By Chen Guanxin, compiled and reported
Cruise journeys have long been a dream for many, but enjoying a performance by the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra in the middle of the Aegean Sea adds an even more magical touch to an art-themed trip. A travel operator has now combined the two to launch a cruise music tour, where travelers can spend eight days aboard a cruise ship traveling through the Mediterranean alongside members of the Vienna Philharmonic, enjoying performances both onboard in the ship’s concert hall as well as at Istanbul’s Atatürk Cultural Center and Athens’ Megaron Concert Hall. The itinerary also includes visits to Istanbul, Ephesus, and Athens. In addition, guests can observe the Vienna Philharmonic during rehearsals, getting an insider look at the behind-the-scenes world of one of the world’s top orchestras. This journey will set sail from Malta on July 6, with single occupancy prices starting from €2,275 (approximately NT$87,471), excluding round-trip airfare to Malta, administrative fees, and fuel surcharges.
The world-renowned Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra will be spending eight days at sea alongside travelers. (Photo provided by New Aspect Co., Ltd.)
Founded in 1842, the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra has collaborated with legendary conductors such as Brahms, Richard Strauss, and Seiji Ozawa, and is ranked among the world’s top ten orchestras. Seventy musicians will take part in this voyage, including Swedish conductor Christian Badea, Music Director of the Norrköping Symphony Orchestra; Austrian pianist Alfred Brendel, an authority on contemporary Beethoven piano works; violinist Rainer Honeck, the Philharmonic’s concertmaster; and mezzo-soprano Bernarda Fink, known for her interpretations of Strauss and Mozart. Additionally, classical music scholar Liu ... will also join as a guest expert.
The ship’s concert hall can accommodate over 1,400 audience members for a grand classical music experience. (Photo provided by New Aspect Co., Ltd.)
The eight-day “Aegean Music Journey” will take place aboard the Mein Schiff 1 cruise ship. Departing from Valletta, Malta, passengers will enjoy views of the Aegean Sea and visit destinations including Istanbul and Ephesus in Turkey, and Athens in Greece. The ship will also host open rehearsal sessions, concerts by the onboard chamber orchestra, as well as live performances at the Atatürk Cultural Center and the Megaron Concert Hall on land, and an open-air concert in the ancient city of Ephesus, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
New Aspect official website: newaspect.org.tw/2012_vienna
Lion Travel Agency: www.liontravel.com/erp/exhtml/CTUI7.asp
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