group tour testimonials

“The quality of the Hayllar experience is exceptional; the excellent and trouble-free arrangements; the small group where one can get to know others; the wonderful seating and privileges afforded our group (attending a rehearsal for instance) and the consideration for every detail needed for our comfort. Words cannot describe the excellence of this Festival. The variety of music and performers was thoughtfully programmed and the quality of the musicians of the highest order. Graham Abbott gave talks about the music being presented daily which enhanced our understanding and enjoyment of the musical experience. He did this with humor, variety, and discipline. I have now attended 3 Bendigo Festivals including the Inaugural one, and it just gets better and better.”
Anne, Bendigo Chamber Music Festival, 2024

“The attention to detail, the diversity of tours, musical performances and accommodation was beyond my expectations. To attend such fantastic historical venues with world-class performances is something one doesn't often get to do and I am so privileged to have been on this tour. The tour leader and tour manager are to be highly commended for, not only their hard work, but the friendliness that they showed to the entire group and personnel with whom they were coordinating.”
Victoria, Christmas & New Year in Europe, 2023

“Verdi is one of my favourite opera composers and this one popped up just when I felt the need for more than a local holiday. What clinched the deal for me was Cheryl Barker as tour leader and she certainly didn't disappoint. Her talks were very informative and discussions after operas about the production were enlightening. In addition, her generosity of her time during the days was just delightful! We had very good seats at all the performances, and it was such a privilege to attend operas in those venues. Excellent hotels, terrific day tours with local guides, comfortable coaches, great tour leader and manager - I definitely loved every activity!”
Jackie, Festival Verdi, Opera & Art in Northern Italy, 2023

“Everything was looked after for us, the food and wine experiences were notable, the lectures illuminating, and the music experience was unlike anything I have heard before. Graham Abbott was outstanding. His talks and musical examples added a great deal to the overall experience and enjoyment of the occasion. Each of the performers was excellent, with Daniel De Borah especially notable. Hearing chamber music in this intimate setting brought vitality to the music and a sense of involvement that is impossible in a larger auditorium. Chamber music the way it was meant to be heard - superb!”
Garry, Hayllar Chamber Music Weekend - The Art of Beethoven, 2023

“Nothing could be faulted in this tour. The itinerary was excellent, loved the restaurants and walking to the Opera House from the hotel. The performance was out of this world and the Tour Leader was also excellent. I enjoy travelling with Hayllar!”
Mary, La Gioconda in Concert at the Sydney Opera House, 2023

“Given that we had a tour leader and a tour manager travelling with us, many performances to attend, talks, dinners and ground transportation I thought the tour was very good value for money. The standard of musicianship at the festival was so high, and the programming overall was successful. I liked the private talks that Elizabeth gave before the performances giving a greater insight into the music we would be listening to.”
Susan, Australian Festival of Chamber Music & the Queensland Outback, 2023

“The Hayllar June 2023 Northern Italy tour far exceeded all my expectations. I found it so enjoyable, that I booked another trip on the final night of this one! The four major cities & spectacular opera houses were a wonderful combination. Fiona was sublime as tour leader: knowledgeable, gracious and fun! I’m very much looking forward to the next trip with Hayllar!”
Kathy, Opera & Art in Northern Italy, 2023

“The tour opened my eyes to towns I never would have known to visit and gave me the opportunity to hear the music of Bach performed in beautiful venues throughout the city of Leipzig. Honestly, I can’t say enough good things about travelling with this tour company. They deliver. Hotels are top notch and centrally located, restaurants used for group meals are carefully chosen and provide meals of a very high standard. Seating at performance venues is selected with care in order to try and assure that everyone has good vantage points from which to enjoy the performances. Binding everything together are well designed daily itineraries that keep everything flowing smoothly. It all adds up to one glorious experience. I am happy to see that the tour I took is being offered again. Now others will have the chance to experience the pleasure of following ‘In the Footsteps of Bach’.”
Jane, In the Footsteps of Bach, 2023

“This Opera in the English Countryside 2023 is probably the best organised and effected tour I have experienced in the more than dozen tours of all types I have personally experienced. Elizabeth’s talks are first class and every one of the operas met exceptional standards. Hayllar Music got excellent seats in the theatres which reflects their relationships with the producers. The tour could not be better. Everything was planned and executed perfectly.”
Rod, Opera in the English Countryside, 2023

“I've just attended two weeks at the Mahler Festival in Leipzig Hayllar Tour, with each symphony performed by a different world-leading orchestra. Wow! The performances were extraordinary - a dream come true. Both the ever knowledgeable Graham Abbott's guidance through the Mahler signposts, and Vennisa as group manager, made them delightful companions. Fabulous Tour. Thank you Hayllar.”
Irena, Mahler Festival in Leipzig, 2023

“The tour was magnificent! It was everything I was hoping and more. Graham Abbott was great - enthusiastic, knowledgeable, and available to answer everything Mahler. His private pre-concert presentations enhanced the pleasure of the music and were not to be missed An unforgettable experience!”
Lydia, Mahler Festival in Leipzig, 2023

“To be able to observe, absorb and be enveloped in such interesting repertoire from close visual range was a real thrill. Each musician's personality was expressed so beautifully through their interpretations of the works they had chosen to perform and the opportunities to chat informally with the artists over dinners was a special touch. The excellent presentations by Graham Abbott added something extra to one's appreciation and enjoyment of the diverse performances.”
Wendy, Hayllar Chamber Music Weekends - The Art of the Piano, 2023

“Vennisa and Graham coordinated a fabulously smooth-running event for us all. I had a fantastic time. The performances were so well selected by you and your team! They were variously exquisite, confronting, powerful, uplifting, beautiful, hilarious, provocative, nuanced and so diverse - very stimulating and enjoyable. In all a fabulous tour. The team at Hayllar Music Tours are to be congratulated!”
Jane, Adelaide Festival: Music & Theatre, 2023

“Many thanks to you for a wonderful festival. Having not been anywhere for a long time it was a magic experience with your personal interest and attention to every detail the icing on the cake. We regard ourselves very fortunate to have been part of the tour.” David and Jacqui, Bendigo Chamber Music Festival, 2023

“The variety and quality of activities and experiences indicate how much thought and care went into planning this tour. I was amazed at the quality of playing and the variety of performances was really enjoyable! The meals that we had with Hayllar were exceptional! The meal we had on the first night where the John Glover art was hung, along with work associated with him was very special and the food itself was delicious.”
Sue, Hobart & the Tasmanian Chamber Music Festival, 2022

“Anna Goldsworthy put a fabulous program together. All the conversation concerts and performances were inspiring. It made me appreciate the temporal development of classical music. Kamana Lakehouse was a great venue and so there wasn't a bad seat. This meant that you could really concentrate on the music. The QT was well-situated and meals were great and of a high standard. The tour is very carefully thought out, which gives a wonderfully balanced, stress-free, and high-quality experience.”
Fiona, Music & Mountains Festival, 2022

“Art of the Aria in Grandchester was my first Hayllar tour. It exceeded my expectations. Wonderfully intimate performances coupled with Graham Abbot’s entertaining and informative lectures made for a fabulous time. The attention to detail by Steve and Vennisa was extraordinary.”
Pamela, The Art of the Aria, Grandchester, 2022

“All I can think of is “Perfection”. The trip had everything and in the right order. The hotel, the theatre, the concerts, the opera, the dinners, the galleries and the day trips were so superbly worked out. Everything about this holiday was magnificent and I’m sure all would agree. Margaret Throsby’s addition as Tour Leader was a wonderful idea. The group was delighted to have her on board. She is a class act. Her invitees who participated in the talks added even more to the tour if that were possible. My sincere congratulations to you all.”
Loma, Autumn in New York 2019

“Wow, what a wonderful concentrated 3+ days of chamber music followed by the outback coach trip via interesting country towns, full of history and character. Our Tour Leader and Tour Manager could not have been better in any way, going beyond expectations with their availability and the information and assistance they provided. Both were such fun to be with. Genevieve Lang has outstanding musical knowledge and teaching skills and is great company, interested in talking with every one of us and always happy to answer our questions. Vennisa not once showed anything was a bother to her. She also provided interesting, relevant information all along the way, especially informative introductions about each town as we approached. Her good humour and warmth were uplifting. A big thank you to all of you making the tour such a wonderful experience.”
Meredith, Australian Festival of Chamber Music and the Queensland Outback 2019

“After studying the itinerary and finding it to my liking, it was with great enthusiasm that I made the decision to join the tour group. After experiencing the tour I say with astonishment that it actually exceeded my own very high expectations. The whole tour was beautifully organised and moved like clockwork. Everything was first class. The seats at all performances were seemingly among the best offered, the prearranged food offerings included in the group lunches and dinners were all delicious and my fellow travellers were an interesting group of culture-loving individuals. Who could ask for anything more? But there was more. Informative and entertaining tour guides, ideally located hotels, sparkling clean coaches providing transport between destinations and just enough built in free time for pursuing personal interests. Honestly I could turn around and do it all over again. The tour was perfection!”
Jane, Opera in the English Countryside 2019

"Great tours, excellent, knowledgeable tour leaders and faultlessly planned. I recently went to the Huntington Music Festival with Hayllar Music Tours. Liz is a wonderful tour leader and we had such a great tour with her."
Helen, Huntington Estate Music Festival 2018

"We had a wonderful time on this tour. The Wexford Festival is a dream. If you love opera, then you must go. And the focus on Irish history was beautifully planned and executed. Our Irish historian John Ducie was brilliant. You could not do better than to join this tour if you have an interest in both Ireland and Opera. Or even if you have an interest in only one of the above! Just do it."
Irene and John, Music, Theatre & History in Ireland 2018

"I absolutely loved it! All of it! Serious music, helpful background given by our Tour Leader, art, a historic home, fabulous food, a wonderful hotel, enough free time to rest or embark on individual interests, exploration of the Opera Centre - fantastic! The other guests were also interested in these things, so it was easy to enjoy each other's company, making it a very comfortable friendly group to be in."
Anne, Opera & Art in Sydney 2018

"I loved the itinerary. The performances were fabulous and the special restaurants were lovely. Everything was arranged perfectly. Nothing was too much trouble for our Tour Manager Steve. Well done and thank you. I loved my tour!"
Fiona, Wagner's Ring Cycle in San Francisco 2018

"Elizabeth is an outstanding Tour Leader. Her knowledge and generous sharing of her wide and deep musical knowledge is a delightful bonus. Her careful attention to detail ensures absolutely everything runs smoothly and guests simply relax into pampered enjoyment for the length of the tour. She goes above and beyond customer service with her delightful assistance in finding places and restaurants guests may want to add to their experience. Her total care of guests is unparalleled in my experience. Elizabeth's special contacts offered us exclusive experiences, such as dinner at Kings College, Cambridge and a private recital at the Jacqueline du Pré Music Building in St Hilda's College, Oxford. These are small carefully curated and warmly managed tours of the highest quality experiences."
Mary, Opera & Theatre in London & the English Countryside 2018

"A truly wonderful experience - the fabulous operas and venues, the great accommodation, superb dining and sightseeing, informative talks, not to forget the good company, plus the 10/10 organisation; welcoming and inclusive for all. I could participate again!!!"
Jude, Opera & Art in Milan, Venice, Verona, Lucca & Torre del Lago 2017

"It was a privilege to be a participant of ‘Opera & Theatre in London and the English Countryside’ during June this year. Hayllar Music Tours provide a first class experience with their choice of performances, venues, accommodation plus meals and transport. Liz couldn't be more helpful or organised and made each of us feel very welcome and gave us a most memorable experience. I will be looking forward to joining another Hayllar tour! Highly recommend!"
Margaret, Opera & Theatre in London & the English Countryside 2017

"I had high expectations of Hayllar Music Tours...they were met. From first contact with the office and culminating with the thoughtful and thorough planning and the execution of all associated elements…they were of a high standard and must be acknowledged. Structure of each day, inclusions and camaraderie were hallmarks....quality and style (including catering and premier seating) ranked highly with this tour. One could not ask for more. Thank you."
Robert, The Ring Cycle in Melbourne 2016  

"My father and I could not have hoped for a better trip! Hayllar Music Tours offered my father and I a chance to experience opera and symphonic music in amazing venues, with highly talented musicians and maestros. Hayllar Music Tours takes the work out of travel, offering intellectually stimulating activities by day and sublime musical experiences by night. Hayllar Music Tours stayed true to the planned itinerary and exceeded our expectations in every way!"
Nadeen and Gerhard, Opera & Music Festivals in Salzburg, Munich, Bregenz & Verona 2016

"I recently returned from the tour Opera & Music Festivals in Salzburg, Munich, Bregenz & Verona, led by the charming and totally competent, Liz Hayllar. It exceeded all my expectations. The hotels were marvellous, the carefully selected restaurants were a highlight, the guides were all excellent, as of course, was the superb music. I am now arranging to go on a Hayllar Music Tour to the Adelaide Festival in March."
Irene, Opera & Music Festivals in Salzburg, Munich, Bregenz & Verona 2016

"Simply a superlative experience. There is a quality to the top English country opera festivals that is unique. Coupled with great seats, special experiences at King’s College, excellent food and a personal touch delivered with skill and generosity by tour director Liz Hayllar, this tour must rank as one of the best."
Irene and John, Opera & Theatre in London & the English Countryside 2016

"A wonderful tour! I loved the itinerary. It offered a variety of experiences such as access to rehearsals and private recitals that otherwise would not have been possible, in addition to interesting and varied music and theatre performances. Liz was fantastic. Excellent planning, skilled communicator, genuinely interested in our stories. Thank you Liz for making it such a great experience."
Jennifer, Opera & Theatre in London & the English Countryside 2016

"Thank you again, most profusely, for a wonderful tour. I have loved every moment of it. I will definitely do a future tour or tours with you and will highly recommend you to my friends."
Margaret, England’s Summer Music Festivals 2015

"Thank you so much for the wonderful tour and the personal touch. We’re looking forward to touring with you again."
Katrina, Opera, Music & Art in Verona & Venice 2015

"5 plus stars to Hayllar Music Tours for an unforgettable week in Northern Italy. A well planned but flexible schedule with just the right mix of shared and personal time, great company, wonderful music and fine dining chosen with care. I would highly recommend any tour guided by Elizabeth."
Raye, Opera, Music & Art in Verona & Venice 2015

industry testimonials

"I had the immense pleasure of working with Liz Hayllar on my "Drama Queens" tours throughout Europe and in the USA. Liz successfully arranged concerts for me in New York, London, Paris, Berlin, Vienna, Amsterdam, Prague, Budapest and in many more cities! The organisation of all tours was not only executed perfectly with everything running smoothly, but she brought a wonderful sense of joy and enthusiasm to the experience which could never be quantified. It was a delight to work with her and I wish her every wonderful thing for Hayllar Music Tours."
Joyce DiDonato, Mezzo-soprano

"For me and the Freiburg Baroque Orchestra it was a big pleasure to have worked with Liz Hayllar as the Manager for Tours & Projects of Intermusica Artists’ Management Ltd. in London over several years. During this time she perfectly organised all different aspects of our tours in Europe, in Asia, in New Zealand and in Australia. Working with Liz Hayllar on both professional and personal levels was a delight."
Hans-Georg Kaiser, Artistic Director and Manager, Freiburg Baroque Orchestra

"Elizabeth Hayllar and I worked closely together for 4 years whilst I was Chief Executive of the Academy of Ancient Music. Together we successfully managed orchestral tours to Australia twice as well as mainland China and South East Asia. Liz is a meticulous organiser with a wonderfully reassuring attention to detail, who’s calm and immaculately professional character ensured the smooth delivery of the tours and enabled us to overcome any unforeseen difficulty that arose whilst travelling with a large group of people. As a result it was always a pleasure working with her."
Michael Garvey, Chief Executive, Academy of Ancient Music

"I have had the privilege to work with Elizabeth Hayllar on several high-profile orchestra tours to places such as the BBC Proms, the Edinburgh Festival and the capitals of mainland Europe. It has been an absolute pleasure to work with Liz in every respect: she is extremely well structured and organised, creative, un-phased by the more demanding challenges and always communicates in a warm, courteous and professional manner with the right portion of humour and wit. Collaborating with and being looked after by Liz was amongst the highlights of the Deutsche Symphonie-Orchester Berlin’s touring experiences!"
Alexander Steinbeis, Managing Director, Deutsches Symphonie-Orchester Berlin