Passau’s 61st Festspiele Europäische Wochen Passau opens on June 28th and runs till July 28th. This long-running and prestigious Passau Music Festival takes place across a range of venues such as churches, town halls, monasteries and theatres.

The 2013 Festival opens with a performance of Bach by the Munich Philharmonic.

Amongst its many class acts, the festival features artists in residence such as the cellist David Geringas and the Brno Philharmonic Orchestra, the Grande Dame of the clarinet Sabine Meyer, the Bulgarian superstar Vesselina Kasarova , the exceptional musician Mischa Maisky, the commuters on accordion Martin Lubenov, the Munich Philharmonic, the Weltklassegeigerin Midori, the cathedral choir and Klaus Maria Brandauer.

Tickets go on sale on June 1, 2013. For more information see the Festspiele Europäische Wochen website at www.ew-passau.de.

Event: Passau European Week Festival
Dates: June 28 to July 28, 2013
Venue: Various venues in Passau

For other current concerts and music festivals in Germany see Here.

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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.

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

Dvorak Requiem at the Municipal House (Obecni Dum)

The Prague Symphony Orchestra and Philharmonic Choir present Dvorak’s Requiem with vocal soloists under the baton of Jiří Kout.

Music in Prague

Easter Festival at St. Nicholas Church

St Nicholas hosts a special Easter Festival concert series with the music of Bach, Mozart, Hadyn, and Vivaldi performed by the Vivaldi Orchestra Praga. Sacred music will be performed by members of the National Theater and State Opera Prague.

Easter Concert in Old Prague

Enjoy sacred classical music in beautiful surroundings at the Klementinium.  The concert features baroque organ, violin and flute and the Choir Adalbert.

Concerts at St George’s Basilica – Prague Castle

Prague Castle is the most important historic location in the city and at St. George’s Basilica you can enjoy works by Smetana, Schubert, Dvořák, Franck, Pachelbel, Bizet, Vivaldi, Händel, and many other composers.

Mozart’s Requiem at the Estates Theatre

The Czech Collegium Symphony Orchestra, the Czech Mixed Choir and international soloists present Mozart’s “Requiem” under the baton of conductor Jaroslav Brych at The Estates Theatre, one of the most beautiful historical theatres in Europe.

Prague Easter eggs

Enjoy selected works by Puccini and Dvorak which will be performed at the Municipal House, Smetana Hall.

Organ Concerts at St Francis of Assisi Church

The St. Francis of Assisi Church, houses a unique baroque organ which was built in 1702. It is the second oldest organ in Prague and many famous names such as W.A. Mozart, A. Dvorák, J. F. N. Seger and others played this historic musical instrument.
For the complete list of Prague concerts, see HERE.

Prague Hotels

There are magnificent hotels in the heart of Prague and you can enjoy all the Easter festivities by staying in one of the hotels in the Old Town Square.
Search for your Prague hotels, read hotel reviews and book your Prague hotel online HERE.

Travel Signposts Blog

As one genius, Albert Einstein, said of another: “Mozart is the greatest composer of all” and January 27 marks the 257th anniversary of the birthday of this much loved and greatest of composers.

Mozart Woche 2013

To celebrate Mozart’s birthday, world-renowned Mozart conductors, orchestras such as the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra, ensembles and a variety of soloists will take part in the week-long Mozart Woche 2013 from January 24 to February 3, 2013.

Concerts will be held at various locations such as the Large Hall of the Mozarteum, at Mozart House, the Large Festival hall and at the Mozarteum University’s Solitär.   This Salzburg winter classical music festival has been held since 1956 and is a highlight event for Mozart lovers and fans of classical music.

Highlights of Mozart Week 2013

Some highlights of this year’s Mozart Week include:

• the debut of the newly established Mozart Children’s Orchestra who will perform two concerts.   It should be really exciting as the 40 musicians in this ensemble are aged between 7 and 12.
• Mozart’s opera Lucio Silla (concertante) with Rolando Villazón and Les Musiciens du Louvre Grenoble conducted by Marc Minkowski.
• the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra, who have been an integral part at the festivals since 1956, will present the distinguished Maestro, George Prêtre, as well as Gustavo Dudamel and Teodor Currentzis, two of the most renowned young conductors,  as well as some outstanding soloists.

Mozart’s Birthplace

To celebrate Mozart’s birthday anniversary, entry to Mozarts Geburtshaus is free on January 27, 2013.

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!

Travel Signposts Blog

When the going gets tough, the tough go travelling!

Travel Signposts Blog

Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra:  Wonderful Christmastime

This evening is produced by the company (Ginger Boy Productions) that brought you The Three Phantoms and A Night of Queen. Expect all your old-time favourites in this deluxe performance: Sleigh Ride, Stars, Winter Wonderland, It’s The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year, Jingle Bells, Santa Claus Is Coming To Town, White Christmas and many more seasonal classics. This merry-making mayhem is perfect for all the family and will be hosted in his own ‘unique’ way by West End Star and current ‘Phantom of the Opera’ of the UK tour Earl Carpenter, with guest singer Katy Treharne (Only Boys Aloud and Christine in London’s The Phantom of the Opera), singing not only your favourite Christmas hits, but a few songs from some of the world’s greatest musicals.

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

Join the RLPO for their annual holiday extravaganza for the whole family.  Last year the RLPO went Polar and this year’s film  features “The Snowman”by Raymond Briggs, accompanied by the full orchestra. As usual you’ll be invited to sing-along to your Christmas favourites and Santa will make a special appearance.

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
Search, read hotel reviews and book your Liverpool hotel here.>

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Winter Wonderland is here again to transform London’s Hyde Park into an exciting world of ice and festival fun with carols and music to set everyone into the mood for Christmas.

Starting from 23 November, 2012 to 6 January, 2013, Winter Wonderland promises musical treats, shopping, fun, laughter and excitement for both adults and children.

Two million visitors attended Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park each year.  As well as London’s largest open-air ice rink, Winter Wonderland includes flights in the giant Observation Wheel, Zippo Christmas Circus and gentle rides for younger children.  New attractions for this year include:

• The Magical Ice Kingdom – A spectacular ice and snow sculpture experience
• Santa’s Factory – a fun-house where Santa and his hardworking elves are making gifts for the big day
• Winter Wonderland Star Flyer – for those who enjoy flying high and want to see Winter Wonderland from above
• Double-decker carousel featuring two glittering decks of unusual and fantastical animal rides
• Yuletide Market – this is in addition to the popular Angels Market

What’s On at Winter Wonderland

Visitors to Winter Wonderland will be able to enjoy traditional Christmas foods and mulled wine and a brilliant German Christmas Fair.  With a range of stalls selling authentic arts, crafts, presents and food, this is a great place to do some Christmas shopping and enjoy the atmosphere of the Festive season. The bandstand will feature regular carol concerts and, if time allows, even Santa himself is scheduled to make an appearance in the run-up to Christmas.

Entry to Winter Wonderland is free and there’s no charge to visit Santa. You can book ticketed events like the Ice Skating, the Giant Wheel, the Circus and the Magical Ice Kingdom in advance to make sure you don’t miss out on your day of visit. Tokens for all rides and attractions are available for purchase on the day.

Event:    Hyde Park Winter Wonderland, London
Dates:     November 23, 2012 – 6 January 2013
Place:     Hyde Park, London

Hotels Near Hyde Park

If you are looking for a hotel near Hyde Park, there are over 200 hotels in the vicinity of Hyde Park to choose from.  It very much depends on which end of Hyde Park you would prefer your accommodation to be.  See the list of Hyde Park hotels here.  In any event, even if you are not staying close to Hyde Park, it is easy to get to the Park by Tube.

Travel Signposts Blog

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

Berliner Dom: New Year’s Concert

Experience music by Johann Sebastian Bach in the incomparable atmosphere of one of Europe’s most impressive basilica cathedrals.

Konzerthausorchester Berlin:  New Year’s Concert

Daniel Hope and the Konzerthausorchester Berlin welcomes the New Year with works by von Weber, Wagner, Liszt and Shostakovich.  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 Berlin Palace Orchestra will perform works of Mozart, Strauss, Bach and others. 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.

Konzerthaus Berlin:  Swing in the New Year

Konzerthaus Berlin is another venue where you can Swing in the New Year. Glenn Miller, James Last, Stevie Wonder, Paul Anka, Ludwig van Beethoven, Louis Armstrong, and many others are on the program here.

Philharmonie Berlin:  New Year’s Concert

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

Philharmonie Berlin:  Brass Ensemble New Year’s Concert

Also at the Philharmonie Berlin you can enjoy great brass music by Blechschaden, a brass ensemble from Munich.  The evening’s music will range from Bach to the Beatles, from Mozart to Glenn Miller and Wagner to Alpblues.

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

See the complete list of Berlin 2012 concerts Here.>

Need a hotel in Berlin? You can search and book your Berlin hotel and read hotel reviews here.>

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