The land that produced musical titans like Tchaikovsky, Rimsky-Korsakov and Stravinsky, Russia has a long and illustrious connection to opera. For the ultimate operatic experience in St Petersburg, Hotel Astoria invites you to celebrate New Year’s Eve with a private concert at Yusupov Palace by Mariinsky Theatre singers. After welcome cocktails and canapés, you’ll embark on an exclusive palace tour before taking your seat at the gilded Home Theatre for an unforgettable performance. Sit back and enjoy an evening of sublime arias, before returning to Hotel Astoria for a decadent seven-course celebration dinner.
The unique event is inspired by St Petersburg’s longstanding relationship with world class opera. The first operas were performed here in the 18th century and Russia’s Imperial Court became swiftly enamoured with the art form. The royal patronage of the art meant that opera performances were soon de rigeur for St Petersburg’s elite and Empress Elizabeth even had an opera performance at her coronation in 1742. Russia’s love affair with opera continued to flourish in the 19th century and, despite the political upheaval of the 20th century, operatic composers such as Rachmaninoff and Shostakovich braved fierce condemnation from the authorities in order to stage their works.
Today, St Petersburg is the definitive city in which to experience Russian opera, from exclusive performances in private palaces to world-renowned theatres such as the legendary Mariinsky Theatre and the equally prestigious Mikhailovsky Theatre.
To enquire or book this unforgettable New Year’s Eve celebration at Hotel Astoria, call +7 812 494 5757 or email reservations.astoria@roccofortehotels.com.
Image Credit
Valentin Baranovsky_Marrinsky Theatre
Agrigento’s roots run as deep as the gnarled olive trees that dot its landscape, stretching back over 2,500 years to its founding as Akragas, one of the greatest cities of the ancient Greek world. Set against a breathtaking coastline, this once thriving cultural and political hub was praised by the Greek poet Pindar as “the most beautiful city of mortals”. Today, this splendour is immortalised in the Valley of the Temples.
In 1925, a world still shell-shocked from the ravages of World War I found renewal in a burgeoning artistic movement: Art Deco. It reflected motion, progress, the future. Immediately embraced by famed Belgian architect Victor Horta, he laid the foundations for Art Deco in Brussels with his plans for the Centre of Fine Arts (Bozar). This marked the inception of a radically modern approach to architecture and art in the city. Now, as Brussels marks a century of Art Deco style, it’s the perfect time to explore this distinctly walkable city with your own budding artists.
Along Italy’s dazzling southern coastline, two Rocco Forte Hotel retreats prepare to welcome spring’s arrival. Each destination, from Puglia’s rolling hills to the sugary shores of Sciacca, exudes charm and space to unwind while offering personalised onsite activities and local experiences.
