Flutes, friends, fine food... and France

The perfect fluting combination

Our May Flutes in France course has just finished, and I think we were all floating on air when we said our goodbyes. It was an amazing week of fluting, friendship, great food and wine, topped with an unforgettable concert in the 12th century village church and a final celebration dinner at L’Étape Gasconne.

Flutes in France May course always falls during the peony season, when the local fields are awash with acres of beautiful blooms for export. I buy bunches of them at the farm gate to fill the house for the course. I love them!

Peony time

This year we had the special privilege of playing at the village VE Day celebrations. Here we are with some of the veterans and, in the background, the village choir. If you look closely, you might notice that John put his keyboard skills to unexpected use by joining in on the melodica—its reedy sound was surprisingly effective in the Marseillaise. One participant said to me, “If I tried to explain back home how charming this all is, no-one could begin to imagine it!”

As usual, food (and, of course, free-flowing wine) featured strongly and this year we enjoyed all-locally-sourced produce prepared by a Cordon Bleu chef. Lunch in the medieval village of Monségur was also a treat, and on our way back we stopped at an artisan chocolatier where no-one resisted the delights on offer.

Dining at home; lunch in Monségur; shopping for local produce; celebration dinner at L'Étape

It wasn’t all play and no work, though—we were there to flute and every day was filled with flute choir, chamber music, lessons and coaching sessions, informal concerts and masterclasses. I loved working with everyone and was so proud of the standard we produced. The final concert included music by Pachelbel, which took advantage of the wonderful church acoustic, Dvorak, Strauss, Sousa and others. Jorunn from Norway introduced a beautiful work by Norwegian composer Ole Bull, and Clare and Jane delighted the audience with Rossini’s Cat Duet—complete with cats’ ears knitted for the occasion. Here’s a glimpse of the flute ensemble playing a Slavonic Dance by Dvorak (arr. Judy Nishimura, pub. Alry) in the final concert:

But what do the people that really matter—our Flutes in France participants—have to say about it all? And would you like to be part of the Flutes in France experience next year?

“I came into my first Flutes in France course with a bit of trepidation having attended a few with other teachers. My experience could not have been more positive. John and Elisabeth are world class musicians who met me right where I am on my musical journey. My group ensemble and chamber music assignments were carefully chosen to give me a bit of challenge without overwhelming my skill level. My one-on-one lessons with both John and Elisabeth were extremely supportive and informative. Meals were gourmet and locally sourced. The whole week felt like being welcomed into a collaborative community of flutists and new friends. I now plan to attend as many Flutes in Frances courses as I am able. Thank you again, Elisabeth and John!” Deborah McA, USA

“Such an amazing week of great company, music, food and wine. Thank you Elisabeth and John for your outstanding contribution to making it such a great week. Happy fluting 🎵😍"!” Julie C, Scotland

“Thank you Elisabeth and John for such a special week of fluting, food, and above all, friendship.” Clare L, England

“Already looking forward to seeing you all again next year! 🎵🎵🎵” Jorunn E, Norway

Our next course (Oct 25) is fully booked but bookings for 2026 will open in two weeks time, on 1 June. Keep an eye on the newsletter for all the details, and if you’d like to put your name on the “interested” list to be first in line just reply to this email.

A glimpse of the house and garden... although changes are on the way. The swimming pool goes in next month!

Love, Elisabeth