July 9-22, 2010, with Michael Pratt, Conductor, University Orchestra. The culture and history of the great Russian Waterways will unfold on a land and cruise adventure during the White Nights of the summer.

Experience historic Russian waterways—from the Neva, Svir, and Volga Rivers to Lake Onega, Lake Ladoga, and the canals of the interior—aboard the Volga Dream. Cruising from Moscow to St. Petersburg, enjoy intimate conversations with high-level Russian dignitaries, private tours of palaces and museums, engaging music and dance performances, and unparalleled insights into the complex nature of Russia today.

Discover the bold port cities, enchanting forested countryside, and quiet hamlets of the legendary Volga River. Enjoy early entrances and private access to museums and palaces in St. Petersburg, including the Hermitage and Peterhof, and a behind-the-scenes tour of the famed Mariinsky Theatre. Attend exceptional private musical performances including classical Russian balalaika, folk music, and the Red Army Chorus.

Please note: Princeton travelers will be joined by those from Stanford Travel/Study, who will be accompanied by history and political science professor David Holloway.

About the Study Leader
Michael Pratt, Conductor of the University Orchestra and Director of the Program in Musical Performance, will serve as Princeton Study Leader for this journey. He will lead discussions on the Russian musical tradition.

Pratt joined the Princeton faculty in 1977 and over the past 30 seasons has helped to engineer a major expansion of performance activities at Princeton. In addition to his responsibilities in the classroom and with the University Orchestra, Pratt also co-directs both the Composers' Ensemble and Richardson Chamber Players.  Pratt is co-founder and was Music Director of the Opera Festival of New Jersey from 1984 to 1995. He also holds the position of Music Director of the Delaware Valley Philharmonic, having led that ensemble since 1990. Pratt was educated at the Eastman School and Tanglewood.

He will be joined on the program by his wife Martha Elliott '82, a member of Princeton’s voice faculty. On our journey, she will discuss Russian music from the singer's perspective.

To make a reservation, fill out the form in the brochure or contact Princeton Journeys at (609) 258-8686 or journeys@princeton.edu for further information.