HAYDN FESTIVAL AT EISENSTADT & A NIGHT IN VIENNA 13-17 SEPTEMBER   The annual Haydntage takes place in the sumptuous surroundings of the Esterhazy Palace at Eisenstadt. The festival has the unique distinction of presenting the works of Joseph Haydn in the rooms of the Palace where his music was first heard nearly 250 years ago.
The programme includes Haydn's rarely performed opera, La canterina & Lo speziale. The tour begins with a stay in the delightful town of Eisenstadt to the south east of Vienna, and ends with a night in Vienna and a performance at the Vienna State Opera. During the tour we cross the Hungarian border and visit the Esterhazy summer residence at Fertod.

THURSDAY 13 SEPTEMBER

Depart London Heathrow on British Airways at 0940. Arrive Vienna at 1300 and transfer to the attractive town of Eisenstadt in the picturesque region of Burgenland (journey time approx 1 hour).

Check in at the 4 star Hotel Burgenland in Eisenstadt. The hotel is a short walk from the Schloss Esterhazy, venue for all festival performances. The town offers a choice of restaurants for dining before or after the performance. Welcome drink.

Evening performance of LA CANTERINA AND LO SPEZIALE in the Haydnsaal at Schloss Esterhazy.
C: Stefan Vladar.
D: Tatjana Gurbaca. Osterr.- Ung. Haydn Philharmonie.

Haydn composed the two-part comic intermezzo La canterina, in 1766. This was followed, two years later by Lo speziale to a libretto by Goldoni for the opening of the new opera house at Esterhaza. Much of the score for Act III is lost but a brief mock-Turkish aria survives in which Haydn exploits to the full the exotic-ridiculous situation.

FRIDAY 14 SEPTEMBER

Full day tour crossing the Hungarian border to visit the Esterhazy Palace at Fertod, the summer residence of Prince Nicholas. When based here the musicians were away from their families and it was here that Haydn composed the Farewell Symphony as a hint to the prince that they wished to return to Eisenstadt.

The castle was damaged extensively during World War II but has been restored to its former glory. Return to Austria and pause in the wine-producing village of Rust on the shore of Lake Neusiedl, famous for the storks that nest there. Following lunch which is included, we contine to Rohrau to visit Haydn's birthplace before returning to Eisenstadt

Evening performance by the Moscow Academy. Haydn Russian Quartet and Violin Concerto. Galuppi suite from the opera 'Il Re Pastore', Vivaldi Four Seasons.
Violin: Tatjana Grindenko, Soprano: Galina Muradova.

SATURDAY 15 SEPTEMBER

Morning visit to the Haydn Museum, the modest house at No. 21 Haydngasse where the composer lived, now a museum devoted to his life. Also visit the late Gothic Domkirche, his final resting place.

Afternoon at leisure. Evening performance in the Haydnsaal. Collegium Musicum 90.
C: Richard Hickox. Haydn Symphony No 6 (le matin), Symphony No. 7 (le midi), No. 8 (le soir).

SUNDAY 16 SEPTEMBER

Late morning transfer to Vienna and check in at the 4 star Hotel Astoria located in the pedestrianised heart of Vienna, a short walk from the Vienna State Opera.

Evening performance of NABUCCO (Verdi) at the Vienna Staatsoper. C: Fabio Luisi. D: de Ana.
Cast includes: Julia Varady, Miroslav Dvorsky.

MONDAY 17 SEPTEMBER

Morning at leisure in Vienna. Whilst some museums will be closed on Monday the Hofburg Palace and Schonbrunn Palace will be open as well as the city's many churches and, of course, St Stephen's Cathedral. The city has a wealth of elegant shops within strolling distance of your hotel.

Afternoon transfer to Vienna Airport and depart on British Airways at 1505. Arrive London Heathrow at 1625.

	PRICE per person 5 Day Tour Price £995.00 Single Room Supplement £85.00 Deposit required £350.00 Booking Deadline 30 MAY Tour Code VIE Tour price includes flights and airport taxes - transfers - accommodation - sightseeing tours as described including guides and entrance fees - buffet breakfast daily - one lunch - second category tickets for all performances - tour manager or local representative. Dress: Lounge suit