Week 1
about week 1
Week One celebrates early and renaissance music, with Robert Hollingworth making a welcome return to Dartington with his group I Fagiolini for a live interactive version of the lockdown YouTube sensation, Sing The Score, plus a sumptuous Big Choir programme, supported by Gavin Roberts. Celebrated soprano Mary Bevan and experimental composer Cevanne Horrocks-Hopayian return to teach advanced courses, and we welcome the dynamic ensemble Mediva to Dartington for the first time to lead a range of courses in medieval music and dance forms through the ages.
Fretwork continue their fantastic programme of courses for viol players of all abilities, and we are thrilled to offer expert tuition from lutenist Lynda Sayce, harpsichordist Jane Chapman, early brass experts Emily White and Conor Hastings, lyric soprano and yoga instructor Madeleine Holmes, and Lux Musicae London who will be leading our chamber music course.
Keep an eye out for more announcements of our Week 1 Future Sounds and Family courses in the coming weeks!
timetable guide
Our Courses and Concerts Pass gives you full access to the programme for your chosen week.
Each course listed in the timetable below runs at the same time every day, from Sunday – Friday of your chosen week. There are three sessions each day, so you can pick up to three courses – one for each session.
Please note: Where a course is timetabled over multiple sessions of the day (for example, Sessions 2 and 3), you are required to attend all specified sessions.
Note for mobile users: Please ensure your turn your device to landscape to view the session grid. We recommend you use a device of tablet size or larger to browse our courses.
course type
To help you easily browse by course type, the course titles are colour-coded as follows (if you are colour-blind, don’t worry – the course type is also specified in the expanded course descriptions):
orange = vocal
blue = instrumental
green = composition
pink = future sounds/family
grey = dance
course levels
When you open each course, you’ll see a difficulty level. These indicate the minimum level required for each course. Click here for a full guide to course levels and what they mean.
session 1: 9-11am
session 2: 11.30am-1pm
session 3: 2.30-4pm
Big Choir with Robert Hollingworth: Tirare la Mula
With Robert Hollingworth | Session 1
Course Genre: Vocal
Course Level: Intermediate
About this course
Robert Hollingworth makes a long-awaited return to Dartington to direct an extravaganza of music for multiple choirs from 17th century Europe, titled Tirare la Mula (‘Reining in the Donkey’). The Roman composer Orazio Benevoli is a missing link in our understanding of polychoral music: a newly edited mass for four choirs and a motet by his teacher Ugolini. Also, two movements from Heinrich Biber’s monstrous 53-part Missa Salisburgensis (discovered by a greengrocer in the late 19th century), and a rare version of the Marian hymn, Ave maris stella, with verses by Francesco Soriano adding a new flavour to Monteverdi’s sumptuous outer frame.
Vocal Ensembles
With I Fagiolini | Session 2
Course Genre: Vocal
Course Level: Intermediate+
About this course
Join vocal ensemble I Fagiolini for a chance to sing a rich variety of ensemble works, both sacred and secular, from renaissance Europe. 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. Ideal for intermediate level singers who are confident at sight-reading and holding a line.
Sing The Score
With Robert Hollingworth, I Fagiolini | Session 3
Course Genre: Vocal
Course Level: Intermediate
About this course
Robert Hollingworth presents a live, interactive version of his enormously popular lockdown YouTube series, Sing The Score. You’ll have a chance to get under the skin of some choice Renaissance works, learning more about their background and structure, and singing through the chosen works side-by-side with members of I Fagiolini.
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vocal class
With Madeleine Holmes | Session 2 or 3
Course Genre: Vocal
Course Level: Intermediate
About this course
We are delighted to welcome lyric soprano Madeleine Holmes to Dartington to lead our popular song class. Drawing on her extensive experience performing and coaching singers across a huge variety of repertoire, Madeleine will focus on exploring vocal technique and embodiment to enhance the authenticity and confidence of your performance. This supportive and inclusive class will combine group exercises and one-to-one coaching on repertoire of your own choice. You can attend either session 2 or 3, and are encouraged to attend the whole class to maximise the benefits of learning by both participation and by observation.
vocal class
With Madeleine Holmes | Session 2 or 3
Course Genre: Vocal
Course Level: Intermediate
About this course
We are delighted to welcome lyric soprano Madeleine Holmes to Dartington to lead our popular song class. Drawing on her extensive experience performing and coaching singers across a huge variety of repertoire, Madeleine will focus on exploring vocal technique and embodiment to enhance the authenticity and confidence of your performance. This supportive and inclusive class will combine group exercises and one-to-one coaching on repertoire of your own choice. You can attend either session 2 or 3, and are encouraged to attend the whole class to maximise the benefits of learning by both participation and by observation.
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vocal masterclass*
With Mary Bevan | Session 2
Course Genre: Vocal
Course Level: Advanced
About this course
Acclaimed soprano Mary Bevan coaches a small, selected group of singers, aimed at recent graduates, postgraduate students and young professionals. There will be a daily masterclass, with both piano and harpsichord accompaniment available, and the opportunity to work on lute songs with students from Lynda Sayce’s lute class in Session 3.
This is an Advanced course – please see here for details of how to apply.
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Il Saporetto: Medieval music in the church and gardens
With Corina Marti | Session 2
Course Genre: Vocal/Instrumental
Course Level: Intermediate+
About this course
We are delighted to welcome Mediva’s acclaimed harpsichordist and recorder player Corina Marti (Schola Cantorum Basiliensis) to Dartington for the first time, offering confident singers and instrumentalists an opportunity to work closely with her on a wide range of repertoire, from the 14th century onwards.
The class will include both group work, and a masterclass setting where students can benefit from one-on-one tuition. There will be a chance to work towards an end-of-week performance.
The course is open to both renaissance and modern instruments and will be at A440.
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BALLARE E DANSARE
With Ann Allen, Corina Marti, David Hatcher | Session 3
Course Genre: Dance
Course Level: Open to all
About this course
Fight the post-lunch slump by learning to dance medieval and renaissance choreographies to the accompaniment of live music. Everyone in the class is welcome to join in learning these infectious, joyful dances, and no musical (or dance) experience is necessary – complete beginners are welcome. Intermediate and advanced instrumentalists are welcome to join the band, which will play several of the tunes explored in the Instrumental workshop course (Session 1).
The course is open to both renaissance and modern instruments and will be at A440.
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Il Saporetto: Medieval music in the church and gardens
With Corina Marti | Session 2
Course Genre: Vocal/Instrumental
Course Level: Intermediate+
About this course
We are delighted to welcome Mediva’s acclaimed harpsichordist and recorder player Corina Marti (Schola Cantorum Basiliensis) to Dartington for the first time, offering confident singers and instrumentalists an opportunity to work closely with her on a wide range of repertoire, from the 14th century onwards.
The class will include both group work, and a masterclass setting where students can benefit from one-on-one tuition. There will be a chance to work towards an end-of-week performance.
The course is open to both renaissance and modern instruments and will be at A440.
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instrumental Workshop: A Dance Through Time
With Ann Allen, Corina Marti, David Hatcher | Session 1
Course Genre: Instrumental
Course Level: Intermediate
About this course
Bring along your instrument and learn a wide range of dance music from the medieval and renaissance periods, from estampies to galliards. This course will mainly involve learning from a score, but will include the chance to look at original notation and learning by ear.
The perfect opportunity for those who wish to form a band for the dance session in Session 3!
The course is open to both renaissance and modern instruments and will be at A440.
Chamber Music
Lux Musicae London, Rhiannon Evans | Choose Session 2 and/or 3
Course Genre: Instrumental
Course Level: Intermediate
About this course
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, Lux Musicae London. We 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.
Chamber Music
Lux Musicae London, Rhiannon Evans | Choose Session 2 and/or 3
Course Genre: Instrumental
Course Level: Intermediate
About this course
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, Lux Musicae London. We 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.
Viol Consorts*
With Fretwork | Session 1/2/3 (take as many as you like)
Course Genre: Instrumental
Course Level: Intermediate/Advanced
About this course
This immersive course will explore a rich variety of music for multiple viols. 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. Advanced players will also work towards performing with the Big Choir and Robert Hollingworth.
There are some bursaries available for Advanced students for this course. If you attend on a bursary, you will need to attend all three sessions. See here for details of how to apply.
Viol Consorts*
With Fretwork | Session 1/2/3 (take as many as you like)
Course Genre: Instrumental
Course Level: Intermediate/Advanced
About this course
This immersive course will explore a rich variety of music for multiple viols. 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. Advanced players will also work towards performing with the Big Choir and Robert Hollingworth.
There are some bursaries available for Advanced students for this course. If you attend on a bursary, you will need to attend all three sessions. See here for details of how to apply.
Viol Consorts*
With Fretwork | Session 1/2/3 (take as many as you like)
Course Genre: Instrumental
Course Level: Intermediate/Advanced
About this course
This immersive course will explore a rich variety of music for multiple viols. 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. Advanced players will also work towards performing with the Big Choir and Robert Hollingworth.
There are some bursaries available for Advanced students for this course. If you attend on a bursary, you will need to attend all three sessions. See here for details of how to apply.
Renaissance Consort*
With Emily White (sackbut), Conor Hastings (cornetto) | Session 1
Course Genre: Instrumental
Course Level: Advanced
About this course
A chance for advanced players of historical wind and brass instruments to work with renowned players Emily White and Conor Hastings on mixed ensemble music, including the repertoire for the Big Choir end-of-week concert. There will also be an opportunity for individual instrumental tuition.
This is an Advanced course – please see here for details of how to apply.
Renaissance Wind Band
With Emily White, Conor Hastings, Ann Allen, David Hatcher | Session 2
Course Genre: Instrumental
Course Level: Intermediate
About this course
Dive deep into the world of 16th and 17th century renaissance wind band, with a mixed session for players of cornetto, sackbut, shawm, dulcian and recorders. Working mostly with instruments pitched at A=440Hz (but there will be a chance to try out other instruments including those at A=465Hz). You should be proficient on your main instrument, but are welcome to try out other instruments during this welcoming session.
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Lute Class*
With Lynda Sayce | Sessions 2 and 3
Course Genre: Instrumental
Course Level: Intermediate/advanced
About this course
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 Mary Bevan’s 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 some bursaries available for Advanced students for this course – see here for details of how to apply.
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Harpsichord Class
With Jane Chapman | Session 2
Course Genre: Instrumental
Course Level: Intermediate+
About this course
Harpsichordist Jane Chapman returns to lead a class for harpsichordists of all standards, focussing on style, touch and technique. You’ll have a chance to work in an informal masterclass setting on a variety of Renaissance and Baroque harpsichord music. By the end of the week, you’ll have expanded your understanding of the instrument, and performed in a class concert.
Introduction To Early Keyboard Music
With Jane Chapman | Session 3
Course Genre: Instrumental
Course Level: Intermediate
About this course
Jane Chapman leads a class for both pianists and harpsichordists interested in exploring the music of Bach, his contemporaries and predecessors, as well as the rich early keyboard collections of England, France and Italy.
You’ll have the chance to work in an informal masterclass setting, experiment with different instruments and techniques, and perform in a class concert.
Advanced Composition*
With Cevanne Horrocks-Hopayian | Sessions 1, 2 and 3
Course Genre: Composition
Course Level: Advanced
About this course
Leading composer Cevanne Horrocks-Hopayian returns to Dartington to lead a course for advanced selected composers, exploring ways of using medieval, renaissance and folk material and form as inspiration for new creations. Students will be encouraged to write for historical instruments, as well as for newly-devised instruments and electronics. The teaching will involve group sessions and individual tuition, with students bringing sketches to work on through the week.
This is an Advanced course – see here for details of how to apply.
FUTURE SOUNDS
Sara Mohr-Pietsch | Session 2
Course Genre: Future Sounds
Course Level: Open to all
About this course
In this course, Artistic Director Sara Mohr-Pietsch invites participants to consider the art of listening to music as a creative practice. During the course of the week, you’ll be encouraged to reflect on your own understanding of listening, and experiment with different techniques and approaches in a safe and welcoming environment. You’ll explore listening to both live and recorded music alone and as a group, read texts from a variety of disciplines and writers, and engage in group discussions to help guide your practice. You don’t need any musical ability or experience to take part in this course, just an open mind and open ears!
Music in the Community
Lucia Vernon-Long & Rob Gildon | Session 3
Course Genre: Education
Course Level: Intermediate
About this course
This course is aimed at musicians who want to develop the skills needed to bring music into community settings. If you’re a musician wanting to add another “string to your bow”, or a music teacher keen to develop ways to make classical music more accessible and relevant, this course is for you! Specially devised for Dartington by two experienced workshop leaders and community music practitioners, Lucia Vernon-Long and Rob Gildon, the course will culminate in a co-created interactive performance for a local audience at the end of the week.
No previous experience in community music/music education is required, just an open and curious mind!
*Denotes an Advanced course – please see here for more information about Advanced courses and details of how to apply.
Week 2
ABOUT WEEK 2
Week Two brings together folk and baroque music, with the dynamic conductor John Butt leading a performance of Bach’s B Minor Mass. His award-winning group, Dunedin Consort, will be in residence offering vocal ensemble tuition, and a vocal masterclass with soprano Mhairi Lawson.
Meanwhile, acclaimed violinist Rachel Podger leads our advanced baroque orchestra, and there is expert tuition for amateur performers from soprano Kate Semmens, keyboardist Steven Devine, The Brook Street Band who lead our chamber music course with Rhiannon Evans. We’re delighted to welcome back Rob Harbron & Miranda Rutter to lead our folk sessions, alongside Alexis Bennett who reprises his Ten Tunes Ago course. Ana Silvera will be weaving songs and stories in a special new course, and sharing Ladino songs, and award-winning producer Leo Hornak looks at storytelling in radio.
We are also thrilled to welcome composer Robin Haigh and recorder virtuoso Tabea Debus for OUR DEAR FOREST, a large-scale outdoor installation co-created with recorder players of all ages and abilities, performed in the Deer Park on the Dartington estate.
TIMETABLE GUIDE
Our Courses and Concerts Pass gives you full access to the programme for your chosen week.
Each course listed in the timetable below runs at the same time every day, from Sunday – Friday of your chosen week. There are three sessions each day, so you can pick up to three courses – one for each session.
Please note: Where a course is timetabled over multiple sessions of the day (for example, Sessions 2 and 3), you are required to attend all specified sessions.
Note for mobile users: Please ensure your turn your device to landscape to view the session grid. We recommend you use a device of tablet size or larger to browse our courses.
COURSE TYPE
To help you easily browse by course type, the course titles are colour-coded as follows (if you are colour-blind, don’t worry – the course type is also specified in the expanded course descriptions):
orange = vocal
blue = instrumental
green = Composition
pink = future sounds/family
COURSE LEVELS
When you open each course, you’ll see a difficulty level. These indicate the minimum level required for each course. Click here for a full guide to course levels and what they mean.
session 1: 9-11am
session 2: 11.30am-1pm
session 3: 2.30-4pm
Big Choir with John Butt: Bach's b MINOR MASS
With John Butt | Session 1
Course Genre: Vocal
Course Level: Intermediate
About this course
Bach expert John Butt, one of the UK’s most generous musical personalities, directs our Big 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.
B MINOR MASS SEMI-CHORUS
With John Butt & Gavin Roberts | Session 2
Course Genre: Vocal
Course Level: Intermediate+
About this course
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 CHOIR PLUS
With Gavin Roberts | Session 3
Course Genre: Vocal
Course Level: Intermediate
About this course
Gavin Roberts leads an additional coaching session for Bach’s B Minor Mass. This session is ideal for those less familiar with the repertoire and provides a really useful opportunity to revisit the morning’s work.
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OPEN CHOIR: LADINO SONGS
With Ana Silvera | Session 2
Course Genre: Vocal
Course Level: Beginner
About this course
Ana Silvera draws on her own Sephardic (Judeo-Spanish) heritage to share many of the Ladino songs she has gathered over the years. This spell-binding repertoire of songs of love, loss and celebration will be taught by ear in a welcoming and encouraging environment. There will be a chance for the whole class to perform some of these songs as a choir towards the end of the week, in an informal sharing session.
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Vocal Masterclass*
With Mhairi Lawson | Session 3
Course Genre: Vocal
Course Level: Advanced
About this course
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 course – please see here for details of how to apply.
vocal ensembles
With Dunedin Consort | Session 3
Course Genre: Vocal
Course Level: Intermediate+
About this course
Dunedin Consort singers Mhairi Lawson, Jess Dandy, Robert Davies and Kate Semmens lead a course in Baroque motets from the Bach family and beyond. The group will meet together on the first day to discuss repertoire, interpretation and ensemble technique. The class will then split off into small groups to sing through works from the course repertoire list. Each group will have coaching from one of the singers, and have the opportunity to perform to the larger group at the end of the week. Ideally suited for confident singers and sight-readers.
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vocal class
With Kate Semmens | Session 2
Course Genre: Vocal
Course Level: Intermediate
About this course
Soprano Kate Semmens returns to Dartington to lead a class for keen singers of all abilities. This popular class will run in the style of an informal masterclass; each participant will receive one-to-one coaching in front of the class. You’ll learn a lot from observing your fellow students too, picking up tips on technique and interpretation and building on ideas that have already been initiated across the week.
This is a great opportunity to gain in confidence as a singer, perform in front of others and build on collaborative techniques with the pianist for the class. You’ll be asked to bring along at least one aria or song that you can sing from memory.
SONGWRITING & STORYTELLING
With Ana Silvera | Session 3
Course Genre: Vocal/Composition
Course Level: Intermediate
About this course
We are thrilled to welcome the critically acclaimed singer-songwriter Ana Silvera to Dartington, to lead a dynamic course for singer-songwriters of all abilities. This relaxed and welcoming course will explore ways of approaching the art of song-writing, with a particular emphasis on lyrics and story-telling. Expect inspiring, quick-fire prompts to get the creative cogs turning, as well as more long-form exercises to help you refine your unique musical voice.
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SONGWRITING & STORYTELLING
With Ana Silvera | Session 3
Course Genre: Vocal/Composition
Course Level: Intermediate
About this course
We are thrilled to welcome the critically acclaimed singer-songwriter Ana Silvera to Dartington, to lead a dynamic course for singer-songwriters of all abilities. This relaxed and welcoming course will explore ways of approaching the art of song-writing, with a particular emphasis on lyrics and story-telling. Expect inspiring, quick-fire prompts to get the creative cogs turning, as well as more long-form exercises to help you refine your unique musical voice.
Orchestral Workshop
With Rhiannon Evans | Session 1
Course Genre: Instrumental
Course Level: Intermediate
About this course
The Orchestral Workshop will explore some of J.S. Bach’s less frequently played music, including instrumental movements from his cantatas, the Art of Fugue and the Musical Offering, alongside the Wassermusik and Don Quixote Suite by his contemporary and friend G.P. Telemann.
All strings and non-transposing winds welcome (pitch will be A=440Hz).
Chamber Music
With Brook Street Band | Choose Session 2 and/or 3
Course Genre: Instrumental
Course Level: Intermediate
About this course
A chance to play chamber music together with other participants, developing your ensemble skills with expert tuition from members of the popular Brook Street Band, making a welcome to return to Dartington. 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.
Chamber Music
With Brook Street Band | Choose Session 2 and/or 3
Course Genre: Instrumental
Course Level: Intermediate
About this course
A chance to play chamber music together with other participants, developing your ensemble skills with expert tuition from members of the popular Brook Street Band, making a welcome to return to Dartington. 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*
With Rachel Podger, Rachel Brown, Gail Hennessy, Richard Thomas, Jennifer Morsches | Sessions 1, 2 and 3
Course Genre: Instrumental
Course Level: Advanced
About this course
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. 4. 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 course – please see here for details of how to apply.
FOLK TUNES LABORATORY
With Alexis Bennett | Session 1
Course Genre: Instrumental
Course Level: Intermediate
About this course
Start the day with this informal warm-up session, led by Dartington regular Alexis Bennett. Open to both folk enthusiasts and newcomers, the group will work together on a small selection of folk tunes and perform them towards the end of the week. The emphasis is on English, Irish, and Scottish music, but all tunes are welcome.
The perfect way to start the musical day. Bring any instrument and a folk tune!
Folk Ensemble
With Rob Harbron, Miranda Rutter & Alexis Bennett | Session 2
Course Genre: Instrumental
Course Level: Intermediate
About this course
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.
Ten Tunes Ago
With Alexis Bennett | Session 3
Course Genre: Instrumental
Course Level: Intermediate
About this course
Alexis Bennett leads an instrumental performance-based survey of folk music collectors and composers, based around ten tunes collected or composed from 1600-1900. You’ll learn tunes in preparation for a performance at the end of the week, and work on music from John Playford, James Oswald, Turlough O’Carolan, Henry Atkinson, Robert ap Huw, Lucy Broadwood, and more.
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Intro To Fortepiano & clavichord
With Steven Devine | Session 2
Course Genre: Instrumental
Course Level: Intermediate
About this course
Steven Devine leads this week-long course introducing anyone with basic keyboard skills to these now-neglected instruments which so many of the great composers regarded as commonplace. There will be talks, demonstrations and hands-on experience in a supportive environment. By the end of the week, you’ll have discussed touch, technique, articulation, repertoire and performance practice issues, and gained a working knowledge of both clavichord and fortepiano.
HARPSICHORD CLASS
With Steven Devine | Session 3
Course Genre: Instrumental
Course Level: Intermediate
About this course
Dartington regular Steven Devine leads a supportive class for harpsichordists. You’ll be asked to prepare at least three works from any area of the harpsichord repertoire, from early to contemporary, and the course will involve coaching as well as discussion on the controversial issues surrounding performance practice. By the end of the week, you’ll have gained a deeper understanding of this expressive instrument and its repertoire.
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Recorder Class
With Tabea Debus | Session 2
Course Genre: Instrumental
Course Level: Intermediate
About this course
An all-welcoming class, covering technique and interpretation. Sessions will start with a technique workshop, and move into an informal masterclass, and ensemble playing. Everyone will have the opportunity to perform and work on a piece of their own choice. There will be harpsichord and piano accompaniment provided; please bring a treble recorder (A440) and any other instruments you’d like to perform on.
OUR DEAR FOREST
With Robin Haigh, Tabea Debus | Session 3
Course Genre: Family/Instrumental
Course Level: Open to all
About this course
A unique opportunity for recorder players of all ages and abilities to take part in the creation of a new, site-specific performance in Dartington’s Deer Park. Over the course of the week, recorder beginners (grade 1+), families and advanced students will work together to create new music to be played alongside an existing score by Robin Haigh, in what promises to be a spellbinding experience for both players and listeners.
The piece, OUR DEAR FOREST, will have its full performance at 5.30pm on Thursday 3rd August, so participants are asked to be available for that as well as the course sessions.
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FUTURE SOUNDS: THE ART OF SONIC STORYTELLING
With Leo Hornak | Session 2
Course Genre: Future Sounds
Course Level: Open to all
About this course
Award-winning radio producer and journalist Leo Hornak (BBC, The Times, This American Life) leads an interactive course in the art of sonic storytelling, the craft which lies at the heart of the radio and podcasts we consume in our daily lives.
This course will give you the tools to create sound portraits of loved ones: finding and recording personal stories and memories that will last a lifetime.
During the week, you’ll experiment with interviewing fellow participants, and explore a variety of creative ways to shape one another’s stories into an original piece of audio art.
OUR DEAR FOREST
With Robin Haigh, Tabea Debus | Session 3
Course Genre: Family/Instrumental
Course Level: Open to all
About this course
A unique opportunity for recorder players of all ages and abilities to take part in the creation of a new, site-specific performance in Dartington’s Deer Park. Over the course of the week, recorder beginners (grade 1+), families and advanced students will work together to create new music to be played alongside an existing score by Robin Haigh, in what promises to be a spellbinding experience for both players and listeners.
The piece, OUR DEAR FOREST, will have its full performance at 5.30pm on Thursday 3rd August, so participants are asked to be available for that as well as the course sessions.
*Denotes an Advanced course – please see here for more information about Advanced courses and details of how to apply.
Week 3
about week 3
Week Three is all about singing and playing together, and stretching your musical horizons! We welcome choral conductor Grace Rossiter to Dartington for the first time to conduct Rossini’s Stabat Mater, supported by Gavin Roberts. If you’re a chamber musician, there’s plenty on offer with coaching from Fidelio Trio and the up-and-coming Waldstein Quartet, and Florian Mitrea returns with his much-loved piano classes.
If you want to stretch your creative muscles, there’s improvisation with Matthew Barley and Héloïse Werner, who also offers a new course for composer/performers, plus a course in film composition with Isobel Waller-Bridge, and a collaborative Art of Song course led by tenor James Gilchrist and pianist Anna Tilbrook.
Film-maker Jessie Rodger brings her expertise to a new course, Ben See returns for a lively week of characterful songs and sea shanties, and we welcome back Tara Franks for a week of workshops for families, SoundsCreative Lab. For advanced students, we’re thrilled to offer our two-week conducting course led by Alice Farnham, as well as vocal and instrumental masterclasses from top performers, including pianist Ivana Gavric.
timetable guide
Our Courses and Concerts Pass gives you full access to the programme for your chosen week.
Each course listed in the timetable below runs at the same time every day, from Sunday – Friday of your chosen week. There are three sessions each day, so you can pick up to three courses – one for each session.
Please note: Where a course is timetabled over multiple sessions of the day (for example, Sessions 2 and 3), you are required to attend all specified sessions.
Note for mobile users: Please ensure your turn your device to landscape to view the session grid. We recommend you use a device of tablet size or larger to browse our courses.
course type
To help you easily browse by course type, the course titles are colour-coded as follows (if you are colour-blind, don’t worry – the course type is also specified in the expanded course descriptions):
orange = vocal
blue = instrumental
pink = future sounds/family
green = composition
grey = Conducting
course levels
When you open each course, you’ll see a difficulty level. These indicate the minimum level required for each course. Click here for a full guide to course levels and what they mean.
session 1: 9-11am
session 2: 11.30am-1pm
session 3: 2.30-4pm
Big Choir with Grace Rossiter: ROSSINI's STABAT MATER
With Grace Rossiter | Session 1
Course Genre: Vocal
Course Level: Intermediate
About this course
We are thrilled to welcome accomplished choral conductor Grace Rossiter to Dartington for the first time, to lead our Big Choir towards a rousing performance of the sumptuous and operatic Stabat Mater by Rossini. This is a rare opportunity to get under the skin of a rarely-performed masterpiece, which for Rossini was a decade-long labour of love. You’ll be accompanied by Dartington Festival Orchestra and a stellar line-up of soloists.
STORIES AND SHANTIES
With Ben See | Session 2
Course Genre: Vocal
Course Level: Open to All
About this course
Join Ben See for a week of harmony singing centred around songs which hold stories at their heart. We will sing new songs, old songs, folk songs and everything in between, with a focus on telling stories and bringing characters to life. The music will be accessible to all levels of singing experience, with specially devised harmonies that can be learned by ear.
Big Choir Plus
With Gavin Roberts | Session 3
Course Genre: Vocal
Course Level: Intermediate
About this course
Gavin Roberts leads an additional coaching session for Rossini’s Stabat Mater. This session is ideal for those less familiar with the repertoire and provides a really useful opportunity to revisit the morning’s work.
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Song Class
With James Gilchrist | Session 2
Course Genre: Vocal
Course Level: Intermediate
About this course
Renowned tenor James Gilchrist coaches amateur singers in the art of song. This course will work with Anna Tilbrook’s Collaborative Piano 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.
THE DIY MUSICIAN
With Héloïse Werner | Session 3
Course Genre: Vocal/composition/Instrumental
Course Level: Intermediate
About this course
Composing/Performing for Amateurs: We are delighted to welcome Héloïse Werner to Dartington to lead a course aimed at amateur musicians who are interested in exploring their own creativity through their singing and playing. Drawing on her own imaginative series of vocal studies, Coronasolfége, which she developed during lockdown, she will encourage participants to find their inner voice.
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Art Of Song Masterclass*
With James Gilchrist, Anna Tilbrook | Session 3
Course Genre: Vocal/Instrumental
Course Level: Advanced
About this course
Acclaimed Lieder duo James Gilchrist and Anna Tilbrook, known for their extraordinary and insightful performances, offer expert coaching for pre-formed singer/pianist duos. Drawing on Gilchrist and Tilbrook’s own extensive experience of performing Romantic song cycles, the coaching will focus on works by Schubert and Schumann, with a pre-arranged music list for participants to choose from, alongside their own song choices.
This is an Advanced course – please see here for details of how to apply.
TEA DANCE ORCHESTRA
With Steve Dummer | Session 1
Course Genre: Instrumental
Course Level: Intermediate
About this course
Steve Dummer returns with his enduringly popular course, directing participants in a Tea Dance Orchestra, working on classic repertoire from the 30’s and 40’s, in preparation for a Great Lawn Tea Dance Session at the end of the week.
Collaborative Piano Class
With Anna Tilbrook | Session 2
Course Genre: Instrumental
Course Level: Intermediate
About this course
Acclaimed accompanist Anna Tilbrook coaches amateur pianists in the art of song accompaniment. This course will work with James Gilchrist’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 singer, but pre-formed duos are also welcome.
Art Of Song Masterclass*
With James Gilchrist, Anna Tilbrook | Session 3
Course Genre: Vocal/Instrumental
Course Level: Advanced
About this course
Acclaimed Lieder duo James Gilchrist and Anna Tilbrook, known for their extraordinary and insightful performances, offer expert coaching for pre-formed singer/pianist duos. Drawing on Gilchrist and Tilbrook’s own extensive experience of performing Romantic song cycles, the coaching will focus on works by Schubert and Schumann, with a pre-arranged music list for participants to choose from, alongside their own song choices.
This is an Advanced course – please see here for details of how to apply.
Piano Class
With Florian Mitrea | Session 1 or 2
Course Genre: Instrumental
Course Level: Intermediate
About this course
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 Class
With Florian Mitrea | Session 1 or 2
Course Genre: Instrumental
Course Level: Intermediate
About this course
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 DUETS
With Florian Mitrea | Session 3
Course Genre: Instrumental
Course Level: Intermediate
About this course
Florian Mitrea returns with his popular class for any pianists interested in four-hand and two-piano repertoire. The class will be supportive and encouraging, and you’ll be paired up with a duet partner after signing up to the course. Pre-formed duos are also welcome.
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Piano Masterclass*
With Ivana Gavrić | Session 2
Course Genre: Instrumental
Course Level: Advanced
About this course
We are delighted to welcome back pianist Ivana Gavrić to lead this masterclass for advanced students. There will be a session 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 see here for details of how to apply.
Violin Masterclass*
With Thomas Gould | Session 3
Course Genre: Instrumental
Course Level: Advanced
About this course
A masterclass for advanced violin students, with a chance to work one-to-one on technique and interpretation, engage in group discussions, and give a public performance in Dartington’s Great Hall.
This is an Advanced course – please see here for details of how to apply.
Informal Chamber Music
With Rhiannon Evans | Session 2
Course Genre: Instrumental
Course Level: Intermediate
About this course
Our chamber music coordinator Rhiannon Evans facilitates these sessions, which are self-directed and will give you a chance to explore a range of repertoire and develop your ensemble skills and musicianship. You will be put into groups for the first day, but will then be free to move between groups during the week to try different repertoire and instrumentation if you wish, with help from Rhiannon and her team. Music will be available, but you are welcome to bring your own scores to share with your group.
You must fill in our online chamber music form in advance to take this course.
Chamber Music
With The Fidelio Trio, Rhiannon Evans, The Waldstein Quartet | Session 3
Course Genre: Instrumental
Course Level: Intermediate
About this course
A chance to play chamber music together with other participants, developing your ensemble skills with expert tuition. Rhiannon Evans, our course coordinator, 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.
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String Classes
Fidelio Trio with support from the Waldstein Quartet | Session 2
Course Genre: Instrumental
Course Level: Intermediate
About this course
We welcome the brilliant Fidelio Trio to Dartington. 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.
Cello Masterclass*
With Matthew Barley | Session 3
Course Genre: Instrumental
Course Level: Advanced
About this course
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 in Dartington’s medieval Great Hall.
This is an Advanced course – please see here for details of how to apply.
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BASICS OF IMPROVISATION
With Matthew Barley, Héloïse Werner | Session 2
Course Genre: Instrumental
Course Level: Intermediate
About this course
Innovative cellist Matthew Barley and composer/singer Héloïse Werner bring their skill and insight as improvisers to this welcoming class. This session is open to intermediate and advanced singers and instrumentalists (all instruments welcome) interested in flexing their improvising muscle. The class will cover aspects of rhythmic, 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 written music!
the diy musician
With Héloïse Werner | Session 3
Course Genre: Vocal/composition/Instrumental
Course Level: Intermediate
About this course
Composing/Performing for Amateurs: We are delighted to welcome Héloïse Werner to Dartington to lead a course aimed at amateur musicians who are interested in exploring their own creativity through their singing and playing. Drawing on her own imaginative series of vocal studies, Coronasolfége, which she developed during lockdown, she will encourage participants to find their inner voice.
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THE DIY MUSICIAN
With Héloïse Werner | Session 3
Course Genre: Vocal/composition/Instrumental
Course Level: Intermediate
About this course
Composing/Performing for Amateurs: We are delighted to welcome Héloïse Werner to Dartington to lead a course aimed at amateur musicians who are interested in exploring their own creativity through their singing and playing. Drawing on her own imaginative series of vocal studies, Coronasolfége, which she developed during lockdown, she will encourage participants to find their inner voice.
COMPOSING FOR FILM
With Isobel Waller-Bridge | Sessions 2 and 3
Course Genre: Composition
Course Level: Intermediate+
About this course
Award-winning composer Isobel Waller-Bridge brings her extensive experience writing for theatre, television and film to Dartington, to lead a course aimed at confident composers wanting to write both acoustic and electronic music to accompany film. You’ll work as a group and individually across two sessions each day, working to a selection of moving images to craft appropriate scores, and you’ll have the chance to hear your music performed in the Barn Cinema / Great Hall by some of the week’s outstanding instrumental tutors.
Advanced Conducting*
With Alice Farnham | Sessions 1,2 and 3
Course Genre: Conducting
Course Level: Advanced
About this course
Our famous two-week course offers a unique experience for advanced conductors to work on a wide range of repertoire, with unparalleled podium time in front of the Dartington Festival Orchestra.
We are thrilled to welcome back acclaimed conductor and pedagogue Alice Farnham to lead the course, which will include symphonic, concerto and chamber repertoire: Beethoven’s Symphony no.5, Poulenc’s Sinfonietta, a contemporary piano concerto by Cheryl Frances-Hoad (with soloist Ivana Gavric), all of which will be performed in a series of public concerts. There will also be an opportunity to work on a new chamber opera with Thea Musgrave.
This is a two-week Advanced course (Weeks 3 and 4) – please see here for details of how to apply.
family course: Creative workshop series
With Tara Franks | Various
Course Genre: Family
Course Level: Open to all (see individual events for age suitability)
About this course
Following last year’s inspiring short course, SoundsCreative Lab, Tara Franks returns to Summer School with a series of inter-generational, family-friendly workshops. Find out more about the different workshops on our Family Events page
*Denotes an Advanced course – please see here for more information about Advanced courses and details of how to apply.
Week 4
ABOUT WEEK 4
Week Four celebrates the music of legendary composer Thea Musgrave, making a welcome return to Dartington after many years. We’re delighted that the celebrated choral director and organist Anna Lapwood will be making her Dartington debut to conduct Thea Musgrave’s Missa Brevis and Fauré’s Requiem.
Our chamber music offer is expanding to include more mixed repertoire, with specialist coaching and instrumental tuition from both Magnard Ensemble and the Leonore Piano Trio. Pianist and bandleader Peter Edwards returns to lead our brilliant jazz course with Jihad Darwish, Ellie Smith and Becca Toft, and brass players have a chance to work with acclaimed trumpeter Paul Archibald and Black Dyke trombonist Brett Baker. Andrew Watts reprises his popular vocal class, and Black Voices return with their sensational open gospel choir.
There’s an advanced course in contemporary composition with Larry Goves and House of Bedlam, and Alice Farnham continues with the second week of our conducting course. Recorder player Jill Kemp will be our Pied Piper, leading a family course towards a promenade performance of a newly-devised piece of music theatre in the Dartington grounds, while Artistic Director Sara Mohr-Pietsch helps us find the words to describe the music we love.
TIMETABLE GUIDE
Our Courses and Concerts Pass gives you full access to the programme for your chosen week.
Each course listed in the timetable below runs at the same time every day, from Sunday – Friday of your chosen week. There are three sessions each day, so you can pick up to three courses – one for each session.
Please note: Where a course is timetabled over multiple sessions of the day (for example, Sessions 2 and 3), you are required to attend all specified sessions.
Note for mobile users: Please ensure your turn your device to landscape to view the session grid. We recommend you use a device of tablet size or larger to browse our courses.
Course Type
To help you easily browse by course type, the course titles are colour-coded as follows (if you are colour-blind, don’t worry – the course type is also specified in the expanded course descriptions):
orange = vocal
blue = instrumental
green = Composition
pink = future sounds/family
grey = conducting
COURSE LEVELS
When you open each course, you’ll see a difficulty level. These indicate the minimum level required for each course. Click here for a full guide to course levels and what they mean.
Session 1: 9-11am
Session 2: 11.30am-1pm
Session 3: 2.30-4pm
Big Choir with Anna Lapwood: FAURÉ’S REQUIEM & THEA MUSGRAVE’S MISSA BREVIS
With Anna Lapwood | Session 1
Course Genre: Vocal
Course Level: Intermediate
About this course
We are delighted to welcome acclaimed choral conductor Anna Lapwood to lead our participants towards a performance of two complementary works for choir: Gabriel Fauré’s much-loved Requiem and Cantique de Jean Racine, and the ravishingly beautiful Missa Brevis by composer in residence, Thea Musgrave.
BLACK VOICES GOSPEL CHOIR
With Carol Pemberton, Cecelia Wickham-Anderson | Session 2
Course Genre: Vocal
Course Level: Intermediate
About this course
Uplifting, harmonious, soul-stirring, challenging and fun all describe the power and appeal of the Gospel Choir sessions, led by Carol Pemberton and Cecelia Wickham-Anderson of the internationally-acclaimed a cappella group Black Voices. The workshops will cover a range of black music traditions that influence and shape what today we call Black Gospel. There will be an informal performance for participants on the final Friday.
Vocal Class with Andrew Watts
With Andrew Watts | Session 3
Course Genre: Vocal
Course Level: Intermediate
About this course
Countertenor Andrew Watts returns to Dartington to lead a class for keen singers of all abilities. Each session will begin with a vocal warm-up for everyone, followed by an informal masterclass. Everyone will have a chance to work in this masterclass setting, and you’ll learn a lot from observing your fellow students too, picking up tips on technique and interpretation. This class is a great opportunity to gain confidence as a singer, and perform in front of others. You’ll be asked to bring along at least one aria or song that you can sing from memory.
Hollywood Songbook
With Sarah Gabriel | Session 2
Course Genre: Vocal
Course Level: Intermediate
About this course
Film scores and theme tunes – as well as musical theatre movies – have inspired us with some of the most iconic popular songs from the last century. In this course, you’ll have the chance to explore the best songs from Hollywood and rediscover neglected ones too. Open to all singers, everyone is invited to perform their favourite songs from the world of film. Course leader Sarah Gabriel will also provide you with a list of classics from the first part of the 20th century to explore and learn if you wish.
Songs from the Musicals Choir
With Sarah Gabriel & Stephen de Pledge | Session 3
Course Genre: Vocal
Course Level: Intermediate
About this course
Join Sarah Gabriel and Stephen De Pledge in a relaxed open choir session. Together, Sarah and Stephen will guide you through some of the best-loved chorus numbers from some of your favourite shows in this fun and feelgood course. Explore your voice and increase your confidence as you build from unison singing through to the glorious harmony of a full West End chorus! Suitable for singers of all different experiences. A familiarity with music notation will be useful as you’ll be singing from written arrangements, but there will be plenty of opportunity to learn as you go so being a fluent reader is not a requirement.
Jazz Standards* with Peter Edwards and friends
With Peter Edwards, Jihad Darwish, Ellie Smith, Becca Toft | Session 2
Course Genre: Instrumental
Course Level: Intermediate/Advanced
About this course
Jazz pianist and bandleader Peter Edwards leads 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.
There are some bursaries available for Advanced students for this course – see here for details of how to apply.
Jazz Improvisation* with Peter Edwards and Friends
With Peter Edwards, Jihad Darwish, Ellie Smith, Becca Toft | Session 3
Course Genre: Instrumental
Course Level: Intermediate/Advanced
About this course
Jazz pianist and bandleader Peter Edwards leads this week-long course in Jazz Improvisation, which builds on the Jazz Standards course, but can be taken on its own if you already have a good working knowledge of popular standards. In this session, you’ll expand your capacity as a soloist and improviser, and have the opportunity to give a public performance at the end of the week. The class will work together for much of the week, but there will be plenty of break-out opportunities for advanced sessions and sectionals.
There are some bursaries available for Advanced students for this course – see here for details of how to apply.
STEVE DUMMER’S BIG BAND
With Steve Dummer | Session 1
Course Genre: Instrumental
Course Level: Intermediate
About this course
Start your day with a swing in our Big Band session with Dartington regular Steve Dummer. With repertoire ranging from big band standards to more contemporary jazz, this course is open to saxophones, brass and rhythm instruments.
Brass Ensemble with Brett and Paul
With Brett Baker, Paul Archibald | Session 2
Course Genre: Instrumental
Course Level: Intermediate
About this course
This ensemble class is ideal for any experienced brass players that are also taking part in Brett Baker and Paul Archibald’s individual classes. The two brass experts will lead this ensemble, with rehearsals focussed on learning a variety of ensemble techniques and their practical application in performance. You’ll work on music by established English composers as well as some arrangements of some of well-known classical compositions transcribed especially for the ensemble. The rehearsals are geared towards giving a public performance at the end of the week.
WIND BAND with Steve Dummer
With Steve Dummer | Session 3
Course Genre: Instrumental
Course Level: Intermediate
About this course
Open to woodwind, brass and percussion players, these daily sessions will explore and rehearse original wind band repertoire both classic and new. Although the emphasis is on the enjoyment of playing in a large group, close attention will be given to developing confidence in tuning, balance and other skills useful for playing in an ensemble. There’ll be an opportunity to give a public performance at the end of the week.
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Trumpet Class with Paul Archibald
With Paul Archibald | Session 3
Course Genre: Instrumental
Course Level: Intermediate
About this course
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.
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Trombone & Low Brass Class with Brett Baker
With Brett Baker | Session 3
Course Genre: Instrumental
Course Level: Intermediate
About this course
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.
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Wind Classes with the Magnard Ensemble
With Magnard Ensemble | Session 2
Course Genre: Instrumental
Course Level: Intermediate
About this course
The Magnard Ensemble will coach players on style, technique and ensemble playing. This session will start as one group, but will be flexible to the needs of the participants, splitting into single and double reeds, and instrument-specific sessions as required.
Violin Class with Benjamin Nabarro
With Benjamin Nabarro | Session 3
Course Genre: Instrumental
Course Level: Intermediate
About this course
We welcome the Leonore Piano Trio back to Dartington, to lead coaching on violin, cello and piano. 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.
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Cello Class with Gemma Rosefield
With Gemma Rosefield | Session 3
Course Genre: Instrumental
Course Level: Intermediate
About this course
We welcome the Leonore Piano Trio back to Dartington, to lead coaching on violin, cello and piano. 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.
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Piano Class with Tim Horton
With Tim Horton | Session 3
Course Genre: Instrumental
Course Level: Intermediate
About this course
We welcome the Leonore Piano Trio back to Dartington, to lead coaching on violin, cello and piano. 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.
CHAMBER MUSIC
With members of the Magnard Ensemble and Leonore Piano Trio | Sessions 1, 2 and/or 3
Course Genre: Instrumental
Course Level: Intermediate
About this course
An ideal opportunity for players of all instruments to gather together and receive expert coaching from the exuberant wind quintet, Magnard Ensemble, and the Leonore Piano Trio. You’ll be organised into groups, and repertoire will be suggested in advance to get the week started. As the week progresses, it may be possible to form additional groups and explore other repertoire.
You must fill in our online chamber music form in advance to take this course.
CHAMBER MUSIC
With members of the Leonore Piano Trio | Sessions 1, 2 and/or 3
Course Genre: Instrumental
Course Level: Intermediate
About this course
An ideal opportunity for players of all instruments to gather together and receive expert coaching from the Leonore Piano Trio. You’ll be organised into groups, and repertoire will be suggested in advance to get the week started. As the week progresses, it may be possible to form additional groups and explore other repertoire.
You must fill in our online chamber music form in advance to take this course.
CHAMBER MUSIC
With members of the Magnard Ensemble | Sessions 1, 2 and/or 3
Course Genre: Instrumental
Course Level: Intermediate
About this course
An ideal opportunity for players of all instruments to gather together and receive expert coaching from the Magnard Ensemble. You’ll be organised into groups, and repertoire will be suggested in advance to get the week started. As the week progresses, it may be possible to form additional groups and explore other repertoire.
You must fill in our online chamber music form in advance to take this course.
Advanced Composition: Instruments and Field Recordings*
With Larry Goves, Sarah Nicolls, Carl Raven | Session 1, 2 and 3
Course Genre: Composition
Course Level: Advanced
About this course
We are thrilled to welcome musical innovators Larry Goves, Sarah Nicolls and Carl Raven to lead this course for advanced composers. Across the week you will explore the myriad ways in which field recordings entangle with instrumental composition to affect the impact and meaning of the music.
This course will spend a little time exploring some relevant repertoire and theory but will be dominated by making and discussing field recordings and exploring the extended possibilities of clarinets, saxophones, and piano. You will work directly with the composers and performers running the course to create new pieces for instruments and field recordings.
The course is open to composers with some experience of writing for instruments, however no expertise in recording or electronic music is required (although it is welcome), and no specialist equipment is required (although again this is welcome). The course will culminate in a sharing of new work/work in progress for any combination of Sarah Nicolls, Carl Raven, course participants, and recorded sound.
This is an Advanced course – please see here for details of how to apply.
ADVANCED Conducting*
With Alice Farnham & DFO | Session 1, 2 and 3
Course Genre: Conducting
Course Level: Advanced
About this course
Our famous two-week course offers a unique experience for advanced conductors to work on a wide range of repertoire, with unparalleled podium time in front of the Dartington Festival Orchestra.
We are thrilled to welcome back acclaimed conductor and pedagogue Alice Farnham to lead the course, working on the following symphonic, concerto and chamber repertoire: Beethoven’s Symphony no.5, Poulenc’s Sinfonietta, Cheryl Frances-Hoad’s Between the Skies, the River and the Hills (with soloist Ivana Gavrić), and Walton’s Façade, all of which will be performed in a series of public concerts.
This is a two-week Advanced course (Weeks 3 and 4) – please see here for details of how to apply.
Future Sounds with Sara Mohr-Pietsch
With Sara Mohr-Pietsch | Session 2
Course Genre: Future Sounds
Course Level: Open to all
About this course
Artistic Director Sara Mohr-Pietsch returns with her ‘Finding the Words’ course, exploring the complexity of using words to talk about music, a practice famously likened to ‘dancing about architecture’. How can we find the words to describe that which is ephemeral, and what is the value of engaging in cultural conversation about music in the first place?
Sessions will involve open discussion, listening practice, writing exercises and talks from guest artists. This course is open to everyone, whether you’re a professional music critic or have never been to a concert before!
*Denotes an Advanced course – please see here for more information about Advanced courses and details of how to apply.