Available Dates:
From Friday to Monday on request
From Friday to Monday on request
Dresden Choral Tour
From Friday to Monday on request
The city of Dresden lies in East Central Germany, on the southern bank of the Elbe and is one of the most cultural cities in Europe, know worldwide for its historic rebuilt landmarks in the old town.
Dresden gained prominence from 1485 to 1918 as the capital of the powerful Dukes of Saxony and the city emerged as a leading cultural city. During this period the alchemist John Friedrich Bottger invented the Meissen porcelain technique, making possible European production of the porcelain for which Dresden is now famous. The city was rebuilt after suffering heavy damage during the Seven Years' War (1756-1763) and Dresden subsequently became known as the Florence on the Elbe.
Toward the end of World War II, on Valentine's Day 1945, the city of Dresden underwent sever bombing when allied planes bombed the Altstadt (Old Town). Dresden was not considered militarily strategic, but the allies unleashed a bombing campaign because the Soviet army were only fifty miles out of the city. A massive inferno destroyed thousands of buildings and since then Dresden has undergone subsequent attempts at revival turning the city into one of the most popular tourist destinations in Germany.
One of Europe's foremost cultural centres, Dresden's major landmark is the restored 18th century Zwinger Palace with houses the Semper Gallery. The highlight of its collection of more than 2000 paintings is the Sistine Madonna by Raphael. Meissen porcelain, pewter items, scientific instruments, coins, and the crown jewels of Saxony are among the other exhibits in the Zwinger Museums. Another of the popular tourist attractions in Dresden is the Semper Opera House - a building that exemplifies neo-renaissance architecture. It was destroyed by fire in both 1869 and 1945, but the building that stands there today is an exact replica of the original. The opera house offers some excellent performances of classic opera.
Dresden also houses some magnificent churches, such as the Rococo Hofkirche (1739-1751) and the Kreuzkirche (dating in part from the 15th century) and the Frauenkirche.
On this choral tour, Choirs will have the opportunity to explore this historic city and to take in an opera at the famous Semper Opera House if travelling in opera season. Choirs will perform in one of the churches of Dresden and will also have the opportunity for a second performance if required.
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