AIA VECCHIA DI MONTALCETO

Helicon Arts is delighted to be returning to Aia Vecchia, a restored traditional farmhouse in the heart of the Tuscan Crete Senesi for our fifteenth annual choral course. Helicon Arts has previously visited Aia Vecchia in 2004, 2007 and 2010.

An ideal place for creating a relaxed musical atmosphere, Aia Vecchia is located close to Siena, and benefits from wonderful views of the surrounding countryside. As well as a large swimming pool and natural hot thermal baths there is a billiard room, table tennis, bowling area and mountain bikes which are all available for our use. The accommodation, which is excellent, is divided into individual apartments.

Aia Vecchia is quite simply a magical place; conducive to relaxation, singing and soaking up the quintessential Tuscan countryside. A healthy combination of music, delicious food and wine and an active social schedule will guarantee a memorable holiday.

THE MUSIC

The musical programme will be primarily made up of a cappella repertoire and we will work towards a public concert at the end of the week in the charming town of Asciano. The aim of the course is to help participants build on choral skills and we will explore various aspects of vocal technique throughout the week. As well as working as one choir, vocal coaching is also on offer to individuals and small groups. All music for the course is provided in advance along with audio files.

ITINERARY

As well as to enjoy the singing, our aim is also to give participants the opportunity to explore the wonderful area in which we will be staying. Tuscany has so much to offer – spectacular landscape, historic villages, world-renowned architecture and artwork - not to mention local gastronomic delights. Here are some of the highlights we have planned during the week:

• Excursion to the UNESCO world heritage town of Pienza
• Wine tasting in one of Chianti's renowned vineyards
• An afternoon and evening in Siena, with dinner at leisure
• Visit to Assisi, with its spectacular Basilica of St Francis
• Barbecue and other evening activities

ACCOMMODATION AND MEALS

Accommodation at Aia Vecchia is in self-contained apartments on a room-share basis of two to three people. Double rooms are also available. All meals will be prepared by our excellent team of caterers, consisting of delicious traditional Tuscan cuisine (buffet breakfast and lunch, and three-course evening meal).

THE PRICE

The total cost of the course is £865, which includes:

• Seven nights full-board accommodation
• All meals (except evening meal in Siena)
• Excursions and activities
• Wine tasting
• Transfers from Pisa airport and local transportation (for organised excursions)
• Music and all other course costs

Please note that flights are not included in the price of the course.

REQUEST AN INFORMATION PACK

Want to know more? Click here to request an information pack about the course. The pack contains more details about the itinerary, booking information, travel arrangements, and more.

READY TO BOOK?

Bookings are now open. To reserve a place, please click here for the online booking form.

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Click on images to enlarge Aia Vecchia di Montalceto


Aia Vecchia terrace at sunset


Piazza del Campo, Siena


Pecorino cheese from Pienza


Basilica di San Francesco - Assisi


Aia Vecchia - swimming pool