Music and Theatre in Eastern Europe:
Understanding Historical Perspectives
and Igniting Passion
January 7 – January 31, 2016
Hosted by Dr. Scott Johnson, Jayna Gearhart Fitzsimmons and Brad Heegel
Program Inclusions
v Experience the musical enrichment and fellowship traveling as part of a community under the
leadership of Dr. Scott Johnson, Co-Chair of the College Department of Music who is both an
accomplished musician and mentor; Jayna Gearhart Fitzsimmons, artistic director and
experienced director of theater and Brad Heegel, Administrative Director of Performing and Visual
Arts at Augustana who is both a seasoned traveler and energetic lead organizer for this program.
v Be inspired by the culture and art of the Czech Republic with Prague’s royal palaces and
museums; the beauty and music of Austria with the Vienna Boys Choir and Opera Houses; the
grace and history of Slovakia with it’s amazing Slovak National Theatre; the vibrancy and heritage
of Hungary in Budapest with collections of Art Nouveau and gypsy music; and lastly the history
and open arms of Croatia in the town of Zagreb.
v Attend eight concerts/performances and visit over forty famous sights and theatres in Europe.
v Travel from Sioux Falls with connecting service into Prague and from Zagreb via United Airlines,
Lufthansa Airlines and Croatian Airlines.
v Stay for twenty-three nights in select Moderate First Class hotels described in the itinerary or
similar, based on sharing a room.
v Journey throughout Europe by private, deluxe motorcoach for all transfers and touring or by 2
class rail.
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v Enjoy included daily buffet breakfast and six dinners. Feel the ease of knowing entrance fees for
inside visits and activities as described in itinerary are included along with transportation passes
for visiting cities. Gratuities for the local guides, motorcoach drivers and hotel/restaurant staff are
included.
About Your Program
This program serves as a performing arts-based introduction to the history and culture of Eastern Europe,
with particular attention given to developments made in the lands that once formed the sprawling multiethnic empire of Austria-Hungary. While abroad, you will have a plethora of opportunities to visit
important historical sites, tour performance spaces, and walk in the footsteps of influential composers,
theatre artists, and political figures. You'll directly engage with the history of each place we visit which will
impact your understanding of art forms and broaden perspectives as performers and/or audience
members.
What inspired and challenged theatre artists and musicians through the height of an empire, the unrest of
occupation and conflict, and spark of rebirth? We will be faced with big questions—why was the
Viennese State Opera House the first building the Nazis targeted in their destruction of Vienna? And why
was it the first building reconstructed after the war? How do playwrights use unconventional theatrical
genres to respond to the horrors of war? And what happens to those theatre artists and musicians who
use their creative work to give voice to national strife or oppression? Answering these questions and
exploring the many more that will certainly arise will illuminate the true meaning of the performing arts.
About Your Hosts
Professor Scott Johnson has spent decades fostering students’ love for creative expression through his
many years of teaching, conducting, and musical direction. He was instrumental in the revival of the
orchestra program at Augustana College when he joined the college in 1994. In addition to his wide
experience as a conductor, he is an accomplished bassist, having performed with fourteen different
orchestras over the past fifty years.
Professor Jayna Gearhart Fitzsimmons brings to this course over a decade of professional directing
experience, including experience in personal narrative, movement, and experience-based devised
theatre, new play development, and dramatic writing. In addition to directing for Augustana’s main stage
season, she is the managing artistic director of the professional original-practice Shakespeare Company,
Bare Bodkins Theatre Company.
Brad Heegel has been leading students and alumni around the world for more than 20 years. He's been
to all but one continent, has organized international scientific meetings from the North Pole to Tasmania,
been on safari with the Augie choir in Tanzania, brought his travelers home from the Egyptian revolution,
and climbed the Great Wall with students "more times than he can remember." Brad will serve as the
course logistical and tour manager.
Itinerary
Thursday, January 7 DEPART SIOUX FALLS. Depart Sioux Falls Airport with connecting service to
either Munich or Frankfurt (two group departures) with connecting flight service to Prague.
Friday, January 8 PRAGUE. Arrive in Prague and transfer by private motorcoach with a brief panoramic
tour of Prague before check-in at the JURY’S INN PRAGUE. Enjoy an orientation group dinner at a local
restaurant. (B,D)
Saturday, January 9 PRAGUE. Wear comfortable shoes for full-day guided walking tour to Old Town
Square, Prague’s principal public centre featuring the ‘must see’ Astronomical Clock, visit the beautiful
Gothic Church of Our Lady Before Tyn and the baroque Church of St Nicholas. From there, group will
continue to travel across the Charles Bridge to the imposing Prague Castle, where St Vitus Cathedral, the
Golden Lane and the Royal Garden await. 72-hour Prague transportation passes will be provided. (B)
Sunday, January 10 PRAGUE. Enjoy a free morning to relax and further explore the beautiful city of
Prague. Meet up for an afternoon guided visit of Prague State Opera House. An evening concert is
planned at either Prague State Opera House or the Prague National Theatre. (B)
Monday, January 11 PRAGUE. In the morning visit the Marionette Museum, which houses historical
and current marionette and complete puppet theaters. In the afternoon, meet your local guide for a
walking tour of the Jewish Quarter including entrance to the Kafka Museum. In the evening, the group will
attend the Black Light Theater. The Black Light Theater was started in the 1960’s as a fun and mysterious
theater of the ridiculous, and today receives both praise and criticism for performances. The city of
Prague is world famous for its black light theatres, mimes and magic lantern shows. Most of these shows
are based on music with little or no spoken word, so they transcend language barriers. (B)
Tuesday, January 12 PRAGUE. Enjoy a free morning to relax or further explore markets or other
favorite places of Prague. Consider visiting one of the following museums: Bedřich Smetana’s Museum,
dedicated to the world famous Czech composer and conductor, Antonín Dvořák’s Museum, Museum of
Communism and/or The National Museum. The day is capped off with an evening performance at the
National Marionette Theater. (B)
Wednesday, January 13 PRAGUE/VIENNA. Transfer to Prague Station for a morning train to Vienna.
Upon arrival at the Vienna train station, walk a short distance to MERCURE GRAND HOTEL
BIEDERMEIER for check-in. Enjoy an afternoon guided orientation tour of the city of Vienna followed by
a group dinner at a local restaurant. Participants will receive a Vienna Pass, allowing use of all
transportation in the city as well as entrances to most major museums and sites. Enjoy a group dinner
this evening at a local restaurant. (B,D)
Thursday, January 14 VIENNA. Today, explore “An Introduction to the Hapsburgs” and their influence
in the arts in Vienna with a guided visit to the Kunsthistoriches Museum and walk through the Hofburg
area (former palace of the House of Hapsburg). Group will also visit the Imperial Treasures Museum. An
evening performance is planned but location and details are to be determined. (B)
Friday, January 15 VIENNA. Today will include a guided tour of the State Opera House and the
National Theatre Museum. An evening performance is planned but location and details are to be
determined. (B)
Saturday, January 16 VIENNA. Visit a local dance school for a lesson on the basic steps of the
traditional Viennese waltz – casual leisure attire recommended, with soft-soled shoes required. (B)
Sunday, January 17 VIENNA. The day includes optional attendance at the Imperial Chapel Mass
featuring the Vienna Boys’ Choir. In the afternoon, visit St. Stephen’s Cathedral, one of the city's most
recognizable symbols followed by independent exploration of the city for the rest of the day. (B)
Monday, January 18 VIENNA. This beautiful day in Vienna will start with the group embarking on a
guided tour of Schonbrunn Palace, the former Imperial summer residence, followed by an apple strudel
making demonstration. An evening performance is planned, but location and details are to be determined.
(B)
Tuesday, January 19 VIENNA. Use your Vienna Pass for discounted entrances to museums and sites
on your last full free day in historic Vienna. Enjoy the ambiance of a traditional Viennese coffee house
and some time for shopping in the Old City. (B)
Wednesday, January 20 VIENNA/BRATISLAVA. Travel by train from Vienna to Bratislava, a short onehour journey. Check in to AUSTRIA TREND HOTEL BRATISLAVA and meet your local guide for a
walking tour of Bratislava. 24-Hour public transportation passes will be provided. The group will enjoy
dinner at a local restaurant, and then attend an evening performance at the Slovak National Theatre
(music, opera or stage performance to be determined). (B,D)
Thursday, January 21 BRATISLAVA. Enjoy a guided walking tour of the iconic Bratislava Castle and
St. Martin’s Cathedral located on the western border of historical city centre. Tour will include exploration
of the historic old city as well. (B)
Friday, January 22 BRATISLAVA/BUDAPEST. Late morning train travel to Budapest. Upon arrival in
Budapest, your local guide and coach will meet the group at Keleti Station to provide panoramic tour of
the city prior to check-in at MERCURE BUDAPEST CITY CENTRE. The evening is free to settle in and
explore the city area before rejoining the group for dinner. 72-Hour public transportation passes will be
provided. (B,D)
Saturday, January 23 BUDAPEST. Today the group will engage in a morning visit to the vibrant House
of Hungarian Art Nouveau (A Magyar Szecesszió Háza). Everything from the building itself to the jewelry
sold in the gift shop recalls the beginning of the 20th century, the time when Art Nouveau flourished in
Hungary. The museum holds a unique collection of furniture, décor, paintings and other objects related to
this art movement. Following the visit to the museum, the group will explore the Central Market for lunch
and shopping. An evening performance is planned with details to be announced. (B)
Sunday, January 24 BUDAPEST. Optional attendance at mass in St. Stephen’s Basilica, Budapest’s
largest church followed by a guided tour of Hungarian Parliament, also known as also known as the
Parliament of Budapest. The day will also include a visit to Fisherman’s Bastion, a terrace of both neoGothic and neo-Romanesque style situated on the Buda bank of the Danube River. Marvel at Mathaius
Church, located near Fisherman’s Bastion. An evening performance is planned at the Hungarian State
Opera House. (B)
Monday, January 25 BUDAPEST. Planned work-shop day to learn and appreciate the Budapest Gypsy
Orchestra, details to be announced. Visit the home of the Budapest Radio Orchestra whose repertoire
comprises the entire music literature from the Baroque to today. This ensemble is the greatest authority
on contemporary music in Hungary from classical to lighter genres. For those interested, an opportunity to
experience a Budapest Spa. Budapest holds the title “City of Spas” since the year 1934, as it has more
thermal and medicinal water springs than any other capital city in the world. In the evening, a group
dinner is planned at the historic Kárpátia Restaurant (1877) featuring one of the best Gypsy ensembles in
all of Hungary. (This date arrangements and details are pending confirmation). (B,D)
Tuesday, January 26 BUDAPEST/ZAGREB. This morning and early afternoon will be at leisure.
Afternoon seven-hour train journey to Zagreb. Upon arrival into Zagreb, check into the ASTORIA
ZASTORIA ZAGREB BEST WESTERN PREMIER HOTEL. A four-day transportation pass will be
provided with a start date of Wednesday, January 27. (B)
Wednesday, January 27 ZAGREB. Late morning exploration of the city with particular attention to the
Old City (top of the hill). Visit the Zagreb City Museum and the musical instrument exhibit with
demonstrations provided by the museum director. Following the museum, the group will venture to the
Presidential Palace, the official residence of the President of Croatia and the Croatian Parliament Building
where sessions have been held since 1737, most notably when members voted to sever ties from the
Austro-Hungarian Empire in 1918 and from Yugoslavia in 1991. Explore the “Museum of Broken
Relationships”, ranked one of the best new museums in the world. Last stop will be the Croatian Museum
of Naive Art, deemed to be the world’s first museum of naive art. Enjoy the rest of the evening at leisure
and independent exploration. (B)
Thursday, January 28 ZAGREB. In the morning, the group will visit Trznic Dolac and the Dolac Market
to explore Croatian fare with fresh fruits, vegetable, meats, flowers and other delicacies. In the afternoon
visit and walk the Mirogoj Cemetery, full of history, stories and an understanding of the ethnic heritages of
the Croatian people. Graves can be found of all major religious groups: Catholic, Orthodox, Muslim,
Jewish, Protestant, Latter Day Saints and irreligious at this historic cemetery. (B)
Friday, January 29 ZAGREB. Enjoy a guided tour of the Croatian National Theatre and explore the fine
arts tunnels, costume shops, set-building areas, rehearsal spaces and more. These amazing landmarks
officially opened in 1895, and the building community brings the national opera, ballet and drama
companies together under one roof and occupies a central place in the cultural life of the capital. We also
visit the Zagreb Conservatory of Music. Tonight attend a final performance featuring the Zagreb
Symphony Orchestra. (B)
Saturday, January 30 ZAGREB/SIOUX FALLS. Today is a day at your leisure to explore Zagreb and
enjoy the ambiance of this amazing “small town.” Join the group for a farewell dinner at a local restaurant.
(B,D)
Sunday, January 31 ZAGREB/RETURN. Early morning transfer by private motorcoach to the Zagreb
Airport for connecting flight service to Sioux Falls. (B)
(Included meals: B=Breakfast, D=Dinner)
Itinerary subject to change due to local scheduling
Travel Information,
Documentation and Insurance
U.S. citizens need a passport valid at least six months beyond the tour return date. Passport applications
are available at http://www.travel.state.gov/passport/passport_1738.html. U.S. citizens do not require any
vaccinations for entry into Czech Republic, Austria, Slovakia, Hungary and Croatia.
Non-U.S. citizens are responsible for their own passport and any visa requirements for the countries
visited and need to travel with a permanent resident card or other proper documentation to enter back
into the U.S. Without proper documents for any part of this program, entry could be denied at participant’s
expense. For international travel information including country specific background, travel alerts and
travel warnings, refer to the website of the U.S. State Department: www.travel.state.gov/travel/.
This travel program requires walking on uneven surfaces, steps along with inclines for significant
distances and periods during some days in the program itinerary. Consult with Seminars
International or your tour host if you have concerns or questions about the amount and level of walking in
order to fully participate in the travel program.
Websites for additional travel and destination information: Czech Republic, Austria, Slovakia,
Hungary and Croatia
Seminars International recommends Travel Guard as a reliable provider of travel cancellation insurance.
You may access information on insurance coverage options and premium costs using this link to Travel
Guard and completing a simple worksheet with your own personal details. For specific questions about
coverage, call Travel Guard at 800-826-4919 and use agency referral number 14847980 for Seminars
International. When purchasing travel insurance, carefully and thoroughly read the coverage to ensure it
meets your individual needs. Purchasing travel insurance within 15 days of enrollment may waive preexisting medical conditions.
Program Cost
$5,195 from Sioux Falls
Supplement for single accommodations - $800
Limited availability of single accommodations.
This comprehensive cost includes airline ticket taxes/fuel surcharge of $713.
Program cost based on a minimum group size of 35.
See Statement of Conditions for further information.
Further Information
Brad Heegel
Administrative Director of Performing and Visual Arts
Augustana College
2001 South Summit Avenue, Sioux Falls, South Dakota
Phone: 605.274.5508
Email: [email protected]
Statement of Conditions
Program cost and minimum number group size: $5,195 based on a minimum of 35 participants.
Program cost based on exchange rates and tariffs in effect as of April 28, 2015 subject to change in the
event that there is a fluctuation of more than 4%.
Air transportation included in cost: Flights based on currently confirmed airfare by United Airlines,
Lufthansa Airlines and Croatian Airlines, subject to restrictions and cancellation penalties by the airlines;
current taxes and fuel surcharge of $713 are included and subject to change until ticketed.
NOTE: airfare is based on negotiated group airfare. Upgrades with mileage are not permitted. A
minimum of 10 participants must travel on group flights. 44 seats are being held; additional space may
not be available or may incur additional cost.
Surface travel and transfers: By private deluxe motorcoach throughout as indicated in the itinerary. 2
class train tickets provided for travel from Prague to Vienna, Vienna to Bratislava and Bratislava to
Budapest.
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Accommodations and meals: Shared occupancy at hotels as indicated or similar with daily buffet
breakfast and five dinners, beverages not included. Single accommodations supplement is $800. Upon
request, Seminars International Inc. and tour hosts assists participants traveling as a single to arrange for
a roommate. If no roommate is secured, the single supplement is assessed.
Program arrangements: Local guide service as indicated, inside visits including entrance fees required
for entry; gratuities for tour manager, local guides, motorcoach drivers and hotel/restaurant wait staff
included. Note: Participants with special needs may incur surcharges for additional services. Handicap
accessibility varies significantly from country to country.
Deposit and payment schedule: $500 per participant due with enrollment no later than September 25,
2015, as long as space is still available. A waiting list is maintained when registrations exceed 35. Full
payment due November 6, 2015. Upon receipt of enrollment and deposit, a confirmation of registration
is sent by Seminars International, Inc. Any payments by credit card incur an additional 3% to cover
merchant fees. Invoices are sent in advance of full payment.
General Insurance provided through Augustana College: Foreign Assist - Augustana College
provides insurance coverage through EIIA for accidental death and dismemberment, medical evacuation,
security evacuation, emergency family travel, medical repatriation and emergency medical expenses for
all students studying abroad on institution sponsored events. Limitations and exclusions apply. See EIIA
International Travel Program Summary for limitations and exclusions.
Cancellation and refund policy: In order to secure the best possible concert tickets and due to
restrictions with hotels during prime season, the following specified costs are non-refundable:
• Prior to October 9, 2015:
$100 fee per person
• October 10, 2015 – November 8, 2015: $700 per person
• November 9, 2015 – November 22, 2015: 50% of program price
• November 23, 2015 – December 23, 2015: Recoverable costs only (possible forfeiture of entire
program cost)
• December 24, 2015 and after:
No refund
Cancellations must be submitted in writing; the date such notification is received by Seminars
International, Inc. is the cancellation date. Trip cancellation insurance is strongly recommended.
Subject to change based on confirmation of travel arrangements
Exclusions: Items not listed above, including but not limited to meals other than those indicated;
beverages except at breakfast and where indicated with dinner; baggage handling, optional entertainment
and excursions; any baggage charges; all personal items, such as telephone calls, laundry expenses,
individual room service; cancellation insurance; non tour related gratuities; departure taxes not included
on air ticket; passport fees; increases in air ticket taxes or fuel surcharge.
Management and responsibility: Seminars International (SI) acts only as an agent and neither SI nor
any employee or appointee nor any other person, party or organization or agency collaborating with it is
or shall be responsible or liable for any injury or loss, accident or damage, delay or deviation or
curtailment, howsoever caused or arising or the consequences thereof, which may occur during any part
of the travel or program or during such free time as the members may elect to spend independently on
program. The airlines or commercial carriers concerned are not to be held responsible for any acts,
omissions, or events during the time the passengers are not on board their planes or conveyances. The
passage contracts in use by the airlines concerned, when issued, will constitute the sole contract between
the airlines and the purchaser of this program and/or passenger.
Deviations policy: Some participants may wish to extend their stay, originate or deplane from different
cities or purchase the land only program. Every effort will be made to assist program participants who
require deviations in the group air and/or land arrangements for a $100 per person service charge, plus
any additional charges levied by the airline or other supplier. Once the deviation has been booked, any
changes may incur additional costs. Please note you are purchasing a group program and any deviation
from the program arrangements requires staff time not calculated in the program cost. No refund may be
granted to participants who wish to omit portions of the itinerary. All deviation requests must be in
writing no later than September 29, 2015 to avoid misunderstandings.