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Be Still! On Air: Bach!

A Visit with the Netherlands Bach Society 
December 31 2024- January 7, 2025
 
Trip Status:  WAITING LIST ONLY 

 

Tour Cost:  $3,600

Included in the price are accommodations, most meals, ground transportation in the Netherlands, entry to museums, instructor and administration fees and a $700 tax deductible contribution from you to the Netherlands Bach Society's US foundation. 

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Single Supplement:  $100
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Mr.  JSB in front of St. Thomas Church in Leipzig.

In a very special, exclusive partnership with the Netherlands Bach Society, Artful Journeys is taking off to the lowlands on the last day of 2024 to participate in the behind-the-scenes operations of some of Bach’s world-renowned performers.  What a wonderful way to begin 2025!

 

Ring in the new year by very quietly participating in the rehearsal and video recording of Bach’s Christmas Oratorio (parts 4-6) by the Netherlands Bach Society, which is recording all of Bach’s works!   All of Bach – Bach (bachvereniging.nl).  The Netherlands Bach Society is one of the premiere ensembles for Bach performance in the world (they have been featured in many of the Bach examples in Artful Journeys’ emails).  Here is more about the NBS:  Biography – Bach (bachvereniging.nl)  The recording will take place in a studio, not in a concert setting, so we must adhere to the  main studio rule: keep quiet! 

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Here's their recording of Part 1 of the Christmas Oratorio: Jauchzet, frohlocket! from Christmas Oratorio – Bach (bachvereniging.nl).    

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With our group mentored by Miguel Rodé, Bachian par excellence, you’ll experience first-hand the early music movement in its contemporary form and watch some superb musicians as they create their art.  (We could have some raucous times after the sessions, if I can extrapolate from the NBS dinner after their performance in Leipzig!)  Actually, Miguel and I discussed the possibility of this trip with representatives of the NBS while we were in Leipzig in June.

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The Philosopher by Rembrandt            

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Marloes Biermans, Director of All Of Bach for the Netherlands Bach Society,  and Joan

This trip will also include visits to some of the beautiful museums in the Netherlands to view some of my favorite visual art, the Dutch masters.

Head of an Old Man by Lievens

We will arrive January 1 in  Hilversum, where we’ll stay at the Hilversum City  Apartments, a short ride or longer walk to the recording studio, and also centrally located in town.    On January 2nd, we’ll attend NBS’s  3-to-4-hour rehearsal, a fantastic opportunity to witness how a world-class ensemble prepares for performance.  On January 3rd, we’ll have a deep dive workshop led by Miguel on Parts 4, 5 and 6 of the Oratorio, to gain a deeper understanding of this wonderful music.  On January 4th we’ll sit in a 3-hour recording session to see the All of Bach team at work!  January 5th and 6th are reserved for a visit to the wonderful Rijksmuseum and other attractions in Amsterdam and surrounding areas – maybe a train escapade throughout the region. Departures are on January 7th.

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Here is a behind-the-scenes video recently posted by the NBS, which will give you a very good idea of what to expect during the recording session.

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​​​​​​​​Bring your galoshes, as my father would have said.  Artful Journeys has never traveled in January before -   it might rain or even snow.  And it will be much colder than Italy in July!    So bundle up, be prepared for some raw weather, but most of all be prepared for some wonderful Bach music and an experience of a lifetime.

Miguel and I hope to see you in January in the Netherlands!

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Hosts

YOUR HOSTS

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Joan Hill
Owner, Host, & Director

In 2008, the seed of Artful Journeys was planted in her brain, when Joan brought together all of her life's passions, her love of music, an affinity for the beautiful things in life, and an ability to organize events to give birth to Artful Journeys, a program of art education trips for the soul.​

Joan was born and raised in the apple country of the Hudson River Valley in New York; her father was a gentle, very tolerant, educated land surveyor, and her mother was the efficient business administrator and home engineer. The youngest of four children, Joan was encouraged to pursue anything she wanted, but also to do her best. Sometimes that was very difficult, especially succeeding three very accomplished siblings.

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Miguel Rodé
Instructor

Miguel Rodé was born and raised in Montevideo, Uruguay and moved to the US in 2002 as part of his Information Technology career and currently resides in Seattle, WA. A life-long music lover, over the years Miguel developed a special fascination with the music of Johann Sebastian Bach, and in particular with his cantatas and other vocal works. During the Covid pandemic, Miguel initiated a series of virtual meetings called "The Cantata Trail" with the intent of sharing this incredibly rich musical universe with some close friends. This small community grew organically through word of mouth to its current size of about 70 members. As a musician, Miguel plays the baroque flute and is a member of several chamber ensembles in the Seattle area, for which he also enjoys transcribing and arranging music. 

Cost

JOURNEY COST

Cost:  $3,600 per person double occupancy​​ including a $700 tax deductible donation to the Netherlands Bach Society's US Foundation​

  • $100 single supplement

  • NOTE: A  deposit of $500 per person is required upon registration.

  • Airfare is not included to enable travelers to use their “travel points,” upgrade flight arrangements, or to extend their trip.  

  • Not included are personal purchases and cocktails.

  • Travel insurance is strongly encouraged

  • Covid vaccinations and booster are required.  The cost of covid testing is not included in the trip price.​

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For details or questions, please click here to contact Joan Hill.
To register for this journey, please click below:

A detailed itinerary and policy page will be provided upon registration.

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Please note that PayPal remittances must go through the form on this website.  Thank you.

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