CLASSIC EXCURSIONS PACKAGE

The vast expanse of Dutch and Belgian grasslands becomes a palette of colorful flowers in the spring. Join us as we navigate the canals alongside quintessential windmills—conjuring Vermeer and Van Gogh and indulging in Gouda and speculaas while enjoying music from one end of these northern plains to the other. These two countries have deep melodic heritages, so take advantage of this moment to (re)discover their composers and works, including the Sonata by Franck—one of the most prestigious Belgian composers—and the one by the Russian artist Myaskovsky. Delight in creations by  Hasselmans, Vieuxtemps, and Lekeu—three additional Belgian composers—as well as the virtuoso Rachmaninoff. And who can forget Die tote Stadt, the fascinating opera by Korngold that takes place in Bruges?

Alain Duault