LOS ANGELES HOLIDAY
Thursday, November 19th through Sunday, November 22nd
After a several-year hiatus, our late-fall return to Los Angeles is highlighted by a pair of not-to-be-missed performances by the Los Angeles Opera and an orchestral concert by the Los Angeles Philharmonic. The operas will be Bellini’s finest work for the stage, his ‘bel canto’ tragedy Norma – starring the same combination of Angela Meade and Jamie Barton which caused a sensation at the MET’s recent revival – and Jake Heggie’s acclaimed operatic version of Moby Dick which has captured audiences in Dallas, San Diego, Washington and San Francisco. Heldentenor Jay Hunter Morris will reprise his commanding portrayal of Melville’s Captain Ahab. We are also gratified that both of our operas will be conducted by Music Director James Conlon, who has inspired the orchestra on many of our previous visits to the city’s downtown Music Center.
Our third performance will be an orchestral concert by the Los Angeles Philharmonic. The guest conductor will be Lionel Bringuier who has announced a program of works by Debussy, Mozart and Esa-Pekka Salonen, featuring Yuja Wang as the piano soloist for Mozart’s Concerto No. 9 and the Los Angeles Master Chorale in a U.S. premiere of Salonen’s Karawane. The electric young Venezuelan Music Director Gustavo Dudamel has achieved cult status with the range of his musical activities in his native country and his guest appearances throughout the world. Los Angeles remains at the top of everyone’s wish list following the 2003 opening of Walt Disney Concert Hall. This latest architectural gem designed by Frank Gehry has added immeasurably to the cultural prestige of the city.
Art aficionados will be anxious to return to the Getty Villa overlooking the Pacific Ocean in Malibu. Our morning appointment will introduce you to this extraordinary collection of the J. Paul Getty Museum’s Greek, Roman and Etruscan antiquities.
For our four-night holiday, our accommodations are again at the luxurious Beverly Wilshire Hotel in Beverly Hills. We have chosen this famous hotel because of its ideal location adjacent to Rodeo Drive, a unique concentration of stylish designer shops and fine restaurants. There will be ample free time for you to relax at the hotel and to explore the nearby boutiques. The Beverly Wilshire offers a wide range of spa facilities and a selection of dining facilities including Wolfgang Puck’s gourmet Cut, with décor by Richard Meier; the Boulevard overlooking the intersection of Wilshire Boulevard and Rodeo Drive; and the informal Pool Bar & Café and Sidebar Lounge. The rooms are lavishly appointed and feature unusually comprehensive amenities. Despite the premium price for the Beverly Wilshire services, we are confident that you will appreciate the opportunity of staying in this renowned L.A. property.
Price Per Person (based on Double Occupancy): $2,975
Price Per Person (based on Single Occupancy): $3,665