A variety of activities touching on the theme will be featured, including a workshop on instrument building (2 places are still available), in which students will make their own instruments as the public looks on. Renaissance dance courses with members of the French company Outre Mesure are also on offer. A thorough overview of the recreational dances described by Thoinot Arbeau in Orchésographie will be presented; students will also learn the dances with members of the teaching staff and participate as musicians and dancers (or both) in the Renaissance Ball scheduled for 31 August.

Other highlights include a lecture on Renaissance costumes, a Renaissance ball and cabaret, and a series of Renaissance concerts given by the Spanish ensemble El Cortesano, the Swiss singer and lutenist Christine Gabrielle, the Swiss flute ensemble La Volette, and the French ensemble Doulce Mémoire. An exhibition about last year’s baroque violin making workshop can be visited throughout the event at the Calvaire de Gruyères.

Highlights of the 2007 programme include the costume ball “Dansez Renaissance…” with the Compagnie Outre Mesure, accompanied for the occasion by violinist and hurdy-gurdy player Thierry Bertrand, percussionist Sylvain Fabre, lute, guitar and mandore player Miguel Henry, and Robin Joly, a dancer who also performs on the recorder and oboe. The public is invited to join in. A Renaissance cabaret entitled “La Dive Bouteille” will be given by Doulce Mémoire. Details at www.anselmus.ch/fr/association/atelier2007.htm