Tourexpi
In summer 2026, Hapag-Lloyd Cruises will place
classical music centre stage on board MS EUROPA with three curated voyages
dedicated to chamber music. The programme begins with the Ocean Sun Festival
from 28 May to 12 June 2026, sailing from Malaga to Hamburg, followed by two
further music-focused cruises in July and August. Together, they link
outstanding live performances with carefully selected routes through southern
and northern Europe.
Ocean Sun Festival from the Mediterranean to the Elbe
The Ocean Sun Festival 2026 unfolds under the theme
“Musical illuminations of the south”. As the EUROPA travels along the Iberian
coast and through river landscapes such as the Guadalquivir to Seville and the
Gironde to Bordeaux, music and destination are closely interwoven. The opening
concert takes place ashore at the historic Hacienda El Vizir near Seville,
where mandolin virtuoso Avi Avital performs with his ensemble alongside
mezzo-soprano Francesca Di Sauro and baritone Alessio Arduini, presenting works
inspired by southern European soundscapes.
On board, the programme continues with performances by
cellist Christian-Pierre La Marca, pianist Daniel Heide, the award-winning
Quatuor Arod, piano duo Jatekok and young harpist Tjasha Gafner. The small size
of the EUROPA creates an intimate concert setting that allows close interaction
between artists and guests.
Susanna Kitzl, Artistic Director at Hapag-Lloyd
Cruises, highlights the concept: “This year’s programme brings together
outstanding artists whose versatility and expressiveness exemplify the
commitment of Hapag-Lloyd Cruises to classical music in its entertainment
programme. Once again, the EUROPA will become a venue that fosters inspiring
exchange between musicians and audience.”
Northern routes with renowned ensembles and young
talents
Two further cruises extend the chamber music focus
into the northern summer. From 23 July to 5 August 2026, the EUROPA sails from
Hamburg through the Norwegian fjords to the North Cape. Pianist Ragna Schirmer
joins the Schumann Quartet on board, combining solo and ensemble performances
against the backdrop of Nordic landscapes.
From 5 to 21 August 2026, classical music accompanies
the EUROPA on a circumnavigation of England, Ireland and Scotland. This voyage
features the chamber music festival of Deutsche Stiftung Musikleben, bringing
together outstanding young scholarship holders supported by the foundation
since 1962.
Overview
The three summer cruises position MS EUROPA as a
floating concert venue, where chamber music, destination and atmosphere merge.
With artists ranging from internationally acclaimed soloists to emerging
talents, the programme underlines the ship’s role as a cultural stage at sea,
offering guests a blend of musical depth and European travel experiences.
Image
Credit: © Hapag-Lloyd Cruises
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