NSO Musicians to Sail aboard Queen Mary 2's September 8, 2009 Transatlantic Crossing SOUTHAMPTON, England, July 10
SOUTHAMPTON, England, July 10 /PRNewswire/ -- Cunard Line is proud to
announce a new partnership with the National Symphony Orchestra (NSO), an
artistic affiliate of Washington, D.C.'s famed Kennedy Center. A highlight of
the new alliance is the organization's upcoming debut aboard Queen Mary 2 as
featured guests of the acclaimed Cunard Insights programme. Six Kennedy
Center Chamber Players and Nigel Boon, NSO director of artistic planning, will
present programmes (including three performances and three lectures) on the
ship's September 8, 2009 Eastbound Transatlantic Crossing. In addition,
Cunard is the presenting sponsor of the NSO's 2008 - 2009 Red Series, a seven-
performance classical series spanning from October 2008 to May 2009 featuring
the finest artistic programming and guest artists from around the world.
"This new partnership further illustrates Cunard's commitment to
supporting the performing arts," said Carol Marlow, president of Cunard Line.
"Whether it is our sponsorship of cultural institutions such as the National
Symphony Orchestra or our own Cunard Insights onboard enrichment programme,
our dedication to culture and the arts is reflected in virtually everything we
do."
The National Symphony Orchestra performs approximately 175 concerts each
year in Washington and abroad. Highlights of the Red Series include concerts
with Ivan Fischer, the NSO's new Principal Conductor, as well as programmes by
such luminaries as Itzhak Perlman, Michael Christie, Ilan Volkov and Kurt
Masur. The Red Series comprises one-third of the NSO's 21-week classical
subscription season.
The Kennedy Center Chamber Players have earned extraordinary praise from
its very first performance in November 2003. The chamber ensemble consists of
National Symphony Orchestra principals and performs several times a year,
exploring various facets of chamber music repertoire. The core ensemble
consists of six principal players: violinist Nurit Bar-Josef, violinist
Marissa Regni, violist Daniel Foster, cellist David Hardy, pianist Lambert
Orkis and clarinetist Loren Kitt.
In addition, Nigel Boon, the NSO's director of artistic planning, will be
on hand to present a series of lectures reflective of his 30 years of personal
experience in classical music. A master of languages and linguistics, Boon's
expertise spans music publishing, advertising, promotion, product management
and production. Most recently, he served as executive producer for conductor
Sir John Eliot Gardiner's new CD label "Soli Deo Gloria." He joined the NSO
in February 2007.
Throughout its 77-year history, the NSO has been committed to both
artistic excellence and music education. In 1986, it became the artistic
affiliate of The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, the nation's
center for the performing arts, where it has presented a concert season
annually since the Center opened in 1971. The Orchestra itself numbers 100
musicians, presenting a 52-week season of approximately 175 concerts each
year. These include classical subscription series, pops concerts, and one of
the country's most extensive educational programs.
Cunard has long been synonymous with onboard enrichment. Delving deeply
into a variety of compelling and relevant topics, Cunard Insights introduces
guests to stimulating experts and accomplished visionaries who reflect the
line's heritage of adventure and prestige. Through a series of lectures,
Q&A's, debates, social gatherings, and workshops, guests connect with
personalities who have achieved notable distinction in areas including
history, world affairs, science, politics, arts and literature. Recently
named "Best Onboard Educational Programme" by Porthole Magazine, the Insights
programme underscores Cunard's longstanding view that onboard entertainment
should afford guests a provocative and rewarding cerebral experience.
For more information and reservations about Queen Mary 2 or Cunard, contact
your travel professional, call 1-800-7-CUNARD or go to www.cunard.com.
About Cunard Line
Cunard Line, operator of the luxury ocean liners Queen Mary 2, QE2 and
Queen Victoria has long been synonymous with the quest for new discoveries and
the epitome of British refinement since the company's first paddle-wheeled
steamer, Britannia, crossed the Atlantic in 1840. Cunard voyages bring
together like-minded travelers who relish the Cunard hallmarks of impeccable
White Star Service(TM), fine dining, sophisticated adventure, the legacy of
historic voyages and transatlantic travel.
Cunard Line is a proud member of World's Leading Cruise Lines. The
exclusive alliance also includes Carnival Cruise Lines, Holland America Line,
Princess Cruises, Costa Cruises and The Yachts of Seabourn. Sharing a passion
to please each guest, and a commitment to quality and value, member lines
appeal to a wide range of lifestyles and budgets. Together they offer
exciting and enriching cruise vacations to the world's most desirable
destinations.
SOURCE Cunard Line
