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Helicon Arts

We’ve run singing, guitar and photography holidays in Europe since 1998. Why not join us!

20/06/2025

Here’s a throwback to last year’s unforgettable trip to Almagro, Spain! 🇪🇸 We were honoured to receive an award from the Concejalía de Cultura of the Ayuntamiento de Almagro.

This recognition was a testament to the inspiring community of creatives who joined us on our courses in this charming town. Almagro provided the perfect backdrop for two weeks filled with creativity, music, history and culture while connecting with like-minded people. 🎶 📸

Thank you again to Parador of Almagro for their wonderful hospitality!

Here’s to more adventures and artistic journeys! 🥂✨

06/06/2025

Your soundtrack for the summer 🎶 ☀️

We are excited to unveil the wonderful repertoire we will be performing during our choral course this August with Neil Ferris in the scenic landscape of northern Portugal! Follow the link in our bio to explore a playlist of beautiful sacred choral works inspired by the theme of Sanctuary/ Refuge ⛪ 😍

Just under 12 weeks to go!

03/06/2025

All participants on the choral course with Neil Ferris (23–30 Aug) will have the opportunity for a one-to-one vocal coaching session with Joanna during the week! 🎶

Joanna Tomlinson is a renowned conductor, singer, and vocal coach. As Artistic Director of the Military Wives Choirs, she leads a network of over 70 choirs. Joanna regularly works with Constanza Chorus and Whitehall Choir in London, and has guest conducted for the BBC Symphony Chorus. She has also collaborated with Glyndebourne Opera and other prestigious institutions. As principal Conductor of the National Youth Choir’s Female/Non-Binary choir for five years, she made notable recordings and performances, including the Albert Hall, London.

Along with a distinction in singing from the Royal College of Music, Joanna brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to her work, drawn from performing with renowned professional choral ensembles including the BBC Singers, London Voices, Gabrieli Consort, Philharmonia Voices, and Sonoro.

Spaces are still available, so enquire now for this exciting opportunity to receive expert tuition in beautiful Portugal! 😍 ☀️

27/05/2025

Portuguese delicacies that we cannot wait to spoil ourselves with this summer! ☀️

🍮 Pastel de Nata - Indulge in these creamy, custard-filled pastries that are a staple in Portuguese cuisine.

🍷 Port & Port Tonic - Sip on the classic Port wine or try a refreshing Port Tonic, a perfect early evening drink.

🥪 Francesinha - Treat yourself to this hearty sandwich, a true taste of Porto’s culinary scene. Thick slices of bread filled with assorted meats and cheese, topped with even more cheese(?) and lightly grilled to perfection. It’s then smothered in a slightly spicy beer-tomato sauce, and crowned with a fried egg. 🤤

🦞 Seafood - Delight in Portugal’s abundant and fresh seafood offerings, from grilled sardines to octopus salad. Try their iconic Bacalhau (salted cod) and Cataplana de Marisco (seafood stew)!

Portugal is brimming with culinary treasures waiting to be discovered. What delicious finds are on your must-try list? 🌟

22/05/2025

We’re excited to introduce our photography course leader 📸, Genevieve Girling, who has been capturing beautiful images professionally since 2012! Trusted by theatres and industry professionals, Genevieve’s work not only showcases the visual beauty of productions but also captures the essence and emotion of the room. 🖼️

In her artwork, she focuses on architecture, travel, and landscape, with a particular interest in technical processes. She has had success in competitions as well as with exhibitions, including a permanent exhibition for her “Monasteries of Industry” series, which contemplates Cornwall’s industrial mining heritage.

There are still some places on her course this summer in Portugal, enquire via the link in bio! 🔗☀️

📸 - Examples of Genevieve’s artwork

20/05/2025

Hilary Campbell is a renowned choral specialist, celebrated for her dynamic leadership and passion for choral music. She is the founder and Musical Director of the professional chamber choir Blossom Street and directs the Bristol Choral Society, West London Chorus, and more. 🎼 🎵

With impressive project work, Hilary has collaborated with ensembles like the BBC Singers and the Royal Academy of Music Symphony Chorus. She’s an Associate Conductor of Ex Cathedra and has won prestigious awards, including Making Music’s Best Vocal Group Musical Director.

Hilary’s academic achievements include distinctions in Choral Conducting and Vocal Studies, and she is an Associate of the Royal Academy of Music. Besides her conducting expertise, she’s a talented adjudicator, workshop leader, and prize-winning composer. 🎶

With a wealth of experience conducting choirs worldwide, she brings a unique blend of expertise and enthusiasm to our holidays!

There are still places on Hilary’s course in Portugal this summer, check the link in our bio to enquire now 🔗☀️

15/05/2025

Visiting Porto this year? Keep an eye out for the famous azulejos scattered all over the city. You will find these beautiful, intricately designed tiles on the interior/exterior of churches, palaces, train stations, restaurants, street walls and all sorts of unexpected places.

Our accommodation this summer, the beautiful Pousada de Santa Marinha, is also adorned in them!

Where is your favourite place to find these?

13/05/2025

Meet English guitarist Vincent Lindsey-Clarke: A maestro of classical guitar 🎶

A huge name in the world of classical guitar with decades of experience, his passion and mastery have inspired countless musicians worldwide.

Vincent made his debut at Wigmore Hall, London, in 1983 and has been performing as a solo guitarist, in ensembles and trios ever since. He is a member of the Segovia Trio, since 1987, and also performs with the Modern Guitar Trio.

Vincent is celebrated for his guitar compositions, composing music for both students and professionals. His works are widely used by major exam boards and performed globally.

He currently has teaching positions at London’s Centre for Young Musicians, the University of Southampton and England’s most famous school, Eton College.

Experience guitar Lessons with Vincent Lindsey-Clarke in Portugal’s scenic countryside this summer! Check the link in our bio for more info

30/04/2025

What to expect on our week-long choral course with the chorus director of the BBC Symphony Chorus, Neil Ferris:

☀️ Spend your mornings with collaborative rehearsal sessions with more focused group sessions after lunch. Individual singing lessons are also offered with vocal coach, Joanna Tomlinson

🎼 Beautiful choral repertoire made up of sacred choral works old and new from Renaissance to contemporary

🎶 Explore vocal technique, ensemble skills and performance skills with a public performance at the end of the week

🏨 Accommodation in Pousada de Guimarães, a beautifully restored 12th-century monastery, with delicious breakfast, lunch and three-course evening meals included

🏰 Enjoy afternoon excursions to explore the rich history and vibrant culture of Portugal’s historic towns and the beautiful countryside of Guimarães, Porto and Braga!

Find out more at the link in our bio 🔗

04/04/2025

As Portugal’s second-largest city, Porto is a vibrant and beautiful city which you can spend many hours perusing! Here are our top recommendations for your visit:

📍Church of Saint Ildefonso - Admire the beauty of this 18th-century Baroque masterpiece. Its stunning facade, adorned with exquisite blue-and-white azulejos, captivates visitors with detailed scenes of St. Ildefonso’s life and symbolic representations from the Eucharist.

📍Ribeira district - Explore the labyrinth of medieval alleys that meander to the scenic Douro River. Wander the tavern-rich riverbanks and immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere.

📍Dom Luis I Bridge - Don’t miss this iconic bridge that provides stunning views of the old town and the river! Stroll across the upper deck of this 19th-century engineering marvel, crafted by a protégé of Gustave Eiffel.

📍Livraria Lello - Ascend the iconic staircase of one of Portugal’s oldest book shops, established in 1906. Marvel in the beauty of neo-gothic architecture or indulge yourself with a new book!

📍Port Tasting -On the river’s opposite bank is Vila Nova de Gaia, renowned for its port-wine lodges. Celebrate your trip with a tasty glass of traditional Port wine!

Porto offers many ways for you to enjoy the beautiful city:

🚃 - The historic trams are a delightful and popular way to navigate the city’s hilly terrain. Choose from three lines either exploring the bustling city or the scenic banks of the Douro River.

🚊 - Enjoy a fresh perspective of Porto by taking a cable car ride across the river to Vila Nova de Gaia.

🛥️ - Spend a leisurely afternoon on a boat cruise along the river. Soak up the stunning views whilst savouring Porto’s world-famous port.

Join one of our exciting courses this summer and experience the beauty of Porto on our excursions! Check the link in our bio for more details 🔗

28/03/2025

🎉 Celebrating 25 Years of Creative Adventures! 🌍 This month, we are thrilled to mark Helicon Arts’ 25th anniversary of offering unforgettable creative holidays in stunning destinations. Over the years, we’ve been fortunate to explore the likes of Morocco, Spain, Italy, Portugal, France and beyond with our amazing guests. Here’s to many more years of inspiration and adventure! 🥂✨

Whats your favourite country to go on holiday?

📸 - A selection of memories from the past 25 years, here’s to the next 25! 🍾 😍

21/03/2025

Are you passionate about classical guitar and eager to take your skills to the next level? This summer, immerse yourself in our exclusive course with master guitarist Vincent Lindsey-Clark, set against the stunning backdrop of Portugal! 🌞

🎼 Enhance your technique, music theory, practice techniques, sight reading and ensemble skills in small group and one-to-one sessions.

🎶 Play an eclectic mix of ensemble repertoire to suit varying tastes and abilities, from the renaissance to modern popular arrangements. Individual lessons will also take place on student’s repertoire of choice.

🏨 Accommodation in Pousada de Guimarães, a beautifully restored 12th-century monastery, with delicious breakfast, lunch and three-course evening meals included

🏰 Enjoy afternoon excursions exploring the rich history of Portugal’s historic towns and beautiful countryside of Guimarães, Porto and Braga!

Spaces are limited, so don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to refine your craft and create unforgettable memories! 😍

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Opening Hours

Monday	09:30 - 18:00
Tuesday	09:30 - 18:00
Wednesday	09:30 - 18:00
Thursday	09:30 - 18:00
Friday	09:30 - 18:00
Saturday	10:00 - 13:00

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https://www.heliconarts.co.uk/

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