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View up the River Vltava showing some of the Old Town and bridges.
Josef Suk with Vivienne Pittendrigh at an
after concert party.
Concerts in superb settings. Here the Kocian Quartet, with Josef Kluson and Michal Kanka, in the Lichtenstein Palace.
Part of the wonderful Gardens of Prague Castle which are at their most beautiful in May. St Vitus Cathedral in the background.
Concerts will be held in the historic Villa Bertramka. where Mozart lived when writing Don Giovanni. Above; the Prazak Quartet play on the terrace for one of the garden concerts.
Participants from Israel and Japan playing with members of the Herold Quartet in a coaching session.
The great Czech cellist Michal Kanka rehearsing the Dvorak Concerto with the famous Czech Radio Orchestra.
The Rudolfinum which houses the famous concert halls the Dvorak Hall and the Suk Hall.
Smetana looks down at his beloved River Vltava with Prague Castle in the background.
An exciting gypsy band and traditional dancers at a Czech restaurant in the Old Town.
Gourmet meals in lovely surroundings - this lunch was on the terrace of an historic Palace.
View across the Old Town Square – the magnificent St Nicholas Church is often used for concerts.
A glimpse of Prague Castle from the Lesser Town.
One of the spectacular views in this beautiful city.
One of the greatest composers of all time, Josef Haydn.
The Kocian Quartet from Prague and Vivienne Pittendrigh on the Grand Staircase or the Eszterhazy Palace.
An aerial view of the Esterhazy Palace showing the entrance and the main building around the magnificent courtyard.
The elegant Sala Terrena of the Palace used for more intimate concerts.
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Prague Spring Festival
A Symphony of Sights and Sounds
14 - 26 May 2009
(This Holiday can be linked to the Haydn Bicentenary in Eszterhaza, Hungary
28 May - 3 June. See below.)
"We had a wonderful time. We enjoyed the playing and coaching; getting to know the other players; the excellent (and very varied) concerts; the very good hotel; the sightseeing with our charming and knowledgeable guides; the excellent food and other Prague "events". It was a great mixture and a complete change from our normal activities."
Delia and John Venables, England and Arizona, USA
Prague, with its numerous world-class chamber music ensembles, especially string quartets, several great orchestras and three splendid opera houses is possibly the most musical city in the world. At the time of Prague Spring, one of the most prestigious festivals in Europe, there is a very special atmosphere. So many concerts, operas and other events all set in a city with many parks and tree lined streets - flowers perfume the air and the young green of the trees is beautiful. Prague has been described by many as the most visually stunning 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 Art Nouveau buildings, the splendid squares, the grandeur of Prague Castle, the evocative Jewish Quarter 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 including the famous Obecni Dum, the Municipal House. We have walking tours with excellent guides who want to show you what you are interested in as well as 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 transport passes for trams for excursions 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.
CONCERTS and OPERA: Seven concerts and two operas are included. We attend a performance of Don Giovanni at the Historic Estates theatre where Mozart conducted the first performance. Details of concerts and operas will be on this website as soon as published. You are advised to make a reservation early for this Holiday as tickets for the opera and some of the concerts sell out well in advance
On returning to Japan after Prague Spring 2007, Sinji Matsumoto wrote:
"My first experience of Chamber Music Holidays was in 1991 in London. After 17 years, 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."
ACCOMMODATION: Our four star hotel near Prague Castle has single, twin or double rooms with en suite bathrooms and many facilities. Suites are available on application. 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 various treatments including shiatsu and other massage are part of the complex.
The hotel is set back from the road and has magnificent views over the Old Town, Castle and many other areas of Prague. 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.
"A great city and a very memorable twelve days of music, wining and dining and friendship. Thanks Vivienne."
David Jackson, Sydney Australia.
MEALS & PARTIES: Lunch or dinner with wine or beer is included every day. These gourmet meals are in the hotel’s excellent restaurant and others which are chosen not only for the standard of food, but for spectacular settings or interesting and historic ambience. Meals are very sociable occasions getting to know participants from all over the world. The informal parties are opportunities to meet members of the Quartets performing in the concerts. One dinner will be in a restaurant with traditional Czech food and wines, dancers and a wonderful gypsy band.
PLAYING & COACHING SESSIONS
"All the amateur players were experienced. I enjoyed many pieces by composers who had connections with Prague, Mozart, Smetana, Dvorak. It was very surprising to have coaches every day from three or four leading string quartets and we were taught the interpretation of music and the know-how of ensemble playing."
Masao Nagata, Japan.
Coaching sessions will be held by members of the Kocian, Stamic, Herold, Talich and Nostitz Quartets. Suggested works are the Dvorak String Quartet op 51 and Haydn String Quartets op 64 no 5 and Quartet 76 no 2. You can request to study a specific piece of music. Playing will be scheduled on ten mornings, freelance playing at other times. Local amateur players will join our groups especially at weekends. A music library and stands are provided and violin, viola, cello and keyboard rentals are 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!
"A fantastic experience to have the opportunity to play with such great musicians as members of the Kocian and Stamic Quartets - I shall never forget this!"
Naoko Sasaki, Tokyo, Japan.
EXCURSIONS & LEISURE ACTIVITIES: Specialist guides will not only give you information but also a fund of background knowledge about this fascinating city. Tours will include:
Three walking tours with a knowledgeable 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, we take the elevator to the top of the tower for spectacular views and we also visit the historic, atmospheric Jewish Quarter.
- The Lesser Town, Charles Bridge and the Music Academy, one of the oldest in Europe.
- A visit to the Mozart Museum at Villa Bertramka where Mozart stayed while writing Don Giovanni followed by a concert.
- A boat trip on the River Vltava with spectacular views.
- A visit to the Musical Instruments Museum
- The Hanavsky Pavillion another wonderful Art Nouveau building overlooking the River Vltava and the Old Town.
- Visit the hostoric Strahov Monastery to see its exceptional library, one of the most magnificent in Europe.
- Visit the fascinating Smetana Museum on the banks of his beloved Vltava River.
- An out of town excursion to visit the Dvorak Birthplace museum and a friend’s home – a wonderful converted farmhouse where we have a barbeque lunch and lots of time for playing and relaxing in the garden.- a unique experience off the beaten track.
Tickets for Prague transport are included for all excursions and concerts.
The day by day programme will be published on this website later this year
"This is the best value for money holiday we have ever experienced, superbly organised and fine tuned to perfection. Sightseeing in such a wonderful city, superb concerts, excellent restaurants and meeting so many like-minded people - it was fantastic!"
Miki and Mary Pohl. London, England.
PRICE PER PERSON IN EUROS
(Discount of 10% for the 12 or 9 day holiday for payment in full by 25th August 2008)
12 days
Double/twin - 1,990 euros
Single - 2,350 euros
(For non players a discount of 90 euros)
9 days
Double/twin - 1,560 euros
Single - 1,830 euros
(For non players a discount of 70 euros)
PRICE INCLUDES: Accommodation with large buffet breakfast and either lunch or dinner, all activities including parties, excursions including entrances to museums listed on excursions, tickets for concerts and operas as listed, public transport tickets for excursions and other group activities. Also coaching, the use of music stands and the music library. Instruments including keyboards can be rented.
Air tickets to Prague are not included as participants come from all over the world.
To book and pay with a UK personal cheque or a UK online transfer in GB Pounds click here.
To pay by bank to bank transfer in Euros click here.
Bank details for payments will be sent to you once you have filled out the application form.
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 3.9% of the total cost. If you encounter any problems please email Vivienne cmhf@otenet.gr.
Prices in Pounds on the application forms above are calculated at £1 = 1.24 euros. Should the pound fall below 1.22 euros these will be adjusted accordingly.
Join us for the Haydn Bicentenary
in Eszterhaza, Hungary 28 May to 3 June
We have a limited number of rooms in the Esterhazy Palace available. Early booking is essential. We meet in Vienna at 10.00 on 28 May and travel as per the Day by Day programme on the Eszterhaza web page. (You will also find information about the accommodation on this page.) We return to Vienna on the morning of 3 June.
PRICE PER PERSON IN EUROS
(Discount of 10% for the 12 or 9 day holiday for payment in full by 25th August 2008)
Bagatelle (double/twin) - 1,250 euros
Hotel (single) - 1,298 euros
Hotel (double/twin) - 1,184 euros
PRICE INCLUDES: Accommodation as above with buffet breakfast and either lunch or dinner, all activities including concerts; entrances to museums listed on excursions, parties, excursions; transport from Vienna to Eszterhaza and return; public transport tickets for five days in Vienna and private bus transport in Hungary; coaching, the use of music stands and the music library. Instruments including keyboards can be rented. Air tickets to Vienna are not included as participants come from all over the world.
To book and pay with a UK personal cheque or a UK online transfer in GB Pounds click here.
To pay by bank to bank transfer in Euros click here.
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 4% of the total cost. If you encounter any problems please email Vivienne cmhf@otenet.gr.
We reserve the right to make changes due to circumstances beyond our control.
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