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September 5-13, 2004

Join us in 2004 for our tenth return trip to a wonderful old stone farm in the Ardèche, Cratoule at Issirac, owned by Nicole and Steve Ayrton, a charming Swiss-English couple who have turned their home into an inviting, cozy center for playing chamber music amongst friends, with each other and for each other.  After a glorious week last year, we will again return at the autumn grape harvest season.  Comfortable but simple accommodations are in single or shared rooms. All meals are provided, and you won't be disappointed in the wonderful regional cooking of Provence. Explore Nimes, Arles and Avignon, which are each just over an hour's drive away, or nearby Orange, with it's Roman amphitheater, and the exciting Ardèche Gorge.  Or enjoy walking the hills and valleys of the Ardèche closer to home.

The rhythm of the days in Cratoule will include playing in assigned groups each morning, a full lunch cooked for us by Provençal neighbor and master chef Laurent, with afternoons free for more playing or exploring the countryside, as you choose.  In the evenings after dinner we can play together again, possibly larger chamber works.  The house has a lovely grand piano in a charming large room for playing, several other pianos in smaller rooms, and a harpsichord.  Lots of room to get together in groups, or to spread out in the various connected buildings and patios.  'Cello rental is possible.  And best of all, there is a wonderful, full chamber music library and plenty of music stands at our disposal.

Prices and deadlines

CRATOULE (Provence, France),                September 5-13, 2004 Single:    € 975 (Euros) 8 nights, full board Double:  € 895 (Euros)  8 nights, full board Student: € 650 (Euros)  8 nights, full board * Application deadline: July 15, 2004 * Prices unchanged from last year

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