From Jan. 2 to 7, the 2010 Prague Winter Festival plans to give clients a taste of high culture in a city steeped in history. The coming festival will feature world-class performances of classical and jazz music, opera, theater and ballet in some of the Czech Republic’s most renowned performance venues including the Prague State Opera House, The National Theatre and the Dvorak Hall of the Prague Rudolfinum.
Performances will not only give clients the chance to visit Prague’s famous theatres but will also offer them a unique way to learn about the city’s storied history. On the first night of the festival, clients can experience Mozart’s famous opera “Don Giovanni” at the Estates Theatre — a special treat since the composer premiered the opera at the same hall about 222 years ago. The beautiful neo-classical style theatre is said to be maintained nearly to its original state.
The festival is also a chance to experience the avant garde, such as an interactive and non-verbal performance by the Black Light Theatre group (known for its colorful, black-light-lit plays) complemented by the rich sounds of the Bambini di Praga young female choir.
In addition, the six-day event will feature Puccini’s “Tosca” (a dramatic opera set in 19th-century, politically stricken Italy), Verdi’s “Otello” (Verdi’s penultimate opera based on Shakespeare’s tragic play, “Othello), and Tchaikovsky’s “Eugene Onegin” (a highly lyrical libretto which closely follows Pushkin’s poetic novel of the same name).
Scheduling daytime activities, such as city excursions, can provide clients with an all-encompassing Prague experience, and tour operators, such as Keith Prowse are offering inclusive Winter Festival packages. Agents should advise their clients to at least participate in a walking or coach tour of the city center — which is a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site — for a closer look into the medieval city’s well-preserved culture and architecture.
The Details
Prague Winter Festival
www.praguewinterfestival.com
Packages: Tour operator Keith Prowse is offering four- and five-night Winter Festival packages, which include a choice of three evening performances with preferred seating and a choice of two daytime activities. Hotel accommodations at a four- or five-star hotel; daily buffet-style breakfast; tickets to the opening and closing ceremonies; and a festival welcome pack and guide. Four-night packages at a four-star hotel begin at $711 per person, based on double occupancy. This price does not include airfare, booking fees, tax or insurance. Clients who book before Nov. 13 will receive a complimentary tickets to the Friends of the Prague Winter Festival.
Commission: Since rates vary, agents should check with the tour operator directly
Keith Prowse
800-669-8687
www.keithprowse.com
