Join WFMT Classical Radio Program Host, Carl Grapentine, on an 10 Day, 9 Night Tour of Berlin & Leipzig!

Enjoy Performances with Premier Seating at the Philharmonie Berlin, Berlin Staatsoper, and Thomaskirche.

(by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart)

(Britten, Mozart, Shostakovich)

(Yuja Wang Recital)

(Beethoven Festival)

Plus optional performances of La Boheme and Beethoven (Violin/Piano)

Thursday, May 13, 2027 (Departure from the U.S.)

Day 1: Friday, May 14, 2027
• Transfer from Berlin Airport to hotel
• Evening Welcome Dinner at Hotel Adlon Kempinski

Day 2: Saturday, May 15, 2027 (Berlin Philharmonic)
• City Tour of Berlin
• Lecture by Carl Grapentine in the hotel meeting space
• Berlin Philharmonic – Britten, Mozart, Shostakovich

Day 3: Sunday, May 16, 2027 (Berlin Philharmonic)
• Lunch at Reichstag Restaurant
• Lecture by Carl Grapentine in the hotel meeting space
• Berlin Philharmonic – Yuja Wang Recital

Day 4: Monday, May 17, 2027 (Opera)
• Lecture by Carl Grapentine in the hotel meeting space
• Opera – The Magic Flute

Day 5: Tuesday, May 18, 2027 (Optional Opera)
• Optional Opera – La Boheme

Day 6: Wednesday, May 19, 2027
• Transfer to Leipzig
• Tour of Wittenberg with Lunch

Day 7: Thursday, May 20, 2027 (Optional Concert)
• Walking Tour of Leipzig
• Mendelssohn-Haus Museum Tour
• Schumann-Haus Museum Tour
• Optional Performance – Beethoven (Violin/Piano)

Day 8: Friday, May 21, 2027 (Gewandhaus Orchestra)
• Lecture by Carl Grapentine in the hotel meeting space
• Gewandhaus Orchestra – Beethoven Festival

Day 9: Saturday, May 22, 2027
• Meal at Auerbachskeller
• Lecture by Carl Grapentine in the hotel meeting space
• Thomaskirche – Motet Service

Day 10: Sunday, May 23, 2027
• Transfer from hotel to Leipzig Airport

Adlon Kempinski Berlin

From Berthold Kempinski’s humble roots as a Berlin based wine merchant back in 1897, the Kempinski brand has come a long way. We are proud of every step we have taken in the journey with hotels in 7 continents. While much has changed, we take great care to remain authentic and true to our heritage. We ensure our guests are the foundation to which we craft every part of the travel experience. Our pools, bars, restaurants, spas, and gyms are the epitome of elegance.

Radisson Blue Leipzig

Our hotel offers chic accommodation in Leipzig, home to some of the world’s greatest musicians. Located close to the city center, you can easily walk to notable destinations like the Opera House and Gewandhaus Orchestra Hall, as well as to Leipzig Central Station.

Carl Grapentine retired after a 46-year career in classical music radio. Carl was the host of the Morning Program on WFMT, Chicago’s Classical music station, for almost twenty-five years. He joined WFMT in 1986 after serving as the morning host of WQRS, the classical music station in Detroit, for thirteen years.

Carl still presents pre-concert lectures for the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Chicago’s Music of the Baroque, and many other ensembles. He also hosts concerts for numerous community orchestras and bands.  He was the host for the nationally-syndicated broadcast concerts of the Montreal Symphony Orchestra and he hosts the National Concert Band Festival in Indianapolis each spring.

An alumnus of the University of Michigan School of Music, Carl has been the “stadium voice” of the University of Michigan Marching Band since 1970—his voice being heard on national telecasts of sixteen Rose Bowls and numerous other bowl games. In 2006 he also assumed the responsibilities of game announcer at Michigan Stadium.

An accomplished conductor and singer, Carl has many years of experience as a church music director. He also has sung the national anthem for professional and collegiate sporting events at Wrigley Field, old and new Comiskey Park (now Guaranteed Rate Field), Tiger Stadium, the Pontiac Silverdome, and the University of Michigan’s Crisler Center.