Wagner’s Ring Cycle in Zurich | Hayllar Music Tours
Wagner’s Ring Cycle in Zurich
Wagner’s Ring Cycle in Zurich | Hayllar Music Tours
Wagner’s Ring Cycle in Zurich
WAGNER’S RING CYCLE IN ZURICH
17–27 MAY 2024 (11 DAYS) | FOUR OPERA PERFORMANCES, DAY TRIPS & EXCLUSIVE PRIVATE TALKS
Der Ring des Nibelungen, Richard Wagner’s cycle of four epic music dramas, is being performed in 2024 by Opernhaus Zürich under the musical direction of General Music Director Gianandrea Noseda in a new production by Intendant and Stage Director Andrea Homoki. Join Hayllar Music Tours for this exclusive trip to the full Ring Cycle with Tour Leader Dr David Kram AM.
Zurich is the location where Wagner, at the time a wanted revolutionary in exile, first developed the idea of his opera cycle, drafted the story and even composed large sections of the score. The first reading of the entire text of the cycle, and the premiere of the first act of Die Walküre with Liszt on the piano and Wagner himself singing, was in Baur du Lac, near Lake Zurich.
It is always marvellous to immerse oneself in the drama and music of this great work, and with the excellence of the music and the production provided by Opernhaus Zürich, the enriched appreciation of the performances provided by Dr David Kram’s informative talks, and the biographical and historical interest of attending the production in Zurich, this will be an unmissable Ring Cycle experience.
AUD$13,450 PER PERSON TWIN SHARE
LOYALTY CLUB PRICE: AUD$12,777.50
Single supplement: AUD$3,350
Deposit payment 1: Deposit AUD$1,500 per person (due at time of booking)
Deposit payment 2: Deposit AUD$1,500 per person (due on 17 January 2024)
Final payment due: 14 March 2024
Sold Out | Waitlist Only
tour leader
Overview | Wagner’s Ring Cycle in Zurich
Overview
Overview | Wagner’s Ring Cycle in Zurich
Overview
performances
Premium seats to Opernhaus Zürich’s new Ring Cycle under the musical direction of General Music Director Gianandrea Noseda in a production by Intendant and Stage Director Andrea Homoki.
Gianandrea Noseda Music Direction
Andreas Homoki Director
Tomasz Konieczny Wotan
Christopher Purves Alberich
Eric Cutler Siegmund
Daniela Köhler Sieglinde
Camilla Nylund Brünnhilde
Klaus Florian Vogt Siegfried
Patricia Bardon Fricka
Anna Danik Erda
Matthias Klink Loge
Wolfgang Ablinger-Sperrhacke Mime
Christof Fischesser Hunding
Daniel Schmutzhard GuntherAn optional performance of Monteverdi’s Orfeo at Opernhaus Zürich on the evening of Wednesday 22 May 2024.
OVERVIEW
Four exclusive private talks by Wagner expert Dr David Kram AM, about each of the operas. These talks focus on how the music enhances the meaning, and so contribute greatly to one’s understanding and appreciation of the performances.
A private guided walking tour of Zurich.
A day trip to Lucerne with a private guided walking tour of this historic and picturesque city with its preserved medieval architecture, and a guided tour of the Wagner Museum in Tribschen, the villa which was the residence and work place of Richard Wagner for six years, 1866 to 1872.
A day trip to the beautiful capital city of Switzerland, Bern, with a private guided walking tour of the historic Old Town, and a visit to the beautiful Alpine town of Thun, with the option of visiting the impressive Schloss Thun, dating from the 12th-century.
A day trip to the charming and picturesque riverside town of Stein am Rhein, famous for its well-preserved Old Town featuring painted façades and half-timbered houses, and a visit to the awe-inspiring Rhine Falls on the return to Zurich.
A private guided tour of the Kunsthaus in Zurich, with its impressive collection including 4,000 paintings, sculptures and installations.
A private guided tour of the Swiss National Museum in Zurich, which showcases the history of Switzerland from its early beginnings until the present day in permanent exhibitions.
This tour, with its sojourn in beautiful Zurich and its day trips throughout the Swiss countryside offers a comprehensive and delightful tour of breathtaking, beautiful Switzerland.
Travel in a small group (maximum 20 people) giving you the opportunity to get to know your fellow guests and to enjoy one-on-one time with your expert Tour Leader.
tour leader
DR DAVID KRAM AM
Dr David Kram AM, Artistic Director of the MTO-German-Australian Opera Grant and of Concertori Recordings (USA) and Senior Fellow at The University of Melbourne, is a distinguished conductor, artistic director, academic, composer and pianist working in Australia, Europe and Asia. In 2020 Dr Kram was honoured as a Member of the Order of Australia for “significant service to the performing arts, to opera and chamber choirs, and to education”.
His conducting positions include Kapellmeister, Stadttheater Basel; Erster Kapellmeister, Nationaltheater Mannheim; Resident Conductor, The Australian Opera, and Music Director, State Opera of South Australia. Guest conducting spots in 2016 to 2023 have included recording a CD with Prague Radio Symphony Orchestra for Concertori Recordings, New York; Pecan Summer and Eumeralla for Short Black Opera; Così fan tutte for Iopera; the world premiere of Alon Trigger’s Kristallnacht Cantata, and for Melbourne Opera Tannhäuser, Lohengrin, Der Rosenkavalier and in 2023, Wagner’s complete Ring Cycle.
David has returned to direct the Melbourne Chamber Choir in 2023 with Rachmaninov’s Vespers, a Percy Grainger program and a specially adapted Christmas Oratorio of J.S. Bach. David Kram’s first opera talk was for the Friends of the Grand Théâtre de Genève. Whilst in Sydney he was a regular speaker for the Friends of The Australian Opera and the Northside Opera Study Group. In Adelaide he organised many talks for the Friends of South Australian Opera and for many years has introduced concerts wherever he has performed. He enjoys engaging with audiences to satisfy individuals’ interests, providing memories which linger with them for years.
Hotel
AMERON Zürich Bellerive au Lac
Located on the shores of Lake Zurich and only a short walk from Opernhaus Zürich, the 4-star AMERON Zurich Bellerive au Lac offers a unique location with stylish design in modern Art Deco style. Guests will enjoy 10 nights in a luxurious Lake View Double Room, with stunning views across Lake Zurich. Breakfast is served in the charming Studio Bellerive Grill & Brasserie, and there is a small on-site fitness centre. Zurich’s wonderful old town is only a 10-minute stroll along the lakeside footpath. The hotel also offers concierge services, a 24-hour front desk, free WiFi throughout the property and a restaurant and bar.
The tour cost includes a Premium Room with Lake View.
17–27 MAY (11 DAYS)
AUD$13,450 PER PERSON TWIN SHARE
Single supplement: AUD$3,350
Sold Out | Waitlist Only
Itinerary | Wagner’s Ring Cycle in Zurich
Itinerary
Itinerary | Wagner’s Ring Cycle in Zurich
Itinerary
ITINERARY
DAY 1 | FRIDAY 17 MAY 2024
1ST OF 10 NIGHTS AT AMERON ZURICH BELLERIVE AU LAC, ZURICH
ARRIVE ZURICH:
Arrive at our hotel, the 4-star AMERON Zurich Bellerive au Lac. Hotel check-in is at 3:00pm and we recommend arriving at this time.
In the early evening we meet our Tour Leader, Wagner expert David Kram AM, who will introduce the tour. Together we enjoy a gourmet dinner.
DAY 2 | SATURDAY 18 MAY 2024
2ND OF 10 NIGHTS AT AMERON ZURICH BELLERIVE AU LAC, ZURICH
ZURICH, RING CYCLE:
In the morning we have a talk by David Kram on Das Rheingold, the first opera in the cycle, which we will see in the evening. David’s talks offer a comprehensive background to Wagner and The Ring, but the accent will be on the music and what you can listen for to increase your enjoyment.
Following our talk with Dr Kram, we set off on a private guided walking tour of Zurich, to introduce us to this most magnificent of cities on the shores of Lake Zurich.
Following the walking tour, the afternoon is free to continue your exploration of Zurich, or to return to the hotel to rest ahead of this evening’s opening opera.
In the evening at 7:00pm we attend Das Rheingold at Opernhaus Zürich.
OPERA PERFORMANCE - OPERNHAUS ZÜRICH, 7:00pm
Richard Wagner Das Rheingold
Gianandrea Noseda Music Direction
Andreas Homoki Director
Tomasz Konieczny Wotan
Xiaomeng Zhang Donner
Omer Kobiljak Froh
Matthias Klink Loge
Patricia Bardon Fricka
Kiandra Howarth Freia
Anna Danik Erda
Christopher Purves Alberich
Wolfgang Ablinger-Sperrhacke Mime
David Soar Fasolt
Brent Michael Smith Fafner
Uliana Alexyuk Woglinde
Niamh O'Sullivan Wellgunde
Siena Licht Miller Flosshilde
Philharmonia Zürich
Statistenverein am Opernhaus Zürich
DAY 3 | SUNDAY 19 MAY 2024
3RD OF 10 NIGHTS AT AMERON ZURICH BELLERIVE AU LAC, ZURICH
ZURICH:
This morning, we make our way to Zurich’s fine arts museum, the Kunsthaus Zurich, for a private guided tour. The museum features an impressive collection of over 4,000 paintings, sculptures and installations, in addition to photographs, videos and more, from the Old Masters to the modern day.
Following our guided tour, we enjoy a delicious lunch together at a nearby restaurant.
The late afternoon and evening are then free. Your museum entrance ticket enables you to return to the Kunsthaus if you would like to continue your exploration of the collection in your own time. Alternatively, you might choose to visit the nearby Fraumünster, with its fascinating history of being built on the remains of a former abbey for aristocratic women which was founded in 853 by Louis the German, for his daughter Hildegard. Besides its history, the Fraumünster has five renowned stained-glass windows designed by artist, Marc Chagall.
DAY 4 | MONDAY 20 MAY 2024
4TH OF 10 NIGHTS AT AMERON ZURICH BELLERIVE AU LAC, ZURICH
ZURICH, RING CYCLE:
In the morning we have a talk by our Wagner expert David Kram, on Die Walküre, the opera we will see this afternoon.
Following the talk, time is allowed for lunch or to rest ahead of this afternoon’s performance.
In the afternoon, at 4:00pm, we attend Die Walküre at Opernhaus Zürich.
OPERA PERFORMANCE - OPERNHAUS ZÜRICH, 4:00pm
Richard Wagner Die Walküre
Gianandrea Noseda Music Direction
Andreas Homoki Director
Eric Cutler Siegmund
Christof Fischesser Hunding
Tomasz Konieczny Wotan
Daniela Köhler Sieglinde
Patricia Bardon Fricka
Camilla Nylund Brünnhilde
Sarah Cambidge Helmwige
Ann-Kathrin Niemczyk Gerhilde
Barbara Senator Ortlinde
Anna Werle Waltraute
Simone McIntosh Siegrune
Siena Licht Miller Rossweisse
Michal Doron Grimgerde
Noa Beinart Schwertleite
Philharmonia Zürich
Statistenverein am Opernhaus Zürich
DAY 5 | TUESDAY 21 MAY 2024
5TH OF 10 NIGHTS AT AMERON ZURICH BELLERIVE AU LAC, ZURICH
EXCURSION TO LUCERNE AND TRIBSCHEN:
This morning we travel by private coach to Lucerne, a city in Switzerland, celebrated for its preserved medieval architecture, and its picturesque position amid snow-capped mountains on Lake Lucerne. Here we enjoy a private guided walking tour which takes in the stunning sights of the Kapellbrücke and the Jesuit Church, one of the first Baroque churches built in Switzerland. Following our walking tour, time is allowed for lunch and to explore this beautiful city.
In the afternoon we travel to the nearby village of Tribschen, to visit the Richard Wagner House & Museum. This villa was the residence and workplace of Richard Wagner for six years, 1866 to 1872. In the villa, now a museum, there are letters, photographs, paintings and musical scores which give evidence of the time Wagner spent here. A highlight of the collection is the Erard grand piano on which Wagner completed many of his works, including Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg. Whilst here we enjoy a guided tour with a knowledgeable guide.
Our visit to the Richard Wagner House & Museum is completed with the exclusive opportunity of hearing the composer’s beautiful collection of songs, the Wesendonck Lieder, performed on the piano that Wagner himself composed Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg, Siegfried and Götterdämmerung. The songs will be performed by our Tour Leader David Kram, with Icelandic lyric soprano Eyrún Unnarsdóttir.
Following our visit, we return to our hotel in Zurich. The evening is free.
DAY 6 | WEDNESDAY 22 MAY 2024
6TH OF 10 NIGHTS AT AMERON ZURICH BELLERIVE AU LAC, ZURICH
ZURICH:
This morning we enjoy a guided tour of the Swiss National Museum in Zurich. Housed in Gustav Gull’s listed building dating from the 19th-century and extended in 2016 by architects Christ & Gantenbein, the museum showcases the history of Switzerland from its early beginnings until the present day in permanent and rotating exhibitions.
Following our guided tour and some free time to continue our exploration of this wonderful museum, we return to our hotel. Time is allowed for an independent lunch.
This evening there is the possibility of attending an optional performance at Opernhaus Zürich of Monteverdi’s Orfeo. Please inform us if you would like us to include this optional performance as part of your booking.
DAY 7 | THURSDAY 23 MAY 2024
7TH OF 10 NIGHTS AT AMERON ZURICH BELLERIVE AU LAC, ZURICH
BERN AND THUN:
This morning we depart on our private coach for the pleasant 1.5 hour drive through the Swiss countryside to the country’s capital city, Bern. On arrival, we experience a private guided walking tour of the charming Old City, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1983. Bern’s medieval centre has 6km of covered arcades and cellar shops and bars descending from the streets. After a devastating fire in 1405, the wooden city was rebuilt in today’s familiar sandstone. Bern’s clock tower, Zytglogge, is a focal point; with crowds congregating to watch its revolving figures twirl at four minutes before the hour, after which the actual chimes begin.
Following our guided tour, some free time is allowed for lunch and to continue exploring this beautiful city.
This afternoon, we journey to the nearby town of Thun on the banks of the Aare River. Here we have some free time to enjoy the beautiful old town, shop in one its many captivating gift shops, or enjoy a cold drink or gelato at one of the many riverside establishments overlooking the River Aare and the historic Untere Schleuse bridge. For those interested in a little more exploration and with a head for heights, guests might like to take the lift to Schloss Thun for a self-guided tour through this fascinating and imposing castle. Sitting on a hilltop and affording views of the lake and Alps, this 900-year-old castle is the stuff of wild fairy-tale dreams. It once belonged to Duke Berchtold V of the powerful Zähringen family, and today it houses a museum showcasing prehistoric and Roman relics, tapestries, majolica and a plethora of shining armour. Please note, once inside Schloss Thun, there are only stairs available for navigating the castle’s six floors.
Following our visit to Thun, we return to Zurich for a free evening.
DAY 8 | FRIDAY 24 MAY 2024
8TH OF 10 NIGHTS AT AMERON ZURICH BELLERIVE AU LAC, ZURICH
ZURICH, RING CYCLE:
In the morning we have another informative talk by David Kram, this time about Siegfried. This opera starts in the lowest notes of a spooky cave, and finishes in heavenly heights when Siegfried and Brünnhilde find each other.
The afternoon is free. You might like to visit the Museum Reitberg, which now displays Asian, African, American and Oceanian art, but which was the Villa Wesendonck, a manor house built in the 19th-century for industrialist Otto Wesendonck and his 24-year-old wife Mathilde. The Wesendonck family allowed Wagner and his wife, who had fled from Germany in 1849, to live in the house beside their villa, today's Villa Schönberg, which Wagner called his “asylum on the green hill”. Wagner then fell under Mathilde’s spell, and his love for her inspired some of his great compositions. The collection at the museum focuses on the traditional and contemporary arts and cultures of Asia, Africa, the Americas, and Oceania.
In the early evening we attend a performance of Siegfried at 5:30pm at Opernhaus Zürich.
OPERA PERFORMANCE - OPERNHAUS ZÜRICH, 5:30pm
Richard Wagner Siegfried
Gianandrea Noseda Music Direction
Andreas Homoki Director
Klaus Florian Vogt Siegfried
Wolfgang Ablinger-Sperrhacke Mime
Tomasz Konieczny Der Wanderer
Christopher Purves Alberich
David Leigh Fafner
Anna Danik Erda
Camilla Nylund Brünnhilde
Rebeca Olvera The Woodbird
Philharmonia Zürich
Statistenverein am Opernhaus Zürich
DAY 9 | SATURDAY 25 MAY 2024
9TH OF 10 NIGHTS AT AMERON ZURICH BELLERIVE AU LAC, ZURICH
STEIN AM RHEIN:
On our final opera-free day in Switzerland, we travel to the beautiful riverside town of Stein am Rhein, located where Lake Constance once again flows into the Rhine River. Famous for its well-preserved Old Town featuring painted façades and half-timbered houses, for which it received the very first Wakker Prize, this lively and charming small town features the Monastery of St. Georgen, one of the best-preserved Medieval monastery complexes, the Lindwurm Museum depicting 19th-century bourgeois and agricultural life and Hohenklingen Castle, built high above the town in 1225. We enjoy a guided walking tour to introduce us to the charming historical sites, followed by a delicious traditional Swiss lunch overlooking the pristine blue waters of the Rhein.
Following our visit to this charming town, we journey to the stunning Rheinfalls near Schaffhausen, Europe’s largest waterfall. We board a boat for an up close, and possibly slightly damp, experience of this thunderous waterfall, which over the span of 150m can pour off 600,000 litres of water per second.
Following our visit to this spectacular natural wonder, we journey back to Zurich for a free evening.
DAY 10 | SUNDAY 26 MAY 2024
10TH OF 10 NIGHTS AT AMERON ZURICH BELLERIVE AU LAC, ZURICH
ZURICH, RING CYCLE:
In the morning David Kram delivers our last talk on the Ring Cycle. Today it’s Götterdämmerung, Wagner’s magnificent ‘grand finale’ to The Ring, where the operas come full circle, and the Gods meet their fiery end.
Following our final talk with David Kram, we enjoy our final farewell group lunch together.
We then return to Opernhaus Zürich for the final performance of our Ring Cycle journey, Wagner’s Götterdämmerung at 4:00pm.
OPERA PERFORMANCE - OPERNHAUS ZÜRICH, 4:00pm
Richard Wagner Götterdämmerung
Gianandrea Noseda Music Direction
Andreas Homoki Director
Klaus Florian Vogt Siegfried
Daniel Schmutzhard Gunther
Christopher Purves Alberich
David Leigh Hagen
Camilla Nylund Brünnhilde
Lauren Fagan Gutrune
Sarah Ferede Waltraute
Freya Apffelstaedt First Norn
Lena Sutor-Wernich Second Norn
Giselle Allen Third Norn
Uliana Alexyuk Woglinde
Niamh O'Sullivan Wellgunde
Siena Licht Miller Floßhilde
Wolfram Schneider-Lastin Wotan
Valentin Lendenmann Stunts
Philharmonia Zürich
Chor der Oper Zürich
Statistenverein am Opernhaus Zürich
DAY 11 | MONDAY 27 MAY 2024
TOUR ENDS:
Following our final breakfast at the hotel, the tour concludes.
Inclusions | Wagner’s Ring Cycle in Zurich
Inclusions
Inclusions | Wagner’s Ring Cycle in Zurich
Inclusions
INCLUSIONS
17–27 MAY 2024 (11 DAYS)
AUD$13,450 PER PERSON TWIN SHARE
Single supplement: AUD$3,350
Deposit payment 1: Deposit AUD$1,500 per person (due at time of booking)
Deposit payment 2: Deposit AUD$1,500 per person (due on 17 January 2024)
Final payment due: 14 March 2024
INCLUSIONS:
Performances: Premium seats to The Ring Cycle at Opernhaus Zürich.
Tour Leader and Talks: Tour Leadership and four exclusive private talks by David Kram AM.
Tour Manager: An experienced Tour Manager to accompany the group throughout the tour.
Hotel: 10 nights' accommodation at the 4-star AMERON Zurich Bellerive au Lac, Zurich in a Premium Room with Lake View.
Porterage of one piece of luggage at the hotel.
Travel: Land travel throughout our tour by private air-conditioned coach. Shorter journeys in Zurich will be on foot.
Meals/Drinks: Breakfast each morning at the hotel. Four lunches/dinners with wine, water and tea/coffee.
Entry Fees and Guided Tours: Entrance fees for museums, art galleries etc. as stated in your itinerary. Expert local guides at some sites.
Tips: Tips for drivers, local guides and meals included in your itinerary.
Information Pack: Comprehensive pre-tour information pack.
EXCLUSIONS:
International/Domestic Travel: Hayllar Music Tours can provide you with a quote. Phone 02 9669 9181 / +61 2 9669 9181 (Australia / International) or email contact@hayllarmusictours.com
Airport Transfers: Transfers to/from the airport and the hotel at the beginning and end of the tour. These can be arranged at an additional cost.
Special Taxes: Special taxes and airport levies that can only be paid in cash at the destination. We will endeavour to advise you of these charges (if any) before you depart.
Visas: Costs associated with obtaining visas for countries visited on your tour. Please note that Australian and New Zealand passport holders do not require a visa to enter Switzerland.
Travel Insurance: Please note that you are required to have comprehensive travel insurance to cover you for the duration of your tour. If you live in Australia, Hayllar Music Tours can organise your travel insurance for you. Please contact them at phone 02 9669 9181 / +61 2 9669 9181 (Australia / International) or email contact@hayllarmusictours.com
Meals: Lunches and dinners not nominated in your itinerary.
Personal Expenses: Personal expenses such as laundry, phone calls and mini-bar.
Activities in Free Time: Costs associated with any activities suggested for you in your free time.
SMALL GROUP SIZE
The tour will operate with 8 people. The maximum number on the tour will be 20 people.
FITNESS LEVEL REQUIRED - LEVEL 1
All members of the group must feel comfortable walking for one-two hours, standing for long periods of time in museums, art galleries etc. and embarking/disembarking coaches. Please note: There will also be a short round trip boat ride at Rhein Falls, but guests can choose to opt out of this trip if they wish and still enjoy the view.
BOOKING TERMS & CONDITIONS
Please note that booking terms and conditions apply. Click here for the booking terms and conditions.
Booking | Wagner’s Ring Cycle in Zurich
Booking
Booking | Wagner’s Ring Cycle in Zurich
Booking
Wagner’s Ring Cycle in Zurich
SOLD OUT | WAITLIST ONLY
This tour is now sold out. To register your place on the waitlist, please fill out the form below, or contact us on 02 9669 9181 / +61 2 9669 9181 (Australia / International) or contact@hayllarmusictours.com