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The Schubertiade - Music and mountains in the Vorarlberg
- Amid the superb mountain scenery of the Vorarlberg, the Schubertiade is one of the most prestigious and enjoyable festivals in Europe.
- Musicians of the highest calibre perform, including Malcolm Martineau, Elisabeth Leonskaja, Christiane Karg, Marc-André Hamelin and Andrè Schuen.
- Excursion to the historic town of Bregenz and an optional hill walk on the Baumgartner Höhe, but time also to relax among ravishing upland scenery.
The combination of music-making of the highest quality with a pre-Alpine mountain setting is a heady mix. Devotees of the Schubertiade return year after year; addiction is a distinct possibility. Add guided walks and visits in the surrounding area and top up with relaxation among ravishing upland scenery and this begins to sound like the recipe for the perfect holiday for music lovers.
It takes place in the Vorarlberg, the westernmost province of Austria, with all the concerts in the village of Schwarzenberg, described by the philosopher Johann Gottfried Herder as ‘the prettiest village in Europe’. Our tour is based in the neighbouring village of Mellau, seven miles away.
Itinerary
Fly in the morning from London Heathrow to Zurich (British Airways). Drive through Switzerland and into Austria, arriving late afternoon at Mellau in the lovely upland landscape of the Bregenzerwald. All five nights are spent in this very attractive village.
Enjoy a leisurely morning. After the first lecture, set off to Schwarzenberg for an afternoon Lieder recital with Christiane Karg (soprano) and David Fray (piano): Lieder by Schubert. Followed by an evening piano recital with Elisabeth Leonskaja (piano): Schubert, Sonata in B major, D. 575; Four Impromptus, D. 935; Sonata in A major, D. 959.
Morning excursion to Bregenz, the regional capital located beside Lake Constance. Begin in the upper town, the picturesque older part, and walk down to the lake and visit the local history museum. Return to Mellau for a lecture before driving to Schwarzenberg. Afternoon Lieder recital with Andrè Schuen (baritone) and Daniel Heide (piano): Brahms, ‘Die schöne Magelone’, Op. 33. Followed by an evening chamber concert with Veronika Eberle (violin), Julia Hagen (cello), Lukas Sternath (piano): Brahms, Piano Trio in C minor, Op. 101; Shostakovich, Piano Trio in C minor, Op. 8; Schubert, Piano Trio in E-flat major, D. 929.
The morning is free for independent exploration or relaxation. After the lecture, drive to Schwarzenberg for an afternoon piano recital with Marc-André Hamelin (piano): Beethoven, Sonata No. 7 in D major, Op. 10 No. 3; R. Schumann, Fantasiestücke, Op. 12; Schubert: Sonata in G major, D. 894. Followed by an evening Lieder recital with Sophie Rennert (mezzo-soprano) and Joseph Middleton (piano): Schubert, ‘Winterreise’, D. 911.
Optional walk on the Baumgartner Höhe: 4km (max 2½ hours), altitude gain 200m, a moderate walk with inclines and terrific views and starting and ending with a funicular ride. Return to Mellau for a lecture before driving to Schwarzenberg for an afternoon chamber concert with Minetti Quartett: Schubert, Overture in C minor, D. 8A; String Quartet in C major, D. 46; Octet in F major, D. 803. Followed by an evening Lieder recital with Nikola Hillebrand (soprano), Patricia Nolz (mezzo-soprano), Mauro Peter (tenor), David Steffens (bass), Malcom Martineau (piano): Lieder by Schubert.
Homeward journey. Stop at Winterthur to see the Old Master and Impressionist paintings of the Oskar Reinhart Collection, beautifully displayed in the collector’s home in the woods outside the city. Fly from Zurich, arriving at London Heathrow at c. 5.00pm.
Expert speaker
Mr Richard Wigmore
Music writer, lecturer and broadcaster for BBC Radio 3. He writes for BBC Music Magazine and Gramophone and has taught classes in Lieder history and interpretation at the Guildhall, Trinity College of Music and Birkbeck College. He read French and German at Cambridge and later studied Music at the Guildhall. His publications include Schubert: The Complete Song Texts and Pocket Guide to Haydn. Twitter: @wigmoresworld | Website: wigmoresworld.co.uk
More tours led by Mr Richard Wigmore
Practicalities
Two sharing: US$5,770 or US$5,330 without flights. Single occupancy: US$6,070 or US$5,630 without flights.
Air travel (Euro Traveller) on British Airways flights (Airbus A320); private coach throughout; accommodation as described below; breakfasts, 5 dinners with wine; all admissions; all tips for restaurant staff, drivers, guides; all taxes; the services of the lecturer.
Music: first category tickets to 8 performances are included.
Hotel Sonne, Mellau: 4-star hotel, modern and functional with a pleasant atmosphere and very helpful staff. All rooms are doubles. There is a swimming pool and restaurant. Single rooms are doubles for sole use.
There is some walking through towns and over uneven ground. The optional walk is rated moderate and participants wishing to take part should bring appropriate walking footwear. Average distance by coach per day: 55 miles.
Between 10 and 24 participants.
Before booking, please refer to the FCDO website to ensure you are happy with the travel advice for the destination(s) you are visiting.
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Dates & prices
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2026
Date
Speaker
Price
Date:
22nd - 27th August 2026
Speaker:
Mr Richard Wigmore
Price:
from US$5,330
(Based on two sharing)Testimonials
“The music was memorable. A never-to-be-forgotten experience. Would I go again? Absolutely!
”
“We had a thoroughly enjoyable experience, which managed to successfully combine significant musical and intellectual stimulation with a relaxing and very pleasurable holiday in a lovely location.
”
“A wonderful lecturer – we often have heard of him and he never disappoints. His talks enhanced the concerts a great deal.
”
“Wonderful. I cannot think of any way it could be improved.
”
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