Nestled along sparkling Lake Chautauqua in southwestern New York, the Chautauqua Institution is a unique community that evokes the friendliness and charm of a bygone era. With an astonishing array of programs clustered around specific “theme weeks,” Chautauqua has become a renowned summertime destination and a center for lifelong educational pursuits. Our exciting theme week will feature performances, lectures, and workshops led and influenced by the Silkroad Ensemble with Yo-Yo Ma with a focus on the role of art, and particularly music, in a cultural context. A further perspective examines cross-cultural collaboration and global understanding. The week culminates with a morning presentation and evening performance by renowned cellist and Silkroad Ensemble founder Yo-Yo Ma.

In addition to thought-provoking dialogue, you will enjoy a comprehensive program—including event tickets for Chautauqua opera, theater, and music performances; Main Stage scholar lecture series; all meals; and accommodations at the historic Hotel Athenaeum, located within walking distance to all events. Plus, our Smithsonian Journeys Expert, Ursula Wolfman, will present fascinating discussions on the symbiotic relationship between the arts, literature, painting/sculpture, architecture, and music and their influences on regional communities and our global village. 

Highlights Include

• Engaging Discussions: Attend the Main Stage scholar lecture series and listen to thought leaders in the discussion on how art can cross cultures and create global understanding.
• Performances: Attend music performances by the Silkroad Ensemble with Yo-Yo Ma; the opera, As One, by Laura Kaminsky, Mark Campbell, and Kimberly Reed; and a Chautauqua Theater Company performance of Galileo, by Bertolt Brecht. Selected event tickets are included and there are planned activities to choose from every day!
• Historic Hotel: Stay at the Hotel Athenaeum, featuring all meals, comfortable accommodations, and sweeping views of Lake Chautauqua. 

Activity Level 1: Easy

Overview of your week at Chautauqua — August 4 -11, 2018

Each morning gather for a full breakfast buffet, then take your morning coffee out to the majestic front porch of the Hotel Athenaeum for sweeping views of Lake Chautauqua. Afterwards, attend a daily private lecture with your Smithsonian Journeys Expert. Each day then features a sumptuous lunch followed by an afternoon to explore Chautauqua activities on your own, including Main Stage lectures (a full program of activities will be provided). Gather in the evening for lively conversation and a festive dinner, followed by a performance or other activity. 

Included meals are denoted as follows: Breakfast (B), Lunch (L), Reception (R), Dinner (D)