Live Out Your Dream of Being A Maestro On Avalon Waterways!
Avalon Waterways, one of my favorite river cruise lines is raising the bar (in this case baton) with a series of unique experiences. They were the first to try conducting an orchestra in Vienna.
How You Ask
Vienna echoes to the strains of Schubert, members of the Strauss dynasty and Mozart; who were born or lived in the city at various times. Classical concerts are one of the city's most popular attractions, with performances almost every night of the week. While river cruise lines have sometimes brought passengers to concerts, Avalon Waterways' passengers can go a step further and conduct an orchestra. The line introduced the optional activity as part of its Active Discovery program which launched on Danube sailings in 2017. Active Discovery itineraries were extended to the Rhine in 2018 and, new for 2019, will also feature the Rhone.
During the excursion, budding Leonard Bernsteins are taken to one of the city's famous concert halls and introduced to the art of conducting before taking to the stage and leading an orchestra through a series of waltzes and polkas. It's a once-in-a-lifetime experience whether you're very musically minded, or simply curious to find out what it's like to stand in front of an orchestra rather than sit in the audience. Return home with a baton as a souvenir and each time you hear a waltz or polka on the radio, you will be tempted to do a bit of "air conducting"!
Don't worry if you're not a musical maestro, as the experience is all about learning in a fun (albeit impressive) environment. If you want to steal the spotlight and share of the limelight, don't forget to bring along a camera to capture photos and videos of your performance. Encore!
How You Ask
Vienna echoes to the strains of Schubert, members of the Strauss dynasty and Mozart; who were born or lived in the city at various times. Classical concerts are one of the city's most popular attractions, with performances almost every night of the week. While river cruise lines have sometimes brought passengers to concerts, Avalon Waterways' passengers can go a step further and conduct an orchestra. The line introduced the optional activity as part of its Active Discovery program which launched on Danube sailings in 2017. Active Discovery itineraries were extended to the Rhine in 2018 and, new for 2019, will also feature the Rhone.
During the excursion, budding Leonard Bernsteins are taken to one of the city's famous concert halls and introduced to the art of conducting before taking to the stage and leading an orchestra through a series of waltzes and polkas. It's a once-in-a-lifetime experience whether you're very musically minded, or simply curious to find out what it's like to stand in front of an orchestra rather than sit in the audience. Return home with a baton as a souvenir and each time you hear a waltz or polka on the radio, you will be tempted to do a bit of "air conducting"!
Don't worry if you're not a musical maestro, as the experience is all about learning in a fun (albeit impressive) environment. If you want to steal the spotlight and share of the limelight, don't forget to bring along a camera to capture photos and videos of your performance. Encore!
Contact [email protected] to help you plan your river cruise! Avalon's Active Discovery program is among her favorites. But, as a certified river cruise specialist, she is equipped to help you choose among the different cruise lines and itineraries in your best interest!
