Road Scholar : Home
Defiant Requiem: Verdi at Terezin

Program Number: 21246RJ
Start and End Dates:
4/21/2013 - 4/24/2013;
Duration: 3 nights
Location: Baltimore, Maryland
Price starting at: $595.00 - Price may vary based on date, departure city
Program Type: Music Appreciation; History & Culture; Jewish Studies; Philosophy & Religion Activity Level: t (see description)
Meals: 8; 3 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches, 3 Dinners    
Meal Options: Vegetarian    

In Giuseppe Verdi’s 200th anniversary year, experience an extraordinary event: the magnificent music of Verdi’s monumental Requiem as the backdrop for the Jewish chorus at Theresienstadt Concentration Camp who sang what they could not say to their Nazi captors. Created by the distinguished conductor and artistic innovator Murry Sidlin, this dramatic performance includes the acclaimed Peabody Symphony Orchestra, Peabody-Hopkins Chorus, Peabody Singers and professional actors. “The Defiant Requiem: Verdi at Terezin” preserves the memory of prisoners who found hope and inspiration through music in the midst of the Holocaust.




Highlights

• Experience the multi-media concert/drama, including a full performance of the Requiem with video testimony from surviving members of the original choir.
• Attend a private post-concert reception in the elegant George Peabody Library with “Defiant Requiem” musicians, actors and Maestro Murry Sidlin.
• Investigate the story of Alice Herz-Sommer, a Theresienstadt Concentration Camp survivor through a two-part, book club-style discussion of the book “Alice’s Piano” by Melissa Mueller.



Coordinated by Peabody Institute of The Johns Hopkins University.




Baltimore

Once a center of shipbuilding on the Eastern seaboard, Baltimore remains an active port dedicated to preserving its maritime heritage. From historic neighborhoods to famed cultural and educational facilities, Baltimore is a world-class city.
Accommodations
Stay at the beautiful Peabody Court Hotel and enjoy dinners at local restaurants in the Mount Vernon Historic District.
Meals and Lodgings
   Wyndam Baltimore Peabody Court
  Baltimore 3 nights
 Wyndam Baltimore Peabody Court
Type: Hotel
  Description: Boutique hotel in the center of Baltimore's Mt. Vernon Historic District.
  Contact info: 612 Cathedral Street
Baltimore, MD 21201 USA
phone: 800-292-5500
web: www.peabodycourthotel.com
  Room amenities: Wyndham Baltimore Peabody Court offers 104 custom designed guest rooms that include voice mail, full marble baths, free cable TV with movies on demand, complimentary wireless high speed Internet service, in-room safe, business services, valet cleaning (weekdays) and valet parking are available 24 hours. All guest rooms showcase antique furnishings, original artwork and period furnishings.
  Facility amenities: Wyndham Baltimore Peabody Court is a downtown Baltimore Hotel providing boutique lodging accommodations in the historic Mt. Vernon neighborhood. Wyndham Baltimore Peabody Court is close to many Baltimore attractions including Walters Art Museum, Peabody Institute of Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore's Inner Harbor, Ravens Stadium, Oriole Park at Camden Yards, National Aquarium and much more.
  Smoking allowed: No
  Elevators available: Yes
  Additional nights prior: $84 double; $74 single Additional nights may be available before and after this program for $84 a night for a double room and $74 night for a single room. Please call hotel to check on availability and make a reservation: 443-552-0758.
  Check in time: 3:30 PM
  Additional nights after: $84 double; $74 single Additional nights may be available before and after this program for $84 a night for a double room and $74 night for a single room. Please call hotel to check on availability and make a reservation: 443-552-0758.
  Check out time: 11:00 AM


Travel Details
  Start of Program:
Check in from 3:30-5:00PM. Orientation to follow. You will be staying at Wyndam Baltimore Peabody Court that night.
  End of Program:
Ends at 11:00AM. You will be staying at Wyndam Baltimore Peabody Court the night before.
  Required documents:
The Road Scholar Health & Safety Form is required. Please note that program staff are unable to provide nursing or personal care. We may, at our option, require certification from a medical professional indicating participants are able to provide their own basic care.
  Parking availability:
Valet parking is the only option for onsight parking for $15 per 24 hr period, plus tax, with no in/out privileges. $29 per 24 hour period with in/out privileges.
Transportation
To Start of Program
  Location:  Baltimore
  Nearest airport:  Baltimore Washington International (BWI) is the closest airport. We DO NOT recommend using Reagan International or Dulles International Airports, as they are NOT close to Baltimore and transportation to Peabody will incur a large taxi fare.
  From End of Program
  Location: Baltimore
    (Additional transportation information same as above)
Travel Details
 

Baltimore--BWI Thurgood Marshall Airport

 

From Airport

 
 

Service:

 

Taxi

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

Taxi is approximately $35-40 one way (metered)
Prices are subject to change.
 

Travel Time:

 

35-40 minutes 
   

See driving directions for specific arrival instructions.
 

Baltimore Penn Station

 

From Train Station

 
 

Service:

 

Taxi

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

Taxi is approximately $6-8 one way (metered)
Prices are subject to change.
 

Travel Time:

 

5 minutes 
   

See driving directions for specific arrival instructions.
 

Greyhound Bus Terminal

 

From Bus Terminal

 
 

Service:

 

Taxi

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

Taxi is approximately $10-15 one way (metered)
Prices are subject to change.
 

Travel Time:

 

10-15 minutes 
   

Bus Terminal address is 2110 Haines Street, Baltimore, MD 21230. See driving directions for specific arrival instructions.
 
Driving Directions
  From the North (I-83) Driving on I 83 from Pennsylvania: If you are driving south on 83 from Pennsylvania, follow signs to the 695 Beltway WEST, and travel west on 695 a short distance before getting back onto 83 South at Beltway Exit 23A. Travel on 83 south approximately 7 miles to Exit 5--Maryland Avenue. Travel on Maryland Avenue; the name will change to Cathedral Street. Wyndam Baltimore Peabody Court will be on your right, just as you cross over Mount Vernon Place. Pull into the loading zone.
  From the North (I-95) Driving on I 95: As you approach Baltimore begin to look for the exit marked 695 - Baltimore Beltway to Towson. Take the 695 Beltway exit toward Towson. Continue on the Beltway to Exit 23A (I 83 South). Continue on 83 for approximately 7 miles to Exit 5--Maryland Avenue. Travel on Maryland Avenue; the name will change to Cathedral Street. Wyndam Baltimore Peabody Court will be on your right, just as you cross over Mount Vernon Place. Pull into the loading zone.
  From the South Take 95 North all the way to Baltimore. As you are approaching Baltimore, you will see signs for 395 North to Downtown (Exit 53). Turn onto 395 North and continue to Pratt St. and turn right. Stay on Pratt St. to Charles St. Turn left on Charles St. and go approximately one mile. After approximately one mile, the Walters Art Museum will be on your left and the Washington Monument is in front of you. At the Washington Monument, circle around it so that you may turn left onto Mount Vernon Place. Continue one block to Cathedral Street. Turn left onto Cathedral Street. The Wyndam Baltimore Peabody Court hotel will be on your right. Pull into the loading zone.
  From the West Take Interstate 70 East to the Baltimore Beltway: Route 695 - There are two ramps onto the Beltway, take the one which bears to the right - 695 South-Glen Burnie. Travel south on 695 until you get to 95 North to Baltimore (here again there are two ramps - this time you will take the one which bears left toward Baltimore). Take 95 North to 395 North to Downtown (Exit 53). Continue on 395 North to Pratt St. Turn right on Pratt St. and continue several blocks to Charles St. Turn left on Charles St. and go approximately one mile. After approximately one mile, the Walters Art Museum will be on your left and the Washington Monument is in front of you. At the Washington Monument, circle around it so that you may turn left onto Mount Vernon Place. Continue one block to Cathedral Street. Turn left onto Cathedral Street. The Wyndam Baltimore Peabody Court hotel will be on your right. Pull into the loading zone.
The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.


Daily Schedule

Day 1: Check-In and Orientation
(Sunday, April 21)

Note: The concert hall where we will attend recitals is a one-block walk from the accommodations.
   
 Arrive To: HOTEL CHECK-IN: Available from 3:30pm.

PROGRAM REGISTRATION: After you have your room assignment, come over to the Road Scholar desk in the lobby to register with the program staff and pick up your arrival packet containing your name tag, up-to-date schedule, and other important information we will review during Orientation. If you arrive late, pick up your packet at the hotel front desk.

Please be aware that program activities and scheduled times could change due to weather and other local circumstances. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible.

ORIENTATION: 5:30pm. We will gather in our private meeting room in the hotel for a warm welcome and introductions. We will review the up-to-date daily schedule, discuss responsibilities, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer any questions you may have.

 Dinner: 6:45pm. Enjoy a delicious, relaxing catered buffet dinner in the Hotel rooftop meeting room overlooking the beautiful historic Mt Vernon Cultural District. While becoming acquainted with other participants, enjoy a meal freshly prepared just for our group.
 Evening: PERFORMANCE: 8:15pm. Enjoy a recital at the renowned Peabody Conservatory of Music. Recitals are a key part of a Peabody education. Exceptional Peabody students perform in hundreds of recitals annually, often joined by faculty artists.

Recitals last approximately an hour. Spend the rest of the evening making new friends or relax and get ready for a full day tomorrow.
   
Accommodations: Wyndam Baltimore Peabody Court
Meals Included: Dinner

Day 2:
(Monday, April 22)

Note: The afternoon campus walking excursion lasts approximately an hour and covers approximately 6 blocks walking distance. The concert hall is a one-block walk from the accommodations.
   
 Breakfast: 8:30am. Breakfast at the Hotel. Enjoy a hearty breakfast buffet in the Hotel rooftop meeting room overlooking the beautiful historic Mt Vernon Cultural District. Ample hot and cold breakfast choices, served with hot coffee, tea and juice are available each morning.
 Morning: 9:30-10:45 PRESENTATION & DISCUSSION: “Alice’s Piano: The Life of Alice Herz-Sommer.” Guest lecturer, Eileen Perkins leads our examination of this stirring work of biography on the life of the world’s oldest living Holocaust survivor. Born in Prague in 1903, Alice Herz-Sommer was a talented pianist from a very early age and became famous throughout Europe. The Nazis arrested and deported her to Theresienstadt with her husband and young son in 1943. There, they attempted to fool the world with this propaganda “show camp” to convince outsiders that the Jews were being treated humanely.

There will be a 15-minute break between the two morning sessions.

11:00-12:15 PRESENTATION: Verdi's “Messa da Requiem” — Led by Peabody-Road Scholar faculty member Kris Faatz, we will begin our exploration of Verdi’s most monumental work for solo voices, chorus, and orchestra, his Requiem in memory of Alessandro Manzoni. Learn about the circumstances that led to its composition, its musical structure, and the techniques Verdi used to express the most powerful emotions.

 Lunch: 12:30 - 1:30PM: Join us in the rooftop meeting room overlooking the beautiful historic Mt Vernon Cultural District. Delicious hot and cold lunch choices and beverages will be served.
 Afternoon: 2:15-3:15 WALKING EXCURSION: We will explore the Peabody Conservatory campus to give you an idea of what goes into the conservatory musical education in developing and grooming the artists and educators of tomorrow. The walking excursion will last approximately an hour.

The remainder of the afternoon is free for you to explore on your own, mingle with new friends, or just relax.

 Dinner: 5:15-7:30 Enjoy dinner at a favorite restaurant in the local Mount Vernon neighborhood. Stroll 3 blocks from the hotel to a restaurant with an inviting atmosphere, perfect for relaxing and enjoying the pleasures of fine dining. Choose from a prix-fixe menu that offers a bountiful fresh salad, your choice from one of three savory entrées accompanied by succulent vegetables, topped off with a decadent dessert. Alcoholic beverages may be purchased upon request.
 Evening: PERFORMANCE: 8:15pm. Enjoy a recital at the renowned Peabody Conservatory of Music. Recitals are a key part of a Peabody education. Exceptional Peabody students perform in hundreds of recitals annually, often joined by faculty artists.

Recitals last approximately an hour. Spend the rest of the evening making new friends or relax and get ready for a full day tomorrow.
   
Accommodations: Wyndam Baltimore Peabody Court
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3:
(Tuesday, April 23)
   
 Breakfast: 8:30am: Enjoy a hearty breakfast buffet in the Hotel rooftop meeting room overlooking the beautiful historic Mt Vernon Cultural District. Ample hot and cold breakfast choices, served with hot coffee, tea and juice are available each morning.
 Morning: 9:30-10:45 PRESENTATION & DISCUSSION: “Alice’s Piano” Part 2. In more than 100 concerts, Alice Herz-Sommer gave her fellow prisoners hope in a time of suffering. “Alice's Piano” — published in 2012 — is the first time her story has been told. Today, living in London at 107 years of age, Alice continues to play the piano and bring hope to many.

There will be a 15-minute break between the two morning sessions.

11:00-12:15 EXPERT LECTURE: Verdi Requiem, Part 2. In addition to further study of the delicate balance between orchestra, chorus, and soloists, study parts of the libretto and imagine and discuss their meaning and implications for the prisoners of Theresienstadt.

 Lunch: 12:30pm: Join us in the rooftop meeting room overlooking the beautiful historic Mt. Vernon Cultural District. Delicious hot and cold lunch choices and beverages.
 Afternoon: 2:00-3:00pm -- EXPERT PRESENTATION: Meet with Richard Giarusso who performed in “The Defiant Requiem” in 2012. In addition to serving as a member of the Peabody Conservatory faculty, Dr. Giarusso is a versatile musician with practical and scholarly experience in a wide range of repertoire. He also offers interdisciplinary classes in music and literature at the Johns Hopkins University and maintains an active career as a singer and conductor throughout the Northeast.

As the creator of "Defiant Requiem" -- Maestro Murry Sidlin -- has written: “Verdi’s Requiem Mass is a very difficult musical composition even for very healthy people to sing -- much less malnourished prisoners living in unbearably cramped living quarters, many in extremely poor health." Mr. Giarusso will share stories about his participation in a recent production of this concert/drama, as well as the effect the experience had on him physically, intellectually, and emotionally.

The remainder of the afternoon is free for you to explore on your own, mingle with new friends, or just relax before this evening’s dinner and performance of “Defiant Requiem.”

 Dinner: 5:15pm: Enjoy an early pre-concert dinner at a favorite restaurant in the local Mount Vernon neighborhood. Stroll three blocks from the hotel to a restaurant with an inviting atmosphere, perfect for relaxing and enjoying the pleasures of fine dining. Choose from a prix-fixe menu that offers a bountiful fresh salad, your choice from one of three savory entrées accompanied by succulent vegetables, topped off with a delicious dessert. Alcoholic beverages may be purchased upon request.
 Evening: 8:00pm – PERFORMANCE: “The Defiant Requiem: Verdi at Terezin.” Attend this opening night performance at Peabody Conservatory. Excellent seats in the Orchestra section seats have been reserved for you. The performance lasts approximately two hours.

The concert/drama features a full performance of the Verdi with video testimony from surviving members of the choir, actors embedded in the orchestra, and original Nazi propaganda film footage made at Theresienstadt. The event is powerful, dramatic, and inspirational, with a contemporary message of hope. It has received wide critical acclaim, and has been performed from the Czech Republic and Budapest to the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC.

10:15pm: Attend an exciting post-concert reception at Peabody in the stunning George Peabody Rare Book Library with Maestro Sidlin and other guest artists from tonight's performance.
   
Accommodations: Wyndam Baltimore Peabody Court
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4:
(Wednesday, April 24)
   
 Breakfast: 8:30 -9:30 AM: Enjoy a hearty breakfast buffet in the Hotel rooftop meeting room overlooking the beautiful historic Mt Vernon Cultural District. Ample hot and cold breakfast choices, served with hot coffee, tea and juice are available each morning.
 Morning: 9:45-11:00AM: Meet for a post-Concert discussion and critique with our two expert lecturers, Seth Kibel and Kris Faatz, as you relate last night's dramatic performance to the story of Alice Herz-Sommer's confinement at Theresienstadt and evaluate the performance of Verdi's magnificent Requiem Mass. The program concludes with this session.

11:00-11:30 AM: Hotel Check-Out. Reminder: While lunch is not included today, you are welcome to enjoy lunch in the hotel dining room at your own expense after you check out of your room.

We hope you have enjoyed this very special program and will return for other rewarding Road Scholar learning adventures in the future. Best wishes for all your journeys!
   
Meals Included: Breakfast

Free Time Opportunities
  
  Baltimore Baltimore Tourist Attractions
Conveniently located near the Inner Harbor and downtown Baltimore’s popular tourist sites. Whatever interests you, you will find it in Baltimore: civil war museum, world class art museums, aquarium, science museum, Babe Ruth Museum, comedy clubs, fine dining, theaters, concerts, movies, antiques, boat cruises, historic homes, churches & synagogues, and much, much more.
Important information about your itinerary: Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the information featured on this website. Itineraries are based on our best information at this time. Circumstances beyond our control may require us to adjust itineraries or other details. We regret any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding. Information will be sent to you from your Program Provider approximately three weeks prior to the program start date. The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.

Suggested Reading List


Alice's Piano


Author: Melissa Mueller


Description: This program will include two book club discussions about the book Alices Piano by Melissa Mueller, which tells the story of the amazing life of Theresienstadt survivor and pianist Alice Herz-Sommer. We recommend participants read this book prior to the program; if you have not, you may still attend the discussions. To learn more about Defiant Requiem, go to http://www.defiantrequiem.org





You can't find a better value than Road Scholar.


As a not-for-profit organization, we are dedicated to providing all-inclusive educational programs at great value. From lectures to gratuities to field trips to accommodations - the tuition you pay up front is all that you pay.



Specifically, this program includes:

Plus these special experiences...

View the Daily Schedule to see more

And included with all Road Scholar programs:


© Road Scholar 2013 | Call toll-free: 1-800-454-5768