The Semper Opera House in Dresden is one of the most magnificent opera houses. Richard Wagner became its music director in 1843, and his opera ‘Tannhäuser' was premiered here in 1845. In his summer residence in Graupa there is the only Wagner Museum in this location.

Not far from there, in Hosterwitz, is the Weber Museum. Weber created the first German national opera with his ‘Freischütz'.

The journey continues on to Leipzig, where Johann Sebastian Bach and Felix Mendelssohn lived and worked. The Mendelssohn House, the former residence of the composer, is the only authentic memorial to him in the world. The Bach Archives in St Thomas' Churchyard with their unique collections are the centre of research into Bach.

Bach worked at St Thomas' Church for 27 years as choirmaster of the St Thomas Boys Choir, the oldest cultural institution in Leipzig. The Gewandhaus Orchestra, on the other hand, is the oldest civic orchestra in the world.

For further information on this tour or sights along the route please refer to the "Service" section on the right hand side or send us an email on culturalheart@germany.co.uk.

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