Bach to Bacchus Weekend

Bach to Bacchus Weekend

Updated 080618

The next TWO

from Bach to Bacchus Weekends

will take place

24^th-27^th October 2008

15th-18th May 2009

Concept: After the great success of our Weekends since May 2005, we are planning more Weekends. These are extended weekends (from Friday evening to Monday afternoon) in the delightfully picturesque village of Trittenheim, which nestles on the banks of the Mosel river in the wine-growing region of Germany. We aim to provide opportunities for both music-making and learning about/tasting wine, together with other holiday pursuits. Bach to Bacchus Weekends include instrumental chamber music and choral music, tutored by professional musicians. Both choral singers and instrumentalists are most welcome - we already have bookings from both for both spring and autumn weekends - and provided with opportunities both to increase their repertoire and to perform under the direction of professional and experienced musicians. We especially welcome pre-formed instrumental groups and singers.

For more information about Trittenheim and our base for these weekend music holidays, c/o Richard Schmitt, Weingut und Brennerai, and his wife, Christel, please click on: Trittenheim either here or in the left-hand border.

Typical Format:

Friday – fly to Frankfurt, Hahn (direct from Stansted, 1.25 hours). We suggest that you either have lunch on the ‘plane (extra charge) or bring your own for eating en route.] Group travel (by coach/mini-bus) to Trittenheim (about 1 hour). Alternatively, you may prefer to drive to Trittenheim via cross-Channel ferry or tunnel. Check in to high quality B&B pensions. Then a music session followed by dinner together at a local restaurant (dinner NOT included in price).

Saturday – morning: music sessions. Afternoon – free to explore Trittenheim or further afield. This would be a good opportunity to sample an optional boat trip on the Mosel river. We are also planning an optional excursion - details to be advised. This excursion will cost around €10 pp (excluding tea but including a local guide). Examples of past excursion include:

Drive from Trittenheim to Piesport, famous for its Piesporter wine, via the site of the largest Roman wine-press north of the Alps. In 1985, the press was excavated and has now been lovingly restored. We sampled Roman-style wine and snacks. Then we walked back to Neumagen where we had more wine by the Mosel river whilst awaiting a boat for our return to Trittenheim.

Or an excursion to Neumagen-Dhron, leaving after lunch and involving walking 3km to the oldest wine-village of Germany (with a stop for alcoholic refreshment outside a small chapel en route!); a guided tour to the Roman Kastell at Neumagen-Dhron; and a break for afternoon tea before returning by boat on the Mosel River to Trittenheim at about 17:30. The original archaeological site in Neumagen dates back to the 1st century AD, and the architectural elements and tombstones contained in the foundations of the fort have made Neumagen famous. Details are at http://www.roman-empire.net/decline/constantiuschlorus.html; the castle was built in the time of the Emperor Constantius Chlorus, who died in York (England!). Visit http://www.neumagen-dhron.de/ for more info of the replicas of some of the most important relief works discovered in Neumagen that can be seen along the streets.

Or a sight-seeing excursion to nearby Trier (in cars) incorporating an organ recital.

Evening: a music session and then dinner at a venue of your choice.

Sunday – morning: free time/optional church service. Afternoon: music sessions (dress rehearsal for concert). Evening: church concert followed by wine tasting, talk and opportunity to purchase wine. Dinner together at a local restaurant (dinner NOT included in price).

Monday – music session. Lunchtime: course ends. Afternoon: Group transport to Frankfurt (Hahn) for return flight.

The idea of a long weekend break means that sufficient time should be available for both exploring what Trittenheim has to offer and some relaxed music-making.

Tutors: The Bach to Bacchus Weekends are organised by Kerry Camden, who also directs the music activities. Kerry is a professional musician (distinguished bassoonist, teacher, wind tutor, conductor, adjudicator and arranger).

Course Charges: The cost of the October 2008 Weekend is €uro 280 (price for May 2009 is €uro 290), payable on arrival in Trittenheim, which includes high quality bed-and-breakfast accommodation with en suite (private) facilities and all music activities but excludes other meals and drinks (ie ALL lunches and dinners are extra), travel and excursions). Travel can be by the suggested route of air from London Stansted to Frankfurt Hahn, departing Friday mid-morning and leaving Hahn late afternoon on the Monday. We are also offering coach or minibus group transport from Hahn to Trittenheim, the extra cost of which is expected to be €uro 20-40.

We are now taking bookings, especially for the October 2008 Weekend. If you are an individual instrumentalist (ie intending to book other than as part of a pre-formed group) then please contact us first to ensure there is a vacancy for your instrument.

To book, please note our terms and conditions before completing and sending to us a booking form. Please send completed Booking Form(s) [please ensure booking form states correct price if you are applying for May09 - amend linked form to read euro 290; current form is for Oct08 bookings at euro 280] with your ‘promise to pay’ to, or to apply for further details, contact us or e-mail Bach2Bacchus@musicholiday.com:

Please make it clear whether you are applying for the Spring or Autumn — or both! PLEASE NOTE THAT THE PRICE IS GIVEN IN EURO (€280 for October 2008; €290 for May 2009) AND NOT POUNDS!

Further details can be found by clicking on the links in this paragraph or in the left-hand border.

For information on other music courses please click here on in the top border or, for the Berwang Holiday Music Course only, held annually in August, click here or in the left-hand border or e-mail BHMC@musicholiday.com.