Featured Short Music & History events

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History Symposia

The Ancient Greeks used the word symposium to describe a drinking party after a banquet, but over time the meaning has evolved to evoke a more civilised occasion, when curious people gather to discuss a subject of mutual interest. We think the term perfectly encapsulates our intensive mini breaks, which combine the bonhomie implied by the first definition with the serious intent of the second.

Taking place over three days (an afternoon, full day and morning), with two nights in a comfortable hotel, our symposia bring together specialists to deliver a series of 10-12 illustrated, 40-minute talks, plus Q&A. Over the last decade, themes have included ‘Scotland History and Identity’, ‘The Age of Victoria’, ‘Tudor Encounters’, ‘Ancient Greece: People and Polis’; ‘The Romans in Britain’ and ‘Anglo Saxons: the Origins of England’. In relaxed circumstances between lecture sessions, conveniently residing under the same roof, we meet each other over drinks and dinner – often joined by the experts.

These events are neither didactic courses nor academic conferences. Prior knowledge is not essential; curiosity is key. As leading scholars share their latest ideas and thinking, the aim is to stimulate, entertain and enlighten.

Chamber music

For our annual series of chamber music events, we engage some of the finest ensembles in the UK and Europe. Within an overarching theme, the music is carefully chosen and programmed to provide an illuminating sequence. Talks with a musicologist – or by the musicians themselves – are incorporated. Tickets to individual concerts (without accommodation and meals) are also available to book.

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" It was run by Martin Randall and entitled Great Irish Houses. A group of 15 of us spent 9 days visiting some of the best of the houses and grounds of the Protestant Irish “Ascendancy”. In most cases these houses could be called palaces, so exquisite were their interior design, decoration and furnishings. Coming from a colonial country myself and being descended from members of the colonising race, I found the tour absolutely intriguing and though... " Great Irish Houses - Country houses both sides of the border
" It is impossible to praise our lecturer too much. He effortlessly combined the organisational aspect of the tour with cultural enlightenment. " Mitteldeutschland - Weimar and the towns of Thuringia and Sachsen-Anhalt
" The lecturer's knowledge concerning the Palaces of Rajasthan was extraordinary. His obvious love of the subject matter and his desire to impart this was obvious throughout the tour. There were many occasions where due to his professional work we had access to areas not usually open to tourists. " Painted Palaces of Rajasthan - Jodhpur, Nagaur, Bikaner, the Shekhawati & Jaipur
" Having read Classics for my degree I always hoped to visit these sites in Turkey. The time of year was good, being not too hot or full of tourists, so I seized the moment! The tour was beautifully organised; it was a wonderful experience, and we were very privileged to be in such a small group. " Classical Turkey - Greeks and Romans in Anatolia
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" Very enjoyable tour - fully came up to our expectations. " - Greeks and Romans in Anatolia

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