Martin Randall Festivals

The Bach Journey last month was quite simply outstanding. Brilliantly organised by Martin Randall whose travelling team shepherded us expertly through a week of different venues in Germany (towns and villages where Bach lived and worked) and 9 concerts. Every one was musically superb - world class and a available only to the MR tour group. A highlight for me - and many others - was a performance of the St John Passion by Vox Luminis. Without question, it was the best concert I have attended. In summary, the week was a hughly life-enriching experience.

An immersive JS Bach experience seeing the places and hearing the music performed by world-class performers and ensembles. Excellent staff, good quality accommodation, well- organised. And an interesting group of fellow travellers that made for some memorable conversations.

We were on the Bach Journey Festival starting 28th September. We had done this festival before and we enjoyed it very much this time. The festival involves 3 hotels and follows the life of JS Bach, where he worked ending in Leipzig. Excellent guides and meals were generally ok. The main purpose is to enjoy the music, and the festival featured a variety JS Bach concerts put on for the group by world class artists. An unmissable festival of 6 days.

I joined the tour to the Lofoten Islands Chamber Music Festival in the north of Norway. Everything was beautifully paced and the concerts were fantastic. It was such a comfortable trip with lovely hotels and fantastic restaurants. The icing on the cake was the Tour Manager and Guest Lecturer. Both absolutely on top of their game.

York is a beautiful base for a music festival. The festival opened with the Tallis Scholars in York Minster and the final concert featured the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment at Castle Howard. Many other fine musicians performed in various settings inbetween.

I stayed at the Grand Hotel (3 hotels to choose from) which is very comfortable with lovely staff. Meals were in a variety of restaurants and all of an excellent standard.

Professor John Bryan gave witty, interesting and informative talks. He was available throughout the festival to answer any questions or just to chat. Iona, as Festival Manager, did a sterling job, backed up by a lovely team of MRT staff and tour managers. All in all a great experience.

A week staying in good hotels in Valletta, Malta, on a music tour - Handel Festival, with daily talks on the musician and the work to to seen/ heard that day by experienced and lively musicologist. Varied settings for all concerts - cathedrals, palaces, historical houses, in and around the city. Extra activities - art, history and walking tours also on offer. Opportunities to mingle with guests staying in different hotels on numerous occasions; knowledgeable Festival staff on hand for help and questions.

I took part in the Martin Randall Music Festival - Music Along the Danube. It was excellent; excellent river cruiser including accommodation, food, services and amenities. The music and the venues were of a very high standard, and the locations were fascinating. The organisation was excellent and the attention to detail of the fist order. A thoroughly professional approach made for another wonderful MRT holiday.

A mixture of classical music and history of Malta. Each day well planned making visits very enjoyable. Evenings - dinner and music. Expert lecturer and tour manager. Everything thought of and problems always solved quickly and to everyone's satisfaction. a totally relaxed and enjoyable holiday.

Music Along the Danube. Concerts given by musicians of the highest caliber which took place in historic buildings many of which were associated with the music performed in them. Stayed in both Vienna and in Durnstein, in beautiful hotels with city tours and/or daily walks along the Danube. Daily lectures given by eminent lecturers who were excellent communicators.

I enjoyed Martin Randall's Seine River Music Cruise where all participants were treated to a week of concerts with music ranging from the 12th to 20th century and played and/or sung by a variety of artists. We also enjoyed the history and architecture of the venues chosen for these concerts. In all, a wonderfully educational experience, enhanced by lectures on these topics.