Celebrate Haydn’s Bicentenary with us in the Esterhazy Palace in Hungary and Vienna.
27 May - 8 June 2009.

Josef Haydn, one of the greatest composers of all time, also known as the father of the string quartet, spent much of his life in these two places. We meet in Vienna for an overnight stay on 27th May before driving to the Esterhazy Palace in the west of Hungary where we stay from 28 May to 3 June We are honoured to be invited to stay in this magnificent Palace for the actual Bicentenary celebrations! We return to Vienna for five nights on 3 June.

The Esterhazy Palace, Fertod, western Hungary
28 May to 3 June
The Esterhazy Palace is not only a magnificent building but its rich history is especially associated with Josef Haydn. Built by Prince Nikolas Esterhazy it was started in 1762. Often referred to as the Hungarian Versailles, it is Hungary's grandest Rococo monument. It was here that the great musician lived and worked for 30 years. He said he was isolated from Vienna and so forced to become original. Known as the Father of the String Quartet, Haydn composed a wide range - other chamber music, symphonies, concertos, church music, solo sonatas for piano and much more. The Palace has various places for concerts including the Music Room where Haydn performed and conducted for 30 years, the exquisite Chapel and the beautiful Sala Terrena. The village of Fertod is interesting and there is much to see nearby.

Accommodation and meals in the Esterhazy Palace
To stay in this magnificent historic Palace is an unforgettable experience and to be there for the bicentennial celebrations makes it even more special. There is a variety of accommodation. (Details below.)

The Apartments on the ground and second floors have been recently converted from a series of rooms and each one is unique with views over the park.

The Bagatelle was built by Prince Nikolas Esterhazy as a Chinese style pavilion for the visit of Empress Maria Teresa. When she asked how much it cost she answered "A sizeable amount." and she then observed "A mere bagatelle." This is in the park of the Palace with a lovely terrace. Set among wonderful trees you can awaken to birdsong and even the larks of one of Haydn’s quartets. There are many ancient trees in the Palace gardens and park and vast areas of green.

The Hotel consists of rooms on the second floor of the Palace. These are single or twin rooms and have shared bathrooms with a wash hand basin in the room. There is a sitting room area and a very large kitchen with a table for several people. In the past this has been the social hub for informal meals, gatherings over a glass of wine or a coffee. This has been refurbished recently. At present just 6 are available.

Buffet Breakfast is served in the Hotel or Apartments and other meals are in nearby the Szecheni Palace and local restaurants. Wine is included. As people who have stayed here will tell you, there is a very relaxed and sociable ambience.

Concerts in Eszterhaza
To celebrate the Haydn’s Bicentenary, concerts will be held in various parts in the Palace including the splendid Music Room. Details of programmes will be on this website as soon as we receive them.

Chamber music playing and coaching
Coaching for amateur musicians in Esterhaza is by Ronald Birks, violinist of the world renowned Lindsay Quartet who disbanded recently. This wonderful musician is a stimulating and understanding coach who provides many fascinating insights into chamber music playing. Playing with coaching will be scheduled on four days with time for freelance playing. A music library and stands are provided. Violin, viola, cello and keyboard rental is available.

Sightseeing in Eszterhaza.

• A visit to Haydn’s birthplace in Rohrau on our drive from Vienna to Eszterhaza.
• A guided tour of the Palace including the fascinating Haydn Museum and the magnificent Music Room where he performed and conducted for 30 years.
• A walk around the village of Fertod and a visit to the Haydn House where he lived with all the musicians and opera singers. It is now a music school.
• An afternoon in Eisenstadt to visit places associated with Haydn.
• One additional excursion to one of the places of interest nearby.

Day by day programme

VIENNA- the night of 27 May and then 3 to 8 June
The name alone evokes thoughts of great music. We spend five days in this city steeped in history so vital to the life and work of Haydn. We visit places associated with Haydn, Mozart, Beethoven and Brahms as well as the highlights of this great city. We stay in an historic apartment hotel and enjoy a variety of wonderful meals and an informal, friendly social life.

Accommodation and meals in Vienna
Our charming four star apartment hotel was built as a private residence in the 1870s, with two additional floors added last century. It is within walking distance or a short bus/tram ride from the Ring and historic areas and museums. Enter the hotel and you are transported to 19th century Vienna, furnishings are in the traditional Alt Wien style. The owners are the epitome of unforgettable hospitality. These delightful studios and apartments are ideal for playing music and socialising. All have en suite bathrooms, kitchenettes, TV and direct dial phone and Wi-Fi internet system. A limited number of two room apartments with large living rooms are also available but need to be booked as soon as possible. On the first evening we have a Welcome cocktail party on the roof garden then dinner in the grill/wine cellar of our Hotel. The other meals will be in historic cellars, charming local restaurants nearby, on the lovely hotel roof garden or in the grill/wine cellar. Wine and other drinks are included. Breakfast in the hotel is a substantial buffet.

Concerts in Vienna
We attend a Haydn Mass with orchestra, choir and soloists in one of the famous churches. One other concert is included. Details on this website as soon as they are published.

Chamber music playing and coaching
Coaching for amateur musicians in Vienna is by members of the Aron Quartet from Vienna and by Ronald Birks, violinist of the world renowned Lindsay Quartet. These wonderful musicians give special insights into an extensive range of chamber music. Playing will be scheduled over four days with time for freelance playing. A music library and stands are provided. Violin, viola, cello and keyboard rental is available.

Sightseeing in Vienna
Our sightseeing will be done on foot and by public transport for which all inclusive passes are provided. Visits include:

• The Haydn Museum in the house where he lived his last years writing more great music including The Creation, The Seasons and the last nine String Quartets. This house has a small but interesting Brahms museum.
• A walk in the Old City, its small winding streets packed with history and atmosphere. We visit the refurbished and enlarged Mozart House. In the past two years we have spent well over two hours here on our visits, we all found it a mine of fascinating information.
• The visit to the Beethoven Museum in Heiligenstadt is followed by a stop in a nearby Heurigen - a traditional Viennese wine garden where he spent many hours.
• There will be one free afternoon to visit museums of your choice. There is an abundance of amazing museums and galleries - the absorbing Musical Instruments Museum is quite near our hotel.

Day by day programme

ACCOMMODATION in VIENNA
A: Twin/double studio apartment, en-suite bathroom, small kitchen, cable TV, phone, Wi-Fi internet connection in the apartment. These rooms are also used as singles.
B: Two room apartment in Vienna with a spacious living room in addition to the amenities of type A.

ACCOMMODATION in the ESTERHAZY PALACE
The apartments are all in the main part of the Palace. They were converted a couple of years ago. All have Hungarian names as they are all different with traditional furniture. They are ideal for chamber music playing and socialising. When these are reserved there will be a (R) sign next to the name meaning they are no longer available. This also applies to rooms in the Bagatelle and in the hotel. If your first choice is not available please email Vivienne on cmhf@otenet.gr and I can phone you to see what can be arranged.

Ground floor            
(R) Pal: Large living room, 2 bedrooms, one twin and one double, 1 bathroom, living room and kitchen.
(R) Laszlo: Large living room 2 bedrooms one twin and one double, 1 bathroom, and kitchen.

Second floor (there is no elevator)
(R) Giselle: Large living room overlooking the park, twin bedroom, kitchen and bathroom.
(R) Bernadette: Double bedroom, living room, kitchen and bathroom.
(R) Elizabeth: A studio apartment with a double bed in very large living room, kitchen and bathroom.
(R) Kishercegi: Living room with two bedrooms, kitchen. bathroom. Suitable for two single rooms or perhaps one single and one double.

The Bagatelle:  
(R) 1 double bedroom with en-suite bathroom.
(R) 1 double bedroom with en-suite bathroom. Can be booked as single.
(R) 1 twin bedroom with en-suite bathroom
(R) 1 twin bedroom with en suite bathroom Can be booked as a single

The Hotel: Rooms on the second floor of the Palace. These are single or twin rooms and have shared bathrooms with a wash hand basin in the rooms. There is a sitting room area and a very large kitchen with a table for several people. In the past this has been the social hub for informal meals, gatherings over a glass of wine or a coffee. This has been refurbished recently. At present 5 are available.

We have a limited number of rooms available especially in Vienna so early reservation is essential, in particular for singles.

PRICE PER PERSON IN EUROS
Discount of 150 Euros for payment in full before 17 December 2008. (For non-players a reduction of 50 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 pay by bank to bank transfer in Euros click here.

To book and pay with a UK personal cheque or a UK online transfer in GB Pounds click here.

Prices in Pounds are calculated at £1 = 1.24 euros. Should the pound fall below 1.22 euros these will be adjusted accordingly.