Update: there are a very few places remaining on the course. If you are interested in booking, please contact us.

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 thirteenth annual choral course. Helicon Arts previously visited Aia Vecchia in 2004 and 2007.

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 performance at the end of the week in the magnificent setting of Orvieto Cathedral. 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, the group will be divided into smaller ensembles to learn music for fewer voices, and vocal coaching is also on offer to individuals and small groups. All participants receive a practice CD along with the music for the course.

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 see the annual barrel-rolling race (Bravio delle Botti) in Montepulciano
• Wine tasting with buffet meal in historic vineyard close to Orvieto, where we sing in the family chapel and explore the two kilometre-long Etruscan wine cellar
• An afternoon and evening in Florence, with dinner at leisure
• Visit to Arezzo, home to the famous Piero della Francesco frescoes
• A watercolour painting class, or a guided hike around Aia Vecchia
• Barbecue and party at the end of the week – with informal concert

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 £825, which includes:

• Seven nights full-board accommodation
• All meals (except evening meal in Florence)
• 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.

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Aia Vecchia di Montalceto



Aia Vecchia terrace at sunset


Orvieto Cathedral

Florence



Montepulciano - Bravio delle Botti



Aia Vecchia - swimming pool