České Budějovice, Czechia
České Budějovice (also known by its German name Budweis) was founded at the site of the confluence of the river Vltava (Moldau) and Malše in 1265. The historic town is still mostly in medieval state. The Dominican monastery stems from the 13th century. The Gothic-Renaissance Cerná vež (Black Tower) is with its height of 72 meter a striking dominant on the city skyline and offers a delightful view over the city and its surroundings, including the nearby Šumava mountains. On the diamond square one of the largest fountains of Czechia is situated - the Samson Fountain. The city has also become world famous thanks to the Budvar beer, imitated in America under the name Budweiser. Today it is the seat of the Province of South Bohemia.
The central square, seen from the Black Tower
The conservatoire
The conservatoire, hostel and venue for rehearsals
A room in the hostel of the conservatoire
The participants can opt for accommodation in the hostel of the conservatoire. This building offers accommodation in quiet single and double rooms, all with private bathrooms.
Lia van den Heuvel: "La Pellegrina is 10 days of great music, friendly people and beautiful surroundings."
Classroom with two grand pianos at the conservatoire
The conservatoire is equipped with spacious, well-sounding classrooms with well-maintained grand pianos and upright pianos. A leading piano tuner comes from Prague to tune all instruments before the course. The building has recently been renovated and now has a light and pleasant appearance.
The concert hall
The concert hall
The concert hall in the conservatoire, venue for the tutors' concert and rehearsals of orchestra and choir. Since the reconstruction of the building this hall has air conditioning.
Robert Beverly: "La Pellegrina brings out the best in a rather diverse and eclectic group of individuals - dedication, motivation, cooperation, and the unquenchable joy of making music."
Meals
The old town of České Budějovice has many ancient buildings, such as this market hall from 1336, now in use as a restaurant
For those staying in the conservatory, there is a breakfast buffet in the entrance hall and at a nearby restaurant, where lunch is also served in the form of a buffet. Dinner is not included in the course price, except on the days of arrival and of the final concert. In the boarding school of the conservatory there is a kitchen in each corridor where you can prepare something yourself. In the nearby historic centre you find many good restaurants for every budget.
Laurie Boltjes: 'I always go on a long cycling tour after the course. Sometimes some of the other participants join me for a short holiday.'
Katy en Jan de Jongh: 'Before the course, we stay in Prague for a few days, and afterwards, we have a quiet holiday near the town. Bohemia is so cheap that we can afford to stay a little longer.'
Photos
See also in this photo album for more photos of České Budějovice
