Scenic Rivieras of France & Italy
7 October 2027 for 9 Nights
With Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, director Bob Porter
Fly to: Alicante
Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines Cruise Code: L2730
The colourful sights and sounds of the French and Italian Rivieras at this time of year offer an understated glamour, reminiscent of the golden days of Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton, or Audrey Hepburn. After the hustle and bustle of summer, warm seas and quieter streets create time to admire the pastel-hued buildings of lesser-known Cinque Terre, or to stroll along the seaside promenade in Villefranche, where turquoise seas lap gently at its picturesque harbour. La Spezia is your gateway to Pisa and its iconic leaning tower, or to Florence, the birthplace of the Renaissance, where unhurried exploration is especially rewarding. Time ashore in Corsica brings a welcome opportunity to discover the island’s relaxed coastal charm and long-held traditions.
Your musical director: Bob Porter
Robert (Bob) Porter began studying the bassoon aged 11 and at 14 was accepted as a Junior Exhibitioner at the Royal Academy of Music. Two years later, after playing with the National Youth Orchestra, he decided to give up all thoughts of a future in maths, and instead began a career which now encompasses Musician, Conductor, Teacher, Concert Promoter and Artistic Director.
After studying at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama Bob worked as a musician and teacher, returning to Guildhall to teach in the Junior Department from its inception and becoming Head of Wind and Percussion in 1985 - a position he still holds today. As a performer he plays regularly with the London Mozart Players and has worked with every major professional orchestra in London.
In the early 1980s Bob founded the Brandenburg Sinfonia, the first of a group of orchestras under his artistic direction, which now also includes the Brandenburg Brass and Brandenburg Baroque Soloists. Playing regularly both in this country and abroad, one residency, at St Martin-in-the-Fields gave him the idea for a Choral Festival based around some of the most beautiful churches in London. Starting in 2010 with six concerts at St Martins, the Brandenburg Choral Festival is now the largest and most significant Choral Festival in the country. This year the Festival boasted more than 70 choirs in 67 concerts, covering the standard masterpieces of the choral repertoire along with jazz, barbershop and gospel, also making it one of the most varied and inclusive Choral Festivals!
In 1991 Bob was made a Freeman of the City of London for services to music - an honour which allows him to drive a flock of sheep over London Bridge - something he fully intends to do one of these days. In his spare time he is passionate about cricket (playing), rugby (watching), red wine and jazz.
First step: register your interest with us
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To take part in the musical activities on this cruise you need to register your interest with us before booking the cruise.