BEGIN:VCALENDAR
VERSION:2.0
PRODID:-//kipcranna.com - ECPv6.17.3.1//NONSGML v1.0//EN
CALSCALE:GREGORIAN
METHOD:PUBLISH
X-WR-CALNAME:kipcranna.com
X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://kipcranna.com
X-WR-CALDESC:Events for kipcranna.com
REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H
X-Robots-Tag:noindex
X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H
BEGIN:VTIMEZONE
TZID:America/Los_Angeles
BEGIN:DAYLIGHT
TZOFFSETFROM:-0800
TZOFFSETTO:-0700
TZNAME:PDT
DTSTART:20250309T100000
END:DAYLIGHT
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:-0700
TZOFFSETTO:-0800
TZNAME:PST
DTSTART:20251102T090000
END:STANDARD
BEGIN:DAYLIGHT
TZOFFSETFROM:-0800
TZOFFSETTO:-0700
TZNAME:PDT
DTSTART:20260308T100000
END:DAYLIGHT
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:-0700
TZOFFSETTO:-0800
TZNAME:PST
DTSTART:20261101T090000
END:STANDARD
BEGIN:DAYLIGHT
TZOFFSETFROM:-0800
TZOFFSETTO:-0700
TZNAME:PDT
DTSTART:20270314T100000
END:DAYLIGHT
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:-0700
TZOFFSETTO:-0800
TZNAME:PST
DTSTART:20271107T090000
END:STANDARD
BEGIN:DAYLIGHT
TZOFFSETFROM:-0800
TZOFFSETTO:-0700
TZNAME:PDT
DTSTART:20280312T100000
END:DAYLIGHT
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:-0700
TZOFFSETTO:-0800
TZNAME:PST
DTSTART:20281105T090000
END:STANDARD
BEGIN:DAYLIGHT
TZOFFSETFROM:-0800
TZOFFSETTO:-0700
TZNAME:PDT
DTSTART:20290311T100000
END:DAYLIGHT
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:-0700
TZOFFSETTO:-0800
TZNAME:PST
DTSTART:20291104T090000
END:STANDARD
END:VTIMEZONE
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260917T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20261105T234000
DTSTAMP:20260831T045246Z
CREATED:20260830T042819Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260831T045246Z
UID:11-1789639200-1793922000@kipcranna.com
SUMMARY:I Hear America Singing: Adventures in American Opera
DESCRIPTION:https://kipcranna.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/American-Opera-Class-promo-video-edited.mp4\nOffered Through the Generosity of the Barbara Fromm Chair in Classical Music \nAmerican Opera? Some might be surprised to learn there even is such a thing. Others are already big fans. American opera composers followed European models at first\, but by the early 20th Century they began striking out in many new directions\, giving home-grown opera a distinctly new character. Their deliberate tunefulness and dramatic directness often earned critical ridicule for their supposed lack of European modernism and dissonant compositional daring. But the growing canon of distinguished American operas has now earned the loyal appreciation of devoted. Audiences unphased by the scorn of academia or the snobbery of critics. Using video illustrations\, San Francisco Opera’s Dramaturg Emeritus Kip Cranna will take us on a journey through the multifarious world of American opera\, exploring the ground-breaking\, distinctly American work of composers like John Philip Sousa\, Scott Joplin\, George Gershwin\, and Virgil Thomson. We’ll look at masterful mid-century operas by Gian Carlo Menotti\, Leonard Bernstein\, Samuel Barber\, Aaron Copland\, and Carlisle Floyd. We’ll sample repertoire-enriching works by Stewart Wallace\, Mark Adamo\, and André Previn. We’ll give special attention to the three most frequently performed living American opera composers: Philip Glass and the Bay Area’s own John Adams and Jake Heggie. And we’ll check out other figures on the vibrant contemporary scene including Jennifer Higdon\, Laura Kaminsky\, Missy Mazzoli\, Mason Bates\, Terence Blanchard\, and lots more. The fertile fields of American opera beckon us to new discoveries. Join in the journey!
URL:https://kipcranna.com/event/i-hear-america-singing-adventures-in-american-opera/
LOCATION:Fromm Institute\, University of San Francisco\, 2130 Fulton St.\, San Francisco\, CA\, 94117\, United States
CATEGORIES:Events
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://kipcranna.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/081Uw000000Autn.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20270309T153000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20270310T170000
DTSTAMP:20260830T050747Z
CREATED:20260830T044328Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260830T050747Z
UID:21-1804606200-1804698000@kipcranna.com
SUMMARY:Who's Afraid of Opera?
DESCRIPTION:About the Series\nWhether you’re discovering opera for the first time or have loved it for years\, Who’s Afraid of Opera? is an engaging and entertaining lecture series that reveals why opera continues to captivate audiences around the world. \nJoin acclaimed San Francisco Opera dramaturg emeritus Kip Cranna as he brings opera to life through fascinating stories\, memorable musical excerpts\, and behind-the-scenes insights. With warmth\, humor\, and decades of experience\, Cranna makes opera approachable\, illuminating the characters\, emotions\, and music that make this art form so powerful. \nEach lecture features carefully selected video performances and lively commentary that will deepen your appreciation of opera while showing that you don’t need to speak Italian\, German\, or French—or know anything about opera—to enjoy it. \nWhether you’re curious\, skeptical\, or already a devoted fan\, you’ll leave with a new understanding of why opera has thrilled audiences for centuries. \nCome discover that opera isn’t something to be intimidated by—it’s something to enjoy.
URL:https://kipcranna.com/event/whos-afraid-of-opera/
LOCATION:Palm Desert Library\, 73300 Fred Waring Dr.\, Palm Desert\, CA\, 92260\, United States
CATEGORIES:Events
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://kipcranna.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/palm-springs.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20270514
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20270519
DTSTAMP:20260830T220232Z
CREATED:20260830T215533Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260830T220232Z
UID:239-1810252800-1810684799@kipcranna.com
SUMMARY:The Magic of Mozart:  Adventures in Operatic Elegance
DESCRIPTION:“If Mozart was possible\, then the word ‘impossible’ should be eliminated from our vocabulary.’”  So said the 20-century Austrian composer Ernst Toch.  And he was right!  San Francisco Opera’s Dramaturg Emeritus Kip Cranna will take us on a musical tour through the full spectrum of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s operatic genius. As we explore the historical and literary contexts of the operas\, video and audio examples will focus on listening skills that will help to more deeply appreciate Mozart’s gift for capturing the full spectrum of human nature in his music\, his skill at musical characterization\, and his matchless talent for drama. We’ll examine the early influences on this famous child prodigy\, follow the course of his all-too-short career\, and look in depth at his most famous works\, including The Marriage of Figaro\, Don Giovanni\, and The Magic Flute\, as well as several of his lesser-known gems. No previous opera background required.  Just watch\, listen\, and enjoy. \nTentative Opera Schedule \nFriday\, May 14th \n\n4 PM – Registration & Lodging Check-in\n5 PM – Orientation & Social\n6 PM – Dinner\n7PM – 9PM – Opera Course ***Opera course description to be added\n\nSaturday\, May 15th \n\n8 AM – Breakfast\n9 AM – 12 PM – Opera Course (10:30 AM -Coffee/Tea Break) ***Opera course description to be added\n12 PM – Lunch\n1 PM – 5 PM Opera Course (3 PM – Coffee/Tea Break) ***Opera course description to be added\n5:30 PM – Social\n6:30 PM – Dinner\n7:30 PM – Performance\n\nSunday\, May 16th \n\n8 AM – Breakfast\n9 AM – 12 PM – Opera Course (10:30 AM -Coffee/Tea Break) ***Opera course description to be added\n12 PM – Farewell Lunch\n\nClick here for PDF printable flyer.
URL:https://kipcranna.com/event/the-magic-of-mozart-adventures-in-operatic-elegance/
LOCATION:ECCO Conference Center\, 43803 Hwy 41\, Oakhurst\, CA\, 93644\, United States
CATEGORIES:Events
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://kipcranna.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/images-2.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20280705
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20280713
DTSTAMP:20260830T221434Z
CREATED:20260830T221357Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260830T221434Z
UID:245-1846368000-1847059199@kipcranna.com
SUMMARY:Danube River Cruise "Celebration of Music"
DESCRIPTION:Best of the Danube (Celebration of Music)\n9-nights: 2-nights in Budapest\, 7-night cruise roundtrip from Budapest\, Hungary \nCapture the imperial history of Old-World Europe along the Danube River as it flourished beneath towering fortresses and inspired legendary artists and musicians. As an added feature\, these departures have been enhanced as “Celebration of Music” sailings\, with specially curated excursions highlighting the rich musical histories of Budapest\, Bratislava\, Salzburg and Vienna. Deepen your passion for music as you are treated to a variety of included live performances\, such as a choir recital in or around Melk’s golden-hued Benedictine abbey and a special evening concert in Vienna. As you glide along the Danube River\, you will enjoy many curated experiences that bring to life the iconic musical figures of the past that left their musical mark along this fascinating European waterway. \nItinerary: \nJuly 2\, 2028\, DEPART U.S.A. for Budapest [B\,L\,D – Indicates Breakfast\, Lunch and Dinner are included on this day]. \nJuly 3\, 2028\, ARRIVE IN BUDAPEST\, HUNGARY. Arrive in Budapest and transfer to your exceptional hotel\, where you will meet your Cruise Manager and fellow guests and retire for the evening in comfort. \nJuly 4\, 2028\, BUDAPEST. Budapest is one of Europe’s most regal and storied cities – and many of its most iconic sights are just off the banks of the Danube. Often described as the “Queen of the Danube\,” Budapest is full of rich history and culture and offers many “hidden” treasures as you venture further past its riverbanks. During your “Hidden Budapest” excursion\, your guide will take you deeper into the city to discover fascinating sites lesser known to the average traveler. (B)\nWe will celebrate July 4th with an optional (Bon Voyage) dinner in Hungary’s iconic restaurant: Gundel https://gundel.hu \nJuly 5\, 2028\, BUDAPEST\, HUNGARY EMBARKATION Check out of your hotel to board your luxurious ship\, perhaps exploring more of the city independently before the evening’s briefings\, cocktail hour and dinner. (B\,D) \nJuly 6\, 2028\, BRATISLAVA\, SLOVAKIA. Take your time this morning as the ship cruises from Austria to Slovakia. Host to the crowning ceremonies of 11 Hungarian kings and queens between 1536 and 1830\, Bratislava certainly has earned the title “Coronation City of Kings\,” as you’ll discover during your walking tour. Along the way\, be delighted by a few surprise musical performances. If you prefer exploring the world through your tastebuds\, join a special “Tastes of Slovakia” tour to sample traditional flavors from the region\, including local beer. For a more active adventure\, hike up to Bratislava Castle\, offering magnificent views of the city. (B\,L\,D) \nJuly 7\, 2028\, WACHAU VALLEY – MELK\, AUSTRIA. Spend your morning reveling in the postcard-perfect landscapes of Austria’s picturesque UNESCO World Heritage Site\, the Wachau Valley. Later in the day\, arrive in Melk. Located above the city on a rocky outcrop overlooking the Danube\, Melk Abbey is one of Europe’s largest and most revered Baroque monasteries and a breathtaking UNESCO World Heritage Site. Originally founded in the 11th century\, the magnificent abbey now houses a museum chronicling its history and a famous library with countless medieval manuscripts. During your tour you will see some of Melk’s musical manuscripts as well as frescoes painted by Johann Michael Rottmayr and Paul Troger. Plus\, enjoy a live choir performance in or around the abbey. (B\,L\,D) \nJuly 8\, 2028\, LINZ\, AUSTRIA. Arrive in Linz\, where you’ll have multiple choices for excursions. Fulfill your travel wish list in Salzburg a full-day excursion that includes a tour through the historic center\, lovely Mirabell Gardens\, Residenz Square and the Old Market. You will also visit the museum at the famed yellow building known as Mozart Birth House and residence where the legendary composer was born in 1756 and lived until 1773. Alternatively\, join a full-day excursion to the charming Czech mountain town of Cesky Krumlov\, where you can stroll its cobblestone streets; marvel at the city’s picturesque Baroque and Renaissance-style buildings; and tour Krumlov Castle\, one of Europe’s largest castle complexes. If you opt not to join the full-day excursions\, tour Linz on a guided tour\, taking in its contemporary architecture as well as the old city center\, the old market and past the Mozart House\, where he composed the Linz Symphony in only three days. As another alternative\, pedal through Linz on an exhilarating bike tour. In the afternoon\, follow the whiskey distilling process from start to finish\, then enjoy a sample of the finished product during a special tasting. (B\,L\,D) \nJuly 9\, 2028\, VIENNA\, AUSTRIA. Enjoy a full morning of scenic cruising\, taking some time to sit back\, relax and delight in the ever-changing views. Sleep in late\, participate in a complimentary wellness class\, treat yourself to a massage and get to know fellow cruisers while exploring all the amenities on board. In the afternoon\, enjoy a horse drawn carriage ride through the historic city center as a traditionally costumed coachman regales you with fascinating stories along your route\, offering a new perspective on this sophisticated city. Alternatively\, take a thrilling guided bike ride along the romantic Danube Canal and through the city\, traversing a bridge\, cycling across a meadow and heading to Vienna’s famous Ringstrasse Boulevard. In the evening\, join us for a special included concert on shore in Vienna you won’t soon forget. (B\,L\,D) \nJuly 10\, 2028\, VIENNA. Following your overnight in the “City of Waltzes\,” explore the city of music while following in the footsteps of one or more world-renowned composers\, such as Mozart\, Beethoven and Schubert\, from their past residences to museums to grand monuments. Next\, visit the House of Music\, an interactive museum where you can feel sound waves\, learn more about composers of the Viennese Classical period and even enjoy a virtual simulation where you are the conductor of the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra! If you prefer to connect with nature\, journey to the town of Cobenzl where you will embark on a hike through the famed Vienna Woods that inspired a waltz composed by Johann Strauss II. (B\,L\,D) July 8\, 2026 AmaWaterways – Marketing Detailed Itinerary \nJuly 11\, 2028\, BUDAPEST\, HUNGARY. Budapest offers an unmatched combination of culture and tradition. Start your exploration with the treasures of Pest\, admire the colossal Hungarian Parliament Building\, Heroes’ Square and the moving “Shoes on the Danube Bank” memorial. Or revel in an itinerary-exclusive classical music tour of Budapest. This special tour invites you to enter a world of grandeur as your knowledgeable local guide leads you through the exquisitely designed Hungarian State Opera House in Budapest\, followed by a stop at the Franz Liszt Memorial Museum\, where the renowned Hungarian musician and composer lived for many years. For a more active tour\, hike to Budapest’s Castle Hill. In the afternoon\, explore the Buda side of the Danube\, following your guide through the city’s Castle District where you will marvel at the fairytale turrets of Fisherman’s Bastion\, gaze upon the breathtaking panorama below and see Matthias Church\, renowned for its striking tower and colorful mosaic roof. (B\,L\,D) \nJuly 12\, 2028\, BUDAPEST DISEMBARKATION Bid farewell to Budapest and prepare for your flight home. \nItinerary is subject to change. For the most up-to-date information\, please refer to the itinerary schedule provided with your final documents.
URL:https://kipcranna.com/event/danube-river-cruise-celebration-of-music/
LOCATION:Danube River Cruise
CATEGORIES:Events
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://kipcranna.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Budapest2025.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Tom's Group Cruises":MAILTO:tom@tomtaffle.com
END:VEVENT
END:VCALENDAR