Prague String Quartet Festival
Divertimenti in Prague,
19 - 31 August 2008

A Symphony Of Sights And Sounds

Prague is, for many people, the most magnificent city in Europe. In the Old Town, founded in the 10th Century, there is a unique sense of history. The majestic spires and mediaeval buildings reflect the importance of Prague as the centre of the Holy Roman Empire in the 14th Century. The Renaissance and Baroque Palaces, the splendid squares, the grandeur of Prague castle as well as the narrow mediaeval cobbled streets will totally captivate you. The views across the Vltava River to the Castle and St Vitus Cathedral and the romantic Mala Strana, Lesser Town, are absolutely breathtaking. Looking down on the Old Town and the many bridges over the river you will come under the spell of this truly amazing city. Prague has had virtually no damage from wars and you will find your visit an incredible experience. Some of the most important Art Nouveau buildings are here and we shall have one afternoon devoted to these. We have several guided excursions to introduce you to this splendid city. You will be totally enchanted as you walk the narrow cobbled alleys, sit in impressive squares or just wander over the amazing 14th Century Charles Bridge in your spare time. The public transport system is efficient and tickets are provided.

"After 25 years as director of Chamber Music Holidays, Vivienne Pittendrigh knows how and where to find the best performances, coaches, food, hotels, trips and ambience in any one of a number of musical meccas where Holidays are offered. The opportunity to hear, and in many cases, to play chamber music with world famous quartets is definitely a feature not often offered elsewhere, as is the opportunity to meet other chamber music enthusiasts from other countries. My second trip to the magical city of Prague was as wonderful as the first, and I look forward to more adventures".
Elizabeth Blatt, West Virginia USA.

DIVERTIMENTI IN PRAGUE - String Quartet Festival.
We are absolutely delighted that the most distinguished and famous Czech musician Josef Suk is the Patron of this Festival. After a highly successful festival in 2007 we will again feature the Prazak, Kocian, Stamic and Herold Quartets. Concerts will be in the famous Villa Bertramka where Mozart stayed on various occasions including when composing Don Giovanni and two other historic and interesting places. Click here for the programme and all details. Three other concerts will be included in this Holiday festival. Two in the famous Ledebour Gardens of Prague Castle.

“Thank you for a very enjoyable holiday. We enjoyed the playing and coaching; getting to know the other players; the wonderful (and very varied) concerts; the very good hotel; the sightseeing with our charming and knowledgeable guides; the excellent food and events".
Delia and John Venables, England and Arizona USA.

"An astonishing and exhilarating twelve days of music - nourishment for the soul of a rare quality. With the excellent food and compatible company, this experience glows in the memory with the hope of recovering such pleasure again and again."
Nessy and Jim Allen, Sydney Australia.

ACCOMMODATION & LOCATION. We stay in a four star hotel near Prague Castle in single, twin or double rooms with many facilities. Suites have a spacious living room and extensive balcony, large bedroom, bathroom and entrance hall with a sizeable cloakroom. There are two restaurants, a bar, a shop, WiFi internet connection, an internet room and secure parking. A sports club with a heated indoor swimming pool, sauna and gym and a beauty salon with shiatsu and other massage are part of the complex. The hotel is set back from the road and is a few minutes walk from Prague Castle and its surroundings one of the most spectacular parts of this stunning city. Trams leave frequently for a ride of around 12 - 15 minutes to the delightful Lesser Town and the 14th Century Charles Bridge, leading to the Old Town.
The location is ideal - five minutes walk from the hotel is Prague Castle and its surroundings, one of the most spectacular parts of this stunning city. The Castle covers an extensive area with many historic churches, superb gardens and the magnificent castle itself. The area immediately around the Castle has yet more majestic churches and palaces, the superb Strahov Monastery and many charming restaurants, bars and cafes.

MEALS & PARTIES. Three dinners and nine lunches will be in different restaurants, which are chosen not only for the standard of food, but for spectacular settings or interesting and historic ambience. Meals and the three parties are very sociable occasions and members of the Quartets performing in the concerts sometimes join us. One dinner will be in a restaurant with traditional Slovak food and wines, dancers and a wonderful band with unusual instruments to give an insight into the folklore of this area. One lunch is an impressive restaurant with wonderful views of Prague. This will give an opportunity to understand the layout of Prague while standing on the terrace of the restaurant - a magnificent vantage point.

"My first experience of Chamber Music Holidays was in 1991 in London. After 17years, I had a second experience in Prague which was full of fun. I had a good walk around Prague Castle after breakfast every morning. In the morning playing sessions we enjoyed Dvorak, Mozart, Brahms, etc. Almost every day we had great coaching by professional players from leading quartets. Opera and concerts in the afternoon and evening were also very much enjoyable. I would like to come back to the Chamber Music Holiday in the near future."
Shinji Matsumoto (violin), Japan.

MUSICAL ORGANISATION. Open coaching sessions will be held by members of the Kocian, Stamic, Herold and Talich Quartets. Playing will be scheduled on ten mornings, freelance playing at other times. An extensive music library and stands are provided. Violin, viola, cello and keyboard rental is available. Opportunities to meet members of the Quartets on social occasions as well as during the coaching sessions gives a unique insight into a city which for many people is the chamber music centre of the world!

EXCURSIONS AND LEISURE ACTIVITIES. Specialist guides will not only give you information but also a fund of background knowledge about this fascinating city. Tours will include:

• Walking tours with a guide to many of the places of interest. Prague lends itself to being explored on foot.
• Prague Castle and Hradcany including St Vitus Cathedral, the Loretto, the Golden Lane and much more.
• The Old Town including the Old Town Square with one of the world's most famous clocks and the Jewish Quarter.
• The Lesser Town, Charles Bridge and the Music Academy one of the oldest in Europe.
• Visit the splendid Strahov Monastery to see its exceptional Library and Theological Hall.
• Tour the excellent Mozart Museum in Villa Bertramka and attend a concerts in the garden.
• Drive through the beautiful countryside to visit musician friends in a beautifully converted farmhouse. This is near the Dvorak Birthplace Museum which we visit. We spend the rest of the day having a barbeque, playing chamber music and relaxing in their wonderful garden with a lovely swimming pool.
• Visit the Museum of Music a fascinating exhibition.
• Take a boat trip on the River Vltava to see this amazing city from another perspective.
• Visit the excellent Smetana Museum set on the banks of his beloved Vltava River.

Transport tickets for all excursions are included.

"I want to let you know how much I enjoyed the Prague experience - 'the whole bit' - concerts, company, accommodation and a 'trouble free' holiday in a wonderful centre."
Jennifer Fielding (listener), Sydney, Australia. 

Day by day programme

"An exhilarating mixture of good music, good company, good eating and drinking in one of the world's most magical cities, and great value for money. A music lovers dream!!"
Chris and Elizabeth Thomas, England.

(Discount of £75 for 12 day holidays and £50 for 9 day holidays for payment in full before 10 April 2008.)

12 days - 19 - 31 August - double/twin - £1,445.
9 days - 19 - 27 August - double/twin - £1,215.

12 days - 19 - 31 August - single - £1,740.
9 days - 19 - 27 August - single - £1,450.

(For non-players a reduction of £60 for 12 days and £40 for 9 days)

PRICE INCLUDES: Accommodation with large buffet breakfast and either lunch or dinner with wine, beer or soft drinks, all activities including parties, excursions including entrances to museums listed on excursions, tickets for concerts as listed, public transport tickets for listed excursions. Also coaching, the use of music stands and the music library. Instrument rental is not included.

Air tickets to Prague are not included as participants come from all over the world.

To book this holiday and pay online by credit card in Pounds Sterling click here. Note that the final invoice will include an additional Paypal handling fee of 3.5% of the total cost. If you encounter any problems please email Vivienne cmhf@otenet.gr.

To book and pay with a personal cheque or by bank to bank transfer click here.

We reserve the right to make changes due to circumstances beyond our control.