Harmony Magic
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27th May - 3rd June 2025
Paros Creative Holidays has welcomed acclaimed choir-leader and award-winning songwriter, Helen Yeomans for seven successful years to lead a 'Harmony Magic' week where participants are skilfully brought together to sing beautiful songs in harmony! The repertoire of music will be broad, covering simple chants, gospel rockers, world music and some of Helen's heart-felt original songs for which she has become well-loved. Even those of you who have never sung before will be amazed at the sound you can make - Helen has been described before as an 'alchemist'! |
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Says Helen "In all my years of teaching songs I have very rarely come across anyone who really struggles with singing. Not only can the vast majority of people sing in tune but sing in harmony too. It's one of the most rewarding aspects of my work to bring people out of their shell and express themselves through their voice".
Helen Yeomans is the founder and leader of Glorious Chorus. She writes and/or arranges all the songs that the choir sings and runs workshops around the UK and abroad teaching her award-winning compositions. She recently won a prize in a prestigious UK song writing contest. Helen is also the director of Thula Mama Ltd, teaching songs to mothers and babies, and has franchised groups around the UK.
Helen's song 'Awaken' was chosen as a featured performance piece at 2009's 'Sing For Water' annual fundraiser at London's South Bank, as part of the Mayor's Thames Festival. Helen's songs were also chosen to be performed at the Brighton Fringe Festival in 2008 and 2009. In 2006 Helen’s song ‘Goddess’ was an Honourable Mention Winner at the Unisong International Song writing Competition. She is now in demand for commissioned work and has worked a lot with the Hull Freedom Choir for events & festivals. In 2015 Helen won the gospel category prize in the UK Song writing Contest, an international competition receiving over 7,000 entries.
During the Harmony Magic week you will learn a wide selection of both Helen’s music and songs from other traditions, from gospel to folk, world music to jazz & pop. You will hear how she creates her songs and what inspires her. She will be able to inform you on the origins of the other music she’ll teach, the stories behind the songs and the historical/cultural context. Helen will run a workshop every morning and another one each day, either in the late afternoon or evening. There will be lots of space for relaxing, swimming in the sea (right outside the hotel), walking and enjoying the fabulous cuisine that Hotel Philoxenia offers. There will be optional trips out - highlights include a local walk across an ancient Byzantine pathway, a trip to Naoussa for shopping & general gorgeousness, and singing at the local live music bar.
Helen's song 'Awaken' was chosen as a featured performance piece at 2009's 'Sing For Water' annual fundraiser at London's South Bank, as part of the Mayor's Thames Festival. Helen's songs were also chosen to be performed at the Brighton Fringe Festival in 2008 and 2009. In 2006 Helen’s song ‘Goddess’ was an Honourable Mention Winner at the Unisong International Song writing Competition. She is now in demand for commissioned work and has worked a lot with the Hull Freedom Choir for events & festivals. In 2015 Helen won the gospel category prize in the UK Song writing Contest, an international competition receiving over 7,000 entries.
During the Harmony Magic week you will learn a wide selection of both Helen’s music and songs from other traditions, from gospel to folk, world music to jazz & pop. You will hear how she creates her songs and what inspires her. She will be able to inform you on the origins of the other music she’ll teach, the stories behind the songs and the historical/cultural context. Helen will run a workshop every morning and another one each day, either in the late afternoon or evening. There will be lots of space for relaxing, swimming in the sea (right outside the hotel), walking and enjoying the fabulous cuisine that Hotel Philoxenia offers. There will be optional trips out - highlights include a local walk across an ancient Byzantine pathway, a trip to Naoussa for shopping & general gorgeousness, and singing at the local live music bar.
Prices and Details
The cost of this holiday has been the same since 2021 and we have also experienced rising costs at the hotel, so the new 2025 price reflects this. The 2025 price will be £917 which includes full board, all singing courses (2 per day), all excursions and, for the first time, an all-inclusive meal at the renowned local Greek music restaurant ‘Anezina’s', where we also sing!
Single, twin, double and superior double rooms are available.
A standard twin or double shared room costs £917 or upgrade to a superior twin/double for a supplement of £10 per person per night. (Supply is very limited so we regret that single occupancy superior rooms are not available).
The single room supplement is £20 per night
The hotel offers omni, vegetarian and vegan dietary options.
Participants who have complex or unusual diets may need to choose one of the regular options and buy a few snacks for any occasions when the meal doesn't match with their special diet.
BURSARIES!
This year Helen is introducing a number of bursaries, due to the increased cost of living and also to make the group as diverse as possible. Priority will be given to those with financial pressures and those under the age of 40. Bursaries will be given at Helen’s discretion and the discount will be up to £200 each depending on need.
If you would like to apply please email Helen directly - see the link below.
For more practical information click here.
"I simply don't know how to thank you adequately for such a perfect holiday -- an ideal blend of structured time, free time and excursions, with a whole bunch of really nice people. The music was a joy to sing, all of it! So, after dreaming about it for half a century, I finally got to Greece. It couldn't have been in better circumstances and couldn't have made me happier" Kerry 2024
"I’ve been to countless singing workshops and a few holidays too, but none compare to the joy I experienced there. The wonderful setting, the people and the music just came together perfectly. Harmony magic it was indeed!” Sandie 2024
"Helen is an absolute revelation of passion, her exceptional talent, patience and charismatic personality lead myself and others to a whole new level! She nurtured us and taught us to be comfortable in what was naturally out of comfort zones! A completely inspiring beautiful compassionate teacher and now friends. Thank you so much Helen for being you and I hope to return next years” Sarah 2024
"I didn’t think last year’s experience could be bettered, but it has!” John 2024
The cost of this holiday has been the same since 2021 and we have also experienced rising costs at the hotel, so the new 2025 price reflects this. The 2025 price will be £917 which includes full board, all singing courses (2 per day), all excursions and, for the first time, an all-inclusive meal at the renowned local Greek music restaurant ‘Anezina’s', where we also sing!
Single, twin, double and superior double rooms are available.
A standard twin or double shared room costs £917 or upgrade to a superior twin/double for a supplement of £10 per person per night. (Supply is very limited so we regret that single occupancy superior rooms are not available).
The single room supplement is £20 per night
The hotel offers omni, vegetarian and vegan dietary options.
Participants who have complex or unusual diets may need to choose one of the regular options and buy a few snacks for any occasions when the meal doesn't match with their special diet.
BURSARIES!
This year Helen is introducing a number of bursaries, due to the increased cost of living and also to make the group as diverse as possible. Priority will be given to those with financial pressures and those under the age of 40. Bursaries will be given at Helen’s discretion and the discount will be up to £200 each depending on need.
If you would like to apply please email Helen directly - see the link below.
For more practical information click here.
"I simply don't know how to thank you adequately for such a perfect holiday -- an ideal blend of structured time, free time and excursions, with a whole bunch of really nice people. The music was a joy to sing, all of it! So, after dreaming about it for half a century, I finally got to Greece. It couldn't have been in better circumstances and couldn't have made me happier" Kerry 2024
"I’ve been to countless singing workshops and a few holidays too, but none compare to the joy I experienced there. The wonderful setting, the people and the music just came together perfectly. Harmony magic it was indeed!” Sandie 2024
"Helen is an absolute revelation of passion, her exceptional talent, patience and charismatic personality lead myself and others to a whole new level! She nurtured us and taught us to be comfortable in what was naturally out of comfort zones! A completely inspiring beautiful compassionate teacher and now friends. Thank you so much Helen for being you and I hope to return next years” Sarah 2024
"I didn’t think last year’s experience could be bettered, but it has!” John 2024
For further information and booking, contact: Helen: [email protected]
"I really enjoyed the singing week ; Helen was wonderful , I loved the choice of songs ; I felt the balance of singing and other activities was great . As well as being a gifted choir leader , Helen created and facilitated a positive group dynamic and was supportive and encouraging."
Judy Scott
participant 2016
Judy Scott
participant 2016
"I loved the singing, especially Helen's compositions and the South African and gospel songs. My confidence has grown as a result. I loved the hotel, great location and accommodation, lovely people and food, and the sea swimming was such a bonus! I found the balance of organised group and free time was just right (and I have never been on an organised group holiday before). It was fun to get out and do the walk, the lunch and evening sing etc. Glad to hear that Helen is planning the holiday again for next year, I very much hope to join!”
Jo Pettitt
participant, 2022
Jo Pettitt
participant, 2022