The year 2017 marks the 500th anniversary of the Reformation, and Leipzig, Germany, is celebrating it and Martin Luther with events throughout the year. For a downloadable brochure of Reformation events in Leipzig (and those of city native Johann Sebastian Bach), visit www.leipzig.travel/en/Download_Centre_2139.html and click on “In the Footsteps of Luther and Bach.”
In Australia, renovations and remodeling of the interior of the Sydney Opera House, starting in early 2017 and expected to take over four years, will improve the sound quality of performances. Some areas of the Opera House will be closed to visitors during the renovations. No work will be done on the iconic exterior.
After spending 30-plus springs and summers in Europe, it seems to me that, more and more, the culture is celebrated outdoors. Cities and towns everywhere are competing to attract visitors, and there is more than enough music, drink, theater and fun to keep these concerts and festivals going and growing.
Make a point in your travels to enjoy the scene outdoors… by day and by night. Here are a few random examples of how to put this cultural sparkle into your next trip.
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On the island of Réunion, in the Indian Ocean, the Musée des musiques et instruments de l’océan indien (4 rue de la Cayenne, 97433 Hell-Bourg, Réunion; phone +262 46 72 23, www.maison
morange.fr [in French only]) opened Nov. 5, 2015.
Highlighting the island’s musical traditions, a collection of more than 1,500 ancient and modern instruments include examples of music styles from Africa, Asia and Europe. Information is displayed only in French. The museum is open 10 a.m.-6 p.m Tues.-Sun. Closed Monday. Entry, €7 (near $8).
Among scores of world-class artists and orchestras performing in multiple venues in Leipzig, Germany, at the 2016 Leipzig Bach Festival, June 10-19, 2016, will be the St. Thomas Boys and Monteverdi choirs, the Gewandhaus Orchestra and American organist Cameron Carpenter. A new event, Cantata Day, on June 18, will feature 10 Bach cantatas, all composed from 1723 to 1724. Also to be noted, the 100th anniversary of the death of German composer/musician Max Reger. Visit www.worldwideticketing.com/bach-festival.
In northeastern Australia in May 2015, the Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park (Cairns Western Arterial Rd., Caravonica, Queensland, 4878, Australia; phone +61 7 4042 9999, www.tjapukai.com.au) opened an art gallery and two theaters, including one offering a 360-degree interactive experience, including the floor.
The subject “I’ll Praise Prague” inspired travelers to try very different approaches in writing their essays, making judging difficult. This month’s top essay, as graded by ITN staff, was that of NILI OLAY of New York, NY, who will receive a 3-year extension to her ITN subscription. In second place was the submission of JOSIE GIBSON of Rio Rancho, NM, whose subscription will be extended two years. The third-place winner was DEE POUJADE of Portland, OR, winning an extra year’s delivery of ITN.
