A magical flute course in a castle plus a holiday!
If you are a keen young flute player or you have a keen young flute player in your family, have you considered a holiday in the very quiet town of Kastel Luksic, near Split in Croatia with a flute course to add more interest?
For 2019 the dates will hopefully be Wednesday 21 August to Tuesday 27 August (this all depends on the effects of Brexit with what might happen to the economy, flights and possible requirements for visas - so please don't book flights until the course is 100% confirmed)
On Sunday 25 August we hope there will be a day trip to the island of Brac (this is optional). We will be able to explore the island, have lunch and perform our concert.
THE COURSE
The course, which has been running for many years, is held each morning for 3 hours in The Ballet School (which is the local music school in Kastel Kambelovac, a lovely building right on the sea) and on the last day there is a concert in the beautiful renaissance castle, Vitturi in Kastel Luksic. The castle is right on the sea and is quite an amazing place to perform. Children, teenagers and adults attend, both from the local area and further afield and families from the UK also come along. This gives our British flute players a unique opportunity, not only to improve their playing but to make friends with like-minded people from a different country.
The course is suitable for all levels of player. Every year we have beginners who start their flute playing journey learning the skills using a fife. Flute players are of all standards and many of the local players are exceptionally talented. We cover all the things you would expect from a Flutewise course, from developing technique to gaining confidence in performance. Great emphasis is placed on playing ensemble pieces and musical skills are improved through games. It's great fun and noncompetitive. There are two concerts, one on the Island of Brac (see below) and the final concert in Kastel Vitturi.
The afternoons and evenings are free for swimming, sightseeing or relaxing.
COURSE COST
This is about 60 euros which can be paid on the first morning of the course. Other cost are transport, accommodation and food which families need to organise themselves.
WHERE IT IS
Kastela is a short distance from Split airport, it takes about 10 minutes by taxi. There are flights to Split from a number of UK airports. From a Gatwick airport the flight time is around 2 hours. Easy jet and Norwegian Air run frequent flights during the summer months
ACCOMMODATION
We usually stay at Villa Soulavy which is a friendly family run villa which has 7 apartments. They are all extremely clean, comfortable and well-appointed each one having a kitchen area with dishwasher and air conditioning. They sleep from 2 to 6 people. Early reservation of an apartment is recommended (contact Liz for email address to get the best price). There are other apartments and hotels in the area. Families need to book their own travel and accommodation but it might be possible to organise travel, accommodation and supervision for flute players of 14 years and older who might like to come on their own or with a friend. Please phone Liz Goodwin to discuss this as soon as you can if you are interested.
OTHER INFORMATION
Kastela is a very quite place but there are plenty of cafe bars. There are excellent restaurants within 15 minutes walking distance. It is an inexpensive place, we usually find we spend about £20-£25 per person per day and that is eating all meals out. Breakfast can be provided at the Villa if ordered in advance. There are several supermarkets within very easy walking distance and wonderful bakers (all extremely small). Each apartment in Villa Soulavy has a fully equipped kitchen with dishwasher, so food can be there. The local fast food place is very popular - a panini type sandwich costs around £1. Ice creams are about 60-70p.
Villa Soulavy is about 20 metres from the sea. The sea is usually very warm, clean and lovely for swimming. A short distance away you'll find a beach with pedaloes for hire.
We introduced the idea of a Flutewise pizza concert on the terrace of the Villa on the first night of the course in 2018. This worked really well. There was a similar party after the final concert of the course. Everyone contributed 100 kuna per head to cover the pizzas, snacks and drinks (soft drinks for children, wine and beer for adults). We hope to repeat this in 2019.
Split and Trogir are both well worth a visit and are a short bus journey away. Hiring a car is an option but not recommended as the roads are a nightmare to drive on and parking is difficult.
There is a lot of information on our website about past courses that you might find interesting. Search in the box on our other website www.flutewise.com for Croatia. You will probably have to log on for best results. You might also like this little video
If you are interested in join us in 2019 please feel free to email me using the contact form or give me a ring 01273 702367
Our trip to Brac
On Sunday 25 August we will have a trip to the Park Sutivan on the island of Brač. This is an optional trip and attracts extra costs. We will travel by ferry to Brač, spend some time in the small town Supetar where there is a beach, places to have a drink and snack and some interesting architecture. From Supetar we will be taken by coach to the park.
The park is lovely with lots of animals and birds including peacocks, an ostrich, pigs, donkeys and goats and there are small horse to ride. There are also lots of play activities including a trampoline and zip wire.
We will have a wonderful meal there - probably grilled meat and salad. There will probably be a workshop for the younger children and as well as singing some songs and playing musical games. The flute players can join in with this workshop and they will also be involved in a performance in the amphitheatre.
We will return to Supetar by coach to catch the ferry back to Split.
The costs* for the trip to Brac should be:
Entry to the Park, meal and coach transfers on Brač 150* kuna for adults and 100* kuna for children
Ferry from Split to Supetar is 33* kuna for adults one way. Children under 3 are free and children from 3 to 13 years 50% of the adult price.
Either a taxi or bus is needed from Kastel Luksic. The bus fare is 17* kuna one way and the bus is no 37 which goes to the bus station. From here you need to walk down to the ferry (about 30 minutes on a hot day). In 2018 the return taxi journey was 100 kuna.
Other money needed will be for any extra drinks and snacks or souvenirs.
*based on previous years.
Times
We will go on the 11.00 am ferry from Split and return on the 8.00 pm ferry. The ferry crossing takes 1 hour. It is wise to be in Split at least an hour before the ferry leaves.
Please let me know if you are coming and how many people will be in your party, family and friends are all welcome on this lovely day out. I need to know if there is anyone with any special dietary requirements (they can be catered for).
Flute players will need to bring flute, sun lotion and water.
