Latest news with #HollandFestival
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Amsterdam being booked up by Canadians in June: Skyscanner trending travel destination
A European summer is very much on the horizon for Canadians and in June, Amsterdam has proven to be a particularly popular travel destination. Information provided to Yahoo Canada from Skyscanner revealed that there has been a 73 per cent increase in flight bookings from Canadian cities to the destination over the last month. According to the 2025 Skyscanner Travel Trends report, 34 per cent of Canadian travellers seeking out immersive art experiences are specifically attracted to the shared, communal aspect of those moments. And Amsterdam is a great destination for those travellers. Search for your next vacation on Skyscanner For art lovers specifically, June is the perfect time to travel to Amsterdam. The Holland Festival takes place in June, the Netherlands' oldest and largest performing arts festival, and the sculpture exhibition ArtZuid is also taking place, transforming areas of the city into an open-air museum. "Amsterdam's commitment to accessible art is evident in venues like the Stedelijk Museum, which offers cutting-edge modern art exhibitions, and the city's numerous independent galleries and street art installations," Laura Lindsay, Skyscanner's travel trends and destinations expert highlighted. Using Skyscanner search data, roundtrip flights from Toronto to Amsterdam in June can currently be found for as low as $513. Flights from Vancouver to Amsterdam start at $695, or $620 from Montreal. Check Skyscanner for up-to-date, live pricing for all flights. Search for your next vacation on Skyscanner If you want to travel like a local in Amsterdam, it's time to get on a bike. "Renting a bike is one of the best ways to see the city. The canal belt is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and riding through it at your own pace gives you a real feel for the rhythm of Amsterdam life," Lindsay said. "Stop along the way for coffee at a canal-side café, or pack a picnic and relax in Vondelpark like the locals do." For visitors looking for the best neighbourhood for a stroll, the Jordaan District is the place to go. "The Jordaan is full of independent galleries, boutiques, and cozy brown cafés," Lindsay highlighted. "It's the kind of neighbourhood where you can wander with no real plan and still stumble on something great." "If you're there on a Saturday, don't miss the Noordermarkt — part flea market, part foodie haven, and all charm." If you want to take advantage of the beautiful summer weather, the Rijksmuseum Garden is a great stop. "Even if you've already visited the Rijksmuseum, the summer gardens are worth a separate trip," Lindsay stated. "They're beautifully maintained and often feature outdoor sculptures or installations." "It's free to enter, and it's a peaceful break in the middle of Museumplein — ideal for art lovers and sun seekers alike." The Hoxton, Amsterdam is located in the heart of the city, in the same neighbourhood as some of the city's best restaurants and stores. The hotel's restaurant Lotti's has a focus on seasonal Dutch ingredients with its "modern European restaurant" cuisine. Located between two historical canals, Sofitel Legend The Grand Amsterdam has an interesting history, from a 15th-century convent to the City Hall of Amsterdam. The rooms feature contemporary French designs, with the property having specifically family-friendly accommodations and experiences. The hotel also has a spa with an indoor pool. Have a particularly luxurious experience at The Dylan, Amsterdam, located in the "9-streets" area on the Keizersgracht canal. It's also home to the two Michelin star awarded Restaurant Vinkeles, in addition to Bar Brasserie OCCO, which has its infamous "High Wine" experience, a play on High Tea. Each room style is unique, and includes one inspired by the Loxura butterfly, to an authentic Amsterdam-style loft. Skyscanner has a number of features to make sure you save as much as possible on your vacation. Take advantage of the "Saved" feature. Start by browsing all the travel deals and when you see something you like, you can save it for later. Step 1: Find your flights and hotel. Step 2: Select the heart icon next to your top picks to save them for later. Make sure you're logged into your Skyscanner account. Pro tip: Download the Skyscanner app to create separate Saved lists for all the different trips you're planning. If flight costs are getting you down, there are a few things Canadian travellers can do to ensure they're getting the best deal possible for their next vacation, both on the Skyscanner platform specifically and when looking for flights more generally. Beat the crowds: For flights that are filling up fast, you'll want to make sure you're looking at the monthly view on travel search sites like Skyscanner to see the best possible option available for flight dates. Set up alerts: Prices are always changing, so if you're hoping to travel to a specific destination, or on specific dates, set up a price alert so you can be quick if a deal comes up. Skyscanner specifically has a price alerts system for any cost changes. Consider "Everywhere": If you're hoping for a new adventure, or a little rest and relaxation, but you don't have a specific destination in mind, the "Everywhere" search on Skyscanner may be your new best friend to discover the most affordable vacation destination possible. Flexible dates: There may be certain times where you need to travel for specific dates, but the best deals are really revealed when you open yourself up to some flexibility. Even changing your travel dates by a day, or a week, can result in significant savings.
Yahoo
7 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Amsterdam being booked up by Canadians in June: Skyscanner trending travel destination
A European summer is very much on the horizon for Canadians and in June, Amsterdam has proven to be a particularly popular travel destination. Information provided to Yahoo Canada from Skyscanner revealed that there has been a 73 per cent increase in flight bookings from Canadian cities to the destination over the last month. According to the 2025 Skyscanner Travel Trends report, 34 per cent of Canadian travellers seeking out immersive art experiences are specifically attracted to the shared, communal aspect of those moments. And Amsterdam is a great destination for those travellers. Search for your next vacation on Skyscanner For art lovers specifically, June is the perfect time to travel to Amsterdam. The Holland Festival takes place in June, the Netherlands' oldest and largest performing arts festival, and the sculpture exhibition ArtZuid is also taking place, transforming areas of the city into an open-air museum. "Amsterdam's commitment to accessible art is evident in venues like the Stedelijk Museum, which offers cutting-edge modern art exhibitions, and the city's numerous independent galleries and street art installations," Laura Lindsay, Skyscanner's travel trends and destinations expert highlighted. Using Skyscanner search data, roundtrip flights from Toronto to Amsterdam in June can currently be found for as low as $513. Flights from Vancouver to Amsterdam start at $695, or $620 from Montreal. Check Skyscanner for up-to-date, live pricing for all flights. Search for your next vacation on Skyscanner If you want to travel like a local in Amsterdam, it's time to get on a bike. "Renting a bike is one of the best ways to see the city. The canal belt is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and riding through it at your own pace gives you a real feel for the rhythm of Amsterdam life," Lindsay said. "Stop along the way for coffee at a canal-side café, or pack a picnic and relax in Vondelpark like the locals do." For visitors looking for the best neighbourhood for a stroll, the Jordaan District is the place to go. "The Jordaan is full of independent galleries, boutiques, and cozy brown cafés," Lindsay highlighted. "It's the kind of neighbourhood where you can wander with no real plan and still stumble on something great." "If you're there on a Saturday, don't miss the Noordermarkt — part flea market, part foodie haven, and all charm." If you want to take advantage of the beautiful summer weather, the Rijksmuseum Garden is a great stop. "Even if you've already visited the Rijksmuseum, the summer gardens are worth a separate trip," Lindsay stated. "They're beautifully maintained and often feature outdoor sculptures or installations." "It's free to enter, and it's a peaceful break in the middle of Museumplein — ideal for art lovers and sun seekers alike." The Hoxton, Amsterdam is located in the heart of the city, in the same neighbourhood as some of the city's best restaurants and stores. The hotel's restaurant Lotti's has a focus on seasonal Dutch ingredients with its "modern European restaurant" cuisine. Located between two historical canals, Sofitel Legend The Grand Amsterdam has an interesting history, from a 15th-century convent to the City Hall of Amsterdam. The rooms feature contemporary French designs, with the property having specifically family-friendly accommodations and experiences. The hotel also has a spa with an indoor pool. Have a particularly luxurious experience at The Dylan, Amsterdam, located in the "9-streets" area on the Keizersgracht canal. It's also home to the two Michelin star awarded Restaurant Vinkeles, in addition to Bar Brasserie OCCO, which has its infamous "High Wine" experience, a play on High Tea. Each room style is unique, and includes one inspired by the Loxura butterfly, to an authentic Amsterdam-style loft. Skyscanner has a number of features to make sure you save as much as possible on your vacation. Take advantage of the "Saved" feature. Start by browsing all the travel deals and when you see something you like, you can save it for later. Step 1: Find your flights and hotel. Step 2: Select the heart icon next to your top picks to save them for later. Make sure you're logged into your Skyscanner account. Pro tip: Download the Skyscanner app to create separate Saved lists for all the different trips you're planning. If flight costs are getting you down, there are a few things Canadian travellers can do to ensure they're getting the best deal possible for their next vacation, both on the Skyscanner platform specifically and when looking for flights more generally. Beat the crowds: For flights that are filling up fast, you'll want to make sure you're looking at the monthly view on travel search sites like Skyscanner to see the best possible option available for flight dates. Set up alerts: Prices are always changing, so if you're hoping to travel to a specific destination, or on specific dates, set up a price alert so you can be quick if a deal comes up. Skyscanner specifically has a price alerts system for any cost changes. Consider "Everywhere": If you're hoping for a new adventure, or a little rest and relaxation, but you don't have a specific destination in mind, the "Everywhere" search on Skyscanner may be your new best friend to discover the most affordable vacation destination possible. Flexible dates: There may be certain times where you need to travel for specific dates, but the best deals are really revealed when you open yourself up to some flexibility. Even changing your travel dates by a day, or a week, can result in significant savings.
Yahoo
03-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Amsterdam being booked up by Canadians in June: Skyscanner trending travel destination
A European summer is very much on the horizon for Canadians and in June, Amsterdam has proven to be a particularly popular travel destination. Information provided to Yahoo Canada from Skyscanner revealed that there has been a 73 per cent increase in flight bookings from Canadian cities to the destination over the last month. According to the 2025 Skyscanner Travel Trends report, 34 per cent of Canadian travellers seeking out immersive art experiences are specifically attracted to the shared, communal aspect of those moments. And Amsterdam is a great destination for those travellers. Search for your next vacation on Skyscanner For art lovers specifically, June is the perfect time to travel to Amsterdam. The Holland Festival takes place in June, the Netherlands' oldest and largest performing arts festival, and the sculpture exhibition ArtZuid is also taking place, transforming areas of the city into an open-air museum. "Amsterdam's commitment to accessible art is evident in venues like the Stedelijk Museum, which offers cutting-edge modern art exhibitions, and the city's numerous independent galleries and street art installations," Laura Lindsay, Skyscanner's travel trends and destinations expert highlighted. Using Skyscanner search data, roundtrip flights from Toronto to Amsterdam in June can currently be found for as low as $513. Flights from Vancouver to Amsterdam start at $695, or $620 from Montreal. Check Skyscanner for up-to-date, live pricing for all flights. Search for your next vacation on Skyscanner If you want to travel like a local in Amsterdam, it's time to get on a bike. "Renting a bike is one of the best ways to see the city. The canal belt is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and riding through it at your own pace gives you a real feel for the rhythm of Amsterdam life," Lindsay said. "Stop along the way for coffee at a canal-side café, or pack a picnic and relax in Vondelpark like the locals do." For visitors looking for the best neighbourhood for a stroll, the Jordaan District is the place to go. "The Jordaan is full of independent galleries, boutiques, and cozy brown cafés," Lindsay highlighted. "It's the kind of neighbourhood where you can wander with no real plan and still stumble on something great." "If you're there on a Saturday, don't miss the Noordermarkt — part flea market, part foodie haven, and all charm." If you want to take advantage of the beautiful summer weather, the Rijksmuseum Garden is a great stop. "Even if you've already visited the Rijksmuseum, the summer gardens are worth a separate trip," Lindsay stated. "They're beautifully maintained and often feature outdoor sculptures or installations." "It's free to enter, and it's a peaceful break in the middle of Museumplein — ideal for art lovers and sun seekers alike." The Hoxton, Amsterdam is located in the heart of the city, in the same neighbourhood as some of the city's best restaurants and stores. The hotel's restaurant Lotti's has a focus on seasonal Dutch ingredients with its "modern European restaurant" cuisine. Located between two historical canals, Sofitel Legend The Grand Amsterdam has an interesting history, from a 15th-century convent to the City Hall of Amsterdam. The rooms feature contemporary French designs, with the property having specifically family-friendly accommodations and experiences. The hotel also has a spa with an indoor pool. Have a particularly luxurious experience at The Dylan, Amsterdam, located in the "9-streets" area on the Keizersgracht canal. It's also home to the two Michelin star awarded Restaurant Vinkeles, in addition to Bar Brasserie OCCO, which has its infamous "High Wine" experience, a play on High Tea. Each room style is unique, and includes one inspired by the Loxura butterfly, to an authentic Amsterdam-style loft. Skyscanner has a number of features to make sure you save as much as possible on your vacation. Take advantage of the "Saved" feature. Start by browsing all the travel deals and when you see something you like, you can save it for later. Step 1: Find your flights and hotel. Step 2: Select the heart icon next to your top picks to save them for later. Make sure you're logged into your Skyscanner account. Pro tip: Download the Skyscanner app to create separate Saved lists for all the different trips you're planning. If flight costs are getting you down, there are a few things Canadian travellers can do to ensure they're getting the best deal possible for their next vacation, both on the Skyscanner platform specifically and when looking for flights more generally. Beat the crowds: For flights that are filling up fast, you'll want to make sure you're looking at the monthly view on travel search sites like Skyscanner to see the best possible option available for flight dates. Set up alerts: Prices are always changing, so if you're hoping to travel to a specific destination, or on specific dates, set up a price alert so you can be quick if a deal comes up. Skyscanner specifically has a price alerts system for any cost changes. Consider "Everywhere": If you're hoping for a new adventure, or a little rest and relaxation, but you don't have a specific destination in mind, the "Everywhere" search on Skyscanner may be your new best friend to discover the most affordable vacation destination possible. Flexible dates: There may be certain times where you need to travel for specific dates, but the best deals are really revealed when you open yourself up to some flexibility. Even changing your travel dates by a day, or a week, can result in significant savings.
Yahoo
03-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Amsterdam being booked up by Canadians in June: Skyscanner trending travel destination
A European summer is very much on the horizon for Canadians and in June, Amsterdam has proven to be a particularly popular travel destination. Information provided to Yahoo Canada from Skyscanner revealed that there has been a 73 per cent increase in flight bookings from Canadian cities to the destination over the last month. According to the 2025 Skyscanner Travel Trends report, 34 per cent of Canadian travellers seeking out immersive art experiences are specifically attracted to the shared, communal aspect of those moments. And Amsterdam is a great destination for those travellers. Search for your next vacation on Skyscanner For art lovers specifically, June is the perfect time to travel to Amsterdam. The Holland Festival takes place in June, the Netherlands' oldest and largest performing arts festival, and the sculpture exhibition ArtZuid is also taking place, transforming areas of the city into an open-air museum. "Amsterdam's commitment to accessible art is evident in venues like the Stedelijk Museum, which offers cutting-edge modern art exhibitions, and the city's numerous independent galleries and street art installations," Laura Lindsay, Skyscanner's travel trends and destinations expert highlighted. Using Skyscanner search data, roundtrip flights from Toronto to Amsterdam in June can currently be found for as low as $513. Flights from Vancouver to Amsterdam start at $695, or $620 from Montreal. Check Skyscanner for up-to-date, live pricing for all flights. Search for your next vacation on Skyscanner If you want to travel like a local in Amsterdam, it's time to get on a bike. "Renting a bike is one of the best ways to see the city. The canal belt is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and riding through it at your own pace gives you a real feel for the rhythm of Amsterdam life," Lindsay said. "Stop along the way for coffee at a canal-side café, or pack a picnic and relax in Vondelpark like the locals do." For visitors looking for the best neighbourhood for a stroll, the Jordaan District is the place to go. "The Jordaan is full of independent galleries, boutiques, and cozy brown cafés," Lindsay highlighted. "It's the kind of neighbourhood where you can wander with no real plan and still stumble on something great." "If you're there on a Saturday, don't miss the Noordermarkt — part flea market, part foodie haven, and all charm." If you want to take advantage of the beautiful summer weather, the Rijksmuseum Garden is a great stop. "Even if you've already visited the Rijksmuseum, the summer gardens are worth a separate trip," Lindsay stated. "They're beautifully maintained and often feature outdoor sculptures or installations." "It's free to enter, and it's a peaceful break in the middle of Museumplein — ideal for art lovers and sun seekers alike." The Hoxton, Amsterdam is located in the heart of the city, in the same neighbourhood as some of the city's best restaurants and stores. The hotel's restaurant Lotti's has a focus on seasonal Dutch ingredients with its "modern European restaurant" cuisine. Located between two historical canals, Sofitel Legend The Grand Amsterdam has an interesting history, from a 15th-century convent to the City Hall of Amsterdam. The rooms feature contemporary French designs, with the property having specifically family-friendly accommodations and experiences. The hotel also has a spa with an indoor pool. Have a particularly luxurious experience at The Dylan, Amsterdam, located in the "9-streets" area on the Keizersgracht canal. It's also home to the two Michelin star awarded Restaurant Vinkeles, in addition to Bar Brasserie OCCO, which has its infamous "High Wine" experience, a play on High Tea. Each room style is unique, and includes one inspired by the Loxura butterfly, to an authentic Amsterdam-style loft. Skyscanner has a number of features to make sure you save as much as possible on your vacation. Take advantage of the "Saved" feature. Start by browsing all the travel deals and when you see something you like, you can save it for later. Step 1: Find your flights and hotel. Step 2: Select the heart icon next to your top picks to save them for later. Make sure you're logged into your Skyscanner account. Pro tip: Download the Skyscanner app to create separate Saved lists for all the different trips you're planning. If flight costs are getting you down, there are a few things Canadian travellers can do to ensure they're getting the best deal possible for their next vacation, both on the Skyscanner platform specifically and when looking for flights more generally. Beat the crowds: For flights that are filling up fast, you'll want to make sure you're looking at the monthly view on travel search sites like Skyscanner to see the best possible option available for flight dates. Set up alerts: Prices are always changing, so if you're hoping to travel to a specific destination, or on specific dates, set up a price alert so you can be quick if a deal comes up. Skyscanner specifically has a price alerts system for any cost changes. Consider "Everywhere": If you're hoping for a new adventure, or a little rest and relaxation, but you don't have a specific destination in mind, the "Everywhere" search on Skyscanner may be your new best friend to discover the most affordable vacation destination possible. Flexible dates: There may be certain times where you need to travel for specific dates, but the best deals are really revealed when you open yourself up to some flexibility. Even changing your travel dates by a day, or a week, can result in significant savings.
New York Times
03-05-2025
- Entertainment
- New York Times
Pierre Audi, Eminent Force in the Performing Arts, Dies at 67
Pierre Audi, the stage director and impresario whose transformation of a derelict London lecture hall into the cutting-edge Almeida Theater was the opening act in a long career as one of the world's most eminent performing arts leaders, died on Friday night in Beijing. He was 67. His death, while he was in China for meetings related to future productions, was announced on social media by Rachida Dati, the minister of culture in France, where Mr. Audi had been the director of the Aix-en-Provence Festival since 2018. Mr. Audi was in his early 20s when he founded the Almeida, which opened in 1980 and swiftly became a center of experimental theater and music. He spent 30 years as the leader of the Dutch National Opera, and for part of that time was also in charge of the Holland Festival. For the past decade, he had been the artistic director of the Park Avenue Armory in New York. All along, he continued working as a director at theaters around the world. Last year, when the Théâtre de la Monnaie in Brussels cut ties with Romeo Castellucci halfway through his new production of Wagner's four-opera 'Ring,' the company turned to Mr. Audi as one of the few artists with the knowledge, experience and cool head to take over such an epic undertaking at short notice. 'He profoundly renewed the language of opera,' Ms. Dati wrote in her announcement, 'through his rigor, his freedom and his singular vision.' Pierre Raymond Audi was born on Nov. 9, 1957, in Beirut, Lebanon, to Andrée (Fattal) Audi and Raymond Audi. His father worked for the family bank, which was founded in the mid-19th century. Mr. Audi was raised in Paris and in Beirut, where he started a cinema club at school and invited directors like Pier Paolo Pasolini and Jacques Tati to speak. In a 2016 interview with The New York Times, he spoke about the formative influence of Middle Eastern storytelling traditions on his work. 'Coming from the place I come from, a story is the start of everything,' he said. 'Through 20th-century music, I discovered the chaos, which is the other side. I think my life is about working a path through those contradictions.' He was educated at the University of Oxford, where he directed a production of Shakespeare's 'Timon of Athens' in 1977. A few years before, Mr. Audi had led a group that purchased an early-19th-century building in the Islington neighborhood of London that, over its varied history, had housed a display of Egyptian mummies and served as a music hall, a Salvation Army facility and a factory that made carnival novelties. By the time Mr. Audi discovered it, it had fallen into disrepair. But he saw its potential as a performance venue, and he led a fund-raising effort to renovate it and reopen it as a theater with a few hundred seats. (He would later link his interest in repurposing unusual structures to growing up in Lebanon, a country that lacked theaters.) Through the 1980s, the Almeida developed a hip reputation, with homegrown and touring productions that offered early boosts to the careers of now-prominent artists like Robert Wilson, Robert Lepage, Phelim McDermott, Deborah Warner and Simon McBurney. The Almeida International Festival of Contemporary Music became renowned as a presenter of new and commissioned operas. During his tenure at the Dutch National Opera, beginning in 1988, the house also became a hotbed of commissions and progressive stagings, including collaborations with visual artists like Anish Kapoor and Georg Baselitz. There, Mr. Audi directed the Netherlands' first full production of the 'Ring' and a cycle of Monteverdi's operas. 'The thing about Pierre was, it wasn't going to be traditional, old-fashioned opera,' said the opera administrator Matthew Epstein, who advised Mr. Audi during that early period. 'It was the expanding of the repertoire both backward — toward Handel and Monteverdi, which he directed and became famous for — and forward, toward so much contemporary opera.' Mr. Audi is survived by his wife, the artist Marieke Peeters; his children, Alexander and Sophia; his brother, Paul Audi; and his sister, Sherine Audi. In Aix-en-Provence, Mr. Audi was able to present just one season before the pandemic hit. In 2020, when the festival's performances were canceled, he managed to hold rehearsals for 'Innocence,' a new work by Kaija Saariaho, with just a piano. And he was able to shift the premiere seamlessly to 2021. His true gift was as a presenter, guiding works to the stage like 'Innocence,' widely acclaimed as one of the finest operas of the 21st century. Mr. Audi's own stagings tended to look timeless and stylized. They could feel a tad bland, but they also had an appealing modesty, showcasing the music and performers while his own work receded into the background. When he made his Metropolitan Opera debut in 2010, with Verdi's 'Attila,' a collaboration with the fashion designer Miuccia Prada and the architectural firm Herzog & de Meuron, Anthony Tommasini wrote in The New York Times that the production was 'not entirely successful, and sometimes weird' but was 'intriguing and full of resonant imagery.' Mr. Audi had a flair for the kind of event-driven presenting that reigns at festivals like Aix and raw spaces like the Armory, where he hosted longtime collaborators like William Kentridge and Peter Sellars; wrapped seating around the New York Philharmonic for a performance of Saariaho pieces; and brought spectacles like Claus Guth's 2023 staging of Schubert songs, which filled the Drill Hall with field-hospital beds. In 2019 in Amsterdam, he put on a three-day bonanza of chunks from Karlheinz Stockhausen's 29-hour, seven-opera cycle, 'Licht,' including Stockhausen's most notorious invention: a string quartet playing in helicopters. Last year, he brought to the Armory a smaller (and helicopter-free) selection, a surprisingly elegant, restrained show of lighting effects and immersive sound. In 2022, a half-century after he stumbled on the building that became the Almeida, Mr. Audi opened another new-old venue, for the Aix Festival: the Stadium de Vitrolles, a massive, graffiti-strewn black concrete box built in the 1990s that had been sitting abandoned on a Provençal hilltop for more than two decades. 'I saw the height of it,' he said, 'and I immediately looked at the real estate being very similar to the Armory.' Mr. Audi took a risk, planning the first production in the stadium without knowing whether its renovation would be ready in time, and without conducting an acoustic test in the space. But 'Resurrection,' Mr. Castellucci's staging of Mahler's Second Symphony as a 90-minute exhumation of a shallow mass grave, was both sober and thrilling, the kind of music theater you couldn't find anywhere else. Mr. Audi didn't rest on his laurels after that. As always, he tried something different. In 2023, he presented a trio of films accompanying Stravinsky's epochal early ballets, played live with orchestra. 'The important thing,' he said soon after 'Resurrection' opened, 'is not to imitate what we did this year.'
