Choral Course in Spain with Hilary Campbell
Dates: 17 - 24 Aug 2024
Venue: Parador de Almagro, Castilla La Mancha, Spain
Course Leader: Hilary Campbell
£1495 per person
Nestled in the heart of La Mancha, the Parador de Almagro is a beautiful and tranquil place to base this choral course, our third with inspirational conductor Hilary Campbell. Formerly a 16th-century monastery, this meticulously restored Parador seamlessly blends historical charm with modern comforts, and features spacious rooms, lush gardens, and a refreshing swimming pool. With an abundance of beautiful gardens and courtyards to enjoy, the Parador offers an oasis of peace and calm.
Just beyond the walls of the Parador is the historic centre of Almagro, a cultural hotspot with iconic theatres, palacios, museums and monasteries. It is home to the Corral de Comedias, one of Spain’s most important historic theatres and was the headquarters of the Knights’ Order of Calatrava in medieval times. The hotel is just a stone’s throw from the Plaza Mayor, one of the loveliest squares in Spain with picturesque arcades; the heart of the town with its friendly bars and restaurants.
A combination of the Parador’s idyllic setting and the delightful buzz of Almagro will provide us with the perfect backdrop for a creative holiday.
This course will be directed by award-winning choral specialist Hilary Campbell. During the week, participants will immerse themselves in a varied programme of choral repertoire. Sessions will focus on aspects of vocal technique, ensemble skills, performance, colour and interpretation, with some lighter music thrown in for good measure, and will begin with a physical and vocal warm up each morning.
The course will build up towards a public performance at the end of the week in a local venue. We also encourage participants to bring material for smaller groups (e.g. madrigals or barbershop) and coaching is offered to individuals and small groups. At the end of the week an informal al fresco evening provides an opportunity for these items to be performed to the rest of the group.
Music will made available in advance of the course via printable downloads and audio files, so participants can familiarise themselves with the course repertoire.
As well as providing a rewarding musical experience, we aim to give participants the opportunity to enjoy a truly memorable holiday. A typical day will include a morning workshop followed by a buffet lunch, after which there will be small group sessions. Afternoon excursions usually depart at around 3.30pm and return in time for dinner, with the exception of the excursion to Toledo which will depart at lunchtime and return late evening.
On the penultimate evening there is an al fresco evening with informal performances by participants (optional!) and our final concert is held in a local venue on the last evening.
La Mancha, central Spain’s timeless region, boasts vast plains, historic windmills, and renowned vineyards. Celebrated as the location for the famous novel of Don Quixote, its medieval towns and iconic landmarks weave a captivating tapestry. During the week, excursions are planned alongside the musical schedule; we have selected some highlights which we hope will give a taste of the history and culture of this great region.
All of the above excursions are included in the price of the course.
Originally built as the Convent of San Francisco, the Parador’s tranquil courtyards and spacious rooms offer plenty of opportunity to relax and unwind, providing a peaceful and luxurious atmosphere for our stay. The outdoor swimming pool is a lovely way to keep cool on warmer days.
Accommodation at the Parador is in comfortable twin and double bedrooms, all with en-suite bathrooms and air conditioning. If you are coming with a friend, or wish to share a room with someone in particular, please let us know. Single occupancy rooms are available for a supplement of £350; if you wish to reserve one, please indicate this when you book.
This region is renowned for its traditional ‘Manchego’ cuisine and delicious local specialities which we will enjoy at the Parador de Almagro. Our meals will be prepared by the hotel’s acclaimed chefs and will comprise a varied breakfast, buffet lunch, and three-course evening meal.
We are able to cater for most special dietary requirements; please let us know of any on your booking form.
Participants are required to book their own travel to Madrid-Barajas airport, where a coach will collect the group. Please ensure that you arrive at the airport by 14.40pm on Saturday 17 August and that your departure on Saturday 24 August is no earlier than 14.55pm, to coincide with the coach transfer.
Recommended flights are as follows:
OUTBOUND: Saturday 17 August
LHR-MAD: BA/Iberia flight BA7055/IB3175 dep 10:50 arr 14:15
LGW-MAD: BA/Iberia flight BA7195/IB3715 dep 10:55 arr 14:20
LGW-MAD: Air Europa flight UX1014 dep 10:00 arr 13:30
STN-MAD: Ryanair flight FR5994 dep 09:40 arr 13:05
The coach will leave the airport at approximately 15:30pm when passengers on the last flight have cleared.
RETURN: Saturday 24 August
MAD-LHR: BA/Iberia flight BA7060/IB3172 dep 14:55 arr 16:20
MAD-LGW: Air Europa flight UX1015 dep 15:00 arr 16:25
MAD-LHR: BA/Iberia flight BA7058/IB3166 dep 15:45 arr 17:15
MAD-STN: Ryanair flight FR5995 dep 15:55 arr 17:25
MAD-LHR: British Airways flight BA461/IB7463 dep 17:25 arr 18:45
MAD-LGW: Iberia flight IB3718 dep 18:35 arr 19:55
The coach will arrive at Madrid-Barajas airport at 12:45pm approx.
If you wish to bring a car, parking is available on site. Please let us know in advance and we will supply directions.
The total cost of the course is £1495 and includes everything except your return flight to Spain.
What’s included?
To reserve your place, please complete the online booking form and send your deposit to us (£275 per person) within seven days. Your booking confirmation will follow. The balance is required eight weeks before the start of the course.
More information on the booking process, along with payment details, is available here.
Please refer to the Find out more section for booking details, terms and conditions and frequently-asked questions.
We’d love to hear from you, so do contact us or you can request a ringback and we’ll call you as soon as possible.
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"Thank you so much for organising such a wonderful holiday for us; I think Hilary has such a happy and cheerful approach, whilst at the same time achieving great results and attention to detail. We found her absolutely inspirational."
