The Azores Retreat
April 19-26 2025
Discover the Magic of Bansuri in the Heart of The Atlantic Ocean - The Azores
Welcome to The Azores
Calling all flute enthusiasts! Whether you’re a beginner or at an advanced level, embark on a transformative 6-day bansuri journey with me. Nestled in the serene Villa Franca do Campo, the Convento do Sao Francisco stands as a testament to time - a 17th-century Franciscan monastery, now elegantly renovated to welcome seekers like you.
Dive deep into the traditional art of the bansuri, where you’ll live, learn, and evolve alongside your fellow enthusiasts and under the guidance of a dedicated teacher. The course is designed in a way to make sure all levels can join, beginners as well as advanced, as there will be a lot of individual focus. The schedule is designed to make sure there is time for practice, reflection, integration and meditation.
Imagine mastering an ancient instrument, surrounded by the echoing walls of a monastery, with the vast Atlantic as your backdrop. A setting designed for focus, meditation, and musical transcendence.
Forge lifelong connections with the Global Bansuri Family, as you meet, mingle, and learn from passionate individuals from across the globe.
Under the expert tutelage of Linus Lundquist, experience the joy and discipline of riyaz (practice) sessions, tailored for every skill level.
Important Note: Take a mid-week breather! Wednesday offers you a golden opportunity to explore the island’s wonders - be it whalewatching, rejuvenating in a natural hot spring, or hiking amidst nature. The choice is yours!
Please note: While the retreat promises a holistic experience, external activities are not covered in the retreat price.
One week of playing bansuri in the most beautiful nature and with an amazing group of people. You will not only improve your bansuri skill manifold but also make countless invaluable memories in Azores
- Shahzeb, earlier participant
A typical day
Sunrise long notes practice
8 - Breakfast and integration (yoga, meditation, shower)
10 - Group class
1 pm - Lunch
3 pm - Group class
5 pm - Individual classes
19-20 Dinner
(may vary slightly)
Where we’ll be
Examples of topics covered in group class,
Long notes - Why we need to do it
Bansuri Ornaments - Katka, Murki, Meend, Gamak etc
Bansuri Techniques - Tips, tricks
Alaap & Jod - How to develop
Raga - Learn a raga
Notation - How to write what we play
In group class we will learn a raga with alaap, jod and composition with taans and tihais. We do the work together and motivate each other to strive deeper, to go faster, to play more.
Topics in Group Class
Everyone is walking their own individual path and therefore face their own unique challenges. That’s why I believe in the importance of having individual classes. To give full attention to the personal journey of that student only. Individual Class will, if the student is OK, be open for all to listen. One can learn a lot by observing another student taking class.
Individual Class
About the place
In the splendid scenery of S.Miguel Island (Azores), this 17th century listed monastery facing the sea - with antique furniture and contemporary modern paintings - offers absolute quietness of a secluded space out of time, filled with the waves echo, old gregorian chants and the music of the cloister fountains. With big terraces, several lounges in different floors (and tower) and only 11 rooms in a huge area - including a huge garden (surrounded by pineapple green houses), a squash and a swimming pool. Guests meet at breakfast, around an old conventual table as in friars time, whose unpretentious hospitality was intentionally recreated.
Linus is fully devoted to the bansuri and indian classical music and is a full time musician. He performs regularly and gives classes to students from all over the world, see what his students are saying here. Linus has spent his winters in India doing rigorous riyaz. Practicing up to eight hours every day.
He has been learning under legends of Indian classical music such as Pt Rajendra Prasanna and Pt Pravin Godkhindi. He is currently learning under the guidance of Debopriya Chatterjee.
He started his journey together with his teacher Igino Brunori (disciple of the Gundecha Brothers and Pt Rajendra Prasanna).
About the teacher
The Azores Retreat
April 19-26
Convento de São Francisco, The Azores
Join me for a 6 day immersive retreat on the Azores! Enjoying music and nature together with flute lovers from all over the world.
Arriving Saturday and leaving next Saturday morning.
