Hurdy-Gurdy Masterclass with Gilles Chabenat

On Saturday, October 10 and Sunday, October 11, we will have the pleasure of welcoming Gilles Chabenat for two days entirely dedicated to the hurdy-gurdy at the Henosis Cultural Centre.

Nestled in a beautiful green setting, this exceptional venue provides an ideal environment for concentration, exchange and musical practice. A true haven of peace, the Henosis Cultural Centre offers the opportunity to fully immerse yourself in music, away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, in a friendly and inspiring atmosphere.

Over these two days, participants will have the opportunity to learn from a musician renowned for the richness of his artistic career and his unique approach to the hurdy-gurdy, an instrument he has been exploring for several decades through traditional repertoires, contemporary music, jazz and blues.

The Workshop

During this workshop, Gilles Chabenat will share his experience and vision of the instrument through a combination of technical, musical and expressive work.

Participants will explore various fundamental aspects of hurdy-gurdy playing: instrument setup, mastery of wheel cranking techniques, scales and modes, ornamentation, dynamics, accents and musical phrasing.

Particular attention will also be given to the diversity of playing techniques and their combinations: legato, staccato, independent hand techniques and other approaches designed to enrich musical expression. These concepts will be explored in a practical way through accessible melodies, studied and developed collectively.

Whether you wish to deepen your technical skills, develop your musical expression or discover new approaches to playing, this workshop will offer a unique opportunity to explore the full richness of the hurdy-gurdy alongside one of the leading artists on today’s music scene.

Practical Information

The workshop includes accommodation from Saturday night to Sunday, directly at our cultural centre. Separate dormitories for men and women are available on site.

The ticket also includes Sunday’s concert, scheduled for 8:00 pm.

Meals are included in the workshop. They will be simple and convivial, prepared in part with produce from our own vegetable garden: vegetables, roast chicken, pasta, bread, etc.

Participants who wish to do so are also welcome to bring a few specialities or products to share, helping to contribute to the friendly atmosphere and exchanges throughout the weekend.

Schedule

Saturday:
10:00 am – 12:30 pm
2:00 pm – 6:00 pm

Breaks will be scheduled throughout the day. After the classes, it may also be possible to continue exchanging ideas and playing music beyond 6:00 pm, depending on Gilles Chabenat’s availability and energy levels — and, of course, among yourselves as well.

Sunday:
10:00 am – 12:30 pm
2:00 pm – 6:00 pm

The workshop may finish as early as 5:30 pm, depending on the progress of the programme and the preparations for the concert.

Getting There & Parking

For capacity reasons, it is not possible to leave your vehicle parked on site for the duration of the workshop. However, free parking is available in the village, at a place called “Le Boléron”, approximately 200 metres from the cultural centre.

You can of course drive to the centre to unload your instrument, equipment and belongings before moving your vehicle to the designated car park.

The nearest train station is Croy-Romainmôtier Station, approximately a 15-minute walk from the cultural centre.