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From Rick – about our trip

           The following is a general guide of what to expect during our time in Salzburg. Closer to departure you’ll receive a detailed itinerary. Our friendly group is always small--maximum about 25, with sevaeral "repeat customers" The list  of performers is again  a “who’s who” of the finest of today’s classical music artists and ensembles. Because of the limited space, the tour will fill up, so please sign up soon for this unique musical experience. It’s music performance on a higher level than we usually experience in North America, and Salzburg is a wonderful town to explore.  

The concerts are our focus, and Salzburg is easily explored on your own, but there are various excursions Jane and I can create. As in previous years, I'll take you on my personal walking tour of Salzburg. I recommend a visit to the Salzburg Museum, which will provide a great introduction and background to the city, dating back to Roman times. The guided tour of the Salzburg Festival concert halls and backstage is again offered in our package. The Salzburg Museum of Modern Art is always interesting, accessible by an elevator through a tunnel in a mountain. There’s the Mozart birthplace and his later Residenz – both fascinating with autograph musical scores, personal belongings, musical instruments, etc. The blockbuster film, THE SOUND OF MUSIC starring Julie Andrews was filmed in and around Salzburg and excursions into the surrounding countryside can be booked at any time. Our helpful hotel staff can make the arrangements. Salzburg is a city of churches and all offer musical masses on Sunday morning, often by Mozart. If you plan it right, you can attend more than one on any Sunday. These are memorable experiences, but remember to dress warmly. The ancient churches are unheated and your faith is usually not quite enough to keep you warm through the entire service.

We can visit the small, quaint cemetery of the Church of St. Sebastian , where Mozart’s father, Leopold and other Mozarts are buried. We can also plan any “impromptu” excursions that crop up while we’re there. Our meals together will often be the generator of ideas. And, of course, there’s no need for everyone to do everything. All is optional. And if you plan to stay on in Europe , after our tour, Jane can advise and help you with arrangements.

The old city of Salzburg that includes the Festival venues, is small enough that you can walk across it in 15 minutes. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Public transit is very good, but you can walk to just about anywhere in under 15 or 20 min. You’ll find you can get your pedestrian bearings easily by keeping the river in mind. Although we’re there at the end of Jan., the Salzburg climate is quite temperate. The stunning Austrian Alps are just to the south, but the elevation of the city and valley is only 1400 feet above sea level. Last year, there was no snow in town and I walked around in my street shoes for half the trip. It snowed 1 in. one night and we then donned more suitable footwear. But throughout, the temperature hovered around the freezing point – usually a few degrees above during the day, and a few degrees below in the evenings. Very comfortable.

Every morning after our breakfast in the hotel, I will again offer an informal session in a comfortable hotel meeting room. I’ll run you through the day’s concert material, with music clips, providing background, insight, things to listen for, etc. These are also great chances for discussion and clarification. And I’m available any time for questions about Mozart, the music, recordings, etc. I love discussing classical music with like-minded folks so don’t be shy! There are a couple of good CD stores in Salzburg that cater to the Festival crowd. But remember, European CD prices tend to be higher than in North America . After the concerts in the evening, on our return to the hotel, we often visit a local establishment for snacks, a beer, or a glass of crisp Austrian white wine to discuss the concerts and the day’s events. Rest assured that you’ll be well taken care of. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact either Jane or myself.

Participant Reviews: 2009 Mozart Woche