Week 1
about week 1
This week, we celebrate the intimacy of Renaissance chamber music. We’re delighted to welcome back viol consort Fretwork, vocal ensemble Stile Antico and wind band The City Musick, alongside soprano Dame Emma Kirkby, tenor Simon Wall, lutenist Lynda Sayce and harpsichordist Jane Chapman.
We’ll also be taking over the gardens, with amateurs drummers re-awakening the land in Raven Chacon’s Drum Grid, singers journeying round the world with choral leader Moira Smiley, and viola da gamba virtuoso Liam Byrne taking up residence in the tiny Playhouse hut to explore domestic part-books.
Artistic Director Sara Mohr-Pietsch and BBC Radio producer Sam Phillips launch our brand new Future Sounds courses.
Multi-instrument ensemble Lux Musicae London coach Chamber Music sessions, and Rhiannon Evans returns as Orchestral Workshop leader.
The week will end with a spectacular programme of “Hymns of Thanksgiving and Lament”, with Andrew Griffiths conducting early and new choral music written in the midst of massive social upheaval, including an exciting commission from Nico Muhly.
session by session
COURSE LEVELS:
Please note that course levels indicate the minimum level required for each course.
Tap the course desired to jump to the full course detail. MOBILE USERS: Please ensure your turn your device to landscape to view the session grid.
All courses run from Sunday to Friday. The given dates for each week include both Saturdays for residents’ arrival and departure.
APPALACHIAN SONG
CHOIR
Join Week 1’s Choir for a spectacular programme of Renaissance and Baroque hymns of thanksgiving and lament, as we celebrate being able to sing together again. A brand new commission from Nico Muhly will sit alongside music by 16th- and 17th-century composers responding to the intense turmoil of their times, including Heinrich Schütz, Orlando Gibbons, Giovanni Gabrieli and Claudio Monteverdi. Please check the Music Supplies page in May for the full repertoire list.
CHAMBER MUSIC
RHIANNON EVANS & LUX MUSICAE LONDON | Session 2 AND/or 3
A chance to play chamber music together with other participants, developing your ensemble skills with expert tuition from resident ensemble Lux Musicae London. Rhiannon Evans, our course co-ordinator, will allocate groups in advance, according to level and ability. You’ll have a chance to perform at the end of the week, and to schedule extra informal sessions (subject to player availability).
You must fill in our online chamber music form in advance to take this course – please visit our dedicated chamber music page.
COMPOSITION
A unique opportunity for experienced composers to study with acclaimed American composer Nico Muhly. Teaching will focus on writing for early instruments: viols, lutes, harpsichords, Renaissance winds and voices. Muhly’s close collaborator, Liam Byrne (viola da gamba) will co-lead some sessions on writing collaboratively for specific players and instruments. You will bring a semi-complete work, and spend the week on it, receiving individual and group tuition, culminating in a performance of completed works with available players at the end of the week.
This is an Advanced Course – please see click here for details of how to apply.
Please note: Whilst we are planning for this course to go ahead, international travel restrictions may result in remote learning. All applicants will be kept up to date of any changes.
FUTURE SOUNDS: LISTENING CLUB
FUTURE SOUNDS: MAKE a radio Feature
SAM PHILLIPS | Sessions 1 & 2
Experienced radio producer (BBC Radio 3) and composer Sam Phillips leads a week-long course in how to make a radio feature. This course is open to anyone interested in crafting stories in sound, regardless of technical experience. You’ll learn how to record your own material, interview musicians and participants on site, and craft a feature which tells the story of a week at Dartington. You’ll have the chance to hear your feature broadcast on Dartington’s resident radio station, Soundart Radio (FM and online).
HARPSICHORD CLASS
INTRODUCTION TO EARLY KEYBOARD MUSIC
LUTE CLASS
This double-session course is for experienced players of early plucked instruments: lutes, archlutes, chitarroni and guitars. Teaching will focus on both developing accompaniment/continuo skills, and solo performance. A unique matched consort of Renaissance lutes will be available for ensemble playing. There will be opportunities for advanced students to collaborate with singers from the Vocal Masterclass, and performances for all towards the end of the week. Please bring along an instrument of your own, and prepare a piece of solo lute music to work on.
There are a limited number of bursaries available for this course for Advanced students – please see click here for details of how to apply.
ORCHESTRAL WORKSHOP
This early-morning workshop is open to all strings and non-transposing winds (pitch: A440). The sessions will focus on 17th-century instrumental masterpieces from England and its continental neighbours, including music by Gibbons, Lawes, Biber, Purcell and Corelli. You’ll develop your knowledge of historical style and repertoire, and will have the chance to perform in the Chamber Groups concert at the end of the week.
RENAISSANCE BAND
RENAISSANCE CONSORT
This session for advanced players of historic brass/reeds (cornett, sackbut, shawm and dulcian) and strings (violin family and viols) will explore the music associated with court and civic bands in 16th- and 17th-century Europe. You’ll work on aspects of style and interpretation, and develop your appreciation of the issues associated with historical performance. You’ll also have a chance to improve your technical and ensemble skills, and take part in performances towards the end of the week.
This is an Advanced Course – please see click here for details of how to apply.
RENAISSANCE POLYPHONY
SING WITH STILE ANTICO
This is a chance to sit side-by-side with members of Stile Antico, and have a good time singing excellent music in a relaxed environment, with several voices to one part. You’ll explore the extraordinary polychoral music of Tomas Luis de Victoria, including his 12-part Missa Laetatus sum. The session will encourage improvement of ensemble, vocal and choral skills. Please check the Music Supplies page in May for the full repertoire list.
THE VOICE IS A TRAVELLER
Moira Smiley teaches her own arrangements of songs she’s gathered from her song-collecting travels around the world (USA, Ireland, Serbia, Bulgaria and Ukraine), as well original compositions from her album In Our Voices and companion Unzip The Horizon Songbook. You’ll sing in harmony, learn body percussion, and have the chance to perform in a concert at the end of the week. If you play an instrument to intermediate level, you’re welcome to bring that along too, as potential accompaniment.
VIOL CONSORTS
This immersive course will explore a rich variety of music for multiple viols, with works from the Golden Age of English consort music (16th and 17th Centuries), European music (including Fretwork’s own Bach arrangements), and challenging contemporary works which Fretwork have commissioned over the years. Intermediate and advanced players will work separately for Sessions 1 and 2, and play together in Session 3. You’ll receive coaching from members of Fretwork, and be allocated groups to play with of both similar and mixed standards. There will also be some opportunities to receive one-to-one coaching, and a chance to perform in public at the end of the week.
There are a limited number of bursaries available for this course for Advanced students – click here for details of how to apply.
VOCAL CLASS
SAM EVANS | Session 2 or 3
Baritone Sam Evans joins us, bringing his extensive experience as a solo singer and music teacher to this popular class which will run in a similar style to a masterclass. Coaching will focus on technique and performance skills in this inclusive and supportive session, and you’ll improve your technique and style through both one-to-one coaching, and observing the rest of the class. You can bring repertoire of your own choice, and can attend either session 2 or 3.
VOCAL ENSEMBLES
Join vocal ensemble Stile Antico for an exploration of sacred and secular Renaissance music connected to the themes of dusk, night and dawn, including works by William Byrd, Thomas Tallis, Orlandus Lassus and Claudio Monteverdi. You’ll work in small groups of one or two to a part, develop your ensemble skills of tuning, listening and group phrasing, and get to know some little-known musical gems.
VOCAL MASTERCLASS
DAME EMMA KIRKBY | Session 3
Dame Emma Kirkby leads a vocal masterclass for advanced singers of all voice types. This course is aimed at recent graduates, postgraduate students and young professionals. There will be a two-hour masterclass each day, with accompaniment available and an opportunity in the week to work on lute songs with students from Lynda Sayce’s class. You’ll work on at least two pieces in the week, and one masterclass will be promoted as a public event in Dartington’s medieval Great Hall.
This is an Advanced Course – please see click here for details of how to apply.
PLUS: WELLBEING SESSION
Every morning begins with an optional yoga, bodywork or mindfulness session.
plus: open space
Open Space is a moment in each day where we encourage you to follow your creative thread in whichever way serves you best. You will be able to sign up for workshops, discussions and events, generate your own activity or simply take time to explore the estate and enjoy a peaceful walk. With no commitment needed before arrival, you can tailor your Open Space time to suit your needs, on a daily basis. More about Open Space >
Week 2
about week 2
We’re delighted to be hosting residencies for two of the UK’s leading baroque ensembles, from Scotland and Wales: John Butt brings his Dunedin Consort to perform J.S. Bach’s powerful B Minor Mass, and we welcome Rachel Podger to direct our Dartington Festival Baroque Orchestra with her group Brecon Baroque.
Acclaimed soprano Mhairi Lawson leads our vocal masterclass, and we welcome back harpsichordist Steven Devine, soprano Kate Semmens and recorder virtuoso Jill Kemp to teach workshops. Award-winning Ensemble Meridiana return as Chamber Music coaches.
Rob Harbron and Miranda Rutter lead our folk ensemble, and we launch a special partnership with The Nest Collective, who bring their political folk protest Fire Choir to the Summer School for the first time. Alexis Bennett will draw the two strands of this week together with a new course exploring 18th-century composers inspired by folk music.
We offer our first-ever short course for parents and children, SoundsCreative’s Big & Small Music Lab led by Tara Franks.
session by session
COURSE LEVELS:
Please note that course levels indicate the minimum level required for each course.
Tap the course desired to jump to the full course detail. MOBILE USERS: Please ensure your turn your device to landscape to view the session grid.
All courses run from Sunday to Friday. The given dates for each week include both Saturdays for residents’ arrival and departure.
CHOIR: BACH B MINOR MASS
Bach expert John Butt, one of the UK’s most generous musical personalities, directs the Choir in Bach’s late, great masterpiece, the B Minor Mass. This morning session will involve all singers, working towards an end-of-week performance with the Dartington Festival Baroque Orchestra, led by Rachel Podger with Dunedin Consort soloists.
CHOIR SEMI-CHORUS
John Butt and Gavin Roberts lead rehearsals for the semi-chorus for Bach’s B Minor Mass in the end-of-week performance. Singers won’t be selected for this, but we ask you come along to this class if you feel confident you can manage the more demanding passages in the work. Please see our music supplies page for a breakdown of which parts of each chorus will be allocated to the semi-chorus.
BIG & SMALL MUSIC LAB
We’re delighted to present our first family-friendly short course, led by cellist and music creator Tara Franks, director of London’s successful SoundsCreative Projects. Big & Small Music Lab is designed for pairs of family members who attend together – one big, one small – giving parents and children a chance to connect through music. You’ll improvise, compose, sing and learn folksongs from around the world, and collaborate as a group to create new music inspired by your surroundings.
This course is for two family members attending together, both who play a musical instrument: one adult, one child aged 8 or over. Everything will be played by ear so no notation reading is required for this course.
CHAMBER MUSIC
RHIANNON EVANS & ENSEMBLE MERIDIANA | Session 2 AND/or 3
A chance to play chamber music together with other participants, developing your ensemble skills with expert tuition from members of the popular period instrument group, Ensemble Meridiana. Rhiannon Evans, our course co-ordinator, will allocate groups in advance, according to level and ability. You’ll have a chance to perform at the end of the week, and to schedule extra informal sessions (subject to player availability). You must fill in our online chamber music form in advance to take this course – please visit our dedicated chamber music page.
DARTINGTON FESTIVAL BAROQUE ORCHESTRA
RACHEL PODGER, RACHEL BROWN, GAIL HENNESSY, RICHARD THOMAS | Sessions 1, 2 and 3
Acclaimed violinist Rachel Podger leads a week-long intensive Baroque orchestra course for advanced players and postgraduate students. You’ll spend the week preparing an orchestral concert of mixed instrumental works, including a selection of Biber Sonatas, Handel Concerti Grossi and Bach’s Orchestral Suite no. 3. The orchestra will also play in the end-of-week performance of Bach’s B Minor Mass, conducted by John Butt. There will be sectionals and one-to-one tuition during the course from our team of tutors.
This is an Advanced Selected course – please click here for details of how to apply.
FIDDLE BAND
FIRE CHOIR
Vocal leader Ben See brings The Nest Collective’s popular Fire Choir to Dartington, an initiative aimed at revitalising communal singing with political empowerment and protest at its heart. You’ll explore a varied repertoire of folk protest songs about war, resistance, struggle and the natural world, and perform a short selection of songs at the end of the week. Ideal for anyone who wants to discover their voice in a community setting, and sing for change.
FOLK ENSEMBLE
ROB HARBRON, MIRANDA RUTTER & ALEXIS BENNETT | Session 2
This course is open to instrumentalists of all backgrounds, whether you have previous folk experience or not. You’ll learn a range of folk tunes and explore the styles and techniques that will help you go beyond the notes, and make the tunes dance. This course will be taught entirely by ear, and the tutors will demonstrate effective strategies for learning this way for anyone more accustomed to reading music. We’ll explore ways of playing together, and there will be a chance for public performance at the end of the week.
FUTURE SOUNDS: Listening club
Sara mohr-PIetsch | Session 2
Listening to music is as much of an art as performing it. Building on our existing series of live Listening Club events at Dartington, Artistic Director Sara Mohr-Pietsch leads a week-long course exploring the art of listening to music. We’ll listen to live and recorded music together, discuss and investigate the role of the audience, and experiment with different tools for enhancing the listening experience, from mindfulness to aural analysis.
HARPSICHORD CLASS
INTRODUCTION TO THE FORTEPIANO
ORCHESTRAL WORKSHOP
Rhiannon Evans leads her popular workshop for players of all strings and non-transposing winds (pitch A440). The course will focus on Bach’s Orchestral Suites, as well as some of his solo/multi-instrument concertos. There will be the option to play one or more movements of a concerto of your choice. There will also be an opportunity to perform in the informal Chamber Groups concert at the end of the week.
RECORDER CLASS
RECORDER ENSEMBLES
TEN TUNES AGO
Alexis Bennett leads an instrumental performance-based survey of folk music collectors and composers, based around ten tunes from the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries. You will learn tunes in preparation for a performance at the end of the week. Collectors and composers will include John Playford, James Oswald, Turlough O’Carolan, Henry Atkinson, Robert ap Huw and Lucy Broadwood.
VOCAL CLASS
VOCAL ENSEMBLES
VOCAL unwind
VOCAL MASTERCLASS
MHAIRI LAWSON | Session 3
Acclaimed Scottish soprano Mhairi Lawson leads this Vocal Masterclass for advanced singers of all voice types. There will be a two-hour masterclass each day, with both harpsichord and piano accompaniment available. The successful applicants will spend the week working on their chosen song or aria and two pre-prepared substantial pieces of recitative; one in Italian and the other in a language of their choice.
This is an Advanced Selected course – please click here for details of how to apply.
PLUS: WELLBEING SESSION
Every morning begins with an optional yoga, bodywork or mindfulness session.
plus: open space
Open Space is a moment in each day where we encourage you to follow your creative thread in whichever way serves you best. You will be able to sign up for workshops, discussions and events, generate your own activity or simply take time to explore the estate and enjoy a peaceful walk. With no commitment needed before arrival, you can tailor your Open Space time to suit your needs, on a daily basis. More about Open Space >
Week 3
about week 3
This week, we’ll be encouraging groups of musicians to fill every available studio on the Dartington Hall estate with chamber music and song. We’re delighted to be welcoming back the acclaimed Brodsky Quartet after many years, to coach alongside violinist Thomas Gould and pianists Martin Roscoe and Florian Mitrea. Award-winning soprano Mary Bevan joins pianist Joseph Middleton for a new art of song course for both amateurs and young professionals.
There’s also a strong focus on new work, with electro-pop composer/producer Anna Meredith offering a course in creative arrangements and cover versions, innovative cellist Matthew Barley teaching improvisation, and Soundart Radio leading a brand new course in experimental Radio Drama.
The week will end with JOY!, an outdoor/indoor premiere of a major new commission for massed voices by John Barber and Hazel Gould.
session by session
COURSE LEVELS:
Please note that course levels indicate the minimum level required for each course.
Tap the course desired to jump to the full course detail. MOBILE USERS: Please ensure your turn your device to landscape to view the session grid.
All courses run from Sunday to Friday. The given dates for each week include both Saturdays for residents’ arrival and departure.
CELLO/VIOLIN MASTERCLASSES
Cello Masterclass: Matthew Barley, celebrated for his adventurous programming and musicianship, coaches advanced cellists in a supportive masterclass setting. There will be group discussions, one-to-one work on technique and interpretation, and a chance to perform in public at the end of the week. While all masterclasses are open to observers, one session in the week will be selected as a promoted public masterclass and given in Dartington’s medieval Great Hall. This is an Advanced Selected course – please click here for details of how to apply.
OR
Violin Masterclass: Acclaimed soloist and orchestral leader Thomas Gould leads a masterclass for advanced violin students. You’ll have the chance to work one-to-one on technique and interpretation, and engage in group discussion, as well as giving a public performance. Classes will take place daily; extra sessions will include a public masterclass in Dartington’s Great Hall, and a workshop on orchestral leadership with the Dartington Festival Orchestra. This is an Advanced Selected course – please click here for details of how to apply.
CHAMBER CHOIR
Session 3
This week’s chamber choir will focus on the part-songs of Schubert and his idol, Beethoven. The week will culminate in an informal performance. There will be opportunities for a couple of step-out solos, and the repertoire will be for a combination of voice-parts.
CHAMBER MUSIC
BRODSKY QUARTET & Resident Piano Trio | Session 2 &/OR 3
Chamber music tuition this week is focussed on piano and strings. Pre-formed groups are welcome, but if you come alone, we’ll allocate you a place in a fixed group before you arrive. You’ll have a chance to prepare your repertoire in advance. The formal teaching happens in Session 3, with expert tuition for at least half the session from the brilliant Brodsky Quartet and our resident piano trio. You’ll also be able to meet informally at other times of day.
CHOIR: JOY!
Alice Farnham | Session 1
Join this week’s Choir in a brand-new Dartington commission from composer John Barber and librettist Hazel Gould. Inspired by the sentiment expressed in Beethoven’s 9th Symphony, JOY! will bring together several groups for a final performance at the end of the week.
OPEN CHOIR
ISABELLE ADAMS | Session 2
Vocal coach and facilitator Isabelle Adams leads this choral session, open to singers of all levels. You will explore different choral traditions from around the world, learn repertoire by ear and re-engage with the joy of singing together, after this long period of separation.
FUTURE SOUNDS: FINDING THE WORDS
Artistic Director Sara Mohr-Pietsch leads a new course exploring the complexity of using words to talk about music, a practice likened to “dancing about architecture”. Sessions will involve open discussion, listening practice, writing exercises and talks from guest artists. We’ll explore different ways of listening, discuss the art of criticism, and consider the value of engaging in cultural conversation about music.
FUTURE SOUNDS: radio drama
Soundart Radio’s Artistic Director Lucinda Guy leads a creative course in radio drama. During the week, you’ll craft an unscripted, experimental radio drama, recording all the material around Dartington during the week. Finished dramas will have the opportunity to be broadcast on Soundart Radio, and as part of the RadiaFM network.
MUSIC FOR TWO PIANOS & PIANO DUETS
PIANO CLASS
FLORIAN MITREA | Session 1 OR 2
Dartington favourite Florian Mitrea leads a relaxed and friendly class, offering one-to-one coaching on your own choice of repertoire. Players are encouraged to stay for the whole class, to learn from others and support their fellow students. Everyone will have at least one coaching session during the week.
PIANO MASTERCLASS
Martin Roscoe leads this Advanced Course for pianists. There will be a 2 hour masterclass each day, aimed at recent graduates, postgraduate students and young professionals. One of the masterclass sessions will be promoted as a public event in Dartington’s medieval great hall.
This is an Advanced Course – please click here for details of how to apply.
SONG ACCOMPANIMENT CLASS
Acclaimed accompanist Joseph Middleton coaches amateur pianists in the art of song accompaniment. You’ll choose a single song to work on with Joseph from a repertoire list sent to you in advance. This course will work with Mary Bevan’s Song Class, and the two groups will meet together on the first day to introduce the participants and set the context for the courses and how they will combine as the week progresses. During the last two days of the course, you’ll join together and perform in duos. We will pair you up with a pianist, but pre-formed duos are also welcome.
SONG CLASS
MARY BEVAN | Session 2
Renowned soprano Mary Bevan coaches amateur singers in the art of song. You’ll choose a single song to work on with Mary from a repertoire list sent to you in advance. This course will work with Joseph Middleton’s Song Accompaniment class, and the two groups will meet together on the first day to introduce the participants and set the context for the courses and how they will combine as the week progresses. During the last two days of the course, you’ll join together and perform in duo with his students. We will pair you up with a pianist, but pre-formed duos are also welcome.
POP COVERS: ARRANGING & PERFORMING
ANNA MEREDITH, JACK ROSS & SAM WILSON | Sessions 2 & 3
Innovative composer, producer and performer Anna Meredith leads this informal course exploring and presenting someone else’s material, whilst working around the strengths and limitations of an ad hoc In-House band. You will work with fellow composers/performers to arrange and work up ten newly re-imaged covers of each participant’s favourite pop track. Aided by two of Anna’s band members – guitarist Jack Ross and percussionist Sam Wilson – the group will form two five-piece bands and perform all ten covers to explore arranging and working with eclectic instrumentations. The arrangements can be notated or taught by ear.
Participants would ideally have experience in composition (in any style or background) and feel comfortable performing in front of the group – some very basic electronics might be possible but options for acoustic instruments or vocals are very welcome!
String Ensemble
Rhiannon Evans | Session 1
THE ART OF IMPROVISATION
Innovative cellist Matthew Barley brings his skill and insight as an improviser to this welcoming class. This session is open to intermediate and advanced instrumentalists (all instruments welcome) interested in flexing their improvising muscle. The class will cover aspects of melodic and harmonic invention as well as structure, and work on unlocking some of the barriers to confident improvisation. Ideal for musicians whose noses are stuck in a score, or who feel there may be more to life than classical music!
THE ART OF SONG MASTERCLASS
MARY BEVAN & JOSEPH MIDDLETON | Session 3
Soprano Mary Bevan and pianist Joseph Middleton coach advanced singer and pianist duos in English, German and French song repertoire. Participants will come either in a pre-formed duo, or pair up with a recital partner on the first day. You’ll work on interpretation, communication, and perform in public at the end of the week. This is an Advanced Selected course – click here for details of how to apply. Repertoire will be suggested once students are accepted on the course.
VIOLIN, VIOLA & CELLO CLASSES
Brodsky Quartet | Session 2
We welcome the brilliant Brodsky Quartet back to Dartington, to lead coaching on violin, viola and cello. These will be relaxed and supportive sessions; there will be some opportunities for one-to-one coaching, as well as group teaching on technique and style, in instrument-specific classes.
PLUS: WELLBEING SESSION
Every morning begins with an optional yoga, bodywork or mindfulness session.
plus: open space
Open Space is a moment in each day where we encourage you to follow your creative thread in whichever way serves you best. You will be able to sign up for workshops, discussions and events, generate your own activity or simply take time to explore the estate and enjoy a peaceful walk. With no commitment needed before arrival, you can tailor your Open Space time to suit your needs, on a daily basis. More about Open Space >
Week 4
important info about week 4
We started making plans for this summer last August, and allowed for social distancing within that. To keep our participants, artists, staff and audiences safe we are sticking to this delivery plan with limited capacities, mask wearing, and space for social distancing. We are excited about delivering the first summer school programmed by Sara Mohr-Pietsch.
However, given the rapid rise in the numbers needing to isolate, we are aware that the fourth week of courses is more at risk of being affected by people isolating because of the broad mix of instrumentation needed across a large number of courses. We have therefore taken the decision to consolidate our energies into the first three weeks of the course programme, along with the full four weeks of concerts. The fourth week offer will be jazz, contemporary and experimental music for ticketed audiences.
Bookings for the first three weeks are unaffected by these changes and will go ahead without changes to the advertised programme of courses and concerts.
session by session
COURSE LEVELS:
Please note that course levels indicate the minimum level required for each course.
Tap the course desired to jump to the full course detail. MOBILE USERS: Please ensure your turn your device to landscape to view the session grid.
All courses run from Sunday to Friday. The given dates for each week include both Saturdays for residents’ arrival and departure.
CHOIR: DUKE ELLINGTON
Duke Ellington’s Sacred Concerts contain some of the most groundbreaking, genre-defying and celebratory music written for voices and instruments in the 20th Century. We’re delighted to welcome Peter Edwards and his Nu Civilisation Orchestra to Dartington to create a festive performance of a selection of Ellington’s sacred music. Gavin Roberts will coach the Choir during the week, and you’ll receive additional coaching on vocal style from Carol Pemberton and Celia Wickham-Anderson.
BRASS ENSEMBLE
BRETT BAKER & PAUL ARCHIBALD | Session 3
CAFÉ OTO
RYOKO AKAMA | Session 1
As part of Café OTO’s Dartington residency, Ryoko Akama leads a new course in site-specific and situational performance. This workshop designs a sounding space using found objects, simple electronic devices and natural phenomena. Cues will be drawn from the many events in our daily lives that cause a movement with sound. You’ll assemble various mediums and sculpt them into a new form – an instrument that can be looked at and performed.
CAFÉ OTO: FREE IMPROVISATION
ASHLEY PAUL | Session 2 or 3
As part of Café OTO’s Dartington residency, multi-instrumentalist and composer Ashley Pauls lead a course in free improvisation. You’ll explore various aspects of improvisation, perform together as a group, and discuss the issues surrounding the practice of free improvisation.
CHAMBER CHOIR
EXAUDI’s director James Weeks leads a week-long chamber choir course, ideal for anyone keen to explore new music for voices and sing as part of a larger group. You’ll work on a rich variety of choral repertoire, including music by Canadian composer Linda Catlin Smith and English experimentalist Howard Skempton. You’ll have the chance to perform some of the music you’ve worked on towards the end of the week.
COLLABORATIVE COMPOSITION
We’re delighted to introduce this brand new, full-time course for advanced composers, accomplished singers and string quartets with an interest in contemporary music. Under the expert tuition of composers Cassandra Miller and Christopher Fox, soprano Juliet Fraser and string quartet Quatuor Bozzini, participants will work both individually and in groups on works that the student composers create for their fellow-student performers. The week will involve a rich exploration of the nature of collaboration, and the importance of dialogue in the creative process. The whole group will gather in the morning to set the day’s agenda. You’ll then break off into groups, with specialist masterclasses in Session 2, during which the composers will work on their pieces, and the singers and quartets on mixed 20th- and 21st-century repertoire. The whole group will gather again in Session 3 for a collaborative session. Tuition in this session will be flexible, and involve detailed work on the composers’ scores. The week will culminate in a public performance of completed works. This is a full-time Advanced Selected course – please click here for details of how to apply.
Please note: Whilst we are planning for this course to go ahead, international travel restrictions may result in a change of artist or postponement. All applicants will be kept up to date of any changes.
COMA PARTSONGS
Acclaimed vocal ensemble EXAUDI makes a welcome return to Dartington, to explore the music of the CoMA partsongs. Commissioned by CoMA (Contemporary Music for All), partsongs is a collection of new and experimental vocal ensemble pieces modelled on the Renaissance madrigal, specially tailored for amateur singers. You’ll work together as a large ensemble for some of the teaching, and also split off into smaller groups to work in depth on certain works. There will be a chance to perform at the end of the week.
GOSPEL CHOIR
JAZZ BAND: DUKE ELLINGTON
This course is a unique opportunity for advanced jazz instrumentalists and singers to work on Duke Ellington’s sacred music with pianist and bandleader Peter Edwards, and members of his Nu Civilisation Orchestra. Singers will have extra coaching from Carol Pemberton and Celia Wickham-Anderson. You’ll come together with the Big Choir towards the end of the week for a festival performance of Ellington’s genre defying masterpiece. Places are limited so applicants will be pre-selected; please click here for details of how to apply.
JAZZ IMPROVISATION
JAZZ STANDARDS
Peter Edwards and members of Nu Civilisation Orchestra lead this week long course which runs alongside the Jazz Improvisation course, and can be taken in addition to it or separately. In this session you’ll learn a selection of jazz standards, which you’ll work on as a group. These standards will form the basis of the improvisation course in Session 3. You’ll have the opportunity to give a public performance at the end of the week.
OPEN COMPOSITION
Acclaimed composer Christopher Fox leads a course in composition open to anyone who can read and write music, and has some experience of composition. You’ll need to bring an existing piece you’d like to work on; this can be a sketch or a fully formed work. The course will cover the basics of scoring, structure and notation, and involve discussion on the nature of composition as well as its practical applications. You’re welcome to bring your instrument too, so that the class can play through any appropriate works together.
PIANO CLASS
SARAH NICOLLS | Session 1
Adventurous pianist Sarah Nicolls leads a welcoming class for pianists of varying ability, intermediate and above. You’ll have the chance to work one-to-one with Sarah in an informal masterclass setting, as well as joining in group exercises and discussions. Participants are asked to bring at least one fully prepared piece of music to work on during the week; all repertoire is welcome.
PIANO WORKSHOP
Pianist Sarah Nicolls leads a welcoming and informal class for pianists, with a particular emphasis on experimental and contemporary music (though you’re welcome to bring any repertoire of your choice to work on). Sarah has specialised in works with live electronics and also in ‘inside piano’ techniques (playing directly on or with the strings) and you will have a chance to learn some of these too.
STEVE DUMMER’S JAM
Trombone class
brett baker | Session 2
Brett Baker leads this dynamic session focussing on the specifics of low brass playing, through demonstration as well as application and discussion. The class will cover warm-up, practice routines and methods, ensemble playing, solo playing, as well as brass techniques such as breathing, range, articulation, sound and co-ordination. At the end of the week, you’ll join up with the trumpet class to give an outdoor concert.
trumpet class
Paul Archibald | Session 2
Paul Archibald leads this dynamic session focussing on the specifics of trumpet playing, through demonstration as well as application and discussion. The class will cover warm-up, practice routines and methods, solo and ensemble playing, as well as brass techniques such as breathing, range, articulation, sound and co-ordination. At the end of the week, you’ll join up with the low brass class to give an outdoor concert.
VOCAL CLASS
SARAH GABRIEL | Session 3
This class is open to singers who are keen to expand their vocal technique and gain more confidence in interpretation and performance. Sessions will include vocal warm-ups, group exercises, and in-depth tuition in an informal masterclass setting on song repertoire.
WIND BAND
WIND CHAMBER MUSIC
WIND CLASS
PLUS: WELLBEING SESSION
Every morning begins with an optional yoga, bodywork or mindfulness session.
plus: open space
Open Space is a moment in each day where we encourage you to follow your creative thread in whichever way serves you best. You will be able to sign up for workshops, discussions and events, generate your own activity or simply take time to explore the estate and enjoy a peaceful walk. With no commitment needed before arrival, you can tailor your Open Space time to suit your needs, on a daily basis. More about Open Space >