Berlin and the Venice Biennale
Berlin - VeniceIn a major coup for the company, Sydney Dance Company has been invited to open the dance section of the 2010 Venice Biennale with Rafael Bonachela's we unfold. The Venice Biennale Dance is the world’s meeting place for contemporary dance and opens the city’s six month long festival of art, architecture, cinema, dance, music and theatre. You are invited to join a group of Sydney Dance Company supporters at this prestigious event – and also visit Berlin, one of Europe’s year-round dance capitals.
In the 20 years since the fall of the Wall, Berlin has re-emerged as the political, economic and cultural capital of a reunited Germany. As well as discovering the extraordinary contemporary architecture and art, you will see two performances by the Berlin Staatsballet – A Brief History of Time by Tomaz Pandur and Shut up and dance! Reloaded with works by young choreographers of the Staatsballett Berlin.
Following we unfold.at the Venice Biennale Dance, you will have an opportunity to see more dance from around the world (programme announced early 2010). Amongst the exclusive activities we have arranged are a private visit to La Fenice, backstage visits at the Biennale and the chance to meet Rafael Bonachela, Artistic Director, and his team of dancers in one of the most enchanting cities in the world.
The tour will be led by Clementine Johnson, Philanthropy Manager, and Brendan Day, Development Manager, of Sydney Dance Company.
Sydney Dance Company
Berlin - Gendarmenmarkt
ITINERARY
FRIDAY 28 MAY ARRIVE BERLIN
Arrive Berlin and check-in to your hotel in the heart of the Mitte District, Berlin’s historic and cultural centre. This evening, join fellow supporters of the Sydney Dance Company for a welcome cocktail reception. (Meals included – Reception)
SATURDAY 29 MAY BERLIN
Begin your exploration of Berlin with a morning tour of ‘historic Berlin’. From the Brandenburg Gate, drive along the Unter den Linden lined with grand 18th and 19th century monuments and architecture such as the State Opera, Berlin Cathedral and Humboldt University. Stop at the Gendarmenmarkt, the Nikolai Quarter and ‘Museum Island’. Finish with a visit to Charlottenburg Palace. Afternoon at leisure.
This evening, attend a performance of the Berlin Staatsballett at the Berlin State Opera, A Brief History of Time by Tomaz Pandur with choreography by Ronald Savkovic, dramaturgy by Livija Pandur, setting by NUMEN and music by vom Tonträger. (B)
SUNDAY 30 MAY BERLIN
This morning’s tour will focus on ‘modern and contemporary Berlin’. First a drive along the Kurfurstendamm will show you the heart of the former West Berlin during the post-war era. Continue to the Spreebogen area to the north of the Reichstag building which was chosen as the central location for the new federal government buildings, before a visit to the Neue Nationalgalerie, Berlin’s home of 20th century art. Finish with lunch in the Potsdamer Platz area, the new business heart of the city. Afternoon at leisure to further explore Berlin’s plethora of extraordinary museums.
Evening performance at the Komische Oper of Shut Up and Dance! Reloaded! featuring works by young choreographers of the Staatsballett Berlin. (B,L)
MONDAY 31 MAY BERLIN
Enjoy a full free day to further discover Berlin on your own.
Evening concert at the Berlin Philharmonie by the Deutsches Symphonie Orcheste conducted by Ingo Metzmacher with Daniel Hope (violin) and Nobuko Imai (viola). The fascinating programme features two works by Mozart (including the Symphony No. 41 ‘Jupiter’) contrasted with two works by the 20th century French Canadian composer Vivier. (B)
TUESDAY 1 JUNE BERLIN
Journey out of Berlin to the nearby garden city of Potsdam. Here you will visit two quite different palaces: Friedrich the Great’s 18th century rococo masterpiece Sansouci Palace, and the English-inspired, early twentieth-century Cecilienhof, where the Potsdam Treaty was signed in 1945. Visit the Dutch Quarter and see the Russian Colony.
Evening at leisure to discover the extraordinary nightlife of Berlin which ranges from classical to cabaret to the latest contemporary music. (B)
WEDNESDAY 2 JUNE TRANSFER BERLIN / VENICE
Transfer to the airport for a morning flight to Venice. On arrival, transfer by private boat to the Centurion Palace Hotel located on the Grand Canal overlooking San Marco. This brand new hotel artfully blends an historic façade with contemporary Italian style.
This evening at sunset, partake in a Venetian tradition, a gondola ‘promenade’ through the small canals. Finish at San Mark’s Square where you have an after-hours viewing of the magnificent mosaics of San Mark’s Basilica, followed by dinner at a nearby restaurant. (B,D)
THURSDAY 3 JUNE VENICE
This morning enjoy a walking tour of the Rialto district of Venice, famous for its bridge and market. The market is still the most popular shopping area for the residents of Venice. Then, continue to San Giovanni e Paolo, the burial palace of 25 doges, built in 1430 with masterpieces by Bellini, Piazzetta and sculptures of Lombardo. Pass by the Church of the ‘Miracoli’, a masterpiece of Renaissance architecture by Pietro Lombardo and Marco Polo’s house.
Evening transfer by private motor launch to the Malibran Theatre for the Opening of the Venice Biennale Dance, featuring the Sydney Dance Company with Rafael Bonachela's we unfold. Following the performance, join the dancers, the artistic team and other VIPs for a post-performance reception. (B,R)
FRIDAY 4 JUNE VENICE
Enjoy a guided tour of La Fenice, one of the most famous theatres in Europe, the site of many famous operatic premieres. Since its opening in 1792 ‘The Phoenix’ has twice burnt to the ground only to be quickly rebuilt.
Later, attend lunch with the artistic team and dancers of the Sydney Dance Company.
This evening, enjoy a second performance from the Venice Biennale Dance (programme announced early 2010). (B,L)
SATURDAY 5 JUNE VENICE
Full day at leisure to further explore Venice on your own.
This evening, enjoy a second performance by Sydney Dance Company, a Mixed Bill (programme to be confirmed), followed by a special farewell dinner. (B,D)
SUNDAY 6 JUNE DEPART VENICE
Tour arrangements concludes after breakfast. (B)
YOUR HOTELS****+
Berlin – Hotel Gendarm Nouveau
Venice – Centurion Palace
Hotels of a similar standard may be substituted
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