* Washington National Opera *
presents
Richard Wagner's
Der Ring des Nibelungen
Ring Cycle III, November 16 - 22, 2009
The highlight of this tour is the Washington National Opera’s outstanding production of the AMERICAN RING – the first Ring ever produced in Washington, DC.
For all performances, the conductor will be Heinz Fricke; the director is Francesca Zambello.
In German with English captions, this is a co-production with the San Francisco Opera.
The stellar casts and the glories of our nation's capital fit together well for a delightful visit.
We cordially invite you to join us.
* * * I T I N E R A R Y * * *
Monday, November 16
Independent arrivals in Washington. Accommodations at the FAIRMONT WASHINGTON D.C. HOTEL located in Washington’s fashionable West End and adjacent to historic Georgetown. The hotel offers 415 spacious guest rooms and suites that provide guests with a welcome retreat. A relaxing visit to the hotel’s fitness center, indoor pool and serene courtyard garden also provide guests with an array of rejuvenating experiences. Check-in time is 4:00 PM. Welcome reception in the hotel’s LOBBY LOUNGE at 5:00 PM. Dinner follows in the hotel’s JUNIPER restaurant.
Wagner’s DAS RHEINGOLD (Washington Opera/Kennedy Center - 8:00 PM). “By renouncing love, the repulsive Alberich seizes a hoard of gold in order to gain possession of an all-powerful ring but barely has time to enjoy his good luck. Deluged with marital and property problems, Wotan, ruler of the gods, plots to steal the Nibelung's ring, an act which seals his fate, portending the ultimate destruction of the gods.” Wotan: Alan Held, Fricka: Elizabeth Bishop, Loge: Robin Leggate, Alberich: Gordon Hawkins, Mime: David Cangelosi.
Tuesday, November 17
Morning and afternoon at leisure.
Wagner's DIE WALKÜRE (Washington Opera/Kennedy Center - 6:00 PM). “The most popular installment of the Ring, Die Walküre is a saga of forbidden love, heroism, and the conflict between personal ambition and desire and the rule of law. The tragic love story of long-lost twins Siegmund and Sieglinde also recounts how a daughter's defiance secures the future of humanity but prophesies the eventual downfall of Valhalla.” Brünnhilde: Iréne Theorin, Wotan: Alan Held, Sieglinde: Anja Kampe, Siegmund: Christopher Ventris, Fricka: Elizabeth Bishop, Hunding: Gidon Saks.
Wednesday, November 18
This morning a CITY HIGHLIGHTS TOUR to include A DRIVING TOUR past the WHITE HOUSE, the FEDERAL TRIANGLE with the U.S. CAPITOL BUILDING, the LIBRARY OF CONGRESS, the imposing SUPREME COURT BUILDING, the SMITHSONIAN COMPLEX, the WASHINGTON MONUMENT, LINCOLN and JEFFERSON MEMORIALS, en route to Virginia to visit MOUNT VERNON. Mount Vernon has been recently restored to its appearance in 1799, the year of our first President's death. The buildings and grounds survive as one of the country's finest examples of an 18th century plantation. Lunch at the MOUNT VERNON INN.
After lunch, leave for OLD TOWN ALEXANDRIA, Virginia, the town that George Washington called home. Here there are more original, restored 18th century buildings than in Williamsburg. See historic Christ Church; the Leadbetter Apothecary, and Carlyle House. There will be time for shopping and browsing the art galleries along Old Town's waterfront. Balance of the day free.
Thursday, November 19
Morning and afternoon at leisure.
Wagner's SIEGFRIED (Washington Opera/Kennedy Center - 6:00 PM). “Wotan’s prophecy—of a hero who forges a mighty sword to slay the dragon Fafner—forms the basis of the third installment of Wagner’s epic Ring cycle. Siegfried, son of Siegmund and Sieglinde, fulfills Wotan’s predictions and forms a triumphant union with warrior maiden Brünnhilde, foretelling the twilight of the gods.” Brünnhilde: Iréne Theorin, Siegfried: Ian Storey, Mime: David Cangelosi, The Wanderer: Alan Held, Alberich: Gordon Hawkins.
Friday, November 20
Full day at leisure. Your tour director will be on hand to help you with any plans you may wish to make.
Saturday, November 21
Morning and afternoon at leisure.
Wagner's GÖTTERDÄMMERUNG (Washington Opera/Kennedy Center - 6:00 PM).
“In the final opera of Wagner's epic cycle, Brünnhilde and Siegfried embark on a quest to restore Alberich's ring to the Rhine from whence it came, bringing about the devastation of Valhalla and the gods.” Brünnhilde: Iréne Theorin, Siegfried: Ian Storey, Alberich: Gordon Hawkins.
Sunday, November 22
Independent departures from Washington. Check out time at the Fairmont Hotel is 1:00 PM.
* * * * * * * * * * * *
Tour Price: $3,750.00 per person sharing a double room
Single Supplement: $1,185.00
* * * * * * * * * * * *
The deposit required to hold space on this tour is $2,000.00 per person.
* * * * * * * * * * * *
There will be other events happening during the week – information about which will be available in January 2009. This will involve a lecture series and other events in the capital.
We will keep you posted!
DEPOSITS and FINAL PAYMENT may be made by personal check in US Dollars or credit card. Final payment will be due 60 days prior to the commencement of the tour.
TOUR INCLUSIONS:
* Deluxe accommodations at the Fairmont Hotel for 6 nights. * Silver Ring orchestra tickets (second highest price category), somewhat on the side, but really all excellent seats in the 5th to 9th rows. * 1 lunch, 1 dinner. * Private transfers to and from all scheduled events when required. * Services of an experienced Dailey-Thorp tour director. * Tips to the Dailey-Thorp tour director as well as for all other group services. Not included: air fare, tips upon individual arrivals and departures as well as to the hotel chambermaids.
HOTEL INFORMATION:
Please note that bookings received less than 60 days prior to the commencement of the tour will be subject to hotel availability. Room cancellations received after September 15, 2009, will not be refundable due to hotel policy.
ADDITIONAL NIGHTS:
Should you wish to add extra nights at the hotel in Washington -- before and/or after the tour -- Dailey-Thorp will book these extra nights for you. Prices on request.
AIR TRANSPORTATION:
Any flights from any airport -- may be arranged with Dailey-Thorp's air agent in New York -- Mr. Christophe Buszkiewicz; Telephone 212-944-2121, ext. 2829. Having been the manager of Dailey-Thorp's air department for many years in New York, Christophe is familiar with all our tour operations. Or, tour guests may book their flights through their local travel agent or directly with the airlines.
CANCELLATION OF TOUR:
LAND ARRANGEMENTS: The price of the Ring Cycle tickets ($960.00), once purchased, is not refundable unless the tickets can be resold. For cancellation by the client, these charges will apply: Cancellations received 60 days or more prior to tour commencement = $250.00 per person; 59-31 days prior = 50% of land arrangements price; less than 31 days prior =100% of land arrangements price; no appearance/no written notice = 100% of the land arrangements price. No refunds will be made for any part of the tour package, such as sightseeing, meals, performances or transfers, which are voluntarily omitted by any tour member; the tour is sold as a package. We must strictly adhere to our cancellation policy to offset costs incurred prior to the commencement of the tour.
AIR TRANSPORTATION: Cancellation of AIR FLIGHTS will be subject to the cancellation policy of the airline.
TRIP INSURANCE: WE STRONGLY RECOMMEND TRIP CANCELLATION INSURANCE. An application for travel insurance will be included with our acknowledgment of your reservation. We suggest that you apply for it as soon as possible after signing up for a tour. Should it become necessary for you to cancel due to illness (but not business reasons) the policy may cover your losses (subject to insurance terms).
All cancellations must be in writing.
All tour programs are subject to change by the operator.
CANCELLATION INSURANCE IS HEARTILY RECOMMENDED!
Click here to see the reservation form for this tour in pdf format.
#2988 --- 9/5/08
