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May 12, 2010
Day 1: Group flight departs north America for Warsaw, Poland today
Day 2: Arrive in Poland
 Dzien dobry! (Good day!) Your musical journey through central Europe begins appropriately as you land at Frederic Chopin International Airport in Warsaw, Poland. You’ll be met and transferred to your centrally located hotel. Depending upon flight times, you’ll enjoy a casual introductory walking tour of the old city center before meeting your All Classical host Andrea Murray and Jack Allen for an orientation and welcome dinner. Sleep in Warsaw
Day 3: Discover Warsaw
Warsaw is a fascinating city steeped in history, culture and of course, memories of Chopin. In order to get an overall impression of Poland’s bustling capital city, we’ll start by indulging ourselves in a morning tour which will highlight the city’s most famous landmarks. See the Royal Route with its aristocratic residences, historic churches and famous statues. In addition, we’ll visit the Ghetto Memorial, the Monument of the Warsaw Uprising, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, the Grand Theatre, Chopin's monument, the Belvedere Palace and the Old Town.
After a delicious lunch we are off to the Chopin Parlor. The parlor was part of the apartment where Chopin spent some years before leaving Poland. Today, it contains furniture and instruments from the period in which he resided there. A 19th century Buchholtz piano is one of the exhibits. The exhibition is complemented by portraits including those of Frederic Chopin’s parents and their children as well as graphics depicting Warsaw in the early 19thC. Sleep in Warsaw
 Day 4: In Pursuit of Chopin
Frederic Chopin is undoubtedly the best known resident of Warsaw. He spent the first 20 years of his life in the city. Here he studied music, learned the manners of proper society and gave his first concerts. All the Warsaw papers wrote about the child prodigy. Walking the streets of Warsaw you will pass many buildings where he lived, loved and worked.
Our journey back in time begins as we make our way to the Ostrogski Castle which today houses both the Frederic Chopin Museum and the Chopin Society. The museum contains the world’s largest collection of Chopin memorabilia. It comprises various souvenirs, indirectly or directly connected with Chopin or his work as a composer. The manuscripts, commemorative prints, portraits, posters, books, magazines, notes and a recording library (analogue and digital disc and tapes) and visuals library (negatives, positives, microfilms) come from domestic and foreign purchases, gifts and donations.
Next we visit The Fryderyk Chopin University of Music which is among the oldest and largest schools of music in Europe. Between the years 1826 and 1829 Frederic Chopin studied at the Main School of Music. In the afternoon we depart for Zelazowa Wola - a village situated 30 miles west of Warsaw—the birth place, in 1810 of Chopin. His house, once a thatched cottage, nowadays resembles a romantic manor surrounded by a picturesque park full of a wide variety of plants. In 1931 Chopin's house became the Chopin Birthplace Museum, complete with a rich collection of memorabilia associated with the great composer. Tonight you’ll celebrate the genius of Chopin by attending a classical concert (TBA). Sleep in Warsaw
 Day 5: Poland’s Cultural Capital; Krakow
A true survivor of war, Krakow is a colossus of art and architecture and is Poland’s best-preserved city. And, because the Kings of Poland resided here the city became the cultural and scientific center of the entire territory. Naturally, Krakow also became the center of Jewish life and through the centuries Krakow’s Jewish population thrived. Tonight, we’ve planned an evening of traditional Jewish music and a festive kosher feast in the heart of Krakow’s Jewish quarter, where we attend an entertaining Klezmer concert. Sleep in Krakow
ABOUT KLEZMER MUSIC
Vibrant and soulful, Klezmer is the traditional instrumental music of the Eastern European Jews. Emerging in post-medieval Eastern Europe, professional folk musicians, the Klezmorim, played at Jewish and gentile celebrations, the courts of the Hassidic rebbes(religious leaders) and for the non-Jewish aristocracy. With roots in the vocal music of the synagogue,the Klezmorim adopted techniques from other European dance and folk music and incorporated melodic ideas from Greco-Turkish popular music.The music formed part of the Yiddish culture, captured on record, in film, performed in music halls and still played at Jewish celebrations up to the fifties. Nearly lost, the music was rediscovered in the seventies and is now thriving in Europe and America.
Day 6: Imperial Krakow
This morning we will join an engaging local guide for a walk back through time. We’ll visit Central Europe’s largest medieval market place at Rynek Glowny and continue to Wawel Castle where generations of Polish kings were crowned and buried.The afternoon is yours to further explore this breathtaking city at your own pace. Sleep in Krakow
 Day 7: Historic district of Kazimierz, Krakow
Krakow itself had been a hub of Jewish civilization in Europe for several centuries, a situation that had been aided by the tolerant mindset of Poland's Renaissance elite. The relationship between Poles and Jews was not however, always harmonious, but the greatest storm was brought by outside invaders in 1939. The historic district of Kazimierz had been the heart of Jewish Krakow until the war. Few Jewish families survived the conflict however and the trickle of families that returned in 1945 was too small to be called a community. For several decades, crumbling graveyards, synagogues and houses were the only palpable remains of six centuries of Jewish history in Krakow - Kazimierz was a realm of ghosts. When democratic changes came to Poland in 1989, much of Krakow was falling apart. Kazimierz, the heart of the old Jewish city, was in especially bad shape. In recent years, the district has seen a revival with artists and musicians opening up shops in once abandoned buildings. After lunch the afternoon is free to further explore the medieval quarter of Krakow or take an optional trip south and explore Poland’s famous salt mines. This evening you may wish to attend an optional concert. Sleep in Krakow
MOZART IN OLOMOUC
Hauenschild Renaissance Palace was built in 16th century and is richly decorated. It was here that Salzburg bandmaster Leopold Mozart and his family were accommodated during their stay in Olomouc in the year 1767. The 11-year-old Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart composed his 6th symphony in F-major in this very building.
 Day 8: West to Moravia, Czech Rep.
This morning we make a pilgrimage to the infamous concentration camp of Auschwitz in order to fully understand the origins of the suffering at the hands of the Nazis. After our tour we drive due east to the province of Moravia, Czech Republic. The wine-loving Moravians considered themselves somewhat separate from their beer-producing brothers in Bohemia. In the earlier part of this decade they even called upon the newly created Czech State to change its name to Czech-Moravia. Our destination, Olomouc, is rich in history, architectural beauty, and is a prominent university town. It also contains several large and richly decorated squares, the chief of which is adorned with a Holy Trinity Column which stands 115ft high and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Olomouc is also famous for its collection of colorful mosaics, the most unusual being the glockenspiel which is strangely decorated with 1950 style communist motifs and figures. Before dinner, we’ll enjoy an historic walking tour, then dine on Moravian delicacies and sample some of her many wines. Sleep in Olomouc, Moravia – Czech Republic
Day 9: In Pursuit of Dvorak and Smetana: West to Prague
After breakfast, we make our way north towards the soaring spires of Prague. We stop to explore the beautiful Vysehrad Cemetery which is more than just a normal, quiet cemetery. It is the final resting place of the most honored Czech composers, artists, sculptors, writers, scientists and politicians. It is here that you will find the graves of Smetana, Dvorák and the 19th century Moravian-Czech artist, Mucha.
We are now only minutes from one of Europe’s most beautiful cities. Prague is the birthplace of Franz Kafka and the city Mozart loved best. It’s also the home of the Prague International Music Competition which you will be attending. Being that this is our first evening in Prague, let’s enjoy a Bohemian feast together. Sleep in Prague
 Day 10: Prague’s Historic Heart
From its mythological inception to the present, benefactors have placed Prague on the cusp of the divine. King of Bohemia and Holy Roman Emperor Karl IV refashioned Prague into a city of soaring cathedrals and lavish palaces. Our historic walking tour of Prague will start at its medieval center, the Old Town Square. We’ll cover some of Prague’s most interesting sights including the Estates Opera house where Mozart himself conducted the Marriage of Figaro in 1787. Our tour will continue to Prague’s stirring medieval Jewish quarter. We’ll take time to savor this culturally rich neighborhood and stop by the Old Synagogue, which has been a place of worship for over 700 years. Upon final victory, Hitler bizarrely envisioned that he would turn this neighborhood into a museum for an extinct Jewish race. After an orientation given by your guides, the afternoon is yours to further explore Prague. Tonight enjoy your third included concert. Sleep in Prague
Day 11: Prague’s Castle District
We start the day with a stroll to Prague’s most famous landmark, Charles Bridge, after which we’ll visit the historic castle district. After, enjoy a farewell lunch with your KBPS host Jack Allen. Then, the afternoon is yours to further explore this city’s charming streets. Perhaps you’ll want to take in a Bohemian market, a world class museum or simply wander the wondrously preserved historic old town. This evening we meet for our final concert (TBA). Sleep in Prague
Day 12: Journey concludes after breakfast
Post-tour extension to Dresden- Berlin and Leipzig begins this morning.
Return home with a life time of memories or make your way to the exciting capital of Berlin!
POST TOUR: DRESDEN-LEIPZIG-BERLIN
May 23-26
4 Days/ 3 Nights
$1075.00 Per Person Double Occupancy (based on 10+ passengers)
Single supplement: $395.00
IT'S INCLUDED!
- Transportation to Dresden and Berlin by intercity express train. Note: Groups of ten or more may travel to Dresden by private motor coach.
- All breakfasts, one lunch and two dinners.
- A classical concert (TBA).
- Three nights accommodation.
- City walking tours of Berlin, Dresden and Leipzig.
 Day 12: Prague to historic Dresden
Today we travel through Bohemia and make our way north to a city which is known as the “the Florence of the north.” Our journey will take us along the banks of the beautiful Elbe River and past quaint villages and medieval castles. Our home for the next two nights is Dresden. The city was for many years the capital of Saxony and lay at an important trade route. And, it was here that musical giants such as Haendel, Bach and Wagner lived and worked. After checking into our hotel, we’ll set out to explore the historic core of this once cultural capital. Art lovers won’t want to miss out on seeing one or both of Europe’s premier museums: The Albertinum and Zwinger. And, if available, music lovers will want to attend an opera at the Semper Opera House! Sleep in Dresden
Day 13: In Pursuit of the Saxon Masters: Bach, Wagner, Mendelssohn and Schumann
Leipzig is a Mecca for classical music lovers. Johann Sebastian Bach spent 27 of his most productive years here. Robert Schumann attended the historic university in Leipzig, and the great Richard Wagner was born here. Our outing will include visits to the cities most important historic sites and of course, the Bach museum. There are exhibitions of parts of manuscripts and first editions here and of course you can also hear Bach's greatest works. If our schedule permits, we’ll attend a performance by the Gewandhaus Orchestra. The orchestra can look back with pride on its more than 250-year history. Sixteen Leipzig merchants founded and financed a concert society which has since made musical history and become one of the world's most renowned orchestras. Felix Mendelssohn is among the most distinguished Gewandhaus Music Directors. Sleep in Dresden
Day 14: Berlin, Germany’s Capital City
Berlin is an immense metropolis and a meeting point for European culture as exemplified by the astounding collections of the Pergamon and Bode museums, many excellent concert halls, opera houses and bustling cafes.
Included today is a fascinating afternoon walking tour that focuses on Berlin’s promising future, notorious Nazi sights and the imperial past. Specifically today, you will visit the poignant museum of Check-Point Charlie, the Berlin Wall, the newly re-opened Reichstag, Unter den Linden and the Brandenburg Gate. Past tour members have called their day in Berlin a highlight. Sleep in Berlin
Day 15: Post-tour extension over after breakfast
For those staying on, your guide will be available for a post-tour consultation. Some may wish to stay on another day and visit Potsdam. Gute Reise!
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Meet your hostS AND GUIDE
Jack Allen
Jack is the President & CEO of All Classical Public Media in Portland, Oregon. A self-proclaimed raconteur and radio guy, Jack got his start in radio, a second career, in 1992 at WMRA in his hometown Harrisonburg, Virginia. His first career was displaying art in an upstate N.Y. gallery. The second career involves pushing art through speakers. The broadcasting ethers have carried him through stints at Minnesota Public Radio in St. Paul and KMFA in Austin. When not 'making radio' Jack can be found contributing to the national radio blog Scanning the Dial, traveling (he is pictured here with students at the Langa Community Center in Cape Town, South Africa.) reading historical novels, playing chess, biking slowly with fragile knees, or tromping around the Mt. Tabor neighborhood in Portland with his 5 year-old boxer Maximus.
Andrea Murray 
On-Air Host, Community Relations Coordinator & NW Previews Producer: Andrea Murray, All Classical on-air host, community relations coordinator and Northwest Previews producer, has been producing and hosting public radio programming for over 15 years. She began working in radio as host of a community radio public affairs program, and the announced classical music in St. Louis. She also worked in the newsroom, where she specialized in cultural reporting. Prior to joining the All Classical staff, she spent 6 years as the arts reporter for WETA in Washington, where she produced and hosted a cultural magazine called The Program , and substituted for regular classical music hosts. She’s also done freelance work for several NPR magazine programs, including Morning Edition, All Things Considered and Studio 360.
 MEET YOUR GUIDE GABRIEL FAWCETT
Gabriel Fawcett spent two years working for BBC Radio News before leaving London to live and work in Berlin, Germany, where he put his history degree and obsession for the subject to good use by specialising as a guide around this city's unique sights. He is engrossed in Central Europe's sometimes tragic, sometimes inspiring past as well as its promising future. He loves nothing better than travelling in this part of the world and gleaning new material for his historical sense of humour. We suspect that he also enjoys guiding Earthbound tours to escape from his own cooking. Gabriel has guided over a hundred trips two of which were for All Classical.
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Join All Classical FM President Jack Allen, host Andrea Murray and fellow northwest music lovers in May of 2010 and celebrate Frederic Chopin’s 200th birthday in Poland! On this eleven day pursuit you’ll walk in Chopin’s footsteps and relive his extraordinary life. Visit the very places where Frederic loved, lived and worked: the family home where Frederic was born, the village church where he was baptized and The Frederic Chopin University of Music in Warsaw. Discover Poland’s stunning cultural capital, Krakow. Visit the cathedral where the kings of this ancient land are buried, stroll the campus of the University of Copernicus and enjoy one of Europe’s largest medieval squares. Our musical quest culminates in the Czech Republic where we’ll relive the lives and times of Smetana, Mozart and Dvorak and attend the legendary Prague Spring International Music Competition. Space is limited. Don’t miss out on this extraordinary musical adventure!
Length: 12 Days/11 Nights (land and air)
