Belmond reveals ‘The Wonder Collection’ in partnership with the London Philharmonic Orchestra

Belmond presents ‘The Wonder Collection’ in partnership with the London Philharmonic Orchestra – introducing audiences to the wonderful world of Belmond through exceptional music performed in exceptional locations. 

A series of concerts taking place across some of Belmond’s most iconic experiences in Sicily, Brazil and Africa. Guests are invited to wonder at the power of classical music, inspired by the spirit of remarkable settings and brought to life by one of the world’s finest symphony orchestras. 

Vladimir Jurowski, London Philharmonic Orchestra’s Principal Conductor says, “We are so excited to be partnering with Belmond to create experiences that are bigger than ourselves – where audiences can listen, marvel and most importantly wonder at the world around them.”

SYMPHONY IN SICILY

The series began this week in idyllic Sicily, in the hilltop town of Taormina. On 3rd and 4th September, musicians brought the sound of Vicenzo Bellini’s best-loved aria from the Sicilian’s greatest opera, Norma and English Baroque to Villa Sant’Andrea, a Belmond hotel, Taormina Mare and Grand Hotel Timeo, a Belmond hotel, Taormina with panoramic views of Mount Etna and sound of the sea.

The intimate world of the Tudor Court came to life in spectacular yet contrasting locations in Taormina, opening with Rose Without a Thorn Suite, said to be a musical love letter from Henry VIII to his fifth wife Catherine Howard. Bellini masterpieces and the Prince of Denmark’s March was followed by works of Italian masters and fathers of the Baroque, finishing the evening in classic Dolce Vita style.  

OVERTURE AT THE FALLS

On 20th September 2018, in the beautiful gardens of Hotel das Cataratas, a Belmond hotel, Iguassu Falls (the only hotel inside the national park) musicians will perform a concert against the backdrop of Iguassu Falls, the largest falls in the world. In homage to the truly stunning setting, musicians will perform pieces that embrace the other-worldly beauty of the falls and work by Brazil’s most celebrated composer, Heitor Villa-Lobos, whose music combines European tradition with Brazilian folk influences. Exclusive to guests of the hotel, the concert will take place when the park is closed to the public and commence with a sunset cocktail reception on the lawn before a Chef’s Special wine pairing dinner is served in fine dining venue Itaipu. A very special private and intimate pre-concert performance will be offered exclusively to those who book a Suite on the night of 19th September. As music fills the air surrounding the mighty falls – the stage is set for a rare and humbling experience. 

WILD WINDS OF BOTSWANA

Belmond Safaris in Botswana invites guests on a six-night adventure into the wild from 16th – 22nd April 2019, to stay at two of the brand’s newly designed lodges, during which a special evening of music will sprinkle magic on the journey. Under the starry skies of the Okavango Delta, where unspoiled wilderness and game surrounds Eagle Island Lodge, a Belmond safari, Botswana on 20th April, musicians will celebrate the extraordinary variety found in both nature and music with a wind quintet arrangement of Saint-Saëns’s much-loved Carnival of the Animals.  As lions, elephants and wild birds all come to life in this joyful, evocative carnival of wildlife the music plays out with a sense of humour and playfulness across the plains.

Whether guests are connoisseurs of classical music or seeking one-off adventures, the specially curated musical programmes are designed to stir the senses and create memories of lasting wonder. 

NOTES OF DISTINCTION 

• Brazil: Bookings made over 20th September 2018, including access to the main concert and accommodation in a double room on B&B are priced from £240 /R$1.100 plus taxes and based on a minimum two-night stay. The Chef’s Special Dinner is priced at R$500/ £110 per person plus taxes. 

• Prices for a Junior Suite with a view of the falls, based on minimum two-night stay, start at $2,279 / £505 plus taxes on B&B and include private pre-performance and main concert. For reservation reservations.brazil@belmond.com

• Botswana: The six-night package with Belmond Safaris (3 nights Savute Elephant Lodge/ 3 nights Eagle Island Lodge), including concert at Eagle Island Lodge, welcome gifts, all meals and drinks, two daily game viewings, national park fees, camp-to-camp flight, is priced from $6,700​ per person based on two sharing a room. For reservations safaris@belmond.com