Road Scholar Programs

Lake Geneva, Wisconsin

Geniuses of Art, Literature and Music

Decoding the Art of Leonardo da Vinci

The original Renaissance Man, Leonardo da Vinci was an accomplished engineer, inventor, sculptor and painter. Explore famous works such as the "Mona Lisa" and "The Last Supper." Discuss his innovative techniques and contributions to the modern world.

Tackling the Bard William Shakespeare

Widely regarded as the preeminent poet and playwright in the English language, Shakespeare's works remain popular and are often produced in modern settings. Delve into his life, noted works and legacy of words that has enriched our vocabulary.

Rediscovering the Musical Genius of J.S. Bach

A prolific composer, Johann Sebastian Bach refined the Baroque contrapuntal style where two or more musical ideas interact simultaneously to new heights. Explore Bach's seemingly endless energy for composition, listen to famous works and enjoy! Includes live harpsichord concert.

Program includes an excursion to The Fireside Theater for lunch and a matinee performance of "Hairspray."

Program Dates:

September 12-17, 2010 - this program has sold out in the past, register today!

Program Number: 16097AU

Price Per Person: Double $765 / Single $990 / Commuter $540

Instructors: Dr. Trevor Stephenson, Gary Baughn, and Greg Athnos

Architectural Gems:

Taliesin, Milwaukee Art Museum and Ten Chimneys

Experience some of Wisconsin's extraordinary architecture. Explore the Taliesin Estate in Spring Green -- Frank Lloyd Wright's 48-year work in progress and the laboratory of his ideas. Journey to the majestic Wisconsin State Capitol to see the restored rotunda. Be amazed by the first Santiago Calatrava-designed building in the U.S. at the Milwaukee Art Museum, featuring a 90-foot high, glass-walled hall enclosure by the Burke Brise Soleil, a sunscreen that closes and opens to create a unique moving sculpture. Finally, be captivated by the lives of Lynn Fontanne and Alfred lunt, first couple of the American Theatre, at the Ten Chimneys estate in Genesee Depot. This unique landmark is always a surprise hit! The main home, decorated like a stage set in its incredible detail, includes hand-painted murals in each room, original furnishings and memorabilia. An invitation to Ten Chimneys was coveted and treasured by their famous friends.

Everyday is a field trip via motor coach with professional driver. Several meals at local restaurants. We'll arrive in Milwaukee early for lunch so you'll be able to see the "wings" close and open.

Program Dates:

September 20-23, 2010
October 4-7, 2010

Program Number: 10963AU

Price Per Person: Double $649 / Single $799 / Commuter $499

Arthurian Legend; How to Listen to a Symphony; Broadway

The Arthurian Legend: Who was the Real Arthur?

Participate in a round table discussion of contemporary theories placing the historical Arthur in the north of Britain as a Dark Age warlord. Explore possible locations for the 12 Battles. Trace Arthur's enduring legacy in literature and the arts.

How to Listen to a Symphony

A symphony reads like a good book. It has a captivating beginning, proceeds to a 'working out' of its musical characters and charges ahead to its scintillating conclusion. Listen and examine the great symphonies of Haydn, Mozart and Beethoven.

Broadway Blockbusters!

What makes a Broadway musical a success? Is it a catchy song, a great story, intriguing characters, amazing special effects or something else? Explore character, plot and music in such blockbusters as Oklahoma and South Pacific.

Program Dates:

October 10-15, 2010

Program Number: 15057AU

Price Per Person: Double $765 / Single $990 / Commuter $540

Instructors: Chris Brookes, Greg Athonos, Linda Bachand

Decade by Decade: The 1940s

At the outset of the 1940s, the United States was mired in a Great Depression with effects that reverberated worldwide. By decade's end America and the Allies had defeated Nazism and the factories ran again, laying the foundation for a new age of prosperity. Survey this remarkable decade with historians and other experts. Compare and contrast the presidencies of Roosevelt and Truman, touching upon their challenges, successes and failures. Discuss the food and fashion of an age when sauerkraut became Liberty Cabbage and Hollywood stars sold war bonds, and delve into the era of the big band, from Duke Ellington to Glenn Miller and more.

Program includes an excursion to The Fireside Theater for lunch and a matinee performance.

October performance is "Hairspray."

Program Dates:

October 17-22, 2010

Program Number: 18477AU

Price Per Person: Double $765 / Single $990 / Commuter $540

Instructors: Dr. Ellen Langill, Chris Brookes, and Mark Davis

Passport to Greece

Experience the excitement of Greece without leaving the United States on a "virtual" journey to explore the country's history, culture, literature, language and music. Ponder the philosophical ideas of Socrates, Plato and Aristotle, and take a vicarious hike to the top of Mount Olympus to meet Greek gods like Zeus, Hera and Apollo. Study architecture and the ruins of the Acropolis and Parthenon, become acquainted with Greek culture through performances of folk music and theater and learn about Greece as the home of the first Olympiad. Learn a few words and phrases in Greek and wrap up with a look at the country's current state as it marches into the 21st century. Lectures are enhanced by evening performances and select Greek cuisine.

There are no field trips for this program.

Program Dates:

October 31-November 4, 2010

Program Number: 18359AU

Price Per Person: Double $559 / Single $719 / Commuter $359

Instructors: Dr. David Koeller, Jim Slauson, Dr. Barry Powell and others...

Passport to Italy

Live “la dolce vita” (the sweet life) of fabulous Italy without leaving the United States on a “virtual” journey to explore the country’s history, culture, literature, language and music. Long known for excellence in all the arts and sciences; we’ll look at Italy’s contributions in music with Scarlatti, Rossini and Verdi; art with Michelangelo, Botticelli and Raphael; science with DaVinci and Galileo; architecture with Brunelleschi and literature with Dante’s “The Divine Comedy.” Survey historical highlights including: the Romans, city-states, The Renaissance, two world wars and Italy today. Learn a few words and phrases and practice your best “ciao bella!” Lectures are highlighted by evening performances and Italian cuisine.

Very limited walking; optional walking available on paths and along lakefront.

Program Dates:

November 7-11, 2010

Program Number: 19183AU

Price Per Person: Double $559 / Single $719 / Commuter $359

Instructors: Greg Athnos and others...

Passport to Germany

Experience Germany without leaving home. During your virtual journey, explore a variety of topics including history, culture, literature, language, and music. Delve into Germany’s often turbulent history, music by composers Bach and Handel, literary works by Goethe and learn more about the Bauhaus style of architecture. Listen to stories of immigrants who left Germany for an unknown future in a place called America. Discuss modern Germany’s economy and politics, including their first woman chancellor. Learn some German words and phrases and soon you’ll be saying “I’ll have a bratwurst with mustard!” like a native. Lectures are highlighted by evening performances and Germany cuisine.

Very limited walking; optional walking available on paths and along lakefront.

Program Dates:

November 14-18, 2010

Program Number: 12290AU

Price Per Person: Double $559 / Single $719 / Commuter $359

Instructors: Greg Athnos, Jim Slauson, Trina Young and others...

Sacred and Secular: Sprites, Sinners and the Yule Goat

Let's celebrate the coming holiday season! Explore the life and music of Broadway composer Meredith Willson, creator of “The Music Man,” “The Unsinkable Molly Brown” and “It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas." You'll find plenty of "spritely" and memorable characters. Then look for "sinners" in Handel's masterwork -- "Messiah"; experience this classic in a colorful audio-visual presentation. And the Yule Goat? Travel back through the mists of time each evening to The Renaissance, Charles Dickens’ Victorian England and the North Pole where special guests are waiting to share traditions, stories and a glass of mulled cider. As a special treat we’ll attend a theater matinee performance of Meredith Willson's musical classic “It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas" at the Armory Theater in nearby Janesville.

Program Dates:

November 29- December 3, 2010

Program Number: 12332AU

Price Per Person: Double $599 / Single $759 / Commuter $459

Instructors: Greg Athnos, Chris Brookes and Linda Bachand

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