I just wrapped up a wonderful visit to Denver, where I joined the Colorado Symphony for a live performance of my public television concert Rick Steves’ Europe: A Symphonic Journey. Together, we shared seven stirring anthems from the Romantic era that celebrate how different European countries mix a love of music with patriotism. I got to be the tour guide, setting up each piece with historical and cultural context — and then, as gorgeous images were projected on a huge screen, the orchestra took us there musically.
In this clip, you’ll join me on stage for the dress rehearsal and see a few of the happy faces I met after the show. If you enjoy this little taste, you can find the entire original show streaming online — or just grab the bit with your favorite composer using my free video database Classroom Europe. Just go to classroom.ricksteves.com and search for Beethoven, Grieg, Wagner, Strauss, Smetana, Verdi, Elgar, or Berlioz.
Happy — and musical — travels!