13 – 18 August 2019
We are looking for singers to join the ensemble 14th-16th August and bring the Martin Mass for Double Choir to its full, glorious potential. Conductors/singers who are interested are offered a free observer place on the masterclass. Please contact victoria@vocesacademy.org for more information or to register your interest.
Worcester, UK
Soak up 1000 years of history in the beautiful city of Worcester with Voces Academy’s 9th Annual Summer Conducting Programme. Conductors are offered the opportunity to work intensively on a variety of a cappella choral works with internationally respected conductors, Peter Hanke and Victoria Ely, within the breathtaking Worcester Cathedral. The masterclass programme will focus on conducting gesture, rehearsal technique and the exploration of the conductor’s role as an inspiring and effective leader. Award-winning chamber choir, Evoke, will be joining the masterclasses as the learning ensemble.
Voces Academy is pleased to be collaborating with the Worcester Festival, Worcester Cathedral and the Elgar School of Music for this event.
Musical Leadership
Voces Academy’s philosophy is centred around the conductor as an inspirational leader, where understanding the needs of the ensemble is paramount to the success of any rehearsal or performance. Conducting masterclasses in gesture and rehearsal technique develop effective choral direction that expresses articulation, phrasing and physical communication, and allows the singers to feel both free and in great demand. Through mutual exploration of each conductor’s personal approach and abilities, an individualised map emerges of how to develop great conducting.
Admission
The Voces Academy Summer Conducting Programme is open to conductors of all levels. We have two different offers to match conductors of similar skill-level and experience:
Long Course for advanced conductors with some years’ experience, post-graduate level or similar.
Short Course for developing conductors with some experience and desire to reach the next level of technical proficiency.
The two streams will work separately with technical sessions focusing on gesture each day, grouping conductors of similar experience and ability together. There will also be an opportunity for both groups to come together for mutual learning activities.
Schedule*
Worcester Cathedral
Tues 13th Aug – morning arrival, Oxford (TBC)
Young Global Leaders Workshop (WEF), Oxford University
Exploring leadership from a different angle
Wed 14th Aug
M’Class Day 1
Thurs 15th Aug
M’Class Day 2
Annual Summer Programme Dinner
Fri 16th Aug
M’Class Day 3
Informal demonstration; open to public
Short course concludes
Saturday 17th Aug
M’Class Day 4 – Advanced Conductors
With Evoke
Video reflection & analysis option – Developing Conductors
Sun 18th Aug
M’Class Day 5 – Advanced Conductors
Closing Performance with Evoke
Depart Worcester
Voces Academy offers a comprehensive programme of conducting masterclasses, rehearsal techniques sessions and informal performances, all within a supportive environment. Conductors will experience focussed sessions with colleagues of similar experience and/or skill-level and whole-group sessions in which mutual learning and mentorship is established. Day One of the course commences with the rare opportunity to join an executive leadership development course lead by Peter Hanke, delving deep into the motivations and considerations of leaders across all disciplines and providing the philosophical framework for the conducting masterclasses.
Developing conductors are invited and encouraged to remain on the Summer Programme for the final two days as observers and members of the ensemble for a full and rich learning experience. There will also be an opportunity for analysis of and reflection on any video recordings that are taken throughout the course.
*Schedule may be subject to change
Worcester Cathedral
Venue
Worcester Cathedral
College Hall
Elgar School of Music
Masterclass sessions will take place in Worcester Cathedral, College Hall and the Elgar School of Music. Sessions in the cathedral and the Closing Performance are part of the Worcester Festival and will be open to the public for observation. Sessions in the Elgar School of Music are for participants only.
Repertoire
Advanced Conductors – Long Course
Martin, Mass for Double Choir (Bärenreiter BA 7594)
Poulenc, Quatre motets pour un temps de pénitence (Salabert Edition)
Holmboe, A Lyke-Wake Dirge Op. 110a (Edition Wilhelm Hansen)
Holmboe, The Wee Wee Man Op. 110b (Edition Wilhelm Hansen)
Byrd, Haec Dies
Byrd, Sing Joyfully
Developing Conductors – Short Course
Mendelssohn, Drei Volkslieder Op. 41 Nos 2,3,4
Selections from Madrigals & Partsongs (OUP Choral Classics Edition) including*:
Campion, Never Weather-Beaten Sail
Cornelius, So weich und warm
Dowland, Weep you no more, sad fountains
Elgar, As Torrents in Summer
Lassus, Bonjour mon coeur
Parry, Music when soft voices die
Additional pieces from OUP Madrigals & Partsongs may be selected depending on the range of voiceparts within the ensemble.
Participants are expected to provide their own scores. Links have been provided for works out of copyright and can be freely printed. All other works are still in copyright should to be obtained according to the editions specified.
Participation Fees
Up to 8 Active Conductors will be accepted in each course.
Prices include masterclass sessions, conducting exercises and Summer Programme Dinner on Thurs 15th Aug. Accommodation is offered separately.
Short Course, Tues 13th – Fri 16th August
For developing conductors with some experience and a desire to reach the next level of technical proficiency. Conductors in this stream are invited and encouraged to observe the final two days of the long course and benefit from an additional session reflecting on video recordings taken throughout the week.
Full £305
Student £225
Observer 17th-18th Aug + £45 (additional to conductor participation fee)
Long Course, Tues 13th – Sun 18th August
For advanced conductors with some years’ experience, post-graduate level or similar.
Full £375
Student £295
Observer £150
Accommodation
Accommodation is offered at the University of Worcester, City Campus, halls of residence and consists of a single room with ensuite bathroom facilities.
Full Course; 5 nights (Tues 13 – Sat 17) £240 pp
Short Course; 3 nights (Tues 13 – Thurs 15) £145 pp
Prices include breakfast.
How to Apply
Please note that applications for the 2019 Summer Conducting Programme are now closed.
Conductors should submit a link to a recent performance or rehearsal showing their conducting technique via Youtube or similar media and a CV. Please ensure videos are recorded from in front of the conductor so that hands and face are clearly visible. To apply please complete the Application Form.
A £40 unrefundable application fee/deposit is payable on application. Upon successful admittance, this is deducted from the participation fee and the remaining amount is due by 7th June 2019.
Applications close 17th May 2019 and all applicants will be notified by Friday 24th May.
For further information, please contact Victoria Ely
+4478966 35323
Thanks to our partners and sponsors:
Elgar School of Music
Worcester Cathedral
Worcester Festival
