EJ Latitudes 1/08.qxd - Frontiers Elegant Journeys

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Thriving Russian Festivals
Imagine whisking in a troika (a sleigh pulled by three horses)
through a gorgeous winter paradise or stepping back in history to
party in the court of Peter the Great. Join the locals for a pancake
feast and vodka sampling. Welcome to Russia, the land of fascinating
culture deeply rooted in the fun-loving spirit of its people.
Russia’s rich and colorful ethnicity provides exceptional yearround
attractions of numerous festivals and celebrations. In
April/May, patrons of classical music can enjoy special concerts
at the Moscow and St. Petersburg Music Spring Festivals.
Vilnius
2009 European Capital of Culture During
the Millennium of Lithuania’s Name
This is a special year for Lithuania and Vilnius, its capital city. In
addition to celebrating the country’s millennium, Vilnius has been
chosen by the European Union as one of two 2009 European
Capitals of Culture. Vilnius is sharing the title with Linz, Austria.
From 1985 to 2009 this title was granted to 37 European cities with
Vilnius being the most eastward EU city ever to be recognized.
Throughout 2009, Vilnius will be a venue for more than 300 cultural,
art and musical programs. Home to distinguished violinist
Jascha Heifet, Vilnius will host concerts of classical, sacred, jazz,
rock, and pop music. The year is packed with numerous electrifying
venues including the Vilnius Opera Festival, London
Symphony Orchestra programs, and the Millennium Song
Festival. Approximately 40,000 performers from all over the
world are expected to participate in the song festival. A
Gastronomy Festival, Children Creativity Festival, and
International Film Festival are also included in the agenda.
The National Art Gallery will host the International Art Exhibition
“Color and Sound Dialogues.” It features the works of symbolism
and modernism artists including the great Lithuanian artist M. K.
Čiurlionis (1875-1911) and his contemporaries from Western and
Central Europe, such as Vasilij Kandinskij, Max Klinger, Pēter
Krastiš, František Kupka, Edvard Munch and many others.
One of the most romantic events is the White Nights Festival in
St. Petersburg held in honor of the summer solstice. The festival
begins in May with the “Stars of the White Nights” ballet and
opera series at the Marinsky Theater through July, and then performs
in Moscow and other Russian towns.
Among the White Nights most exuberant festivities is the Scarlet
Sales celebration of the end of the school year in June. Popular
for its fantastic fireworks and an immense folklore show, it is one
of the largest public events with over a million participants.
Don’t miss the series of popular carnivals hosted during the
White Nights at the Royal Palaces of Peterhof, Tsarskoe Selo and
Pavlovsk. Basking in their origin glory, the palatial grounds once
again transcend time by bringing alive various historic reenactments
including Peter the Great, Catherine the Great, and
Emperor Paul I. Enjoy a historic carriage ride through royal parks.
There are currently special promotions offered by leading
Russian hotels, such as the Astoria and the Angleterre, St.
Petersburg (stay 3 nights, get one free). The U.S. dollar is currently
very strong against the Russian ruble so travel is not only
culturally rewarding but also real value.
Named as one of the top Condé Nast Traveler specialists for
Russia in 2005-2009, Natasha Tichy has years of firsthand travel
there as well as planning expertise to make your trip to Russia
an experience of a lifetime.
Natasha Tichy
Russia
Declared a UNESCO World Heritage site, Vilnius’s Old Town
boasts beautiful baroque monuments and will be the venue of
the “Baroque Dialogues” program. This is a synthesis of baroque
arts, architecture, music, theater, literature and dance especially
presented in the city’s most elaborate churches and palaces.
Allow us to take you on a very special trip to Vilnius with its
extraordinary treasures spanning more than five centuries. Contact
Natasha Tichy, a Condé Nast Top Travel Specialist in the Baltic
Countries of Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia, to receive additional
information about the 2009 events and plan a tailor-made visit.
Trinity
Monastery
in Sergiev
Posad
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