Immerse yourself in the breathtaking grandeur of the Alps and the glory of Rachmaninoff with this unforgettable symphonic adventure. You’ll delight in rare wines, fine cuisine, and world-class music in Switzerland and France. From private flights and five-star accommodations to awe-inspiring scenery and captivating concerts, this is an experience you’ll never forget.
Your home base will be La Réserve Genève, a haven of tranquility nestled on the shores of Lake Geneva, with the Swiss Alps as your spectacular skyline. From there, you’ll embark on excursions to some of the region’s most intriguing sites, including the Olympic Museum in Lausanne, and CERN, where leading scientists research the origins of the universe. You’ll take a day trip to the enchanting town of Annecy, France, explore its charming streets and canals, and lunch at the renowned Michelin-starred restaurant, La Ciboulette.
As a VIP, you’ll enjoy exclusive access to one of this year’s most significant classical music events: the debut of the Rachmaninoff International Orchestra. Founded by the Swiss-based Russian maestro Mikhail Pletnev last year, the ensemble comprises elite musicians from across Europe, and stands as a testament of the power of art to both unite and overcome oppression. You’ll have the privilege to witness their skill and artistry when they perform all four of Rachmaninoff’s piano concertos over two concerts, led by American conductor Kent Nagano.
Geneva is as famed for exceptional food and wine as it is for fine watches, high finance, and culture, and your itinerary includes a carefully curated selection of Michelin-starred restaurants, traditional Swiss cuisine, and wine tasting in the terraced vineyards of the Lavaux appellation — a UNESCO World Heritage Site that dates to the 12th century.
But your journey truly begins at the Villa Taverna private club in San Francisco, where you’ll join your lucky fellow travelers for a pre-trip gourmet dinner paired with some of the world’s rarest wines — including 1928 and 1937 Château Haut-Brion, 1934 and 1943 Château Latour, 1970 Château Mouton Rothschild, and 1958 Château d’Yquem, to name a few. It’s just a taste of what’s to come.
Donors: Anonymous, Romana Bracco, Michael Scianamblo, Bill Shea, Foundation for Global Arts
Six spots available. To be sold by the couple. Single spots available with hotel supplement.
Trip Dates: October 25 – November 1, 2023. Pre-trip dinner September 13, 2023.
Flight departs New York City (Newark – EWR) on October 25 and returns to Oakland on November 1.
— Magda Sarkissian, Co-Chair, Contempo Young Professionals League
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