Choral Course in Italy with Hilary Campbell
Dates: 21 - 28 Aug 2027
Venue: Villa Michelangelo, Veneto, Italy
Course Leader: Hilary Campbell
£1845 per person
For summer 2027, our choral course with Hilary Campbell moves to Italy, to the beautiful hills of the Veneto and the historic Villa Michelangelo, just outside Vicenza. Now in her sixth year with Helicon Arts, Hilary brings her characteristic energy, warmth and musical insight to a week of stimulating rehearsals, thoughtful workshops and the shared pleasure of making music together.
Perched on a hillside overlooking the surrounding countryside, Villa Michelangelo has all the charm of a traditional Italian country retreat. Once a noble residence, the villa retains its historic character, with elegant rooms, sweeping terraces and gardens shaded by mature trees. There is a lovely outdoor swimming pool, plenty of space to find a quiet corner with a book, and views across the rolling landscape of the Colli Berici. It is a place to settle into the unhurried rhythm of an Italian summer.
Nearby Vicenza is one of northern Italy’s architectural treasures, a city shaped by the extraordinary legacy of Andrea Palladio. Its graceful streets and piazzas are filled with Renaissance palaces, beautiful churches and inviting cafés, while the remarkable Teatro Olimpico is among the city’s great highlights. Beyond Vicenza, the Veneto offers a wealth of possibilities, from vineyard-covered hills and picturesque towns to the celebrated cities of Verona and Venice.
Throughout the week, there will be plenty of time to enjoy the villa and its surroundings alongside our musical activities, with leisurely meals, conversation, time by the pool and opportunities to explore. This balance of ambitious yet enjoyable music-making, cultural discovery and time to relax has always been at the heart of our approach.
Accordion Content
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 Verona which will depart at lunchtime and return late evening.
On the penultimate evening there is an al fresco dinner with informal performances by participants (optional!) and our final concert is held in a local venue on the last evening.
The Veneto is one of Italy’s most rewarding regions, celebrated for its extraordinary artistic heritage, beautiful historic cities and landscapes stretching from the foothills of the Alps to the Venetian lagoon. Shaped by centuries of trade, culture and the influence of the Venetian Republic, it is a region of magnificent architecture, lively piazzas, long-established vineyards and rich musical traditions.
During the week, excursions are planned alongside the musical schedule, offering opportunities to discover some of the region’s cultural highlights while leaving plenty of time to enjoy the villa and its surroundings.
All of the above excursions are included in the price of the course.
Originally built in the 18th century as the country residence of the aristocratic Tomi family, Villa Michelangelo retains much of its Palladian character, with high ceilings, antique furnishings and traditional Venetian floors. Set within five hectares of grounds, with mature trees, olive groves and sweeping views across the Berici Hills, the villa offers a peaceful and comfortable setting for our stay. The lovely swimming pool, with its panoramic views, is an inviting place to spend a leisurely afternoon.
Accommodation is in comfortable double and twin 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.
For those travelling on their own, we have a number of comfortable, smaller single bedrooms, which we encourage guests to consider. A limited number of double rooms for single occupancy are also available, subject to a supplement. Please indicate your preferred room type when booking.
Please note that if you wish to share a room, your sharer’s name must be provided at the time of booking; otherwise the single room supplement will be applied. Full details are set out in our Terms and Conditions.
Accessibility: Some areas of the hotel have steps, and excursions involve coach travel and walking. If you have any accessibility requirements, please contact us before booking so that we can discuss the facilities and arrangements with you.
The Veneto is celebrated for its rich culinary traditions, fresh seasonal ingredients and excellent local wines. Throughout the week, we will enjoy a selection of regional dishes and Italian specialities prepared by Villa Michelangelo’s chefs. Meals will include a varied breakfast, a lighter lunch and a delicious three-course evening dinner, accompanied by carefully selected wines.
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 Venice Marco Polo Airport, where a coach will collect the group for the transfer to Villa Michelangelo, approximately one hour away.
Please arrange to arrive at Venice Marco Polo Airport by 15:15 on Saturday 21 August and book your return flight for no earlier than 12:30 on Saturday 28 August, to coincide with the group coach transfers.
Recommended flights are as follows:
OUTBOUND: Saturday 21 August 2027
The coach will leave Venice Marco Polo Airport once passengers on the final recommended flight have arrived and cleared the airport. The exact departure time will be confirmed nearer the course.
RETURN: Saturday 28 August 2027
The coach will leave Villa Michelangelo in time for the earliest recommended departures. Exact transfer arrangements will be confirmed nearer the course.
Please note: Flight schedules are subject to change. We recommend checking flight details carefully before booking and informing us of your confirmed travel arrangements and any subsequent changes.
If you prefer to travel independently or hire a car, parking is available at Villa Michelangelo. Please let us know in advance and we will provide directions.
Why not extend your stay?
With so much to discover in the Veneto, why not extend your holiday by a few days? Venice offers magnificent architecture, art and culture, while Verona is home to the celebrated Verona Opera Festival, with spectacular performances in its ancient Roman Arena. Both cities are easily accessible by train, with Verona just 25 minutes from Vicenza.
The total cost of the course is £1845 and includes everything except your return flight to Italy.
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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"We love that every year we get to meet up with old friends and new in beautiful settings and enjoy learning a wide variety of songs together under Hilary's inspirational vocal tuition."
"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."
"Hilary is a wonderful teacher, always rigorous, but never forgetting we are on holiday & there to have fun."
"I love the focus on musical excellence, on fun while we warm up and rehearse, the varied, luxurious settings, and the interesting company."
"I've made many friends over the years I've been on these holidays and always return a stronger, more inspired singer."
