSURANCE

We strongly recommend that all tour members purchase cancellation insurance upon registration. We can assist you with this, though you are welcome to purchase a policy at your own discretion. For more information about our travel insurance, click here.