by Arie Boris, Editor CruiseGourmet.com

Thanks to a collaboration between CruiseGourmet.com Magazine and Classical Action-Performing Arts Against AIDS, the recent Classical Music themed cruise on board the Crystal Symphony was the most exciting classical music event ever held at sea.

Several outstanding international artists were aboard to give concerts and mingle with the 800 guests throughout the 11-day Dover-to-Stockholm cruise. The artists were invited by Classical Action, a New York-based group dedicated to raising funds to fight HIV and AIDS www.classicalaction.org . The performers, well known to concertgoers worldwide, included mezzo-soprano Frederica von Stade and violinist Leila Josefowicz.

Frederica von Stade, one of the world’s best-loved mezzo-sopranos, new to cruising, thrilled fans with her interpretations of Bizet, Ravel and Offenbach. She was accompanied by pianist and noted modern opera composer Jake Heggie.

One of the most moving moments of Ms. Von Stade’s recital was her interpretation of Winter Roses, a collection of original poems by Charlene Baldridge, who was in the audience. The music, inspired by Ms. Baldridge’s words, was composed by Mr. Heggie. As he accompanied Ms. Von Stade they brought an added musical perspective to the poet’s touching work.

Ms. Josefowicz, the Toronto-born violinist, made her Carnegie Hall debut at age 16 and has performed concerts with the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, the New York Philharmonic, Chicago Symphony and the London Symphony, among many others.

Her program, featuring Brahms and Schubert as well as a delightful version of Charlie Chaplin’s Smile, was extremely well received.

Both first time cruisers, Ms. Von Stade and Ms. Josefowicz thoroughly enjoyed being on board. “It was a totally different experience, but I loved it,” Ms. Josefowicz said. “People are here to relax and it’s so easy to play for them in this more casual environment.”

After the recital we joined the artists for a spectacular dining experience in Silk Road, the new Nobu specialty restaurant opened recently on the Crystal Symphony. Occupying the former Jade Garden space, Silk Road and The Sushi Bar accommodate 68 guests and are a result of the very popular and successful Nobu restaurant on the Crystal Serenity.

Chef Nobu Matsuhisa has been described as a “sushi mogul” and without question there is an air of celebrity that surrounds Nobu and each of his restaurants. Yet it is his unwavering passion to communicate his “kokoro” – the Japanese term for “heart” – through every single dish that has earned him a litany of awards almost too numerous to list, beginning with his 1989 award as one of Food & Wine magazine’s 10 Best New Chefs and highlighted by Matsuhisa’s 1993 recognition as one of the top destination restaurants in the world according to The New York Times.

According to Chef Nobu, “during the past several years, Crystal has done an incredible job of ensuring the consistent quality and integrity of my cuisine served aboard Crystal Serenity, regardless of wherever the ship may be in the world. I am very pleased to build upon my relationship with Crystal Cruises and fully expect the opening of The Sushi Bar and Silk Road to further enhance Crystal Symphony’s tradition of culinary excellence.”

Toni Neumeister, Crystal’s vice president of food and beverage operations, adds, “Like Nobu, we share a deep appreciation of discovering the world and its people through food, and we look forward to presenting our savvy clientele with yet another new dimension of choice and excellence.”

Traditional shrimp tempora and artistically presented platters of sushi done to perfection are standard at this restaurant. Innovation is reflected in the unique menu- the warm mushroom salad combining a variety of herbs was divine. The lobster entrée was prepared with an exquisite combination of spices resulting in an absolutely sensational new taste. This restaurant in a word is spectacular. Reserve your table as soon as you board – you won’t want to miss dinner at Silk Road.

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