LOS ANGELES (May 11, 2010) – Viking River Cruises, the world’s leading river cruise line, has announced that it has partnered with musicians of the world-famous Mariinsky Theatre to feature an elite group of its performers aboard select 2010 departures of its 13-day Waterways of the Czars cruise.
The highly trained and award-winning performers include a soprano and a tenor from the Mariinsky Opera who will receive accompaniment from one of two pianists. Guests will be treated to a variety of performances featuring classical compositions, famous arias and traditional Russian favorites.
“Working with the Mariinsky musicians allows us to take our program of cultural enrichment to the next level,” said Richard Marnell, Viking’s Senior Vice President of Marketing. “Having world-class singers and musicians accompany guests as they sail through the heart of Russia is the ultimate immersion into Russian culture and an unforgettable experience.”
The musicians will be featured on nine 2010 departures aboard two of Viking River Cruises Russian river cruise vessels. Mariinsky performers will be hosted on the following departures: August 11 and 23; September 28; and October 10 (aboard Viking Peterhof) and July 18 and 30; August 11 and 23; and October 10 (aboard Viking Pakhomov). In addition to performing, the artists will offer insight into Russian classical composers, Russian folk songs, the history of the Mariinsky Theatre and the Mariinsky today, through lectures and discussions where they will also answer questions about their background and Russian musical traditions.
Viking’s 13-day Waterways of the Czars cruise sails from along the Neva, Svir and Volga Rivers with stops in quaint riverside towns such as Goritzy, Yaroslavl, Uglich and the island city of Kizhi with its Open Air Museum of Architecture. In addition, guests will have multiple days in the larger, more cosmopolitan cities to tour famed sites such as Moscow’s Kremlin, Red Square and St. Basil’s Cathedral as well as St. Petersburg’s Hermitage Museum and Pushkin, highlighted by Catherine’s Palace and gardens.
The Mariinsky Theatre, based in the heart of St. Petersburg, opened in 1860. It was considered Russia’s preeminent music theater of the late 19th century where many stage masterpieces of famed composers such as Tchaikosvky were premiered. Today, that tradition lives on and the Mariinsky name continues to mean the finest in performance art. With world-class artists from around the globe, the Mariinsky Theatre is home to the Mariinsky Ballet, Mariinsky Opera and Mariinsky Orchestra, all of whom represent artistic excellence and creativity and perform innovative productions of modern and classic music and dance.
Departure dates and additional itinerary details are available in the Russia regional section of the website. For additional details, contact Viking River Cruises toll-free at 1-877-66VIKING (1-877-668-4546).
About Viking River Cruises
Viking River Cruises, the world’s largest river cruise company, offers scenic cruising along the rivers of Europe, Russia, China and Egypt. The company has been honored multiple times as the top river cruise line on Condé Nast Traveler’s “Gold List” and Travel + Leisure’s “World’s Best” Awards as well as recognized as the World’s Leading River Cruise Operator at the World Travel Awards. Travel agents have also recognized Viking River Cruises as “Best River Cruise Line” by Travel Weekly, “Best River Cruise Line” by Recommend and Travel Agent magazines, Best Cruise Line for Luxury River Cruises at the Luxury Travel Advisor Awards of Excellence and as “Best Overall Cruise Line for River Cruising” and “Best River Cruise Line for Travel Agent Support” by TravelAge West. Since its 1997 inception, the company has grown to a fleet of 18 vessels, and provides unique, deluxe vacations to experienced travelers with an interest in geography, culture and history. For additional information, contact Viking River Cruises at 1-877-668-4546 (1-877-66VIKING) toll-free or visit the company online at http://www.vikingrivercruises.com.