Strings in Greece 2012

Saturday 26 May to Sunday 3 June 2012

Strings in Greece offers a unique musical experience on the Greek island of Kythera, the southernmost of the Ionian islands. Unspoilt by mass tourism, Kythera offers a rich variety of beaches, villages and countryside. Greece in May and early June is a revelation to those who only know the country in the height of summer – the air is fresh and all the hills and meadows are green and still covered in wild flowers.

The course is based in Kapsali in the south of the island, beneath the Byzantine castle of Chora and looking out to the 'rock of Aphrodite' and beyond to the islands of Andikythera and Crete. Our  music making mirrors Greek island life, with rehearsals in the morning and early evening, leaving  plenty of time for walking, bathing, dining, drinking – and siestas. 

This year's course will be led by violinist Max Baillie www.maxbaillie.com and cellist Matthew Sharp www.matthewsharp.net, both stunning teachers as well as being world class performers. Our activities take place in the open-air amphitheatre of the Zeidoros arts centre www.zeidoros.gr - literally a stone’s throw from the sea. Our programme of rehearsals and performances, including a midweek concert by the tutors, climax in a public concert on the Saturday evening in the amphitheatre to a packed audience.

Over the years we have seen Strings in Greece as means of linking up with those who live on the island, especially through music and art. In 2012 we will be using our concerts to promote and support the recently established Kythera Footpaths Project www.kytherahiking.com/?lang=en. 

Rehearsals commence in the evening of  Satruday 26th May and culminate in a late evening concert on Saturday 2nd June. We recommend arriving on the island no later than Saturday 26th May (preferably earlier). Leaving the island on Sunday 3rd (flying or by overnight ferry) enables you to get back to London on the Monday. Fees include self catering accommodation for 8 nights (Saturday 26 May to Saturday 2nd June inclusive), transfers to and from the airport/ferry port and a lunchtime meal on the beach at Diakofti on the Monday.

Bookings for this course are still open. There are currently 2 places left:

• See booking details and Application Form