Ardtornish Piano Retreat
2024: 15th of June- 20th of June
in association with Gordon Bell Pianos Ltd Aberdeen
If you would like a brochure and more information for next piano retreat at Ardtornish please email:
ardtornishpianoretreat@yahoo.co.uk
(or click the brochure button below)
Save the dates for next year's retreat:
2025 : 30th of June-5th of July
2026: 29th of June- 4th of July
2027: 28th of June-3rd of July
Feedback from one of our participants:
The Ardtornish Piano Retreat sums up my experience beautifully- "unforgettable musical journey in the remote and stunning Morvern Hills of Argyll."
I have had a wonderful time and loved every single minute. Such joy with Anca and Quintin. We learned so much individually, in group lessons and with each other. We were totally spoiled in the fabulous house.
I'm counting the sleeps until next year
Our gratitude to Gordon Bell Pianos Aberdeen Gordon Bell Pianos – Gordon Bell Pianos – Kawai Selection Centre Scotland .
Many thanks for delivering our beautiful pianos to such a remote part of Scotland! The Kawai GX-3 grand piano , two Kawai upright pianos and the Kawai electric keyboard supplied for us were loved by all our performers and participants.
The retreat is an annual gathering for amateur pianists of all standards (any age) to develop, perform and be inspired in the spectacular Ardtornish Estate. We offer one on one lessons, group music, rhythm and movement sessions, masterclasses, informal concerts for participants and formal concerts for you to enjoy beautiful music in one of Scotland's finest country houses. Concerts and lessons will take place in the house and our participants and guests artists will perform on a beautiful GX3 Kawai Grand Piano. Our participants will have access to excellent Kawai upright pianos in all the practice rooms as well as a Bluthner grand piano and a Kawai electric keyboard.
Meals throughout the week will be prepared by our resident chef. Jamie has worked in the catering industry for over twenty years across the UK including the kitchens of Buckingham Palace.
"I had a really marvellous few days and enjoyed every moment. You will get an idea of the retreat’s success for me when I tell you that my (1 hour) lesson last week was almost entirely taken up with my description of the retreat:- the music played, the advice received from Anca, the concerts, the fun, the session with Richard Michael. My teacher said that my enthusiasm was palpable; I’m hoping I can maintain it as a resource to draw on in the coming months."
"When it was time to leave Ardtornish I was quite filled with emotion given the wonderful time everyone had, and I am sure that I was not alone in this feeling. The journey to Morvern is through wonderful parts of Scotland and the setting at the head of Loch Aline is breathtaking. What better surrounding could there be in which to meet other music lovers whose paths would not otherwise meet..."
"It is difficult to put into words the very special nature of the concert given by Anca and Quintin. It was so intimate and I felt totally immersed in the music-it was like you were playing just for me. Simply wonderful!"
"The days are well planned and the programme varied. The range of levels at which participants play seems not to present any problem, as we all learn from one another and boost one another’s confidence in different ways"
"The food was delicious and I hope Jamie realises that it contributes significantly to the retreat’s success. Not having to deal with catering allows pianists to focus on the music, and being fed to such a high standard is much appreciated."
"Yes a wonderful time was had - useful work was done both with you and in
the interactions with others. Some memories of the social events will
remain for a long time!"
A fantastic performance enjoyed by everyone in the audience! Congratulations Richard, you were incredible!
Gintaras joined us all the way from Germany for this year's piano retreat and the audience loved his performance! Congratulations!
Kawai Gx 3 Piano
A very special message from Graeme: Too many thanks to number, Anca, for inviting me to the party. I'm in awe of your care, energy, enthusiasm and sheer wonderfulness. The company of guest artists, participants and you and Quintin, our attentive hosts, was a delight over the past couple of days. Thanks too to Jamie and family for fine food and welcoming embraces.
I just love coming to Ardtornish and being with yourselves and the attendees. The food was lovely as usual, the classes were really enjoyable and most of all I actually performed at every performance/masterclass. Progress is being made! ( Sheila)
Ancuta Nite, Christopher Baxter, Geoffrey Tanti and Graeme McNaught performing Albert Lavignac- Galop Marche for Eight Hands! So much fun!
The Ardtornish Piano Retreat could not stop talking about our concert yesterday. The wonderful Christopher Baxter and Geoffrey Tanti’s Schubert Fantasie was played so beautifully it left one of our participants in tears. Luckily they had Lavignac’s “Galop-marche a huit mains” with a little help from Graeme McNaught and Ancuta Nite (What a line up!) as an encore to bring the smiles and cheers of joy back to the audience!
Ian and Quintin
First of all thank you so much for a wonderful time at Ardtornish for a third year. It was lovely meeting up with retreat friends again. I think the overall running of the retreat works wonderfully. The eight hand recital was one of a kind which I will remember forever! (Elizabeth)
Andrew and Quintin
Moira and Quintin
Mary and Quintin
Jeunnesse Tan joined us all the way from Singapore:
I am so thankful to be here at Ardtornish! Your patience, talent, gentleness and passion is amazing! Thank you for your patient guidance, all your wonderful advices. Oh yes! Thank you for organising the retreat! Both you and Quintin have been working so hard! Really very grateful!
James playing Chopin
Fali Pavri, Associate Head of Keyboard and Professor of Piano at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland. Fali performed Bach/Busoni, Beethoven, Chopin, Mayer, Schubert.
"I really enjoyed the whole experience. It was a real pleasure to play on the lovely Kawai which I found really responsive, with a warm and lively tone that really suited the acoustics of the room and the programme that I was playing. Thanks again for making us feel so welcome."
Hugh and Kate
Callum and Quintin
Missy and Quintin
We are always spoiled with amazing food prepared by our chef Jamie
Hugh and Quintin