Napa Valley Youth Symphony 2012
Central European Tour
The Napa Valley Youth Symphony is pleased to announce that in June of 2012, the orchestra will be embarking on a tour of Central Europe with stops in Salzburg, Vienna, and Prague. The birthplace of some of the most important composers and compositions in Classical Music, these cities have a wealth of history; the Napa Valley Youth Symphony will be performing in some of the same locations where many other famous orchestras and musicians have performed. Students will also be touring important historical locations, including Mozart's birthplace, the Vienna Opera House, the castle district of Prague, and other significant locations.
In addition, the Youth Symphony hopes to establish collaborations and partnerships with local ensembles, including the Lower Austria Youth Symphony and the Prague Philharmonia.
If you are a family or student going on tour, please visit this page for tour forms and additional information.
DAY 1: Tuesday June 19 IN FLIGHT
The NVYS departs for a 10-day performance tour of Europe! Dinner and breakfast will be served onboard our flight.
DAY 2: Wednesday June 20 SALZBURG
We meet our tour manager upon arrival in Munich and transfer to the hotel in Salzburg, Austria. Located in the Salzach River Valley, Salzburg is one of the most picturesque of all European cities – indeed, it is all of Europe in concentrated form with a castle, cathedral, squares, gardens, spires and rivers. During the Holy Empire, it was called the northern Rome, due to the importance of the Prince Archbishops and the Baroque. The city’s reputation is based on a living musical tradition being the city of Mozart. Its beauty and vibrant musical life have made it one of Europe’s foremost cultural cities. We have dinner together in a restaurant this evening before turning in for a good night’s sleep!
DAY 3: Thursday June 21 SALZBURG
In the morning, we'll go on a half day walking tour through the historical town to see the Mozartplatz, the cathedral, Pegasus Fountain, and Mirabell Gardens. We'll also visit Mozart’s Birthplace before taking the funicular up to the fortress that dominates the city. In the afternoon, we will transfer to the venue for our rehearsal. This evening, perform your first concert in Salzburg. Dinner will be in a local restaurant this evening.
DAY 4: Friday June 22 VIENNA
After breakfast, we check out of the hotel and journey east to the Austrian capital of Vienna, the historical center of the musical world and a must-visit for any musician. En route, we stop in the town of Melk to visit the wonderful Abbey. On arrival, we check in to the hotel and enjoy dinner.
DAY 5: Saturday June 23 VIENNA
Vienna is the historical center of the musical world and a must-visit for any musician! Also, being a UNESCO heritage city, Vienna’s historic centre is rich in architectural wonders from the great Stephansdom and Baroque castles to the 19th century Ringstrasse lined with grand buildings, monuments and parks. Our morning guided tour will include the highlights of the city including the Stephansdom, Vienna Opera and Hofburg Palace. Enjoy lunch our own as we explore at our leisure. This evening, we enjoy a special Heurigen dinner!
DAY 6: Sunday June 24 VIENNA
This morning, we will visit Eisenstadt, home of Joseph Haydn to enjoy a guided tour through the Esterházy Palace including the 17th century “Haydnsaal” with its wonderful acoustics. Today, we will give our next concert performance. Dinner will be in a restaurant.
DAY 7: Monday June 25 PRAGUE
This morning, we depart for the Czech capital. On arrival, check in to our comfortable hotel and start exploring with our tour manager.
DAY 8: Tuesday June 26 PRAGUE
After breakfast, we will have a guided walking tour of historic Prague to see the major highlights of this beautiful city including entrance to Castle district, Old Royal Palace, St. George's Basilica and Golden Lane. We enjoy an afternoon at leisure and prepare for our final concert. Perform our final concert today. Dinner will be in a local restaurant.
DAY 9: Wednesday June 27 PRAGUE
Enjoy a full day exploring at our leisure today. Possible excursions: Terezin Concentration Camp, Karlstejn Castle. This evening, we enjoy a farewell dinner cruise on the River Vltava to view the illuminated historic buildings of Prague by night.
DAY 10: Thursday June 28 RETURN TO USA
After a final breakfast at our hotel, it’s time for hotel checkout, a last farewell to our tour manager, and we return home!
If you are a family or student going on tour, please visit this page for tour forms, payment schedule, and additional information.
