SIR ANDREW DAVIS CONDUCTS OTELLO IN CHICAGO 11-16 OCTOBER   Sir Andrew Davis took up the reins as Music Director of Chicago Lyric Opera last year. At the opening of the new season he will conduct a new production of Otello directed by Sir Peter Hall. Ben Heppner makes his debut as the Moor with Renee Fleming as Desdemona.
Also on the bill is Lyric Opera's premiere of Kurt Weill's domestic tour de force with Catherine Malfitano as the passionate New York housewife, Anna Maurrant. Autumn is an excellent time of year to visit one of North America's most beautiful cities, admire its striking architecture and explore its comprehensive art collections.

THURSDAY 11 OCTOBER

Depart London Heathrow on Virgin Atlantic at 1030. Arrive Chicago O'Hare Airport at 1310 and transfer by private coach to the first class art deco Hotel Monaco centrally located within 'the loop' area of the city.

Remainder of the day at leisure. Welcome drink.

FRIDAY 12 OCTOBER

Welcome lunch in the Signature Room in the John Hancock Centre. After a leisurely brunch enjoying the views from the 95th floor take a tour of downtown Chicago, home of the skyscraper and admire the impressive cityscape made up of wide boulevards bordering on Lake Michigan including buildings designed by some of the 20th century's greatest architects: Louis Sullivan, Mies van der Rohe and Philip Johnson.

The city has a tradition of public art and you will see giant outdoor sculptures by Picasso, Miro and Calder as you travel around.

Optional evening performance of STREET SCENE (Weill) at the Chicago Lyric Opera.
C: Richard Buckley. D: David Pountney.
Cast: Catherine Malfitano, Dean Peterson, Gregory Turay, Lori Ann Fuller, Timothy Nolen.
Co-production with English National Opera.

SATURDAY 13 OCTOBER

This morning a special visit led by a curator has been arranged at the Art Institute of Chicago. The permanent galleries house the largest collection of French Impressionist and Symbolist works outside Paris including the famous 'Sunday Afternoon on the island of La Grande Jatte' by Seurat.

Afternoon at leisure. Fans of modern art will not want to miss the Museum of Contemporary Art, famous for its Sculpture Garden with striking views of Lake Michigan.

Evening performance of OTELLO (Verdi) at the Chicago Lyric Opera. C: Sir Andrew Davis. D: Sir Peter Hall.
Cast: Ben Heppner, Renee Fleming, Lucio Gallo, Ionas Kaufmann, Dean Peterson, Michelle Wright.

SUNDAY 14 AUGUST

Today take a cruise on Lake Michigan and enjoy striking views of Chicago while you take lunch on board.
Afternoon and evening at leisure.

MONDAY 15 AUGUST

Morning departure for Oak Park and visit the home and studio of Frank Lloyd Wright, now a national historic landmark. It was here that Wright developed his innovative ideas which were to redefine the parameters of architectural design.

The building contains an octagonal drafting room and barrel vaulted playroom. Also visit the Unity Temple, considered as shocking in 1905 due to its concrete exterior.

Continue to the home of Ernest Hemingway and visit the museum which contains letters, photographs, assorted memorabilia and some of his earliest writings. Following this we continue to Chicago O'Hare Airport and depart on Virgin Atlantic at 1700.

TUESDAY 16 OCTOBER

Arrive London Heathrow 0655.

	PRICE per person 6 Day Tour Price £1290.00 Single Room Supplement £395.00 Deposit required £325.00 Booking Deadline 30 MAY Tour Code CHI Tour price includes flights and airport taxes - transfers - accommodation - two lunches - top category ticket for Otello - tour manager or local representative Dress: Lounge suit Supplements 12 Oct Street Scene £135.00