3 independent reviews for Singing holiday in Italy, Emilia Romagna
Reviews for Singing holiday in Italy, Emilia Romagna
Brian Smith review 8 Sep 2018
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The choir reached a standard for the zero car crash* final concert I didn't think was possible. We learned to a listenable performance level some 76 pages of music. Most of it in 2, 3 or 4 parts and much of it new to us. Credit for what was achieved must go to the musical director and choir leader Mary King, and to our amazingly talented accompanist, Jeremy Limb (being on a singing holiday and finding Jeremy at the piano is a little like getting your case out for the holiday and finding 100 euros in it from your last trip you'd completely forgotten you had). We worked hard but they worked their musical socks off on our behalf. I learned more from Mary in the 6 or 7 days she led us than in whole terms of choral singing I have previously attended.) * For non-singers, a car crash is where a song has to be abandoned or re-started, perhaps several times, due to performance "difficulties"; ie the singers can't get it/don't know it well enough.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Bring everything you need. The hotel we stayed in was beautiful and the staff really attentive but we were a good 40 minutes walk uphill from the nearest town. Popping out for a bit of occasional shopping was definitely a no no.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
I've no idea, I've never looked into/think about things like that. But generally speaking, most economists would say that tourism is a vital part of any country's economy (I read that it's about 5% of Italy's) so my guess is that, yes, our holiday benefited local people. The other stuff? Who knows.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
This was a brilliant holiday, well organised and the musicianship I learned from Mary and Jeremy will stay with me. If you like to sing and like to sing stuff that's worth singing then I can only recommend you go on this singing holiday. (Although I took no part in them, I understand from talking to other holidaymakers that the guitar and photography courses that ran in parallel to the singing course were equally amazing.)Simon Taylor review 2 Sep 2017
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Staying in the beautiful Pousada at Guimaraes, meeting a variety of friendly people on the singing, guitar and photography courses, the singing course itself and working on challenging music, led by Mary King, singing in the final concert in Guimaraes.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Book it!3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
It benefited local hotel staff and also, by performing in Guimaraes it benefited the audience culturally. I travelled to and from the venue by ferry and train so slightly less carbon footprint. Did not seem to support conservation.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Excellent - good value for money, great company, organisers and leaders, very relaxed (the big swimming pool helped!) a beautiful location (though my only slight moan is that it was quite a way from the town, but this was a good excuse to swim, lounge by the pool reading a book and exploring the lovely gardens!)Food was great and wine abundant. A really enjoyable and rewarding singing holiday - I hope to go on many more.Veronica Shaw review 1 Sep 2014
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Very hard to say - it was all really good - excellent location,organisation, opportunity to meet like minded people, whole experience2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Make the most of every opportunity - go on the trips as they are well planned.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
It supported a local hotel and some local businesses. Our concert was free with collections going towards the community4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Outstanding in every wayHoliday Reviews
You can trust Responsible Travel reviews because, unlike many other schemes, reviews can ONLY be written by people who we have verified have been on the holidays. In addition, we don't run these holidays ourselves - our only interest is giving you the best independent advice.
