Mann's, Visconti's and Britten's Venice

Classical Pursuits Theme Vacation Visits Italian Literary Locales

Jan 6, 2009

Death in Venice by Thomas Mann, plus the film Luchino Visconti made from the short novel and Benjamin Britten's opera, set the stage for visiting the Italian city.

The spellbinding city of Venice has inspired timeless works of art. Thomas Mann's Death in Venice uses many locations in the city to tell the story of an artist's longing for beauty and youth. The film of the novella by Luchino Visconti was shot in the city, and Benjamin Britten's opera is a masterful musical setting of this story.

From March 14-21 2009, seniors and others can explore places in Venice that captivated each artist. The tour operator Classical Pursuits leads a trip through literary Venice with a professor from the university.

Highlights

The group will have a drink at the Hotel des Bains on the Lido where are story is situated, and attend Britten's War Requiem at the newly restored opera house.

Joining the tour will be Thomas W. Jones, a conductor, composer and music educator in New York who has been interested in Thomas Mann for over 30 years, dating back to the when he first read Buddenbrooks, Death in Venice. and The Magic Mountain. He has given a lecture on "The Use of Music in the Early Writings of Thomas Mann" has led two earlier Toronto Pursuits seminars on Thomas Mann – one on Death in Venice, and the other on Dr. Faustus.

Why Take Tour Rather Than Do Trip Yourself?

Classical Pursuits points out that anyone who tries discovers how exhausting it is. This group takes a break in the day. It gives participants’ feet and eyes a rest, and lets a small group of fellow travelers sit comfortably to discuss the meaning of it all.

In addition the arrangements are flexible and generally there is unscheduled morning, afternoon, or evening time available for individual pursuits each day. The company often provides aids such as a museum pass along with a written guide to a particular collection. Frequently, the leaders will indicate what they plan to do during an unscheduled period and invite whoever wishes to come along.

Lodging at 14th Century Monastery

This group will stay at a restored 14th century monastery, Centro Culturale Don Orione Artigianelli, for 7 nights. Cost is: $3200 Canadian or approximately $2701 US at exchange rates as of Jan. 6. The cost includes books, accommodation, two meals a day, discussions, walking tours, talks, excursions and admissions.

Attendees are encouraged to read the book in advance. All air travel can be arranged through Classical Pursuits' partner Drum Travel Cooperative. Those who have additional questions can phone Ann Kirkland at Classical Pursuits International in Toronto, at (416) 892-3580 or Toll-free at 1-877-633-2555.

The copyright of the article Mann's, Visconti's and Britten's Venice in Senior Travel Tours is owned by Grace Lichtenstein. Permission to republish Mann's, Visconti's and Britten's Venice in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.