IV. CRUISE SHIP TALKS

10th September 2024 September 8th, 2026

All talks are PowerPoint presentations with embedded musical and video material.

General Interest Talks

  1. Gardens of Musical Delights – music inspired by beautiful gardens. Many composers have been inspired by the beauty of Nature – the sea, the countryside and beautiful gardens. Join Elizabeth on a tour of musical delights by several Impressionist and lighter, more modern composers, and revel in their gorgeous musical imagery.
  2. At the Movies! – The power of music in film. We’re aware how music deeply affects our movie-watching experience, creating mood and atmosphere and identifying characters. We also enjoy many popular theme tunes and dramatic soundtracks from the movies. But how do producers use both existing Classics and newly composed sound-tracks to intensify our film experience – and manipulate our emotions?
  3. Music Around the World in 45 Minutes. We’re familiar with the Classical and pop music of the “Western” world, but what about the music of other cultures? Embark on a whirlwind tour of some fascinating countries and customs, and discover musical worlds different from our own.
  4. The Food of Love [Love Music for Valentine’s Month] – Love in many guises expressed in Music. We listen to different kinds of beautiful music that express this most complex emotion. From passion to jealousy, illicit love to happy reunion, composers have captured in music, especially opera, the essence of Love – the primary source of creative inspiration.
  5. How to Listen to Classical Music – enhancing your understanding and appreciation. Really appreciating “Classical” music involves certain skills – ways of listening that enable us to understand the composers’ intentions. Discover how to increase your pleasure in great Classical music, and become virtuoso listeners!
  6. Dante Alighieri – Inspiring the arts for 700 years. This is an exploration of Dante’s rich legacy – his life and times – and how the legendary power struggles between the Guelphs and the Ghibellines led to his downfall and banishment from Florence. Discover how his magnificent poetry has inspired artists and composers for over seven centuries.
  7. Coronation Music: The Best of Charles’s Choices. Delight once again the music chosen and commissioned by King Charles III for his Coronation – a splendid ceremony watched by millions all around the world. From Baroque pomp and grandeur to today’s women composers, His Majesty covered it all!
  8. Musical Muses – the Women who inspired some great composers. From medieval romances, exemplifying the essence of the Courtly Love Tradition to the highlights of the Romantic Era – and beyond, some of the greatest music ever written was inspired by the composers’ passionate relationships with women – or men. Apart from infidelity, intrigue, mental illness, infatuation, and unrequited love, join Elizabeth to find out who inspired whom, and how.
  9. Rule Britannia! – A Festival of English Music. From Celtic and Roman times to the bustling Middle Ages, we travel through time exploring the work of British composers through the centuries. From music of the Elizabeth Golden Age, Purcell and the glorious Baroque and Restoration Era, the interesting visitors who filled the two-hundred-year void until Elgar, and the continuation of this productive trend until today.
  10. Born to blush Unheard: Women Composers. We all know about Bach, Beethoven and the Beatles, but what about women composers? Were there any? And if so, who were they, what were their roles, and why is so little is known about them? From ancient to recent times, discover the neglected women composers and their vital contribution to our musical history.
  11. The Food of Love – Shakespeare Inspiring Music: Shakespeare’s plays are filled with musical references. His characters refer to music, and several plays contain singing and dancing. Enjoy examples of various forms of music inspired by his masterful plays over the centuries – opera, incidental music, ballet and songs.
  12. Music and the Dance – Dancing Through Time: Dance has been an important part of ceremony, rituals, celebrations and entertainment since the earliest human civilizations. Beginning with appeasing a nature spirit, or accompanying a rite of passage, we progress through Ancient Times to the present contemporary dance scene, enjoying beautiful renaissance and Romantic Era ballets along the way.
  13. Classical Music a Nutshell/for Dummies. A whirlwind overview of the main periods music history – Who’s who and when they were active. Covering roughly one and a half thousand years, we listen to music from the Early Middle Ages to the present day. We’re mostly familiar with music from the 18th and 19th centuries, but what about the music before that, and later during our own age? We take a glimpse at the early beginnings during the Dark Ages, and discover the innovators of the “contemporary scene”, men and women composing as we speak.
  14. Weird and wonderful musical instruments in paintings. We look at a number of paintings, in chronological order, featuring musical instruments, and discover what they were and what they sounded like. During this process we shall be able to observe the evolution, development and even demise of various instruments – as they emerged and became obsolete – from late Medieval times to around 1900.
  15. What on earth is that? Unusual Musical Instruments. We begin by listening to several instruments with which we are already familiar (but may not realise it), that are used in well-known music, as well as some more bizarre instruments. I play music by several popular composers, and some that were also new to me. One lives and learns!

Famous Composers

  1. Beethoven – A Child of Revolution. Join Elizabeth as she introduces Beethoven’s revolutionary and violently war-torn era, explores the singular personality of this innovative but tragically tormented genius, and provides guidelines on how to recognise his musical “fingerprints”. Discover how Beethoven’s remarkable resilience and indomitable optimism enabled him to triumph over adversity – his increasing deafness – and bring to the world a wealth of magnificent music.
  2. Who was the “Immortal Beloved”? Discover the mysterious but unknown recipient of a love letter from Beethoven. Elizabeth explores possible candidates and reveals the love stories of this passionate but solitary genius.
  3. Leonard (“Lenny”) Bernstein (1918-1990) – The Ultimate New Yorker. Leonard Bernstein is famous for his long association with the New York Philharmonic, and his popular stage music. But he wrote much other terrific music apart from West Side Story: symphonic, ballet, opera, film and choral music. In this presentation also hear about “Lenny’s” other talents – author, lecturer, teacher and pianist, and the first American to conduct world-famous orchestras abroad.
  4. An Interlude with Gilbert & Sullivan. Enjoy the humour and satire of Gilbert’s texts set to Sullivan’s catchy melodies – a formula that has stood the test of time despite its superficial content. Anachronistic, quaint, and sometimes quite bizarre, discover why are the “Savoy” operas still popular in the English-speaking world today.
  5. Songs of Norway – The Music of Grieg. Nordic traveller Elizabeth shares with you the romantic music of this much-loved composer – foremost representative of 19th century nationalism in Norway. Resonant with the magnificent landscapes and Norwegian folklore, we hear how his music, richly infused with the rhythms and melodies of his homeland, brought Norway’s customs and traditions to the world.
  6. Chopin – Poet of the Piano. A composer who wrote almost exclusively for the piano, Chopin captured the flavour of ancient Slavic legends in his ballades and polonaises – songs of passion and love for a country that was three times partitioned by her powerful and avaricious neighbours: Russia, Austria and Prussia. But although an ardent patriot, whose music is in turn passionate and lyrical, his was the voice of the solitary artist, and not of a fervent nationalist.
  7. Franz Liszt – Titan of the Keyboard. One of the most extraordinary musicians the Western European world has ever produced, Liszt was known first and foremost as a phenomenal pianist. He was also a pioneer conductor, a much sought-after teacher, and one of the most innovative composers of the 19th C Romantic Era. Charismatic in the concert hall and salon, women swooned, and men were envious.
  8. Clara Schumann – composer, pianist and pioneer. This is the fascinating story of the challenging life and work of the first great woman composer in music history. Significant for initiating many new practices in piano performance, she was also the wife of famous composer Robert, and a mother. Yet she still found time to compose.
  9. Mozart – Precocious Wunderkind. We meet an exceptional genius and quirky personality, discover the nature of “Classical” music – his oeuvre, and the Age of Enlightenment, with elements of the Rococo, during which he lived, was influenced by the writings of the celebrated philosophers of the time. Included is an exploration of Mozart’s quirky, mercurial personality, and the distinctive and instantly recognisable “musical fingerprints”, or characteristics that constitute his music uniquely “Mozartian”.
  10. Sibelius – A Finnish Nationalist. Johan Sibelius, known as Jean, is widely considered one of the most important and original symphonic composers of the 20th century, celebrated for capturing the stark beauty and mythic atmosphere of the Finnish landscape. He also played a significant role in the formation of the Finnish national identity.
  11. Tchaikovsky – Russian Icon. One of the most popular composers of all time, this composer’s life has been shrouded in myth and mystery for more than a century. Thanks to the subterfuge of his family – and the Soviet authorities – we have been given a false portrait of a composer whose life was as poignantly tragic as so much of his music. Best known for his First Piano Concerto and ballets, he wrote a great deal of other wonderful music: grand operas, lyrical orchestral pieces, passionate songs, haunting chamber music, and dozens of delightful piano pieces.

Art history Talks:

  1. How to Read a Painting – hidden clues and secret messages. How can we understand art, the signs and symbols obvious to educated viewers of the past? Discover surprising details in paintings, perhaps unnoticed before, and uncover the artists’ secrets.
  2. Women Artists Through the Ages. Apart from the women composers about whom so little is known, we discover more undiscovered women who created great works of art. They served at court, received commissions, opened their studios to other gifted women, and inspired other gifted women to express themselves – publicly – in oil, watercolour and pastel.

Country Specific Talks:

France

  1. Vive la France! – A Festival of French Music. France has produced an extraordinary array of brilliant, versatile composers, from Medieval troubadours and the Renaissance courts, the pomp and ceremony of Baroque to the Romantics and Impressionists. Join Elizabeth on a colourful journey of French music through the ages, and a little on the lighter side with Piaf and Maurice Chevalier.
  2. Provence – A Feast for the Senses! From its fascinating historical heritage to the bustling markets of today, Provence is that magical part of southern France that appeals to all the senses: the scent of lavender, the flavours of sun-drenched produce and delicious cuisine and wines, the feel of the sunshine, the beautiful scenery with its varied landscapes inspiring painters and writers, and the sounds of the sea, the wind, and the music!
  3. Introducing Debussy and Impressionism – Re-imagining the arts. The meaning of the term “Impressionism” is explored, its characteristics and aesthetic in the visual arts, and the catalysts that gave rise to this innovative style. We meet Debussy, leader of Impressionism in music, and the manner in which he transferred these ideas to music.
  4. Other Impressionists and Post-Impressionism. We continue the exploration of the work of the Impressionist painters and their influence on composers in countries other than France. Their ideas influenced the succeeding generation of artists, paving the way for explosive new trends in the 20th century.

French Polynesia

  1. Introducing Debussy and Impressionism – Re-imagining the arts. The meaning of the term “Impressionism” is explored, its characteristics and aesthetic in the visual arts, and the catalysts that gave rise to this innovative style. We meet Debussy, leader of Impressionism in music, and the manner in which he transferred these ideas to music. Influences on his music included the gamelan ensembles of Indonesia, Oriental art, especially Japanese prints, and the instruments, exotic scales and rhythms of the Far East.
  2. Other Impressionists and Post-Impressionism, especially Gauguin, who lived and worked in Tahiti. We continue the exploration of the work of the Impressionist painters and their influence on composers in countries other than France. It will be seen how their ideas influenced the succeeding generation of artists, paving the way for explosive new trends in the 20th century.
  3. Vive la France! – A Festival of French Music. France has produced an extraordinary array of brilliant, versatile composers, from Medieval troubadours and the Renaissance courts, the pomp and ceremony of Baroque to the Romantics and Impressionists. Join Elizabeth on a colourful journey of French music through the ages, and a little on the lighter side with Piaf and Maurice Chevalier.
  4. Provence – A Feast for the Senses!  From its fascinating historical heritage to the bustling markets of today, Provence is that magical part of southern France that appeals to all the senses: the scent of lavender, the flavours of sun-drenched produce and delicious cuisine and wines, the feel of the sunshine, the beautiful scenery with its varied landscapes inspiring painters and writers, and the sounds of the sea, the wind, and the music!

Germany/Austria

  1. Beethoven – A Child of Revolution! Join Elizabeth as she introduces Beethoven’s revolutionary and violently war-torn era, explores the singular personality of this innovative but tragically tormented genius, and provides guidelines on how to recognise his musical “fingerprints”. Discover how Beethoven’s remarkable resilience and indomitable optimism enabled him to triumph over adversity – his increasing deafness – and bring to the world a wealth of magnificent music.
  2. Who was the “Immortal Beloved”? Discover the mysterious but unknown recipient of a love letter from Beethoven. Elizabeth explores possible candidates, and reveals the love stories of this passionate but solitary genius.
  3. The JS Bach Journey – following in the footsteps of the Master. From childhood in Eisenach to prestigious posts in Weimar, Arnstadt and Mühlhausen, we follow Bach’s life and work until his final years at the St. Thomas Church and School in Leipzig.
  4. Mozart – Precocious Wunderkind. We meet an exceptional genius and quirky personality, discover the nature of “Classical” music – his oeuvre, and the Age of Enlightenment, with elements of the Rococo, during which he lived, was influenced by the writings of the celebrated philosophers of the time. Included is an exploration of Mozart’s quirky, mercurial personality, and the distinctive and instantly recognisable “musical fingerprints”, or characteristics that constitute his music uniquely “Mozartian”.

Great Britain

  1. Rule Britannia! – A Festival of English Music. From Celtic and Roman times to the bustling Middle Ages, we travel through time exploring the work of British composers through the centuries. From music of the Elizabeth Golden Age, Purcell and the glorious Baroque and Restoration Era, the interesting visitors who filled the two-hundred-year void until Elgar, and the continuation of this productive trend until today.
  2. An Interlude with Gilbert & Sullivan. Enjoy the humour and satire of Gilbert’s texts set to Sullivan’s catchy melodies – a formula that has stood the test of time despite its superficial content. Anachronistic, quaint, and sometimes quite bizarre, discover why are the “Savoy” operas still popular in the English-speaking world today.
  3. The Best of Charles’s Choices. Enjoy a musical interlude in which we enjoy once again the music chosen and commissioned by King Charles III for his Coronation in May 2023 – a splendid ceremony watched by millions all around the world.
  4. Shakespeare Inspiring Music: Shakespeare’s plays are filled with musical references. His characters refer to music, and several plays contain singing and dancing. Enjoy examples of various forms of music inspired by his masterful plays over the centuries – opera, incidental music, ballet and songs.

Greece

  1. The Origins of Music & Dance. Who was first to pick up a piece of chalky stone and draw an image on a cave wall, or a hollow tube and play a tune? Join Elizabeth to explore the very first stirrings of music, art and dance – the ancestors of Bach, Beethoven and the Beatles.
  2. Musiki – Music in Ancient Greece. The word “music” derives from the Greek word musiki and referred to all the arts of the nine muses. Discover what the first composers of Christian sacred music learned from the Greeks, thus paving the way for the “Classical” music we love today.
  3. Homer’s Trojan Wars – Greek Mythology or Historical Truth? We know from archaeological evidence that Ancient Troy existed, the many layers revealing signs of conflict and fire. But did the Trojan abduction of the beautiful Greek princess Helen really launch a thousand ships, sparking a ten-year siege peopled with courageous heroes and capricious gods?

Iceland

  1. Music of Ice and Fire! From Mozart & Debussy to Stravinsky’s fiery music, Tchaikovsky’s snowflake ballerinas and Outi Tarkiainen’s “Midnight Sun”, enjoy glorious music inspired by the dramatic forces of Nature which shaped the landscapes of Iceland.
  2. Icelandic Culture and Music. Discover the fascinating folklore of Iceland, merging pagan beliefs with nature and fable. Hear stories and legends inspired by mysterious landscapes and Nordic mythology, stories explaining natural phenomena featuring elves, trolls, sorcery and witchcraft, and inspiring music by Icelandic composers still active today.

Italy

  1. Bella Italia! – A morning/afternoon/evening of Italian music. From Renaissance madrigals to operatic masterpieces, Baroque favourites and Funiculì, Funiculà!, enjoy a musical interlude delighting in Italy’s best melodies through the ages.
  2. Dante Alighieri – Inspiring the Arts for 700 years. An exploration of Dante’s rich legacy, his life and time, and how the legendary power struggles between the Guelphs and the Ghibellines led to his downfall and banishment from Florence. Discover how his magnificent poetry has inspired artists and composers for over seven centuries.
  3. Rome – in the footsteps of Respighi (the Fountains and Pines of Rome) and other hidden gems in the Eternal City.
  4. Art and Music in Renaissance Italy – an aural and visual feast
  5. Giuseppe Verdi – Magnificent opera! Composer, politician, Nationalist, introducing Verdi’s life and work. Each opera so diverse in character and content, rich in pathos and drama, Verdi demonstrated a keen understanding of human nature and stage craft, and the Italian gift for beautiful, catchy melodies.

Japan

  1. Gardens of Musical Delights – music inspired by beautiful gardens. Many composers have been inspired by the beauty of Nature – the sea, the countryside and beautiful gardens. We embark on a tour of musical delights by several Impressionist and lighter, more modern composers, and revel in their gorgeous musical imagery. Special emphasis is on the art of Japanese gardens, symbolic spaces designed to capture the essence of Nature in a concentrated form. They embody spiritual peace, harmony with nature, and philosophy, serving as living art forms that encourage quiet reflection, mindfulness, and meditation. Unlike Western gardens, which strive to govern and subdue nature, Japanese gardens use symbolic abstraction to honour and mimic natural landscapes. We listen to beautiful Japanese Classical music to complement images of these gardens.
  2. Music Around the World in 45 Minutes. We’re familiar with the Classical and popular music of the “Western” world, but what about the music of other cultures? Embark on a whirlwind tour of some fascinating countries and customs and discover musical worlds different from our own. Special emphasis is on Japanese Classical music (hōgaku) which is characterized by a meditative mood, pentatonic (5-note) scales, flexible rhythm, and the reflective use of silence. Much of this music is rooted in imperial court ceremonies, Buddhist temples, and traditional Japanese theatre.
  3. Music and the Dance – Dancing Through Time: Dance has been an important part of ceremony, rituals, celebrations and entertainment since the earliest human civilizations. Beginning with appeasing a nature spirit, or accompanying a rite of passage, we progress through Ancient Times to the present contemporary dance scene, enjoying beautiful renaissance and Romantic Era ballets along the way. We explore Japanese classical dance, known as Nihon Buyo, which features slow, deliberate storytelling movements, the use of symbolic props such as fans, and a distinctive balance between stillness and motion. These dance forms are a unique blend of postures, narrative music, and stylized acting.
  4. Musical instruments in paintings. We look at a number of Western European paintings, in chronological order, featuring musical instruments, and discover what they were and what they sounded like. During this process we can observe the evolution, development and even demise of various instruments – as they emerged and became obsolete – from late Medieval times to around 1900. Included are Japanese musical instruments featured in Ukiyo-e woodblock prints, classical paintings, and historical narrative scroll illustrations. These also feature the instrumentalists – figures such as courtesans, geisha, and maiko.
  5. What was that? Unusual Musical Instruments. We begin by listening to several instruments with which we are already familiar (but may not realise it), that are used in well-known music, as well as some more bizarre instruments. I play music by several popular composers as well as some by the lesser-known composers. Japanese instruments feature as well, to resonate with this cruise, along with the story of the Geisha and their musical and entertainment skills.
  6. Born to blush Unheard: Women Composers. We all know about Bach, Beethoven and the Beatles, but what about women composers? Were there any? And if so, who were they, what were their roles, and why is so little is known about them? From ancient to recent times, discover the neglected women composers and their vital contribution to our musical history. Included are famous Japanese women composers, both from the past and the present.

Norway

  1. Rocks, Forests, Torrents and Sea! With pictures stories, and a little music, we take a voyage of discovery along Norway’s magnificent coast. Enjoy the natural splendours – and hidden gems: majestic fjords and rugged mountains, picturesque fishing villages and cities boasting glorious cathedrals, glaciers, forests, and plunging waterfalls. This is a land of dramatic contrasts, quaint legends and strange mythical creatures.
  2. Panoramic Norway. With pictures and anecdotes, we take a fascinating journey exploring some highlights of Norway’s magnificent interior. Road-tripping along the superbly planned “National Scenic Routes”, we explore history, culture and landscapes set amidst rugged mountains and verdant valleys: stave churches, forests, fjords, Arctic tundra and plunging waterfalls. Enjoy the tips and anecdotes of Nordic traveller Elizabeth Handley.
  3. Oslo Top 10. We discover the best of Oslo – the “City on the Fjord”. Known for its green spaces and fantastic museums, including the waterside Maritime and Viking Ship Museums, this is the hub of Norwegian shipping and industry. And do not miss: the iconic opera house, the art, delicious seafood, “Baltic gold”, and much more!
  4. Songs of Norway – the music of Grieg. Nordic musicologist Elizabeth shares with you the romantic music of this much-loved composer – principal representative of 19th century nationalism in Norway. Resonant with the magnificent landscapes and Norwegian folklore, we hear how his music, richly infused with the rhythms and melodies of his homeland, brought Norway’s customs and traditions to the world.

Portugal

Lisbon: From Phoenicians to Fado – the other city on seven hills: Lisbon has a long and fascinating history which can still be seen in the urban layout, architecture, food and culture. Having suffered many tumultuous events – both natural and human, it continues to flourish and enjoy vibrant life, with a marvellous discovery round every corner.

Scandinavia

  1. Sibelius – A Finnish Nationalist. Johan Sibelius, known as Jean, played an important role in the formation of the Finnish national identity.
  2. Romantic Scandinavian Composers – from Grieg to Sibelius and other undiscovered gems.

South Africa

  1. South African Music and Art – A Cultural Conversation

Each country has its own unique cultural heritage, with some figures celebrated globally in the world’s most famous galleries and on the international stage, others not so well known. Join Elizabeth as she celebrates the leading names in South African art and the musical stars who have progressed from humble beginnings to the world’s most renowned platforms.

  1. Panoramic South Africa – A Country of Diverse Landscapes

South Africa, the southernmost country on the African continent, is famous for its incredible biodiversity, varied landscapes, and profound cultural history. Known as the “Rainbow Nation,” it features a population of over 63 million people, 12 official languages, and an economy anchored by mining, agriculture, and tourism. Join Elizabeth as she takes you on a tour, province by province, of her beautiful country.

OR

  1. Panoramic South Africa – a diversity of landscapes. Beaches, mountains, semi-desert, tropical orchards and iconic African bushveld, South Africa has it all. Join Elizabeth on a tour of her beautiful country and discover the magnificent landscapes.
  2. A Brief History of South Africa: from pre-history to today, Elizabeth takes us on a journey through time in the southern-most country of Africa, exploring the arrival of both European, Asian and African settlers who made it the “Rainbow Nation” it is today.
  3. eThekwini (Durban) and Cape Town – Highlights and Hidden Gems: discover what to see and do, savour and view, as Elizabeth shares her experience of South Africa’s two most popular seaports.

Spain

  1. Nights in the Gardens of Spain: Spanish musical Romanticism at its best. From the jasmine-scented gardens and Moorish history of the Alhambra palace in Granada to the Gardens of the Sierra de Córdoba featuring lively rhythms inspired by flamenco and gypsy music.
  2. In the Footsteps of Pilgrims: the Camino de Santiago. This historic network of pilgrim routes leading to the shrine of the apostle Saint James at the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in Galicia has been walked for over a millennium by thousands of travelers. The goal of some was and still is to complete the journey annually for spiritual, cultural, or physical satisfaction.
  3. Madrid – A Fiesta of Spanish flavours, flamboyance and flamenco. Spain’s vibrant capital is a city of elegant boulevards and expansive, manicured parks such as the Parque del Buen Retiro, the Sabatini Gardens and the Royal Botanic Park. Renowned for its magnificent art galleries, including the Prado, the Reina Sofía, and the Thyssen-Bornemisza National Museum, we revel in the highlights of the Spanish masters and other European luminaries. At the centre of old Hapsburg Madrid is the portico-lined Plaza Mayor, where delicious “tapas” can be tasted, and the Baroque Royal Palace seen nearby. High fashion, and flamenco dancing shows make this a city destination on every wish list.
  4. Barcelona – vibrant Catalan capital. Home to 9 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the iconic Sagrada Família cathedral and Park Güell, this sun-drenched city features a fascinating mix of medieval Gothic quarters and Antoni Gaudí’s whimsical modernist architecture. Founded in around 10 BC by the Roman Emperor Augustus, join Elizabeth to enjoy the arts and music, tapas and travel tips of this bustling Mediterranean seaport.

Sweden

  1. Cultural Highlights in Stockholm. Savour the rich blend of medieval alleyways, world-class maritime history, and cutting-edge modern art in this beautiful old Nordic city. Spread across 14 scenic islands, cultural stops range from the preserved 17th century warship at the Vasa Museum to the old town streets of Gamla Stan and Baroque theatres at Drottningholm and Ulriksdal palaces.
  2. Sweden Through the Year. From endless Arctic summer sunlight to dark, snowy winters, Swedish life is strongly governed by a deep love for the Nature and seasonal traditions. This rhythm shapes life throughout the year – cozy candlelit evenings and traditional dancing around the maypole at “Midsommar”. Every month holds a special celebration, sometimes rooted in pagan ritual, enjoyed by young and old alike.
  3. Travels Through Sweden. From Stockholm’s vibrant island culture to the wild, remote peaks of the North, experience endless pine forests, sparkling lakes, coastal archipelagos, and daily “fika” traditions under the midnight sun or Northern Lights. We visit northern ski resorts in the mountains bordering Norway, the apple orchards of Skåne, quaint villages with medieval churches, and long white beaches in the south.

USA: New York

  1. New York – a hellova town! This energetic and vibrant city is one of the world’s most significant economic and cultural hubs. With its unique lifestyle and atmosphere, it is easily explored by yellow cab, metro, or on foot. In this presentation discover the best things to see and do, with a little history, and encounter some delightful “hidden gems” that the guidebooks don’t mention.
  2. From the Met to the Gugg – Art and Innovation for everyone! Well-known for the famous Metropolitan and Guggenheim art museums, with their wealth of great traditional and modern art, New York is also home to a wide variety of other galleries. From folk art to the avant-garde, Native American, Buddhist, medieval and contemporary art, the city’s galleries have works of brilliance and innovation to suit every taste – and to display new talent.
  3. Further afield – Beyond New York City. Beyond NYC’s energetic bustle, many attractions await city-weary visitors further afield. There are the fine beaches on Long Island, and the Montauk Lighthouse, while The Hamptons are a favourite summertime getaway for the city’s elite. The Hudson Fjord can be explored from Cold Springs, or relax in such havens as Sleepy Hollow, a charming waterfront village just an hour from the city.
  4. Leonard (“Lenny”) Bernstein (1918-1990) – The Ultimate New Yorker

Leonard Bernstein is famous for his long association with the New York Philharmonic, and his popular stage music. But he wrote much other terrific music apart from West Side Story: symphonic, ballet, opera, film and choral music. In this presentation also hear about “Lenny’s” other talents – author, lecturer, teacher and pianist, and the first American to conduct world-famous orchestras abroad.

Talks for Christmas Time

  1. Christmas Stories – the origins of our traditions and customs in music and pictures.
  2. The Story of the Nativity in famous paintings, with Festive music to match.

Archaeological Talks

  1. The Origins of Music & Dance. Who was first to pick up a piece of chalky stone and draw an image on a cave wall, or a hollow tube and play a tune? Join Elizabeth to explore the very first stirrings of music, art and dance – the ancestors of Bach, Beethoven and the Beatles.
  2. Musiki – Music in Ancient Greece. The word “music” derives from the Greek word musiki and referred to all the arts of the nine muses. Discover what the first composers of Christian sacred music learned from the Greeks, thus paving the way for the “Classical” music we love today.

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Antony Warhurst

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