Proudly curated and organized by the Athens Baroque Festival Education, the inaugural International Vocal Retreat for Baroque Lovers offers a transformative, heart-expanding experience that is quickly becoming a must-attend event. This retreat is designed to elevate your musical skills and deepen your connection within a vocal ensemble!
The 2nd International Vocal Retreat for Baroque Lovers is now calling all singers, instrumentalists, and music education enthusiasts to join this unique gathering of voices, where we will celebrate the pure joy of singing and our shared passion for Baroque music.
This year’s organisation will be open to 12 participants.
This is a rare opportunity to unlock your voice, unleash your creative expression, and create space for relaxation and personal growth. Take time to clear your mind and enhance your body awareness, all while enjoying the peaceful flow of your breath amidst nature, at one of the Mediterranean’s most stunning rural locations: Vamos village in Crete, Greece.
The International Vocal Retreat for Baroque Lovers is perfect for you if:
● you are a Baroque enthusiast who is comfortable singing from sheet music
● you are an instrumentalist who enjoys singing
● you value the experience of living close to nature
● you wish to free and empower the sensitivity and strength of your voice
● you appreciate the rustic beauty of the Mediterranean countryside
● you would like to explore the intricacies of Baroque vocal music
● you long to connect your voice with others in an ensemble setting
The INSTRUCTORS
Jan van Elsacker | vocal ensemble, singing & historical interpretation
Since 2010, he has been a voice and ensemble teacher at the Early Music Department of the Musikhochschule Trossingen in Germany.
Jan earned first prizes in both singing and piano at the Royal Flemish Conservatory in Antwerp. Between 1987 and 1991, he performed with renowned ensembles such as Collegium Vocale, La Capelle Royale (conducted by Philippe Herreweghe), La Petite Bande (conducted by Gustav Leonhardt and Sigiswald Kuyken), and Anima Eterna (conducted by Jos van Immerseel).
He also collaborated with the Currende Consort (Erik van Nevel), recording for radio, television, and CD in the “Flemish Polyphony” series. Internationally, Jan regularly performs with prestigious groups like Le Poème Harmonique (Vincent Dumestre), L’Arpeggiata (Christina Pluhar),
La Fenice (Jean Tubery), Concerto Palatino (Bruce Dickey), and Weser Renaissance (Manfred Cordes). A prizewinner at the 1996 Musica Antiqua Bruges competition, Jan was also the central figure at the 2023 Musica Antiqua Festival in Bruges.
There, he performed Combattimento di Tacredi e Clorinda (Claudio Monteverdi) and a Schumann recital with pianist Claire Chevallier.
In 2008, he made his debut as Orfeo (Claudio Monteverdi) at the National Opera House of Poland with La Fenice (conducted by Jean Tubery).
Jan has graced many major early music festivals, including the Festival of Flanders, Utrecht Early Music Festival, Festival de la Chaise-Dieu, and Festival Baroque de Pontoise.
Nikos Panagiotidis | theorbo, basso continuo & accompaniment
Nikos Panagiotidis is one of Greece’s foremost guitarists, recognized for his expertise as a bandleader, soloist, educator, and multi-instrumentalist. He has worked alongside renowned Greek singers and performed in numerous concerts, recordings, and radio and television broadcasts. Additionally, he has produced soundtracks for several documentaries and hosted radio programs, notably on early music for Radio 3.
Specializing in medieval, Renaissance, and Baroque traditions, Nikos Panagiotidis is skilled in playing the lute, theorbo, and Baroque guitar, performing with various ensembles across Europe. He has toured and recorded with the Blanmerle Ensemble, contributing to their “Italy & Spain” album featuring 17th-century composers. He is also a permanent member of the Thessaloniki-based ensembles Codex (focused on Medieval-Renaissance music) and Concerto Ellenico (Baroque).
As musical director and continuo leader, he conducted Jacopo Peri’s Euridice at the 1999 Delphi Festival and led a performance of Antonio Vivaldi’s Olympiade with the Volos Symphony Orchestra, part of Greece’s Ministry of Culture-sponsored events for the 2004 Athens Olympic Games.
An educator since 1982, Nikos Panagiotidis has taught guitar, music history, and theory at the Athens and Volos conservatories. He also offers courses on lute, basso continuo, and masterclasses on Renaissance and Baroque music interpretation. Passionate about Baroque music, he emphasizes the study of musical texts, language, and stylistic nuances.
Born in Athens, Mr. Panagiotidis studied classical guitar with Dimitri Fampas and Roberto Aussel, harmony with Yanni Avgerinos, and counterpoint with Michael Travlos. He earned his Master’s in Early Music from the Guildhall School of Music & Drama in London, where he studied lute, theorbo, and Basso Continuo with Nigel North.
Emilie Ananya Aranda | Hatha Yoga
Emilie Ananya Ananda brings over ten years of experience in practicing, studying, and teaching yoga.
Certified as a Hatha yoga instructor by the SivaOm School of Yoga, she specializes in yoga therapy, which she studied at the Paramanand Institute of Yoga Science. Yoga therapy, aimed at assisting individuals with specific physical or mental conditions, is one of Emilie’s core areas of expertise.
Her journey in yoga has always been guided by a deep desire for authentic teachings, drawn from the profound wisdom of Indian masters. This dedication to true instruction enriches her ability to offer transformative yoga experiences to her students.
Beyond her yoga qualifications, Emilie is an anthropologist, public health specialist, and holistic nutrition health coach.
Prior to focusing on yoga therapy, she spent 14 years in humanitarian aid, coordinating health programs across Africa, Asia, and Central America.
Today, Emilie is committed to helping her students cultivate harmony between body, mind, and breath
using a wide range of techniques. She is also the founder of Holon Yoga.
Τhe ORGANISERS
Αnastasia Miliori | IVRBL coordinator
Anastasia Miliori is a violinist, singer and educator, specializing in early music. She is a founding member of the baroque ensemble Diverse and Bizarre and artistic director of the international Athens Baroque Festival.
As co-organizer of the 2nd Vocal Retreat for Baroque Lovers, she will contribute in every practical way to the better realization of this event.
Anna Papagiannaki Divani | IVRBL coordinator
The VILLAGE
Vamos is a charming village in the Apokoronas region of Chania, situated at the base of the stunning White Mountains. Recognized for its unique character, it was proposed by the Ministry of Environment for designation as a traditional settlement.
Vamos is located 25 km from the vibrant city of Chania, with Rethymno just 35 km away. The distance to Heraklion, the capital of Crete, is approximately 112 km. The village is also conveniently located 35 km from Chania’s El. Venizelos Airport and only 9 km from the coast.
The ACCOMMODATION
1. Fabrica Farm & Houses
Fabrica Farm & Houses is nestled amidst centuries-old olive and oak trees, fruit trees, vibrant flowers, and an array of aromatic plants. The farm features a stone-built amphitheater, hosting various events and agritourism activities.
It is home to domestic animals such as hens, turkeys, guinea fowls, lambs, and rabbits, all of which play a vital role in maintaining the natural balance of the farm.
Seasonal vegetables are cultivated in the garden using sustainable farming practices, including permaculture techniques.
2. Vamos Village
During your stay in Vamos picturesque village, you will be hosted in one of our beautifully renovated traditional houses, located both within the heart of the old village neighborhood and in the surrounding areas.
The Vamos Village buildings, dating from the 18th, 19th, and early 20th centuries, have been thoughtfully restored with great care to preserve their unique architecture, aesthetic charm, and connection to the local environment.
The restoration utilizes local materials such as stone and cypress wood, while the plastering is done using traditional techniques passed down by local builders. The interiors feature handcrafted local furnishings and decorations, while the bathrooms and kitchens have been updated to meet modern standards.
The houses are nestled in the old village neighborhood, offering stunning views of the White Mountains and blooming gardens. Vamos is also just a short distance from the northern beaches of the Cretan Sea, allowing visitors to enjoy the perfect combination of mountain and seaside relaxation.
The village’s traditional atmosphere, scenic beauty, and tranquil surroundings create an ideal setting for those seeking an authentic and peaceful Cretan holiday experience.
The LOCATION
The PROGRAMME
Day 1 – TUESDAY, August 19: Arrival and Orientation
● Arrival at the retreat venue, Fabrica Farm & Houses
● All the participants are settled in their rooms
● 16:50 _ Meeting at the retreat venue, Fabrica Farm & Houses
● 17:00 _ Welcome and Orientation session (meet the participants and the instructors)
● 18:30 _ Ensemble singing with Jan van Elsacker
● 21:00 _ Group dinner at the village
Day 2 – WEDNESDAY, August 20: Vocal Technique Workshops and Hatha Yoga
● Breakfast time
● 10:00 – 10:30 _ Group vocal warm-up and stretching with Anna Papagiannaki Divani
● 11:30 – 12:30 _ Hatha Yoga with Emilie Ananya Aranda
● 13:00 – 14:30 _ Singing session with Jan van Elsacker
● 14:30 – 17:00 _ Lunch and free time for rest, rehearsals, exploring the village, or taking a walk around the farm
● 17:30 – 19:30 _ Voice & Ensemble workshop with Jan van Elsacker
● 21:00 – Group dinner at the village
Day 3 – THURSDAY, August 21: Movement Awareness & Vocal Exploration
● Breakfast time
● 10:00 – 10:30 _ Group vocal warm-up and stretching with Anna Papagiannaki Divani
Outdoor session integrating nature into vocal exercises
● 11:30 – 12:30 _ Hatha Yoga with Emilie Ananya Aranda
● 13:00 – 14:30 _ Singing session with Jan van Elsacker
● 14:30 – 17:00 _ Lunch and free time for rest, rehearsals, exploring the village, or taking a walk around the farm
● 17:30 – 20:30 _ Voice & Ensemble workshop with Jan van Elsacker
Day 4 – FRIDAY, August 22: The Baroque Vocal Ensemble
● Breakfast time
● 11:30 – 12:30 _ Hatha Yoga with Emilie Ananya Aranda
● 13:00 – 14:30 _ Singing session with Jan van Elsacker
● 14:00-17:00 _ Lunch and free time for rest, rehearsals, exploring the village, or a walk around the farm
● 17:30 – 18:00 _ Group vocal warm-up and stretching with Anna Papagiannaki Divani
● 18:00 – 19:30 _ Rehearsal with Jan van Elsacker
● 21:30 – Concert showcasing selected vocal works, followed by celebration & dinner at the farm
Day 5 – SATURDAY, August 23: Reflection and Farewell
● Breakfast time
● 09:30 – 10:30 _ Hatha Yoga with Emilie Ananya Aranda
● 11:00 – 12:30 _ Singing workshop with Jan van Elsacker
● 12:30 _ Reflection session on personal vocal growth and retreat experience
● 14:00 – Farewell and departure
Language: English, Greek
Please note that adjustments may be made to the programme as the retreat dates approach.
PRICING
Package 1 – 670 EUROs / person
Included:
● Accommodation in a room with a double bed
● 12+ hours of daily in-depth Voice and Ensemble Masterclasses with Jan van Elsacker
● 4 hours of daily Hatha Yoga sessions with Emilie Ananya Aranda
● All fees
Package 2 – 580 EUROs / person
Included:
● Accommodation in a shared room with two single beds
● 12+ hours of daily in-depth Voice and Ensemble Masterclasses with Jan van Elsacker
● 4 hours of daily Hatha Yoga sessions with Emilie Ananya Aranda
● All fees
*Breakfast is available with an extra cost of 10 euros for each breakfast per person.
APPLY NOW!
Email us at: cledutouverte@gmail.com
Deadline for applications: 25 June 2025 EXTENDED 30 JUNE 2025!
Valuable Information
Languages
English, Greek
Reservation Confirmation
The reservations are valid with a deposit of 40% of the total amount and with an email of a copy of the bank transaction.
Flexible Payment Plan
Available, contact us at: cledutouverte@gmail.com
Cancellation Policy
The deposit amount is non-refundable. In case you wish to cancel your participation one month or less before the retreat,
cancellation fees apply in full and you will be charged 100% of the amount.
Transportation
* For all the Baroque Lovers who will arrive at the port of Chania or at the Ioannis Daskalogiannis Airport
there may be scheduled transfers offered to transport them from the port/airport to the retreat venue in Vamos village.
For any questions upon this years programme and your participation,
contact us at: cledutouverte[at]gmail.com
The 2nd International Vocal Retreat for Baroque Lovers is produced by Cle d’ Ut Ouverte © 2025.
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