About Us

Ardtornish Piano Retreat, an unforgettable musical journey in the remote and stunning Morvern Hills of Argyll...

Ardtornish Piano Retreat

2025: Monday 30th of June- Saturday 5th of July

in association with Gordon Bell Pianos Ltd Aberdeen

If you would like a brochure and more information for the 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:

2026: 29th of June- 4th of July

2027: 28th of June-3rd of July

2028: 26th of June-1st 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

brochure

Thank you to Gordon Bell Pianos Aberdeen

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/ Shigeru Kawai , 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.

Some feedback following our 2024 Ardtornish Piano Retreat

"Both Aaron and I really enjoyed performing for you all in this wonderful setting. The audience was so warm and appreciative and the Shigeru Kawai was perfectly suited for the acoustics of the space. We loved its responsiveness and the variety and warmth of its tone.

Thanks for inviting us and I am so delighted that the audience seemed to really appreciate and enjoy the music"

All best wishes

Professor Fali Pavri

Head of Keyboard

Royal Conservatoire of Scotland

"I wish to echo Fali's praise for the Shigeru Kawai, which was well-balanced for the room's acoustics, as well as being very responsive. Its tone was also refined and well balanced.

It was a great pleasure for us to play for the Piano Retreat. You have created something very special in one of the most beautiful parts of the country. Congratulations!"

Best wishes,

Aaron Shorr

Director of Music

Royal Conservatoire of Scotland

Dear Anca and Quintin.

I wanted to thank you again for such a tremendous time at Ardtornish.

I loved the opening concert and having dinner with the duetting musicians.

The time table worked well with plenty of opportunities for all of us to practice. I enjoyed the relaxed informal fun concert mid week. I’m sure that and the master group classes made some of us more confident. Duetting was great fun (...)

It was a joy to meet Georgina and a privilege to listen to her fabulous closing concert. I can’t wait to tell my music teacher all about the piano retreat.

I will try to continue to practice the technique you set me and look forward to learning some new repertoire.

As ever, the delicious meals were eagerly anticipated and enjoyed. (...)

Dear Anca and Quintin,

The 2024 Retreat was my fourth and, as always, I thoroughly enjoyed it.

The concerts given by Aaron and Fali and Georgina were outstanding; you

always seem to find such wonderful players (including yourselves!) for

us to listen to.

I thought the twin focus on technique and duets was a great idea,

(...) The duets were a delight and the multihanded playing was

the greatest fun. Everyone should try it.

Jamie's catering was excellent, as always. I've said before, but it's

worth repeating, that having the catering done for us, and to such a

high standard, is a major element in the Retreat's success. (...)

The surroundings at Ardtornish are absolutely beautiful, as you know,

and that too is an element in your success. The remoteness of Morvern

helps participants to distance themselves from everyday concerns and

focus on the music. At the risk of over-emoting about it all, I recall

some of the words of James Agee's poem in the Barber setting that

Quintin and I played: "All is healed, all is health. High summer holds

the earth. Hearts all whole."

It seems a long time until the 2025 Retreat, but it and the Reunion are

both in my diary. In the meantime, very many thanks to both of you and

to Jamie for a wonderful few days.

best wishes to all"

Ardtornish Piano Retreat 2024

Opening Concert: Aaron Shorr and Fali Pavri (Piano Duets)

A trully wonderful evening, thank you Aaron and Fali!

Aaron Shorr and Fali Pavri

Opening Concert: Aaron Shorr and Fali Pavri (Piano Duets)

Chamber Music with Quintin Doyle, Cello

Closing Concert- Georgina Duncan, Piano

Chamber Music with Quintin Doyle, Cello

6 (or more!) hands at one piano!

Piano duets, a lot of fun!

Shigeru Kawai- our piano for the week!

A cheeky little visitor who....must like Schubert!

Ardtornish Piano Retreat 2023

Opening Concert: Jamie MacDougall and Ancuta Nite

A fantastic performance enjoyed by everyone in the audience!

Jamie MacDougall and Ancuta Nite performing to a full house

A fantastic performance enjoyed by everyone in the audience!

Masterclass with Ancuta Nite

Chamber Music with Quintin Doyle, Cello

And some more tasty food...

One of our practice rooms! (The spectacular Drawing Room)

And of course...let's not forget the deserts!

One of our practice rooms! (The spectacular Drawing Room)

And of course...let's not forget the deserts!

One of our practice rooms! (The spectacular Drawing Room)

Closing concert: Quintin Doyle, Cello and Ancuta Nite-Doyle Piano

One of our practice rooms! (The spectacular Drawing Room)

Closing concert: Quintin Doyle, Cello and Ancuta Nite-Doyle Piano

Some feedback following our 2022 Ardtornish Piano Retreat

"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!"

Ardtornish Piano Retreat 2022

Richard Michael- Piano Recital

Piano and Cello Recital- Ancuta Nite-Doyle and Quintin Doyle

Masterclass with Richard Michael

A fantastic performance enjoyed by everyone in the audience! Congratulations Richard, you were incredible!

Masterclass with Richard Michael

Piano and Cello Recital- Ancuta Nite-Doyle and Quintin Doyle

Masterclass with Richard Michael

Piano and Cello Recital- Ancuta Nite-Doyle and Quintin Doyle

Piano Lesson

Piano and Cello Recital- Ancuta Nite-Doyle and Quintin Doyle

Piano Lesson

Piano duets.... always fun!

Ardtornish Piano Retreat 2018

Thank you Aaron for delivering the pianos! (Steve Butler Specialist Carriers)

Kawai Gx 3 Piano

Graeme Mc Naught- Piano Recital (Schumann, Chopin, Ravel, Brahms)

Thank you Aaron for delivering the pianos! (Steve Butler Specialist Carriers)

Graeme Mc Naught- Piano Recital (Schumann, Chopin, Ravel, Brahms)

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.

Quintin Doyle- Solo Cello Recital (Bach Cello Suites)

Graeme Mc Naught- Piano Recital (Schumann, Chopin, Ravel, Brahms)

Ardtornish Piano Retreat 2018 participants

Quintin Doyle- Solo Cello Recital (Bach Cello Suites)

Ardtornish Piano Retreat 2018 participants

Piano Masterclass

Quintin Doyle- Solo Cello Recital (Bach Cello Suites)

Ardtornish Piano Retreat 2018 participants

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- Le G

Ancuta Nite, Christopher Baxter, Geoffrey Tanti and Graeme McNaught performing Albert Lavignac- Galop Marche for Eight Hands! So much fun!

Chamber Music Rehearsal

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!

Chamber Music Rehearsal

Informal Concert- Solo Piano Performance

Chamber Music Rehearsal

Ian and Quintin

Kawai Upright Piano in the Drawing Room

Informal Concert- Solo Piano Performance

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)

Chamber Music Session

Ancuta Nite- Piano Recital

Andrew and Quintin

Ancuta Nite- Piano Recital

Chamber Music Session

Ancuta Nite- Piano Recital

Chamber Music Session

Moira and Quintin

Chamber Music Session

A lovely note from one of our participants

Chamber Music Session

Mary and Quintin

Graeme McNaught- Piano Recital

A lovely note from one of our participants

Ardtornish Piano Retreat 2017

Ardtornish Piano Retreat 2017 Participants

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!

Ardtornish Piano Retreat 2017 Participants

Roxana Nite, Soprano and Ancuta Nite, Piano - Opera Evening

Christine and Matthias joined us from Austria

Cello and Piano Recital

Christine and Matthias joined us from Austria

Cello and Piano Recital

One to one piano lesson

Fali played his solo recital on the beautiful KAWAI GX3 Series

Cello and Piano Recital

James playing Chopin

Fali Pavri, Piano Recital

Fali played his solo recital on the beautiful KAWAI GX3 Series

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."

Ardtornish Piano Retreat 2016

Piano duets

Thank you to Martin Smith for delivering beautiful pianos for our retreat

Hugh and Kate

Thank you to Martin Smith for delivering beautiful pianos for our retreat

Kawai Upright Piano in the Main Hallway

Thank you to Martin Smith for delivering beautiful pianos for our retreat

Kawai Upright Piano in the Main Hallway

Moira and Elizabeth

Chamber Music Session

Kawai Upright Piano in the Main Hallway

Chamber Music Session

Callum and Quintin

Chamber Music Session

Missy and Quintin

Roxana Nite, Soprano and Ancuta Nite, Piano- Opera Evening

We are always spoiled with amazing food prepared by our chef Jamie

Roxana Nite, Soprano and Ancuta Nite, Piano- Opera Evening

Kate , Anca and Sheila out for a walk (we do not always practise!)

Chamber Music Session

Kate , Anca and Sheila out for a walk (we do not always practise!)

Chamber Music Session

Hugh and Quintin

About Us

Ardtornish Piano Retreat, an unforgettable musical journey in the remote and stunning Morvern Hills of Argyll...

Thank you to Gordon Bell Pianos Aberdeen

Some feedback following our 2024 Ardtornish Piano Retreat

Ardtornish Piano Retreat 2024

Opening Concert: Aaron Shorr and Fali Pavri (Piano Duets)

Opening Concert: Aaron Shorr and Fali Pavri (Piano Duets)

Opening Concert: Aaron Shorr and Fali Pavri (Piano Duets)

Aaron Shorr and Fali Pavri

Opening Concert: Aaron Shorr and Fali Pavri (Piano Duets)

Opening Concert: Aaron Shorr and Fali Pavri (Piano Duets)

Opening Concert: Aaron Shorr and Fali Pavri (Piano Duets)

Chamber Music with Quintin Doyle, Cello

Chamber Music with Quintin Doyle, Cello

Chamber Music with Quintin Doyle, Cello

Chamber Music with Quintin Doyle, Cello

Closing Concert- Georgina Duncan, Piano

Chamber Music with Quintin Doyle, Cello

Chamber Music with Quintin Doyle, Cello

6 (or more!) hands at one piano!

6 (or more!) hands at one piano!

6 (or more!) hands at one piano!

6 (or more!) hands at one piano!

6 (or more!) hands at one piano!

6 (or more!) hands at one piano!

Piano duets, a lot of fun!

Shigeru Kawai- our piano for the week!

A cheeky little visitor who....must like Schubert!

Ardtornish Piano Retreat 2023

Opening Concert: Jamie MacDougall and Ancuta Nite

Jamie MacDougall and Ancuta Nite performing to a full house

Masterclass with Ancuta Nite

Chamber Music with Quintin Doyle, Cello

Chamber Music with Quintin Doyle, Cello

Chamber Music with Quintin Doyle, Cello

Chamber Music with Quintin Doyle, Cello

Chamber Music with Quintin Doyle, Cello

Chamber Music with Quintin Doyle, Cello

And some more tasty food...

One of our practice rooms! (The spectacular Drawing Room)

And of course...let's not forget the deserts!

And of course...let's not forget the deserts!

One of our practice rooms! (The spectacular Drawing Room)

And of course...let's not forget the deserts!

One of our practice rooms! (The spectacular Drawing Room)

One of our practice rooms! (The spectacular Drawing Room)

One of our practice rooms! (The spectacular Drawing Room)

Closing concert: Quintin Doyle, Cello and Ancuta Nite-Doyle Piano

One of our practice rooms! (The spectacular Drawing Room)

Closing concert: Quintin Doyle, Cello and Ancuta Nite-Doyle Piano

Closing concert: Quintin Doyle, Cello and Ancuta Nite-Doyle Piano

Closing concert: Quintin Doyle, Cello and Ancuta Nite-Doyle Piano

Closing concert: Quintin Doyle, Cello and Ancuta Nite-Doyle Piano

Closing concert: Quintin Doyle, Cello and Ancuta Nite-Doyle Piano

Some feedback following our 2022 Ardtornish Piano Retreat

Ardtornish Piano Retreat 2022

Richard Michael- Piano Recital

Piano and Cello Recital- Ancuta Nite-Doyle and Quintin Doyle

Masterclass with Richard Michael

Masterclass with Richard Michael

Piano and Cello Recital- Ancuta Nite-Doyle and Quintin Doyle

Masterclass with Richard Michael

Piano and Cello Recital- Ancuta Nite-Doyle and Quintin Doyle

Piano and Cello Recital- Ancuta Nite-Doyle and Quintin Doyle

Piano and Cello Recital- Ancuta Nite-Doyle and Quintin Doyle

Piano Lesson

Piano and Cello Recital- Ancuta Nite-Doyle and Quintin Doyle

Piano Lesson

Piano Lesson

Piano Lesson

Piano Lesson

Piano Lesson

Piano duets.... always fun!

Piano duets.... always fun!

Piano duets.... always fun!

Piano duets.... always fun!

Piano duets.... always fun!

Piano duets.... always fun!

Ardtornish Piano Retreat 2019

Ancuta Nite- Masterclass with our participants