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The Exploritas Program for the Oregon Bach Festival

Exploritas is the new name for the programs developed and offered by Elderhostel, Inc., the not-for-profit world leader in lifelong learning and educational travel since 1975. Their programs offer in-depth and behind-the-scenes learning experiences for almost every interest and ability.

The University of Oregon is extremely proud to host the Exploritas Program for the Oregon Bach Festival. UO Continuing Education, working in cooperation with Elderhostel, Inc. and the Oregon Bach Festival has offered the program since the 1980s. The Oregon Bach Festival Exploritas Program offers two weeklong sessions scheduled during this prestigious seventeen-day event. As part of the program, tickets are included for five OBF concert events. Festival schedule and special order forms for additional concert tickets at special discounts will be available beginning April 1.

Overview and Highlights

The Oregon Bach Festival (June 25–July 11) brings together musicians from around the world, under the direction of Helmuth Rilling, in celebration of the artistic legacy of Johann Sebastian Bach. The OBF includes masterworks from the Baroque era to present, even the occasional world premiere. The OBF Exploritas Program blends concerts with classes and lectures by University of Oregon faculty and local independent scholars, and the Oregon Bach Festival's academic programming.

For 2010, the 40th Anniversary OBF will feature bass-baritone Thomas Quasthoff as artist-in-residence, Monica Huggett and the Portland Baroque Orchestra, Jeffrey Kahane, Robert Levin, Ya Fei Chuang, Bobby McFerrin, and Jamie Bernstein, daughter of beloved American composer Leonard Bernstein. Ensembles returning to the festival include the OBF Chorus, OBF Orchestra, and the Stangeland Family Youth Choral Academy.

Housing and Dining Options

Exploritas participants can choose to stay in either the University of Oregon student housing (more economical) or the Phoenix Inn Suites of Eugene (more amenities). Both options offer convenient proximity to the University of Oregon campus and downtown Eugene. Transportation is provided to and from all scheduled OBF Exploritas events and activities. All meals are provided at the UO Barnhart Dining Hall, noted for high quality food and wide variety of healthy meal options.

Registration and Fees

Fees for the 2010 UO Oregon Bach Festival Exploritas Programs include six nights accommodations, meals, instruction, tickets to five selected OBF performances, and transportation to all scheduled activities.

To register for the 2010 UO Oregon Bach Festival Exploritas Program, visit the Exploritas website at http://www.exploritas.org or call toll-free: (800) 454-5768.