Singing in Siena, 2010 - Information

Join us in October 2010 for our fifth “Singing in Siena” experience - your opportunity to travel on a unique cultural journey to an exquisite corner of the world. In the company of seasoned choral masters, you will experience the privilege of connecting with the locals and their rich and wonderful culture through the universal language of music.
In 2010, we will be staying in our own medieval style 18th century hamlet with our own 'grande piazza' and chapel.

when

Workshop: 2nd October to 9th October, 2010. 

where is it held

Montestigliano, Rosia, 12kms outside Siena, Italy.

the programme

The daily singing sessions will be divided into morning and afternoon sessions shared by inspirational teachers Tony Backhouse (Aus/NZ) and Kavisha Mazzella (Aus).

Mornings: 2 x 1 hour singing sessions with each of our choral directors
Afternoons: Siesta after lunch plus workshops with Tony and/or Kavisha
Excursions: Wednesday, Oct 6th to a medieval village and a surprise treat ! Pack your swimmers just in case !

For more information on Kavisha Mazzella go to:  www.kavisha.com
For more information on Tony Backhouse go to:  www.tonybackhouse.com.au

We will be learning songs from the Tuscany region as well as an eclectic mix of world music, gospel and jazz.
How will you choose between taking a siesta, exploring the olive groves and seeing the farm in action, hiring a car for some exploring further afield, or just relaxing by the pool? There will be excursions during the week where we will explore some of the architectural gems of the Tuscan countryside -  abbeys, churches, medieval villages and perhaps a soak in the hot springs.

the accommodation
Montestigliano, Rosia, Siena is a 2500-acre estate in Rosia near Siena. This agricultural estate has been owned and farmed by the Donati family for over fifty years and is still today a working farm. Centrally located in the heart of Tuscany, perched high on a hill, at an altitude of approximately 300 metres, the estate commands magnificent views of the Sienese landscape. Olive oil is still produced using the old 'mezzadria' system, by which the land is worked by the farmhands in exchange for a portion of the produce. There are two swimming pools and a large common room.

The accommodation is composed of a group of 18th century houses and buildings which have been carefully restored, retaining many of the original features common to Tuscan architecture, such as exposed beam ceilings, whitewashed walls and terracotta tiled floors. Houses are simple, no two apartments are alike, each has its own charm and character. They have been tastefully furnished and decorated and are self-contained with fully equipped kitchen, washing machine (the villa also has a dishwasher), iron, telephone, small electrical appliances are few as the voltage is limited. All houses have central heating and some have open fires. Click here to see and read more.

land cost

Early bird price - AUD$2,150 (€1,478 approx at time of publication)
plus €200 payable on arrival.

These fees cover the full week of workshops with Tony and Kavisha, wonderful meals cooked by Tuscan chefs, local chianti served with dinner, all accommodation at the villas of Montestigliano, entertainment from local performers, ground transport during your stay at Montestigliano, excursions and administration fees.


Early Bird extended whilst Aussie $ is strong against the EURO until further notice. 
Final payment due 30th July 2010 please.

NOTE: Full fee normally AUD$2,350 (€1615 approx at time of publication) plus €200 payable on arrival.

Ask us about the Choir Directors Special discount and new introductory special weekend rate available for locals, Europeans and people coming from the UK.

Please also note that we may treat ourselves to a decadent meal and wonderful Tuscan wine on our excursion during the week, so please allow approximately €50 for this outing.

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loyalty reward

A discount of AUD$100  off land cost (including the early bird discount) applies to previous participants of  'Singing in...' trips organised by Jennifer Richardson ie: ‘Singing in Siena’ or ‘Singing in Samoa’.

payments

To make your payment, calculate your cost as outlined below then complete your booking form (click here for booking form) you will then be guided onto the credit card payment form.
If you have already completed your booking form go directly to the payment page. Payment page click here.
 
50% deposit of AUD$1075 (*approx € 739) due now to secure your place.

The second installment of AUD$1075 should be paid by 30th July 2010.

The final payment is a cash payment of €200 to the Singabout co-ordinator on arrival at Montestigliano.

The 50% deposit required to secure your place includes a non-refundable booking deposit of AUD$300. 

All bookings are subject to booking terms and conditions.

booking form

Click here

All bookings subject to booking terms and conditions.

SINGABOUT recommends offsetting your CO 2 emissions.
For further information please check out - http://www.climatecare.org

travel insurance

Please note that travel insurance is essential for this trip.
Australians can purchase insurance by Covermore at a 10% discount through Singabout.
It is recommended that you purchase travel insurance at the time of booking.

Click here to download 'Covermore' travel insurance policy

Print the form found on the back pages of this brochure, complete this form and post to Singabout- po box 532, potts point, nsw, australia, 1335

+Travel insurance is aged based - confirmed price on application

flights

Travel bookings from Australia only: For a great personalized service, we recommend Belinda Ward at Spencer Travel. Belinda will make sure you arrive in Italy stress free, and can also advise you on transport throughout Italy and onto Siena.

Contact belinda@spencertravel.com.au  ph: 02 82647804 (direct line) www.spencertravel.com.au

travel info - meeting place and travel suggestions

All participants can now download a PDF copy of Meeting Place and Travel Suggestions.
TraveInfo.pdf

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Italian Cooking & Language Workshop, 2010, 9 -12th October, 2010
La Casa Gialla, Rosia, Toscano, Italia


Come and join us at La Casa Gialla from the 9-12th October and learn some italian language, walk in the forest, pick porcini mushrooms if season is giving, go to the markets and order and buy your own food, learn to cook some scrumptious authentic Italian cuisine and eat it!!

You will be staying in a wonderful big villa with some eccentric local artists where there will be singing, laughing and feasting as you go!



Where: La Casa Gialla, Cetine, Rosia,Toscano, Italia
When: 9 - 12th October, 2010
Cost: 150Euro per day per person



To book your place simply fill in the contact us form with a request and send off your deposit of $AUD200.00 now.
  Payment page click here.  

Transfers to and from Siena to La Casa Gialla will be included, pick up from Siena at Piazza Gramsci out Hotel opposite Bus station at 12 midday on the 9th October and drop off at Piazza Gramsci at 12midday on the 12th October.