Our first international singing week took place in June 2016 at La Maison Verte, a converted wine-maker’s mansion in Roujan, a village in the Languedoc region in the South of France. The singing was led by Jane Harris, Director of Songways, and Brendan Taaffe, composer, workshop leader and multi-instrumentalist from Vermont, US, and the week was co-ordinated by Julia Williams.
It was a wonderful week with a rich variety of songs from both tutors, superb food, informal music making in the evenings, a visit from Occitan vocal group, La Mal Coiffee, a visit to the nearby Chateau to sing in the 12th century church, sunshine, swimming, boules, table-tennis, friendship, fun and laughter.
We are planning a similar week at La Maison Verte from Saturday 3 to 10 June 2017. Please join our mailing list to ensure you receive details.
Here’s what singers had to say:
One of the best singing weeks I have experienced
Inspirational teaching… welcoming and inclusive
Two exceptional teachers who complemented each other beautifully
Fantastic venue … superb organisation
Beautiful, restorative, life-enhancing …. a magical experience
VENUE
La Maison Verte is a beautiful 19th century wine-maker’s mansion in the village of Roujan, not far from Béziers. We will have sole use, including the delightful garden and pool. More about La Maison Verte here…
ACCOMMODATION
The main house retains all the character of its heyday as the chief mansion of the village. Chandeliers, tiled floors, and wood-burning stoves abound. There is accommodation for 19 people in quirky and comfortable bedrooms, and a large sitting room. There are also two apartments within the courtyard, each of which sleeps 4 in twin or double rooms. Both apartments have spacious living rooms. More about the accommodation. We also had 11 people staying in additional accommodation nearby.
TUTORS
Jane Harris is a natural musician, an experienced choir leader and Director of Songways. With her lively, clear and enabling teaching style, Jane brings out the best in singers’ voices, with open, resonant, heart-felt singing.
A brilliant teacher – always patient, positive and encouraging – with a great choice of songs
Brendan Taaffe is a composer, arranger and multi-instrumentalist living in Vermont, USA, and the founder of Turtle Dove. He has toured with Northern Harmony, and led vocal workshops in Ireland, Bulgaria, England, Scotland, Germany, Holland, Zimbabwe, and the USA.
Brendan was excellent, not only in teaching the songs, but also imparting his knowledge of vocal technique and giving us the historical and cultural backgrounds