Past, present and future

Chamber Music Holidays was founded in 1982 by Vivienne Pittendrigh, an Australian who studied at Sydney Conservatorium and now lives several months of the year on the Greek island of Corfu while retaining an office in England. Having lived and worked in various parts of the world including Vienna, Prague, Corfu, England and Budapest, she has a good background knowledge of these places as well as many wonderful friends - especially in the music world.

Chamber Music Holidays and Festivals offer unique possibilities to music lovers - both players and listeners, to spend vacations with like-minded people. Since 1982 these Holiday Festivals have provided opportunities to enjoy chamber music interesting places, stimulating company and a relaxing social life. Lasting friendships have been made not only within the group but also with the professional musicians and local people. The convivial atmosphere at meals, on excursions and at other times makes everyone feel at home.

These holidays are for:

Amateur musicians who like to play many hours a day or those who prefer to play just in the mornings. Pre-formed string quartets and individuals are all welcome. There are no demanding performances and stressful masterclasses. The coaching is very friendly and relaxed.

Listeners who enjoy a musical atmosphere and the company of like minded people while learning more about music and appreciate exploring interesting places in congenial company.

The holidays are a mixture of playing, listening, sightseeing and relaxing in congenial company. We welcome couples, groups of friends and single people, who need not be concerned about coming alone - they will immediately make friends with common interests.

Wonderful music, world class concerts, delightful company in beautiful, historic surroundings - all these combine to make Chamber Music Holidays and Festivals memorable experiences. What a lot of wonderful friends we have made through Chamber Music Holidays! Over the last twenty three years we have had such a variety of experiences. On our holidays old friends meet up again and new people quickly feel at home and part of the group.

One of the highlights of 2007 was the highly successful Divertimenti in Prague string quartet festival. Our patron, the world renowned Czech violinist Josef Suk, attended all the concerts and also the party after the last concert. Many of our participants were delighted to be able to chat with him. 

“The Golden Triangle” combination of Prague, Vienna, and the Esterhazy Palace in Hungary will give many insights into these great musical centres. Wonderful concerts and operas, interesting coaching sessions and extensive sightseeing as well as a stimulating, sociable atmosphere are a great attraction. In 2008 we have a new String Quartet Festival in Vienna which can be linked to Divertimenti in Prague. Details of the stay in the Esterhazy Castle will be on this website by October. 

We began in London in 1982 with a group of people from seven countries coming together to play chamber music and enjoy some of the many attractions of this great city. Gradually Vienna, Budapest, Esterhaza, Corfu, Israel, France, Tuscany, Prague, Ireland, Asolo near Venice and Florence, then Thailand and Sydney were added.

In 1990 festivals developed - the first in Tuscany and Corfu and later Esterhaza in Hungary. There have been gradual changes. After three years of festivals in Tuscany Vivienne became involved in the International String Quartet Festival in Prague. With a population of around 1.3 million this wonderful city has three opera houses and usually over 20 concerts on any given day! We have holidays during the world famous Prague Spring Festival and also at New Year including the Winter Festival as well as in August for the String Quartet Festival. Czech musicians have featured in our Corfu, Asolo and Thailand holidays and for 2005 Sydney as well.

The Corfu festival 'Divertimenti in Corfu', founded by Vivienne in 1991, is now based in superb private villas, historic sites in Corfu Town and the Chandris Hotel - a very informal and intimate atmosphere, perfect for chamber music.

Our most ambitious project was a highly successful cruise in the Caribbean with the world famous English Lindsays playing the complete Beethoven string quartets - a memorable experience. There have been many memorable concerts on our holidays with the Lindsays, one which none of us (including the Quartet) will ever forget was their performance of Haydn's The Seven Last Words in Esterhaza, Hungary. One of the most moving experiences of our lives. We hope some members of the Lindsays will join us again in the future.