TOUR CODE: OA101014

DEPOSIT: $500 per person

FINAL PAYMENT DUE:
3 September 2010

TOUR PRICES:
Per person, twin-share $2,450
Single supplement $600

Download Tour Brochure

TOUR PRICE INCLUDES:
• 6 nights accommodation including breakfast (B = breakfast)
• Many other meals as per itinerary, including special welcome and farewell dinners (L = lunch, D = dinner)
• Cat. 1 tickets for two performances
• Deluxe air-conditioned transportation and comprehensive sightseeing including entrance fees as per itinerary.
• Interislander ferry and TranzCoastal ticket
• Hotel porterage; tips and gratuities to local guides and drivers.

NOT INCLUDED:
• Flights to/from New Zealand (please contact Renaissance Tours for assistance).
• Drinks with meals (except welcome and farewell dinners)
• Transfers on arrival and departure.
• Items of a personal nature (e.g. drinks, telephone calls, taxis, laundry etc.).
• Travel insurance
.

Opera Across the Tasman

Wellington - Christchurch, NZ

14 - 20 October 2010 (7 days)

Tour Leader: Sharolyn Kimmorley AM

Enjoy a springtime break across the Tasman and discover the thriving opera scene in New Zealand.

Begin in Wellington, the cultural capital of New Zealand, for NBR NZ Opera’s performance of Verdi’s Macbeth with Romanian baritone Michele Kalmandi in the title role, Italian soprano Antonia Cifrone as Lady Macbeth and New Zealand-born bass Jud Arthur as Banquo. This compelling production from Opera North (UK) is brought to the stage by internationally acclaimed director, Tim Albery, and conducted by Guido Ajmone-Marsan

Continue to Christchurch, home of Southern Opera, for Puccini’s Tosca featuring exciting New Zealand soprano Suzanne Prain in the title role, Mexican tenor Rafael Rojas as Cavadorossi and none other than Christchurch-born Teddy Tahu Rhodes in his role debut as Scarpia. This new production is directed by Raymond Hawthorne and conducted by Tecwyn Evans.

NBR NZ Opera, Macbeth (2010)

InterIsland Ferry

ITINERARY

Thu 14 Oct 2010: Arrive Wellington
Arrive Wellington and check-in to the Intercontinental Hotel Wellington.

Tour arrangements begin this evening with a welcome dinner with Sharolyn Kimmorley and fellow opera lovers. (Meals included - D)

Fri 15 Oct: Wellington
Journey out of Wellington for a full-day tour to Wairarapa countryside, renowned for the wineries and olive groves in Martinborough, shopping and dining in Greytown, and art and gardens in Carterton. In the morning visit Richmond Garden in Carterton which is one of only four New Zealand gardens to be given a NZ Garden of International Significance status. Richmond Garden is the result of a vision by John and Melanie Greenwood to create a formal garden, a place to enjoy peace and tranquility. They had both been impressed by the 16th and 17th century gardens in Italy and had observed that their tranquility was achieved through the repetition of planting themes, straight lines, water and symmetry.

Continue to the charming ‘wine village’ of Martinborough for lunch and tastings at several award winning wineries. Return to Wellington in the late afternoon.(B,L)

Sat 16 Oct: Wellington
This morning’s tour will introduce you to the visually stunning city of Wellington, nestled around the harbour and surrounded by rolling hills. The political and cultural capital of New Zealand, Wellington abounds with cafes, restaurants, galleries and a thriving arts scene. See the famous Beehive and Parliament Buildings, Saint Paul's Cathedral, Lady Norwood Rose Gardens and enjoy breathtaking views from the summit of Mount Victoria. Finish with a drive around the rugged and unspoilt Wellington Harbour. Afternoon at leisure – why not take a ride on the historic cable car?

Following a pre-theatre dinner, attend the NBR NZ Opera’s production of Verdi’s Macbeth at St James Theatre. The performance stars Romanian baritone Michele Kalmandi in the title role, Italian soprano Antonia Cifrone as Lady Macbeth and New Zealand-born bass Jud Arthur as Banquo. This compelling production from Opera North (UK) is brought to the stage by internationally acclaimed director, Tim Albery. The Wellington Vector Orchestra is conducted by Guido Ajmone-Marsan. (B, D)

The NBR New Zealand Opera
The NBR New Zealand Opera is the country’s largest professional opera company. The company was formed in 2000 when the Wellington City Opera (1892-1999) and Auckland Opera (1970-2000) companies decided to merge into one organization. The company produces three fully staged operas each year during an annual season.

The NBR New Zealand Opera’s repertoire has included productions of popular operas such as La Bohème, Turandot and La Traviata as well as works such as Lucia di Lammermoor, Boris Godunov and Jenůfa. The scale and style of its productions has spanned a wide range from comedies like Don Pasquale to epic spectacles like Aida. Partnerships with other arts organisations are a feature of the seasons: NZO works regularly with the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra and the Vector Wellington Orchestra.

Part of the company’s mission is to foster talent and this is achieved through The NBR New Zealand Opera Internships, comprising the PwC Dame Malvina Major Young and Emerging Artists and The NBR New Zealand Opera Resident Artists.

For further information, visit www.nzopera.com.

Sun 17 Oct: Wellington – Christchurch
Today enjoy a unique scenic experience which combines the Interislander ferry crossing between Wellington and Picton and the TranzCoastal train between Picton and Christchurch. After sailing out of the picturesque harbour of Wellington, cross Cook Strait before entering the magnificent Marlborough Sounds. Described by Wine Spectator as "one of the most beautiful ferry rides in the world" the 92 km, three hour journey between Wellington and Picton is one of New Zealand's most iconic tourist experiences, and one of the most spectacular cruises in the world.

On arrival in Picton you will have time to experience this charming small town before boarding the TranzCoastal train to Christchurch. This journey is a scenic feast of New Zealand, with the Kaikoura mountain ranges on one side of your train and the rugged Pacific Ocean coastline on the other. On arrival in Christchurch, transfer to your hotel for dinner and overnight. (B,D)

Mon 18 Oct: Christchurch
Journey out of Christchurch for a full day tour to Akaroa, colonized by the French after the English declared sovereignty over New Zealand in 1840. Nestled in the heart of an ancient volcano, Akaroa retains its French influence everywhere.

On arrival, board a 60 feet catamaran for a morning cruise of Akaroa Harbour. During the two-hour cruise you will encounter wildlife plus the many sea caves and volcanic cliffs. Also stop at Lucas Bay to visit a salmon farm. The highlight of the trip is undoubtedly the sighting of one of the world's smallest and rarest dolphins, the Hector Dolphin also known as the New Zealand Dolphin.

After the cruise, there will be free time for lunch on your own and to explore Akaroa with its colonial architecture, galleries, craft stores, and cafés. On the return drive, visit Otahuna Lodge, built in 1895 for Sir Heaton Rhodes, a high-profile pioneer of Canterbury, and his wife Jessie. Otahuna Lodge is a grand Queen Anne-style homestead set in spectacular 110-year old gardens laid out by A. E. Lowe who trained at Kew Gardens, London. Following a tour of the gardens, enjoy afternoon tea at the homestead, today an exclusive country estate offering luxury accommodation for just 10 guests. (B, Morning and afternoon teas)

Tue 19 Oct: Christchurch
Join your local guide for a morning introduction to Christchurch, the South Island's largest city. Named after Christ Church, a college at the University of Oxford, Christchurch has been recognised as ‘the Garden City’ since 1993, thanks to its many beautiful public parks and private gardens. Part of Hagley Park, the Christchurch Botanic Gardens alongside the Avon River contain the finest collection of exotic and indigenous plants to be found anywhere in New Zealand. See also the Christchurch Cathedral, an outstanding example of Gothic Revival architecture, the beautiful Neo-Gothic Arts Centre and scenic Lyttelton Harbour.

Afternoon at leisure to visit the International Antarctic Center, see native kiwis at the Willowbank Wildlife Reserve, take a ride on a historic Christchurch tram, ride the Christchurch Gondola or take a leisurely journey down the Avon River in a punt.
Evening performance (6.30 pm) of Puccini’s Tosca by Southern Opera, featuring exciting New Zealand soprano Suzanne Prain in the title role, Mexican tenor Rafael Rojas as Cavadorossi and Teddy Tahu Rhodes in his role debut as Scarpia. This new production is directed by Raymond Hawthorne and conducted by Tecwyn Evans.

Following the performance, celebrate the conclusion of the tour with a special farewell dinner. (B,D)

Southern Opera
Southern Opera was founded in early 2007, just months after its predecessor, Canterbury Opera went into liquidation following a 20-year history. With Canterbury audiences used to twice-yearly seasons of opera, it was inevitable that Southern Opera had to be born.

The need to provide the local opera audience with regular access and enjoyment of the art and the desire to provide work for the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra, South Island singers, local arts practitioners including set builders, repetiteurs, designers and directors, were all driving factors in the decision to establish a new opera company.

Southern Opera is committed to presenting a world-class mainstream opera production once a year. In 2009 this was Mozart’s The Magic Flute which enjoyed a six-performance season in September / October in Christchurch.
In addition, the company will present one smaller work each year. In May of 2010 this will be Verdi's Aida which will be performed in Christchurch on one night only as a full concert
presentation.

For further information, visit www.southernopera.co.nz.

Wed 20 Oct: Depart Christchurch
Tour arrangements conclude after breakfast.

YOUR HOTELS*****
Wellington – Inter.Continental
Christchurch – Heritage Hotel

TOUR LEADER

Sharolyn Kimmorley AM

After studying at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music, Sharolyn Kimmorley joined the Music Staff of The Australian Opera in 1975. In 1985 she became Principal Repetiteur for The Australian Opera and in 1987 was appointed Head of Music Staff. From 1994 to 1999 she was the company's Artistic Administrator, following which she was Opera Australia's Director of Music Administration until June 2003.

Sharolyn Kimmorley is regarded as one of Australia’s finest vocal coaches and accompanists. She regularly accompanies the major singing competitions and in 1983 was invited by Tito Gobbi to be the accompanist for the Concorso Internazionale per Cantanti at Bassano del Grappa and coach for the Studio dell’opera Italiana at Asolo. In 2001 she was a jury member for the first China (Guangdong) International Singing Competition

Sharolyn has been guest vocal coach at the Australian National University, Australian Opera Studio, West Australian Opera, Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts, Auckland University, Southern Opera (Christchurch), London’s Guildhall School of Music and The Cardiff International Vocal Academy.

In January 2009 Sharolyn became a member of the Order of Australia in recognition of her service to the performing arts as an operatic accompanist, through the tuition and mentoring of young and emerging artists, and to the community.

In 2010, Sharolyn will perform Winterreise with American bass-baritone Ryan McKinny for the Sydney Festival and will appear in recital with Barbara Bonney, Yvonne Kenny, Teddy Tahu Rhodes and David Hobson.

Teddy Tahu Rhodes