• Introduction
• Itinerary
• Practicalities
• Lecturer

DRESDEN, CAPITAL OF SAXONY, was Prague’s nearest metropolitan neighbour (Vienna is twice the distance), and so the corridor of cultural exchange between the two cities was crucial to the history of both.

From early in the seventeenth century, Dresden has been one of the most important operatic centres north of the Alps. Performing in the magnificent theatre designed last century by Gottfried Semper, the modern company has built upon the long-standing tradition of high standards of musicianship and visually exciting (if not avant-garde) productions to ensure a consistently high standard of performance.

Prague has three opera houses in regular use, two of which are visited on this tour. The oldest, and one of Europe’s most regularly functioning eighteenth-century theatres – Don Giovanni had its première here – is the Estates Theatre. Mozart operas still continue to be performed there from time to time; this tour includes a production of La Finta Giardiniera. The other two were added in the second half of the nineteenth century, serving the Czech and German communities respectively.

What is now called (misleadingly) the State Opera, with a wonderful interior of Bavarian Rococo inspiration, compensates for its lack of funding with enterprise and energy to achieve fine artistic results.

This tour is led by a musicologist whose main contribution will be to give talks on the performances. The programme of walks and excursions will be led by local guides.