The world's leading exponent of the lute, Hopkinson Smith, will play his first and only recital in Sydney, performing to an intimate audience aboard Captain Cook Cruises, MV Sydney 2000, on Friday 29 November 2019 as part of his national Mad Dog: The Elizabethan Lute Tour. 

Receiving accolades from all over the world, Swiss-American Hopkinson Smith, will combine his amazing one-hour lute performance with a mouth-watering three-course premium dining experience, all set to the glittering backdrop of Sydney Harbour.

“With the splendour of Sydney Harbour around me and the resonance of some of the world's most intimate and charming music within...This will be a most memorable evening that I am very much looking forward too.” Says Mr Smith.

“My Mad Dog: The Elizabethan Lute Tour features Elizabethan masterpieces (1590 to 1600) by Dowland, Holborne, Johnson and more.” Continues Mr Smith.

The recital and dinner will be held on the Show Deck of Captain Cook Cruises flagship vessel, MV Sydney 2000 for up to 200 guests. Panoramic windows offer stunning views of Sydney Harbour from every seat

The Hopkinson Smith Dinner Cruise is priced at $199 per person and includes a one-hour performance and three-course dinner and drinks. Guests will be seated at shared tables of 10 people.

The cruise departs on Friday 29 November 2019 from Darling Harbour, King Street Wharf No.1 at 7.30pm returning at 11.00pm.

Hopkinson Smith's national Mad Dog: The Elizabethan Lute Tour will visit South Australia, Tasmania, ACT, Victoria and New South Wales.

For further information and bookings for the Hopkinson Smith Sydney Dinner Cruise visit: www.captaincook.com.au or T: +61-2-9206 1111 

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For media enquiries contact Brooke Tolar, Public Relations Manager, Captain Cook Cruises, M: 0411 553 246 and Email: pr@captaincook.com.au

About Hopkinson Smith

Swiss-American lutenist Hopkinson Smith has performed and given master classes throughout Europe, the Americas, Australasia, Korea and Japan. Since the mid-80's, he has focused almost exclusively on the solo repertoires for the early plucked instrument. He is internationally recognised as the world's leading exponent of the lute.

PROGRAM BACKGROUND by HOPKINSON SMITH

“John Dowland, though also a sprightly and humorous composer, is most famous for the darker side of his character and the pervading melancholy that nourished his unquiet soul. But he was in no way the inventor of highly charged melodic poignancy in solo lute music.

Two important composers of the generation of English lutenists that preceded him clearly show signs of great invention including moments of tormented yearnings which led to music of extraordinary depth. John Johnson (died in 1594) and Anthony Holborne (died in 1602) were the most prominent lutenists to remain in England during the Elizabethan period (Dowland spent many years on the Continent).

Their œuvre contains rhapsodic Pavans of lyrical intensity and richness of harmony, spirited Galliards, striking character pieces (one of which is entitled “Mad Dog”) and elaborate variations. They were both virtuosos of the highest calibre as the daring of their diminution techniques attests. This program highlights theirs and Dowland's masterpieces from the 1580s and 90s.” - H. Smith

About SeaLink Travel Group

SeaLink Travel Group is one of Australia's most dynamic travel companies, bringing the nation's best tourism and transport experiences to the world. With more than 1,600 passionate staff across the country, we deliver fantastic services to more than eight million customers annually.  With a vessel fleet of 80 and a coach fleet of 62 vehicles, our Adelaide-based company has undergone a remarkable period of growth, emerging as a significant player on the national tourism and transport scene.

At SeaLink, we believe travel is about connecting people, sharing experiences and creating brilliant memories.  Our operations extend across New South Wales, Queensland, Northern Territory,

Western Australia, South Australia and Tasmania, including:

• Cruises, ferry and charter services on Sydney Harbour, Swan River and on the Murray River
• Passenger, vehicle and freight ferry services from Kangaroo Island to the South Australian mainland, North Stradbroke Island and Southern Moreton Bay Islands to south-east Queensland and from Bruny Island to the Tasmanian mainland
• Resort accommodation, restaurants, touring and ferry services on Fraser Island, Queensland
• Day tours, extended touring and charter operations on Kangaroo Island and on the South Australia mainland
• Passenger ferry services in Townsville, Darwin and Perth
• Lunch and dinner cruises on the Swan River and on Sydney Harbour
• Ferry and barging services in south-east Queensland and Gladstone
• Exclusive 4WD foreign language adventure-based tours
• Retail travel agencies in Adelaide and Townsville
• Tour wholesaling to the travel trade
• Adventure, accommodation and bistro at Vivonne Bay, Kangaroo Island

SeaLink successfully listed on the Australian Securities Exchange in October 2013 (ASX:SLK).