We started Opera Tours Italy because we knew there were many, many people like us who shared our passion for opera and all things Italian.
We wanted as many of them as possible to experience the sheer joy of their favourite music in the most evocative of all settings, as part of an exclusive opera holiday in Italy itself.
We're a small, friendly team with a genuine commitment to personal service. That's why we ensure you get the best tickets at Italy's top opera venues. Why we keep group sizes down to fewer than 20. And why we choose to stay only in those charming, independent hotels that share our outlook.
More than anything else, we want you to enjoy the time you spend in the company of our experts and your like-minded travelling companions and to treasure for all time the memories you take home with you.
In a 37 year music education career, Andrew has been the inspiration for many a lifelong love affair with the works of the opera greats.
His own passion for opera started with a visit to Puccini's villa in Torre Del Lago as a 9 year old. By the age of 16 he was performing regularly, most memorably in a performance of Verdi's Requiem at Wells Cathedral.
Andrew has led music tours all over Europe and the USA and directed performances in Barcelona, Venice and Washington. Closer to home, he has revisited Verdi's Requiem, this time as conductor, in York Minster.
As well as Italian opera, Andrew has an abiding passion for Italian art and architecture.
He imparts his knowledge with humour and a lightness of touch that makes it accessible to all and is as much at home answering questions on the great opera works over a glass of wine at the bar as he is in the lecture theatre.
With many years' experience in the finance, entertainment and travel industries, Debbie looks on Opera Tours Italy as nothing less than a labour of love.
While she isn't a complete newcomer to Italian opera, she's first to admit she still has much to learn and looks forward to Andrew's talks and presentations on the great works with almost as much enthusiasm as our guests.
Debbie travels extensively for work and pleasure and accompanies every tour we operate to ensure our guests enjoy a service that meets her own exacting standards.
She loves all things Italian, but she especially loves the handbags.
Our North Yorkshire office is staffed by a team of administrators happy to take your calls. For all enquiries please call 01653 916303
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