ITINERARY

DAY 1 | Wednesday 13 November 2024

1ST OF 3 NIGHTS AT INTERCONTINENTAL SYDNEY

ARRIVE SYDNEY & SYDNEY THEATRE COMPANY PERFORMANCE:

Guests arrive at the luxury 5-star InterContinental Sydney, set within the beautifully restored Treasury Building of 1851. It is conveniently positioned in the heart of Circular Quay and has panoramic views of the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge. Check-in is at 3:00pm and we recommend arriving at this time.

In the early evening we gather for a welcome drinks and canapés reception to meet our fellow guests and our Tour Leader, the distinguished tenor Andrew Goodwin. Andrew starred as Mime in the Sydney Symphony Orchestra’s concert production of Wagner’s Das Rheingold in 2023 under the baton of Simone Young, and will give us a unique insight into performing Wagner on the stage of the Sydney Opera House in our talk with him on Friday morning.

After getting to know our fellow guests and Tour Leader, we depart for the short, picturesque walk to the iconic Sydney Opera House for the first of our performances. This evening, in the Drama Theatre, we enjoy the Sydney Theatre Company’s production of Sunday.

After a sellout, rave-reviewed season in Melbourne, this lush, romantic, and transporting portrait of an Australian icon - the irrepressible Sunday Reed - is having its Sydney premiere. Described as a ‘brilliantly realised ode to some of the most important figures in modern Australian art’ (Limelight), Sunday is an instant classic.

THEATRE PERFORMANCE – SYDNEY OPERA HOUSE DRAMA THEATRE, 7:30pm
Anthony Weigh Sunday

Sarah Goodes director
Anna Cordingley set designer
Harriet Oxley costume designer
Paul Jackson lighting designer
Jethro Woodward composer & sound designer
With Matt Day, Ratidzo Mambo, Josh McConville, Nikki Shiels

Please note: This production contains strong language, sexual references, nudity, dynamic sound, herbal cigarettes and theatrical haze.

Following the performance, we make our way back to the InterContinental Sydney for a restful night ahead of tomorrow’s activities or to enjoy a nightcap on the hotel’s rooftop Aster Bar.

DAY 2 | Thursday 14 November 2024

2ND OF 3 NIGHTS AT INTERCONTINENTAL SYDNEY

EXPLORING THE ROCKS, LUNCH & A PRIVATE RECITAL:

This morning, following a delicious breakfast at our 5-star hotel, we stroll over to The Rocks (Tallawoladah) for a relaxed private guided walking tour. The Rocks holds a unique place in Sydney’s colonial history as the birthplace of European Australia. On our guided tour, we will hear the legends and history of Sydney as we stroll the shoreline of the sparkling Sydney Harbour and wander down hidden alleyways, shady courtyards, and cobbled lanes.

Following our walking tour, we gather at one of Sydney’s finest new dining establishments for a delicious 3-course lunch overlooking the sparkling waters of Sydney Harbour and the Sydney Opera House.

Following our lunch together, we return to our hotel to rest ahead of this evening’s exclusive recital. Alternatively, rather than returning to the hotel, you might like to visit the nearby Museum of Contemporary Art, which we will pass on our way back. The Museum of Contemporary Art, with its perfect location overlooking Circular Quay is the most visited contemporary art museum in the world and houses a great free permanent collection and a constantly changing series of visiting exhibitions.

This evening, we have the unforgettable opportunity of hearing renowned Australian mezzo-soprano Deborah Humble (who stars as Waltraute in tomorrow evening’s performance) perform Wagner’s set of five songs, the Wesendonck Lieder, accompanied by the legendary vocal coach and accompanist, Sharolyn Kimmorley.

PRIVATE RECITAL
Johannes Brahms Zigeunerlieder
Richard Wagner Wesendonck Lieder

Deborah Humble mezzo-soprano
Sharolyn Kimmorley piano

Mathilde Wesendonck, wife of Wagner’s patron Otto Wesendonck, and with whom the composer was in love, wrote five poems which the composer then set to music in 1857, known as the Wesendonck Lieder. It has been reported that Wagner stated ‘I have done nothing better than these songs.’ For many years, the composer had yearned for true love, and in a letter to Liszt in December of 1854 he wrote: ‘Since I have never enjoyed in life the real happiness of love, I will erect to this most beautiful of all dreams a memorial in which, from beginning to end, this love shall for once drink its fill.’

Following our recital, we enjoy a Q&A with Deborah Humble, hosted by our Tour Leader Andrew Goodwin, followed by an informal drinks reception with our artists, before strolling back to our hotel. The rest of our evening is free.

DAY 3 | FRIDAY 15 November 2024

3RD OF 3 NIGHTS AT INTERCONTINENTAL SYDNEY

MORNING TALK, LUNCH AND DIE WALKÜRE:

This morning begins with an insightful talk on the opera we will hear this evening, Wagner’s Die Walküre, from our Tour Leader Andrew Goodwin.

Following our morning presentation, we make our way to another of Sydney’s fine-dining destinations for a delicious group lunch ahead of this evening’s performance. Cafe Sydney, on the top floor of Sydney’s historic Customs House, has built its reputation as one of the city’s premiere dining destinations over its 22-year history and offers diners spectacular views over Circular Quay and the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

Following lunch, time is allowed to rest ahead of this evening’s concert.

After our siesta, we return to the Sydney Opera House for one last performance, a concert performance of Richard Wagner’s Die Walküre, the second opera in his Ring Cycle, performed by the Sydney Symphony Orchestra and an all-star cast under the baton of Simone Young.

A high point of artistic invention, Wagner’s Ring Cycle is one of the greatest works of music. Its drama and energy are captured by its signature moment The Ride of the Valkyries, which has become the most quoted musical passage from the entire world of opera. It is surrounded by writing of ravishing beauty and intensity which captures Brünnhilde’s bold defiance, Wotan’s shuddering wrath and Siegmund’s heroism.

CONCERT PERFORMANCE – SYDNEY OPERA HOUSE CONCERT HALL, 6:00pm
Richard Wagner Die Walküre

Simone Young conductor
Anja Kampe Brünnhilde
Tommi Hakala Wotan
Vida Miknevičiūtė Sieglinde
Stuart Skelton Siegmund
Peter Rose Hunding
Michaela Schuster Fricka
Helena Dix Helmwige
Madeleine Pierard Gerhilde
Natalie Aroyan Ortlinde
Deborah Humble Waltraute
Margaret Plummer Siegrune
Kristin Darragh Grimgerde
Sian Sharp Rossweisse
Liane Keegan Schwertleite
Sydney Symphony Orchestra

Following the conclusion of this epic operatic drama, we stroll back to our hotel, taking in the sights of Sydney’s bustling Circular Quay on this summer’s evening.

DAY 4 | SATURDAY 16 November 2024

TOUR ENDS

Following our final breakfast at the hotel, the tour concludes.

INCLUSIONS

13–16 November 2024 (4 DAYS)

AUD$4,050 PER PERSON TWIN SHARE

Single supplement: AUD$670
Deposit payment 1: Deposit AUD$1,500 per person (due at time of booking)
Deposit payment 2: Deposit AUD$1,500 per person (due on 13 July 2024)
Final payment due: 10 September 2024

INCLUSIONS:

• Performances: Premium seats to a performance of Sunday by the Sydney Theatre Company at the Sydney Opera House Drama Theatre, and to the Sydney Symphony Orchestra’s concert performance of Die Walküre at the Sydney Opera House’s Concert Hall. Attendance at an exclusive private recital.

• Tour Leader and Talks: Tour Leadership and an exclusive private talk by Andrew Goodwin.

• Tour Manager: An experienced Tour Manager to accompany the group throughout the tour.

• Hotels: Three nights' accommodation at the centrally located 5-star InterContinental Sydney, in an Eastern Harbour View King Room. Porterage of one piece of luggage at the hotel.

• Travel: Short journeys throughout the tour will be on foot.

• Meals/Drinks: Breakfast each morning at the hotel. Two lunches with wine, water and tea/coffee, one welcome drinks reception with canapés and a drinks reception following the private recital.

• Entry Fees and Guided Tours: Entrance fees for museums, art galleries etc. as stated in your itinerary. Expert local guides at some sites.

• Tips: Tips for drivers, local guides and meals included in your itinerary.

• Information Pack: Comprehensive pre-tour information pack.

EXCLUSIONS:

• International/Domestic Travel: Hayllar Music Tours can provide you with a quote. Phone 02 9669 9181 / +61 2 9669 9181 (Australia / International) or email contact@hayllarmusictours.com

• Airport Transfers: Transfers to/from airports and hotels at the beginning and end of the tour. These can be arranged at an additional cost.

• Travel Insurance: Please note that travel insurance is recommended for tours within Australia. Hayllar Music Tours can organise your travel insurance for you. Please contact them at phone 02 9669 9181 / +61 2 9669 9181 (Australia / International) or email contact@hayllarmusictours.com

• Meals: Lunches and dinners not nominated in your itinerary.

• Personal Expenses: Personal expenses such as laundry, phone calls and mini-bar.

• Activities in Free Time: Costs associated with any activities suggested for you in your free time.

SMALL GROUP SIZE

The tour will operate with 8 people. The maximum number on the tour will be 20 people.

FITNESS LEVEL REQUIRED - LEVEL 1

All members of the group must feel comfortable walking for 1–2 hours, standing for long periods of time in museums, art galleries etc. and embarking/disembarking coaches.

BOOKING TERMS & CONDITIONS

Please note that booking terms and conditions apply. Click here for the booking terms and conditions.

Die Walküre in Concert in Sydney

sold out | waitlist only

This tour is now sold out. To register your place on the waitlist, please fill out the form below, or contact us on 02 9669 9181 / +61 2 9669 9181 (Australia / International) or contact@hayllarmusictours.com