As one genius, Albert Einstein, said of another: “Mozart is the greatest composer of all” and January 27 marks the 255th anniversary of the birthday of this much loved and greatest of composers.

Mozarthaus Vienna

To celebrate Mozart’s birthday anniversary, Mozarthaus Vienna and its exhibitions are for free on Sunday 29, 2012. The museum also offers special guided tours for children and adults, which are free of charge.

Mozart Concerts

Mozart fans can celebrate his birthday at one of the many concerts in Europe:

Salzburg Palace Concerts and other Mozart Dinner Concerts

Vienna Mozart Concerts and Dinner Concerts

Mozart Operas and Concerts around Germany

Mozart concerts throughout Europe

Happy Birthday Mozart!

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Below are a couple of special concerts at London’s famous Royal Albert Hall. These are one-performance only concerts so book early and don’t miss out.

Symphonic Rock (April 20, 2012)

The very popular Symphonic Rock returns to the Royal Albert in April with some new tributes for 2012.

Presented by BBC Radio 2′s Ken Bruce, Symphonic Rock 2012 showcases legendary rock anthems, chart hits and classic songs, featuring a star-studded line-up of hits from Bon Jovi, The Moody Blues, Queen, Eric Clapton, Meat Loaf, Coldplay, Elbow, Led Zeppelin, Madonna, George Michael, Robbie Williams and many more!  

New for 2012, a tribute to the hits of U2, including With or Without You, Beautiful Day and many more.

Royal Albert Hall, London

The Great Classics: Choral Favourites (March 14, 2012)

The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra (RPO) is joined by massed choirs for an evening of choral delights at the Royal Albert.  Over 300 performers bring you classics which include excerpts from Orff’s Carmina Burana, Verdi’s Requiem, Handel’s Zadok the Priest and Hallelujah Chorus, Parry’s I Was Glad and more.
Book early for this one performance only event on March 14, 2012.

Where is the Royal Albert Hall?

The Royal Albert Hall is situated in South Kensington facing London’s Hyde Park and is close to Kensington Palace in central London.

It is easily reachable by:

Tube: South Kensington, High St Kensington
Bus : 9, 10, 52, 360

Map of London:

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Usher in the New Year at one of Venice’s many New Year’s Eve Gala Concerts in magnificent settings.

New Year’s Eve: Opera Arias and Buffet Dinner

Experience a beautiful concert with some of the most famous opera arias at the Scuola Grande di San Giovanni Evangelista in Venice.   After the concert you will enjoy a dinner buffet rich with Italian delicacies.

Join the Opera House Orchestra in toasting the arrival of the New Year

Virtuosi di Venezia: New Year’s Eve Concert

Enjoy the last evening of the year with a classical concert of the orchestra Virtuosi di Venezia at the Ateneo di San Basso in Venice.  Be entertained with great opera favourites by Donizetti, Rossini, Puccini and Verdi and other favourites by Johann Strauss.

New Year’s Eve Opera Gala in a Venice Palazzo

New Year's Eve Concerts in Venice

The luxurious interior of this Venetian palace offers guests a memorable gala evening. Famous melodies from operas will be performed by excellent artists.  Then at midnight, drink a toast to the New Year with fine wines, premium liqueurs and chocolates.

I Musici Veneziani: New Year’s Eve Concert

I Musici Veneziani welcomes the New Year with a classical concert performed by an expanded ensemble of 14 musicians.

During the intermission, enjoy some white wine and traditional Venetian biscuits served by butlers dressed in 18th century period costumes. At the end of the concert, join the musicians in toasting in the New Year.  This concert is at the Scuola Grande di San Teodoro.

Search and book tickets for other Venice Concerts and Operas here.>

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Usher in the Salzburg New Year at one of the many Mozart New Year’s Concerts in magnificent settings.

Salzburger Festungskonzerte: New Year’s Day Concert

This New Year’s Day, enjoy the “Best of Mozart Festungskonzert” in the special atmosphere of the 900 year-old Festung Hohensalzburg.  This concert is regarded as one of the most important chamber music series in the world and what better venue to enjoy this event than at the Fortress with views of the city and surrounding countryside.

Erzabtei St Peter, Salzburg: Mozart Piano Sonatas

Experience unique concerts of Mozart’s piano works in the historic and atmospheric Romanesque Hall of St Peter’s Abbey in the heart of Salzburg’s old town.

Mozart New Year Concerts in Salzburg

Stiftskeller St. Peter: Mozart Dinner Concert

Enjoy a Mozart by candlelight in the famous Baroque Salon of the Stiftskeller St Peter. Music is performed by Salzburg artists in historical costumes, and the dinner menu is prepared as it was in the time of Mozart.

Schloss Mirabell:  Salzburger Schlosskonzerte

The Salzburger Schlosskonzerte presents concerts in the stunning atmosphere of the world famous Marble Concert Hall in the Mirabell Palace, where the young Mozart himself was a regular performer.

See the complete list of concerts at all Salzburg venues.

Search, read hotel reviews and book hotels in Salzburg here.>

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Berlin is a hive of activity on New Year’s Day and for those who want to start the year with some favourite classical or swing music, the following is a list of some concerts in magnificent Berlin venues:

New Year Concerts in Berlin

Konzerthausorchester Berlin:  New Year’s Concert

The Konzerthausorchester Berlin welcomes the New Year with works by Weber, Wagner, Rachmaninoff and Bernstein.  Join in this New year’s celebration at the magnificent Konzerthaus in Berlin.

Charlottenburg Palace:  New Year’s Concert & Dinner

Celebrate the New Year with a very special New Year’s Dinner Concert at the Orangerie in the Charlottenburg Palace of Berlin.

The Berliner Residenzorchester will perform works of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and Johann Strauss. To enhance the Baroque ambiance, the the orchestra and service personnel are dressed in traditional costumes.

Philharmonie Berlin:  A Swinging New Year Concert

Start the New Year with some Swinging music.  The famous Grand Orchestra Berlin presents the best of Duke Ellington, Glenn Miller, Frank Sinatra, Benny Goodman at this annual Swinging New Year Concert at the famous Philharmonie Berlin.

Philharmonie Berlin:  New Year’s Concert

Once again the Festival Orchestra Berlin conducted by Stefan Bevier presents works of Léhar, Lincke, Strauß and Grieg.

Also at the Philharmonie Berlin you can join the BerlinClassicPlayers in their diverse concert series under the baton of Ulrich Riehl, or Bethoven’s 9th Symphony with the Berlin Sinfonietta.

Französischen Friedrichstadtkirche:  Classical Music Berlin – Christmas Season

The Berliner Klassikadvent performs festive concerts in a number of historical locations in Berlin and one of these being the Französiche Friedrichstadtkirche.

See the New Year’s Eve Concerts in Berlin Here.

See the complete list of Berlin 2012 concerts Here.>

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Usher in the New Year with music at stunning Berlin venues. From classical concerts to Gypsy music and operretas to tango, the following are just some from the exciting range of New Year’s Eve concerts in Berlin:

Berlin Philharmonie:  A Gala Concert of Bach & Mozart

In this Gala Concert to celebrate the festive season, the Berlin Sinfonietta will perform works by Bach, Mozart and Tchaikovsky at the Berlin Philharmonie.  (One performance only on December 29th)

Charlottenburg Palace: New Year’s Eve Concert and Dinner

Enjoy an exclusive New Year’s Eve concert and dinner at Charlottenburg Palace in Berlin, once the splendid Baroque summer residence of Prussian kings. For this end of the year event, guests will enjoy a four-course dinner followed by the Berliner Residenzorchester performance of works of Mozart and Strauss. There is also the option of attending the concert without the dinner.

Concerts in Berlin

If passionate Gypsy music takes your fancy, Germany’s biggest Gypsy ensemble presents a wide range of lively music in Berlin’s Passionskirche.

Konzerthaus Berlin: New Year’s Eve Concert

‘Phantom Meets Lehar’ is a New Year’s Eve Concert with music from favourite operettas and musicals. This performance by talented young Berlin musicians takes place in the Werner-Otto Hall of the Konzerthaus.

Admiralspalast Berlin: New Year’s Eve Tango in Berlin

This fiery Tango evening at the Admiralspalast presents music, dance and surprises that will end your year on a high note. And being New Year’s Eve, this will be the Last Tango in Berlin for 2011.

Heilig-Kreuz-Kirche: Mozart & Bach – New Year’s Eve in Berlin

In this New Year’s Eve concert at the Heilig Kreuz Church in Berlin Jürgen Bruns conducts the Kammersymphonie Berlin with Jochen Hoffmann on flute.

Concerts in Berlin

Kaiser-Wilhelm-Gedächtnis-Kirche: Concerto Brandenburg New Year’s Eve Concert

A unique opportunity to hear the Concerto Brandenburg perform its New Year’s Eve Concert at Berlin’s famous Kaiser-Wilhelm-Gedächtnis-Kirche, one of Berlin’s most famous landmarks.

Haus des Rundfunks : New Year’s Eve Concert with Mozart, Bach and Tchaikovsky

The Philharmonische Kammerorchester Berlin will perform its annual New Year’s Eve Concert at the House of Broadcasting.  There are two concerts only.

For New Year’s Day Concerts in Berlin, see Here.

For the complete list of concerts in Berlin see Here.

For other things to see and do in Germany see Here.

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Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra:  The Spirit of Christmas

The Royal Liverpool Philharmonic’s The Spirit of Christmas is a much loved Christmas concert that has been enjoyed by generations of music lovers.

The Spirit of Christmas concert will have two special guests this year – John Suchet, one of the UK’s best-known newscasters and journalists, Beethoven scholar, and now the voice of Classic FM’s morning show is presenter this year and making her Liverpool Philharmonic debut is Tine Thing Helseth, a 23-year-old Norwegian trumpeter.  Tine’s album, My Heart is Ever Present, a collection of her favourite Christmas songs, went ‘gold’ in the Norwegian classical chart.  A concert not to be missed.

Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra: The Best Christmas Sing-along Ever!

Join Carl Davis and the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra in the Best Christmas Sing-along Ever!  For some, it may be the serenity of Bach and Tchaikovsky, whereas for others it’s the all-time family favourites such as White Christmas, Rudolf the Red Nosed Reindeer and Santa Claus is Coming to Town that gets you into the Christmas spirit.  But don’t worry, Carl knows exactly how to put the spirit of Christmas into his audience and you’ll have plenty of chance to join in too!

Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra:  The Snowman

Christmas Concerts in Liverpool

Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra: Handel’s Messiah

Start the New Year with one of music’s most uplifting experiences. The Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra performs its traditional New Year performance of Handel’s Messiah.   What’s more, this rare performance of Handel’s Messiah is performed the way it was done at the great Birmingham Festival of 1784 . (one performance only)

For all other concerts in Liverpool, see HERE.

How to get to Liverpool Philharmonic Hall

Philharmonic Hall is situated on Hope Street, approximately a 10 minute walk from Liverpool city centre. The main entrance is situated on Hope Street at the junction where Hardman Street meets Hope Street opposite the Philharmonic Public House. It is close to Central Station, Lime Street Station, Myrtle Street bus stops and several car parks.

Address
Liverpool Philharmonic Hall
Hope Street
L1 Liverpool

Hotels in Liverpool
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Spain is a country whose opera and classical music scene is just as vibrant as its rich culture, architecture, flamenco dances, bullfights and sunny beaches.

This festive season, the thrilling art of flamenco music and dance, the fine art of the classical guitar, operas in spectacular venues or the top performing stars and orchestras of the international classical music world are just some of the offerings of classical Spain.

Barcelona Concerts >

Most visitors come to Barcelona to admire the amazing and modernist architecture of Antoni Gaudi. Why not enjoy a Barcelona concert in one of Barcelona’s spectacular concert venues like the Palau de la Musica, classical music in a museum or the intimate settings of one of Barcelona’s historic churches.

Madrid Opera and Concerts >

Palau de la Musica, Barcelona

Spain’s capital city stands out in the classical music world with performances from the top soloists, conductors and orchestras of our time. Don’t miss a great concert or opera in the Teatro Real while in Madrid.

Girona Concerts >

Girona, in the northeastern corner of Catalonia is a hidden treasure. Small and charming, Girona is a little quiet as far as concerts are concerned during the festive season, but classical music performances will start picking up in the new year .

Travel Signposts Blog

This festive season, enjoy one of the special Christmas and New Year’s Eve concerts, performed in some historical Paris churches.  Apart from the beautiful and intimate settings, the churches provide great acoustics for these festive concerts.

Sainte Chapelle : Christmas Concerts

Sainte Chapelle is one of the most stunning churches in Paris and a hidden treasure of Parisian architecture.  What better venue to celebrate the holiday season in Paris with favourite works of the classical music repertoire than in this beautiful church.

Saint-Germain des Près :  Christmas Concerts

Celebrate the holiday season in Paris with a Christmas concert in Eglise St. Germain des Près.

Église des Billettes  : Christmas Concerts

This beautiful church hosts regular concerts and its cloister serves as an exhibition space for young artists.  Christmas concert details will be updated when available.

Notre-Dame de Paris : Ave Maria

The concert series “Musique sacrée à Notre-Dame de Paris” presents a concert of Marian Renaissance Polyphony in the spectacular cathedral in Paris.  Christmas is a great time to enjoy some sacred music.

Notre-Dame de Paris :  Puer Natus Est: Christmas Concerts

This performance of Medieval music evokes Christmas night. The processional chants of the shepherds approaching the newborn, in an atmosphere of grace and joy.

Église Saint Severin :  New Year’s Eve Concert

Welcome the New Year with a festive concert at Saint Severin Church.  Details to follow.

Saint-Germain des Près :  New Year’s Eve Concert

Celebrate the New Year with a festive concert in Eglise St. Germain des Près.  More details later.

Église des Billettes  : New Year’s Eve Concert

Enjoy a New Year’s Eve concert at the Église des Billettes, a venue for regular concerts.  More details later.

Sainte Chapelle :  New Year’s Eve Concert

Welcome the New Year with a concert at this beautiful Paris church.

Palais Garner : New Year’s Eve at the Paris Opera Ballet

Welcome the New Year with a festive evening at the grand Palais Garnier.

See all Paris classical concerts and operas here.>

Travel Signposts Blog

Easter is a special time in Prague and visitors to Prague at Easter can look forward to enjoying its special Easter traditions and atmosphere.

At the Prague Easter markets in the Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square, market stalls are full of brightly coloured, hand-painted Easter eggs, embroidery, crystal ware, handcrafted products and Easter whips, not to mention the many Easter treats and enticing snacks that are on sale.

Other Easter experiences include Easter egg painting by the girls and women.  Easter caroling are performed by the boys who, with their braided whips, call on homes and whip the legs of girls and women of the homes.  The boys recite Easter carols as they go about their whipping. In return, they are given one of the colourful Easter eggs.

Easter is also the time to attend a mass in one of Prague’s ancient churches and many of these churches are also venues for regular Prague classical concerts. In the spirit of Easter, Classictic is offering a 10% discount to help music-lovers enjoy their Prague classical concerts.  To take advantage of this limited time offer, make sure the word ‘Easter’ is included in the Promotional Code section during the checkout process.

Music in Prague

Some Easter concerts and music in Prague churches to enjoy include:

Easter Festival at St. Nicholas Church

St Nicholas hosts a special Easter Festival concert series with the music of Bach, Mozart, Orff, and Vivaldi performed by ensembles such as the Consortium Pragenese Orchestra, New Prague Radio Symphony Collegium, Praga Sinfonietta Orchestra, and the Vivaldi Orchestra Praga.

Easter Concert: Vivaldi

Enjoy this Easter concert at the St. Salvator Church with the Capella Regia Praga performing works by Bach, Vivaldi, and Händel.

Easter Concert : Dvorak and Tchaikovsky

The North Czech Philharmony Teplice performs works by Dvorak and Tchaikovsky at the magnificent Municipal House (Smetana Hall) in the centre of Prague!

St Georges Basilica

Prague Easter eggs

St. Georges Basilica is one of the oldest and best preserved Romanesque church buildings in Prague. The following concerts can be enjoyed in this historic church:

• The Castle Gala Concert by The Prague Royal Orchestra includes the music of Händel, Vivaldi, Bach, Corelli, Mozart and others.
• Pachelbel, Mozart & Vivaldi - The Prague Royal Orchestra performs famous works by Pachelbel, Mozart & Vivaldi.
• The Best of Classic with Soprano - The Old Prague Music Ensemble and the soprano Libuše Moravcová – Myrátská perform works by Smetana, Schubert, Bizet, and many others.

St Nicholas Church

Situated in the Old Town Square, the white facade and green roofs St Nicholas Church towers are easily recognizable. St Nicholas Church is the most important of Prague’s High Baroque buildings and its interior is a treasure of Baroque decorations and artwork. Musicians of the National Theater and State Opera Prague perform in a very special concert series at St. Nicholas Church.

St. Francis of Assisi Church – Organ Concert

St. Nicholas Church, Prague

The Organ Concerts at the St. Francis of Assisi Church (Knights of the Cross) in Prague offer compositions of world renowned masters of the Baroque and classical periods and music by Czech composers. Enjoy the rich sound of the organ, usually accompanied by soloists from the prominent Czech Opera and Orchestra ensembles and others.

St. Martin in the Wall Church

The south wall of St. Martin in the Wall church fits snugly to the town walls, hence the name of the church. The first incarnation of this church was in the 12th century when it was built as a Romanesque church. In 1678 a fire caused the church to be burned down and the reconstructed church is a 17th century building. This ancient church is a venue for regular classical concerts. It is just a few minutes walk from both the Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square and easy to get to. Enjoy the best of Czech and World Music in Prague with the Old Prague Music Ensemble. Search for your Prague hotels, read hotel reviews and book online HERE.

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