A Festival of Opera and Music on the Orion

27 February – 07 March 2011 (8 nights)

Auckland – Bay of Islands – Tauranga – Picton – Marlborough Sounds – Napier – White Island – Auckland

If you love cruising, opera and music – mark these dates in your diary!

Following our hugely successful 2008 and 2009 festivals, we have once again chartered the Orion, for 8 glorious days and nights exploring the east coast of New Zealand, from the Bay of Islands to Picton and Marlborough Sounds, visiting Tauranga (gateway to Rotorua), Napier and White Island.

To perform both onboard and ashore we have lined up a stellar array of artists including acclaimed lyric soprano Barbara Bonney, rising New Zealand star Anna Leese, the New Zealand String Quartet and Australia’s much-loved David Hobson. Sharolyn Kimmorley, Musical Director, will accompany the opera recitals and Guy Noble, Musical Host, will introduce the concerts and host our popular ‘Meet the Musician’ sessions.

There is no finer setting for this event than the Orion, a purpose built luxury expedition vessel, combining the best and latest in design with maritime and environmental technology, comfort and casual elegance. From the ice-strengthened hull to the chilled champagne and superb cuisine, this is expedition cruising at its finest.

Orion at Sunset