Boston Welcomes the 2nd International Rachmaninoff Russian Music Festival

For a full week, May 20-27, 2012, the Rachmaninoff Festival Choir of America (RFCA) will present the 2nd International Rachmaninoff Russian Music Festival throughout various locations in Boston and Massachusetts.  The International Rachmaninoff Russian Music Festival celebrates the musical and cultural achievements of the Russian emigration and brings together some of the best talents for performances of the great works of Russian repertoire.

2nd International Rachmaninoff Russian
Music Festival
May 20-27, 2012

Events in Boston:

May 20 & 22 – Tchaikovsky’s Iolanta – A Pearl of Russian Opera
@ Makor Concert Hall
May 23 – Virtuoso Pianist Vassily Primakov & Friends – Brilliant Masterpieces & Rare Gems
@ New England Conservatory’s Williams Hall
May 27 – Gala Concert – Glory! Russian Treasures
@ New England Conservatory’s Jordan Hall

The concerts will feature glorious sounds of Russian masterpieces performed by a star-studded roster of world-class talents, from the well-known to the rarely performed works by Russian masters such as Berezovsky, Tchaikovsky, Gretchaninoff and of course, Rachmaninoff.

The Boston Harbor Hotel at Rowes Wharf is located just 10 minutes away from Makor Concert Hall and the New England Conservatory and welcomes you to reserve your stay with us while you enjoy the cultural diversity of Boston.  Treat yourself to luxurious accommodations and splendid amenities with either a harbor or city view, tailored to your specific needs.

Announcing the Boston Pops Spring Schedule for 2012 – “Visions of America”

Celebrating many of America’s greatest musical
traditions, the Boston Pops Spring Schedule kicks
off with a gala opening night performance, featuring Tony Award winning vocalist Bernadette Peters, on May 9, 2012.  The “Visions of America” season will also feature photo-journalist Joseph Sohm’s extraordinary images from all 50 states, accompanied by the Boston Pops, running throughout the season on select dates.

During the Boston Pops Spring Schedule, an exciting list of talents will pay tribute to a wide range of American musical genres, including:

Bernadette Peters - May 9 - Opening Night
Keith Lockhart – May 10-12 – Gershwin Spectacular
A Barbra Streisand Songbook – May 15-16 – w/special guest Ann Hampton Callaway
City of Champions – May 23-25 – Surprise cameos by local sports celebrities
Steve Martin – May 29-30 – his Boston Pops debut w/The Steep Canyon Rangers
John Williams – June 1-2 – Film Night, featuring music from cinematic masterpieces
A Tribute to Cole Porter – June 5, 6 & 8
Gospel Night at Pops – June 9 – Celebrating 20 Years
The Wild West – June 12 – Presenting unforgettable frontier music
Visions of America – May 22, June 14-16 – featuring vocalist Pattie Austin

Located just ten minutes from Symphony Hall, the Boston Harbor Hotel at Rowes Wharf is Boston’s landmark hotel overlooking historic Boston Harbor and offers the finest hospitality on the water.  Let the staff pamper you by fulfilling your every wish and assuring you the utmost luxury in a Boston experience.

A Wonderful First! The Haru Matsuri® Boston 2012 Spring Festival!

2012 marks the 100th Anniversary of the original gift of cherry trees from Japan to the nation’s capital in 1912.  A number of American cities will receive new gifts of cherry trees in 2012 from Japan, and Boston is among those lucky cities.  Spanning more than three months, from February until May, many wonderful festivals of Japanese cultural events and cherry tree plantings in Boston parks and public spaces, will take place during the Greater Boston – Japan Sakura Festival.  Even though many festivals are already over, there are many more to look forward to, like the Haru Matsuri® Boston 2012, a day-long event in historic Copley Square.

Haru Matsuri® Boston 2012 Spring Festival
April 29, 2012
11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Copley Square Park

The Haru Matsuri® (which means “Spring Festival”) Boston 2012 will showcase approximately 100 booths featuring cultural activities, Japanese cuisine, goods and merchandise, and music and performances by local artists.  Coordinated by numerous volunteers from many Japan-related organizations throughout Boston, the Haru Matsuri® Boston 2012 Festival will be the first of its kind and largest event ever organized by the local Japanese community.

The gift of cherry trees is not only to celebrate the 100th Anniversary, but to also extend the deep appreciation from the people of Japan for the relief efforts undertaken by the American people after the earthquake and tsunami in March of 2011.

The Boston Harbor Hotel at Rowes Wharf looks forward to welcoming you to come an enjoy our wonderful city and the amazing Greater Boston – Japan Sakura Festival.

Check Out These Boston Marathon Spectator Tips!

The Boston Marathon, organized by the Boston Athletic Association, is the world’s oldest marathon and takes place every year on the third Monday in April, also known as Patriot’s Day, a holiday that commemorates the famous battles of Lexington and Concord.  The historic race, April 16, 2012, starts on Main Street in the town of Hopkinton and finishes near the John Hancock Tower in Copley Square.  Running the race is hard enough, but spectators have challenges all their own, so that being said, check out some Boston Marathon Spectator Tips!

• Get An Early Start
  
  The Boston Marathon kicks off at 9:00 AM, but if you wait until then to try to find the perfect spot, you’ll be out of luck.  Many roads in the Back Bay are closed and crowds grow quickly.
  
  
• Navigation
  
  Driving in Boston on a normal day can be hectic, but on race day, almost impossible.  Parking is an issue every year, even with free metered spots and parking garages.  Walking or biking is always a great choice, and public transportation on the MBTA is also a convenient way to traverse the crowds.
  
  
• Where to Watch
  
  Once you pick a spot, it’s always good to stay put, but if you feel the need to move along the course to see your favorite runner, check out the Boston Marathon website for the best viewing spots available.
  
  
• Dress for Success
  
  Boston weather can be unpredictable, especially in the Spring, so just to be safe, dress in layers.  You can always take a layer off as the day warms up and don’t forget your sunblock.

The Boston Marathon can be an amazing event to attend and we hope these Boston Marathon Spectator Tips will help you enjoy it even more. The Boston Harbor Hotel at Rowes Wharf hopes your time in our great city.