Reinventing the summer music festival
Forget camping, weak beer and wellies – Orpheus and Bacchus is reinventing the summer music festival for lovers of the classical variety.
The specialist operator’s Summertime Classical House-Party takes place from 12 – 16 July and combines intimate evening performances by some of Europe’s best young classical musicians, al fresco dining accompanied by fine Bordeaux wines, with vineyard tours of nearby prestigious Chateaux and canoeing on the Dordogne river.
The musicians include Alexander Sitkovetsky, one of the greatest young violin virtuosos, Andrew Brownell, a 30-year-old American pianist destined for stardom, and Alexei Sarkissov (Cello) and Samuel Coles (Flute), the last three being members of the Hummel Ensemble in addition to their solo careers. All are regular performers at the Orpheus & Bacchus Festivals, Alexander Sitkovetsky having first performed there in 2002.
Works to be performed include Violin sonatas by Beethoven and Schumann, Trios by Haydn, Beethoven and Brahms, solo works for violin and cello by Bach, Ysäye and Kreisler (taking place in the open air), and piano recitals including works by Beethoven, Hummel, Mozart, Chopin, Schumann and Liszt.
Set in 20 acres of beautiful undulating wine-growing countryside, the festival is hosted at the Domaine Le Faure, a renovated 18th century estate just 25 minutes from the historic wine-producing town of St Emilion. Guests can also enjoy the Domaine’s tennis court, croquet lawn, boules court, snooker and pool tables, and wide screen HD private cinema.
Prices start from £795 per person for 5 nights, or ?180 per night, including all meals, en-suite accommodation based on two sharing and concerts. Under 18s are half price.
The price excludes travel from the UK and local transfers.
Local airports Bergerac & Bordeaux are served by BA, Ryanair, Easyjet, Flybe and BMIBaby. Alternatively guests can travel by rail to Libourne, or drive, giving the added benefit of bringing back tax-free wines.
For more information visit: orpheusandbacchus.com
