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2017 course information

There are 4 main 90 minute sessions a day, starting around 9am, 11am, 2pm and 3.30pm, plus a shorter early morning session for Yoga or Tai Chi. Whether you choose a busy or very relaxed programme is up to you. Participants usually follow up to three different courses which also allows time in the day for private practice, to enjoy the gardens, or to observe a class

There’s also an early morning session for Yoga or Tai Chi Qigong which falls outside normal teaching sessions.

Week 1: Courses

The Big Choir

ANDREW GRIFFITHS

The inspiring conductor Andrew Griffiths returns to Dartington to direct the Florentine Intermedi, the stunning 1589 celebration for a Medici marriage, with music by Malvezzi, Marenzio and Caccini. This lavishly entertaining masterpiece is the earliest forerunner of opera, with wood nymphs, dancers, muses, scenes set in hell as well as the heavens. We’ll be presenting it like a wedding – are you with the bride or groom?

An edition of this work is being specially made for Dartington and will be available to purchase from us. Please see the ‘Music Supplies’ page on the website for more information.

Session 1

Vocal Ensembles

STILE ANTICO

Exploring repertoire from Musica Transalpina, a 1588 collection including works by Palestrina, Marenzio and Lassus, which brought the latest madrigalian techniques to England and kick-started the flowering of the English madrigal,  Stile Antico will work with singers of all ages and abilities in small groups, and will focus on improving ensemble skills. Scores will be available to buy at the beginning of the course.

Session 2

Vocal Masterclass

EMMA KIRKBY

‘I feel lucky that my career was characterised from the start by ensemble singing, especially with my first love, the lute; so we’ll have a joint session with David Miller’s class of accomplished lute and theorbo players early on. I’m happy to coach students in their choice of repertoire; there will also be an emphasis on the beautiful songs of John Dowland, and I’ll send beforehand a choice of ensemble pieces.’ This is an Advanced Selected course, please click here for application details.

Session 2

Improve Your Sight-Singing

RHIANNON EVANS

Do you struggle with the demanding multi-tasking activity that is sight-singing? Is recognizing rhythms, pitching intervals and reading the text all at once a daunting challenge? This course is open to all, especially singers who are not fluent readers, and anyone wishing to brush up on their sight-singing skills.

Session 3

Vocal Workshop

NICHOLAS CLAPTON

‘Ever since coming to Dartington for the first time in 1995, I’ve always encouraged participants in my class to perform a wide and varied repertoire of their choice, on which we can work both technically and interpretatively. Aged from 16 to 80+, they have responded with everything from Machaut to Maxwell Davies – fabulous!’

Session 3 OR 4

Middle Eastern Singing

MERIT ARIANE STEPHANOS

A wonderful opportunity to explore vocal repertoire with the celebrated Egyptian/German singer and composer Merit Ariane Stephanos. We’ll be looking at music from Egypt, Lebanon, Syria, Iraq and Andalusia, and understanding the myriad interconnections between the Middle East and the Mediterranean. You’ll learn to express yourself through colour and ornamentation, and to improvise within the Arabic modal system (maqam) and rhythmic patterns (iqa’).

Session 3

The Big Choir Plus

GAVIN ROBERTS

Some extra rehearsal opportunities for The Big Choir repertoire, with the wonderful choir repetiteur Gavin Roberts.

Session 4

Advanced Renaissance Wind Band

WILLIAM LYONS, NICHOLAS PERRY AND GEORGE BARTLE

William Lyons and the ever-popular City Musick members return for their wind ensemble course. This year we will focus on the music for cornetts, shawms, dulcians and trombones from the varied and exciting repertoire of the civic and court bands in Renaissance Italy. We will also be focusing on the music of the Florentine Intermedi of 1589 in preparations for the Friday evening choir and renaissance band concert. This is an Advanced Selected course, please click here for application details.

SESSION 1

Chamber Ensemble Workshop: Corelli and Vivaldi

RHIANNON EVANS

Start the day with a fun-filled ensemble play-through. This week we’ll be exploring Baroque repertoire including Concerti Grossi by Corelli and Vivaldi. All strings and C instruments welcome; pitch will be A440.

SESSION 1

Lute and Lute Ensembles

DAVID MILLER AND TOBY CARR

In session 1, Toby Carr will offer intermediate and beginner lute-players technical support and coaching. David Miller’s course in session 2 provides a unique opportunity for advanced and experienced players of early plucked instruments to develop their accompanying and continuo skills, whilst recreating the lush and sumptuous qualities of a large 17th century continuo group, with lutes, archlutes, chitarroni and guitars. There’ll be opportunities to collaborate with singers from Emma Kirkby’s classes.

SESSION 1 & 2

Viol Consorts

FRETWORK

The brilliant and ground-breaking viol consort Fretwork supervise and lead tuition at all levels. Repertoire will include English, French, Italian and German music of the 16th and 17th centuries.

SESSIONS 1, 2 & 3

Renaissance Reeds, Recorders, Brass and Strings

WILLIAM LYONS, NICHOLAS PERRY AND GEORGE BARTLE

Group and individual tuition with members of The City Musick, on shawms, crumhorns, dulcian, rackett, recorders, early violin, cornetts, sackbuts, bagpipes and renaissance percussion. We will be covering a broad repertoire of dance, theatre, court and civic music from the fifteenth to the seventeenth centuries.

SESSION 2

Renaissance and Baroque Harpsichord

JANE CHAPMAN

Jane Chapman studied with Ton Koopman at theConservatorium van Amsterdam, and is now professor at the Royal College of Music; she’s one of the most innovative and imaginative harpsichordists around. Jane will be coaching core harpsichord repertoire from the 16th to 18th centuries, concentrating on technique and style.

SESSION 2

The Contemporary Harpsichord

JANE CHAPMAN

‘One of Britain’s most distinguished harpsichordists, bringing the harpsichord into the 21st century and establishing her reputation as a rule-breaker’ (The Wall Street Journal). Having collaborated with composers, artists and dancers, Indian, Brazilian and jazz musicians, this class is ideal for keyboardists, improvisers and composers wanting to explore the contemporary possibilities of the harpsichord.

SESSION 3

Middle Eastern Music: The Ottoman Heritage

JON BANKS

Exploring instrumental music from Egypt, Syria and Turkey, this is an introduction to one of the most varied musical traditions led by qanun and santouri player Jon Banks. Intermediate instrumentalists from all backgrounds are welcome; reading music is essential for melody players, but less so for percussionists. Ranging from high-energy dances and courtly repertory to extended meditative compositions in complex rhythmic cycles, there’ll be plenty of scope to improvise. We’ll include music of the Sufi tradition, alongside Eastern Mediterranean forms such as the sirto and longa.

SESSION 3

Middle Eastern Music and Song

JON BANKS AND MERIT ARIANE STEPHANOS

Merit and Jon will teach you to sing and play a wide range of folk and classical songs from Egypt, Lebanon, Syria and Iraq, as well as the tradition of Mwashshahat, which originated in ancient Andalusia. They will be focusing on performance conventions and styles, giving you an insight into modes, rhythms and improvisation.

SESSION 4

Cornetts and Sackbuts: Renaissance Polyphony

GAWAIN GLENTON AND EMILY WHITE

Cornetts and sackbuts were regularly mixed with singers in the 16th century, and this year we’ll focus on the burnished harmony and polyphony of Venetian composer Claudio Merulo. This course aims to give students a taste of this very special combination, as instrumentalists learn from vocalists, and vice versa. Singers should be able to sing one to a part if needed; all voice-types are welcome to work on this gorgeous music.

SESSION 3

Cornetts, Sackbuts and Recorder Masterclass

GAWAIN GLENTON AND EMILY WHITE

An extra session for cornett, sackbut and recorder players. Students are encouraged to bring solo or ensemble pieces, to be coached in an open-class situation. We will also schedule classes on ornamentation and other technical aspects.

SESSION 4

Chamber Music

RHIANNON EVANS, CLAIRE WILLIAMS AND ENSEMBLE MERIDIANA PLAYERS

The chamber music programme, open to all instrumentalists and singers, will offer one formally organised session each day with coaching available from the resident ensemble, with other sessions for rehearsal and coaching when available. Each participant will be assigned to a group in advance according to availability and standard, and suitable repertoire can be suggested in advance if required. Pre-formed groups are welcome.

SESSIONS 1, 2, 3 & 4

The Bearer-Beings: Portable Stories in Dislocated Times

MARINA WARNER

This creative writing course revolves around the concept of stories and their literary, oral, visual, or musical transmission. We’ll explore how collective memories are formed and how individuals pass on stories. The title – ‘the bearer-beings’ – comes from a poem by Wallace Stevens and participants will create and ‘transmit’ their own creations, free variations from myths and folklore, or other handed down material. Come to the workshop with a story that means something to you (from any place or era). The workshop forms a part of a larger project working in refugee communities with story-making as a necessary and dynamic survival process.

SESSION 1

Stories in Transit: Oral Poetry and Music

ALICE OSWALD AND STEVIE WISHART

Can a memory of literature and the process of making it over and over again build ‘a country of words’ (Mahmoud Darwish)? Can narratives build a place of belonging for those without a nation? The poet and compelling performer Alice Oswald will be using storytelling to discover a different kind of poetry – not oral or literary, not page or performance, but something between all four. Guided by Alice, and the composer and hurdy gurdy player Stevie Wishart, musicians and poets will work towards a short, informal performance combining words with music at the end of the week.

SESSIONS 2 & 3

Arabic Poetry and Arabic History

TAMIM AL-BARGHOUTI

The charismatic Palestinian poet and columnist Tamim al-Barghouti is a brilliant performer and thinker, capable of attracting hundreds of thousands of people to his poetry performances. With several published poetry collections and academic works to his name, Tamim was a Visiting Professor of Politics at Georgetown University, and currently works at the United Nations. His course delves into the centuries-old traditions of Arabic poetry, inextricably entwined with the politics and history of the Middle East. ‘Whether in imagining and thereby creating the self, or in asserting it against colonial negation, or in rebelling, questioning and at times even deconstructing it, Arabic literature has been arguably inseparable from the political history of the Arabs. Literature is also the work of individual authors who come from different backgrounds and have varying perceptions of themselves, as individuals and as a collective, this might allow us to approach the question of political identity in the Arab world with a greater degree of complexity and nuance.’

SESSION 3

Jazz Improvisation Workshop

HUW WARREN

A chance to work with one of the world’s leading improvisers, thinkers and composers. The brilliant pianist and composer Huw Warren leads a free jazz and world music improvisation class, encouraging fluidity and expressiveness in musicians of all backgrounds and levels.

SESSION 3

Jazz Improvisation and Composition Masterclass

HUW WARREN AND STEVIE WISHART

A further session for more advanced improvisers, jazz musicians and composers. Stevie Wishart – hurdy gurdy player, medieval violinist, composer and Hildegarde of Bingen scholar – joins pianist Huw Warren to encourage a deeper level of creative playing and composing.

SESSION 4

Yoga

JUSTIN DALTON

This course, based on the gentle, fluid Scaravelli approach to yoga, is suitable for participants of all ages and abilities. Yoga has been practised by many musicians – most famously Yehudi Menuhin – and it’s a great chance to loosen up the body before a day’s music-making.

7.45AM-8.30AM

Week 2: Courses

The Big Choir

LAURENCE CUMMINGS

Glyndebourne and ENO conductor Laurence Cummings returns to direct the Big Choir in Handel’s mightiest oratorio Samson, full of dramatic and stirring choruses. Laurence is one of the most thrilling exponents of historical practice; his music-making has been described as ‘both witty and compassionate.’ Don’t miss this wonderful chance to explore Handel’s Milton-inspired work with him.
We’ll be working with the Burrows Edition.

SESSION 1

Advanced Opera Course:Purcell King Arthur

CAROLYN SAMPSON, ANDREW WATTS, RICHARD WILLIAMS AND ROBERT HOWARTH

This exciting opera course, led by conductor Robert Howarth, presents Purcell’s Restoration spectacular King Arthur, with Britons and Saxons, gods and goddesses. Richard Williams directs a stylish production set in 1950s England, and you’ll be coached by opera singers Carolyn Sampson and Andrew Watts. There are also extra classes in opera acting, and continuo singing with Richard Tunnicliffe. Applications for this course are now closed.

SESSIONS 1, 2, 3 & 4

Opera Chorus: Purcell King Arthur

LAURENCE CUMMINGS AND GAVIN ROBERTS

Laurence Cummings puts a small opera chorus through its paces, rehearsing Purcell’s marvellous choruses – from gods and goddesses to Cold People, Britons and Saxons – for a performance of this operatic masterpiece. There will be a short audition for the Opera Chorus on August 6th.

SESSION 2

Vocal Masterclass

CAROLYN SAMPSON

We’re privileged to welcome back the soprano Carolyn Sampson, fêted all over the world for her performances of Monteverdi, Purcell, Mozart and Schubert. She directs this week’s masterclass for advanced singers with wit, warmth and flair. This is an Advanced Selected course, please click here for application details.

SESSION 2

Improve Your Sight-Singing

RHIANNON EVANS

Do you struggle with the demanding multi-tasking activity that is sight-singing? Is recognizing rhythms, pitching intervals and reading the text all at once a daunting challenge? This course is open to all, especially singers who are not fluent readers, and anyone wishing to brush up on their sight-singing skills.

SESSION 3

Vocal Workshop

ANDREW WATTS

Open to singers of all ages and abilities, the superb countertenor Andrew Watts – acclaimed performer and Voice Teacher at the Jette Parker Young Artists Programme at the Royal Opera House – will improve your vocal technique and performance skills in a relaxed, supportive and informative atmosphere.

SESSION 3 OR 4

Chamber Choir

LAURENCE CUMMINGS

A lovely selection of choral pieces reflecting our themes of English identity, Milton and Blake: If Ye Love Me (Tallis), O Clap Your Hands (Gibbons), The Lamb (Eric Haas), and Blest Pair of Sirens (Hubert Parry). The Chamber Choir is aimed at experienced choral singers.

SESSION 4

The Big Choir Plus

GAVIN ROBERTS

Some extra rehearsal opportunities for The Big Choir repertoire, with the wonderful choir repetiteur Gavin Roberts.

SESSION 4

Acting for Opera Singers

RICHARD WILLIAMS

Opera and theatre director Richard Williams gives young opera singers the confidence to deepen their knowledge of staging and characterization. Primarily aimed at Advanced Opera students, this will also be open to keen observers.

SESSION 4

Folk and the Landscape

SALLY DAVIES AND PAUL HUTCHINSON

Sally Davies and Paul Hutchinson, two experienced and visionary folk musicians and composers, lead a creative course that explores the connections between folk music and the landscape, using the beautiful grounds of Dartington estate. We will explore the links between nature, traditional and contemporary folk music, creating some of our own music along the way, for performance later in the week.

SESSION 1

Folk Choir

SALLY DAVIES

Sally Davies is a singer, instrumentalist, composer and choir leader, with a wide ranging experience of folk and world music. She directs the Cecil Sharp House Choir with her distinctive and original arrangements of folk songs. The Folk Choir course will provide an intense and rewarding learning experience; you’ll be rehearsing folk songs from England and Eastern Europe, in spine-tingling a cappella harmony, for a concert later in the week. There may well be some collaborations with the instrumental folk courses this year!

SESSION 2

Accordion Workshop

PAUL HUTCHINSON

The wonderful accordionist Paul Hutchinson tutors at Cecil Sharp House and Folkworks in Durham. Paul’s style of teaching is relaxed and entertaining. He considers the accordion a beautiful and versatile instrument, uses block chords, drones and pedal notes, and is a master of harmony. Paul enjoys developing the potential of a group to deepen and improve their musicianship, and welcomes players at all levels.

SESSION 2

Folk Baroque

ANDY WATTS

A brand new folk course for 2017! Andy Watts is associate Principal bassoon of the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment, and founder of the folk/early music group The Carnival Band, well known for their work with Maddy Prior and currently recording the 100 most popular ballads of the 17th century. Here folk, Baroque and ‘modern’ instrumentalists can explore street ballads and dance music from the 17th and 18th centuries, challenging artificial categories to create and exchange new music. This innovative course is open to all instrumentalists and singers, using notation as well as playing by ear.

SESSION 2

As I Walked Out One Morning

ELIZA AND MARTIN CARTHY

Martin and Eliza Carthy return to Dartington after several years to lead this exciting folk course. Martin will start the week off with sessions devoted to instrumental tuition as well as songs, offering the chance for players to study and rehearse traditional tunes and arrangements, as well as collaborate and create new work. Eliza will take over from Martin on Wednesday to continue the work and prepare for the concert at the end of the week , shared with the Folk Choir.

SESSIONS 3 & 4

Crime Writing

JAMES RUNCIE

Acclaimed writer and Head of Arts at Radio 4, James Runcie runs a creative writing course based on the lessons of crime writing – from Greek tragedy to The Girl on the Train. How much can thinking about crime fiction further your own literary endeavours? Each session will be devoted to one particular element: character, plot, research and setting, dialogue, editing.

SESSION 1

Exploring the Short Form

KATE CLANCHY

Whether you write poetry, short stories, essays or even hybrids of all three, you will find something to interest and extend you in this mixture of workshops and tutorials. Kate Clanchy has won a Forward prize for her poetry, the BBC National Short Story Award, and the Writer’s Guild Award for her non-fiction. She is currently writing a book of essays.

SESSIONS 2 & 3

The Visionary Imagination: Milton and Blake

JAMES RUNCIE

A creative reading course based on the works of John Milton and William Blake. In each session we will read poetry together and look at visions of earth and heaven, from Blake’s Jerusalem to Milton’s Paradise Lost. A selective reading list will be provided in advance, but no prior knowledge is assumed or necessary.

SESSION 4

Advanced Baroque Orchestra

ROBERT HOWARTH

Robert Howarth is one of the world’s most sought-after Baroque conductors, and will be directing the Baroque Orchestra in two major performances: Purcell’s opera King Arthur on Thursday, and Handel’s mighty oratorio Samson (conducted by Laurence Cummings) on Friday. Every day, there’ll also be opportunities for solo and chamber tuition with our stellar array of Baroque teachers, in string, wind, brass and harpsichord classes. A very busy schedule, but thrilling! This is an Advanced Selected course, please click here for application details.

SESSIONS 1, 2, 3 & 4 (SESSION 3 FOR MASTERCLASSES OR SECTIONALS)

Chamber Ensemble Workshop: Bach

RHIANNON EVANS

Start the day with a fun-filled ensemble play-through. This week we’ll be exploring the Brandenburg Concertos and Orchestral Suites by Bach. All strings and C instruments welcome; pitch will be A440.

SESSION 1

Introduction to Fortepiano

STEVEN DEVINE

One of the busiest and most experienced keyboard players and music directors around, Steven Devine will be leading this class for all keyboard players who wish to delve deep into the solo music of CPE Bach, Mozart, Haydn, Beethoven and others. Steven will look at the way the fortepiano enhances our understanding and interpretation of this great music and if time allows, will involve chamber music, as well as vocal repertoire with participants in the vocal classes.

SESSION 2

Recorder Workshop

JILL KEMP

Open to all recorder players, these classes cover breathing, coordination, extended techniques, ornamentation and any other areas or repertoire that students would like to cover. This session will focus on solo repertoire, from the 16th to 21st centuries. Please bring a treble at A440.

SESSION 2

Recorder Ensembles

JILL KEMP

This will be an ensemble session for all recorder players. Please bring any sizes of recorder you may have, for an energetic and lively class covering group repertoire from the last five centuries.

SESSION 3

Baroque Violin Masterclass

ADRIAN BUTTERFIELD

The brilliant violinist Adrian Butterfield, director of the London Handel Players and Professor of Baroque Violin at the Royal College of Music, gives masterclasses focussing on all technical and stylistic aspects of solo Baroque violin-playing. This is an Advanced Selected course, please click here for application details.

SESSION 3

Baroque Cello Masterclass: The Art of Continuo Playing

RICHARD TUNNICLIFFE

Richard Tunnicliffe focuses on the subtleties and complexities of continuo playing – the harmonic and rhythmic basis of Baroque style – combined with a singing line, and an ability to listen deeply. There’ll be an opportunity to combine with the Advanced Vocal class, exploring voice and continuo music, as well as solo cello repertoire. This is an Advanced Selected course, please click here for application details.

SESSION 3

Baroque Wind Workshop

ANDY WATTS

Andy Watts is professor in the Historical Performance Department at the Royal Academy of Music, as well as a principal player for OAE and The Carnival Band. He gives a lively, illuminating class on technique and expression for all wind instrumentalists, in solo and chamber repertoire.

SESSION 3

Natural Trumpet Workshop

ROSS BROWN

Ross Brown, a supremely gifted performer and teachers, directs a class that will provide ample opportunities for group and solo tuition coaching and orchestral repertoire. There’ll be concerts in the Great Hall, and daily performances from the medieval tower!

SESSIONS 3 & 4

Harpsichord Workshop

STEVEN DEVINE

Steven is harpsichordist with the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment and a soloist with many recordings to his name. Here he leads an open class for players with experience of the harpsichord covering the full range of solo repertoire for the instrument. If time allows, he will involve chamber coaching too.

SESSION 3

Piano Workshop: Baroque Music

JOANNA MACGREGOR

An open course led by Artistic Director and Head of Piano at the Royal Academy of Music Joanna MacGregor, examining multiple approaches to Baroque piano performance. Students are invited to bring any solo Bach, Scarlatti or Handel works, as well as music from the French and English schools. We’ll also discuss historical performances and recording practices.

SESSION 3

Chamber Music

RHIANNON EVANS, KATE SEMMENS, REBECCA TRUSCOTT, CLAIRE WILLIAMS, ANDY WATTS AND MARTYNA KAZMIERCZAK

The chamber music programme, open to all instrumentalists and singers, will offer one formally organised session each day with coaching available from the resident ensemble, with other sessions for rehearsal and coaching when available. Each participant will be assigned to a group in advance according to availability and standard, and suitable repertoire can be suggested in advance if required. Pre-formed groups are welcome.

SESSIONS 1, 2. 3 & 4

Tai Chi Qigong

JOE SALMON

Joe Salmon, director of Tai Chi Nation, offers an early morning class, designed to relax the body and focus the mind. A dynamic form of moving meditation, Tai Chi Qigong is accessible to people of all ages and ideal for musicians, bringing great benefits for good practice and performance in the day ahead.

8.00AM-8.30AM

Week 3: Courses

The Big Choir

GEORGE VASS

The popular conductor George Vass returns to Dartington to conduct one of Beethoven’s meatiest masterpieces, his Mass in C. An early, joyful work, it was commissioned by Prince Esterházy II to celebrate his wife’s name-day in 1807, and contains some of Beethoven’s most moving and sublime music for voices.
We’ll be working with the Carus Edition.

SESSION 1

Vocal Masterclass

PAUL NILON

Paul Nilon is Britain’s leading lyric tenor, and we are lucky to have him with us for two weeks, working with advanced vocalists, and the cast of Britten’s powerful Peter Grimes. A veteran soloist in opera houses throughout the world, Paul will be performing Schubert’s Winterreise this week, and the supremely dramatic role of Peter Grimes next week. He puts Summer School advanced singers through their paces in a warm, supportive setting. This is an Advanced Selected course, please click here for application details.

SESSION 2

Advanced Opera Course: Britten Peter Grimes

SIAN EDWARDS, PAUL NILON AND SUSANNA STRANDERS

The conductor Sian Edwards (Oper Frankfurt, Glyndebourne), tenor Paul Nilon (ENO, ROH) and vocal coach Susanna Stranders (Garsington Opera, ROH) direct the first week of this two-week Advanced course. Peter Grimes is the masterpiece that revived British opera, and will receive two full concert performances in the Great Hall on August 24th and 26th. As an extra performance opportunity, there’ll be an ‘Opera Gala’ recital programme directed by Susanna Stranders on 17th August. Applications for this course are now closed.

SESSIONS 1, 2, 3 & 4

Vocal Workshop

SARAH GABRIEL

As at home in Mozart or Britten opera as she is in music theatre – Sarah Gabriel made her European debut as Eliza in My Fair Lady at the Théâtre du Châtelet, opposite Alex Jennings. Her vocal class is open to all singers; Sarah is particularly interested in being authentically yourself onstage, and in how to express your individuality. You can see her in action in her recital on August 14th.

SESSION 3

Chamber Choir

GAVIN ROBERTS

Gavin Roberts coaches selections from Brahms’ gorgeous Lieberslieder Walzer, as well as choruses from Schubert’s Rosamunde. The Chamber Choir is aimed at experienced choral singers.

SESSION 4

Advanced Conducting Course

SIAN EDWARDS

Two weeks of intense study with Sian Edwards, Head of Conducting, Royal Academy of Music, for six conductors; two programmes will be prepared and performed with the Dartington Festival Orchestra. The first is the enticing prospect of two great symphonies – Prokofiev’s Classical Symphony, and Mozart’s Symphony no.41, Jupiter – alongside Pärt’s Cantus in Memoriam Benjamin Britten and Brahms’s Serenade no.2 in A, Op.16. The first week also includes Dartington’s first Piano Concerto Competition, so there’ll be sessions with outstanding young pianists, working on concertos by Mozart, Beethoven and Schumann. The second week presents a fantastic opportunity to prepare and perform Britten’s great opera Peter Grimes, starring the international lyric tenor Paul Nilon, with students from the Advanced Opera Course. This is an Advanced Selected course, please click here for application details.

SESSIONS 1, 2, 3 & 4

Advanced Music Theatre: Sondheim Sweeney Todd

RICHARD WILLIAMS, GEORGE VASS, SARAH GABRIEL AND SARA VAN BEERS

A brand new course aimed at young professional music theatre performers, and advanced music theatre students. It provides a splendid opportunity to work on Sondheim’s crackling, dark portrayal of The Demon Barber of Fleet Street, working towards three public performances in the jewel-like Barn Theatre, on 17th and 18th August. The course is directed by four veterans – director, conductor, singer and choreographer – of opera and West End productions, and is simply unmissable if you wish to work intensely, and at a high level, on this masterpiece of 20th century music theatre. This is an Advanced Selected course, please click here for application details.

SESSIONS 1, 2, 3 & 4

Scenes from Guys and Dolls and Oklahoma!

SARAH GABRIEL, RICHARD WILLIAMS AND SARA VAN BEERS

A boisterous journey through the world of musical theatre, open to singers of all abilities and ages. The course will focus on two brilliant, iconic musicals, looking at chorus, solo numbers and ensemble scenes; we’ll also rehearse simple and witty choreography. There will be an informal performance later in the week.

SESSION 2

Brazilian Music and Song

ADRIANO ADEWALE AND JONATHAN PREISS

Adriano Adewale is a master percussionist from Brazil, fêted all over the world for his Africa-inflected jazz and sensational virtuosity. Together with the guitarist Jonathan Preiss, you will be guided and inspired in the popular Brazilian tradition, looking at songs, melodies and instrumental accompaniments. Open to all.

SESSION 3

In the Heart of Rhythm

ADRIANO ADEWALE AND JONATHAN PREISS

In the Heart of Rhythm is open to everybody – percussionists, instrumentalists, singers, and those who don’t play an instrument – and will be based on Afro-Brazilian rhythms such as samba, ijexa and forro. Playing on conventional and non-conventional instruments, exploring rhythmic games, vocal and body percussion, it’ll be a fun and challenging way of making music. On Friday night there’ll be a short, joyful performance, just before the Salsa Ball.

SESSION 4

String Orchestra

ADRIAN BRENDEL AND THOMAS GOULD

The hugely popular cellist Adrian Brendel returns to lead this workshop for all-comers, and will be working on a major Baroque violin concerto, with Thomas Gould as soloist. Other repertoire will include staples of the orchestral string repertoire –as well as short and spicy 20th century pieces.

SESSION 1

Violin Masterclass

THOMAS GOULD

Described as ‘staggeringly virtuosic’ by The Guardian and ‘a soloist of rare refinement’ by The Sunday Times, Thomas Gould is one of the brightest young violinists around. His masterclass will cover core repertoire and contemporary works; don’t miss his collaboration with Adriano Adewale on 14th August, and his performance with Adrian Brendel and the Heath Quartet on 17th August. This is an Advanced Selected course, please click here for application details.

SESSION 2

Cello Masterclass

ADRIAN BRENDEL

One of the most versatile and original cellists of his generation, Adrian Brendel has travelled the world as soloist, collaborator and teacher. A fine classical and romantic player, his discovery of contemporary music as a teenager opened a new and vital avenue he continues to explore, alongside his passion for jazz and world music. Adrian will coach advanced students in all areas of cello repertoire, including concertos. Students are selected in advance for this course: please see the website for details of application process.

SESSION 2

Piano Masterclass

PASCAL ROGÉ

We are delighted to welcome Pascal Rogé to Dartington for the first time. Exemplifying the best in French pianism, Pascal was mentored by Julius Katchen and Nadia Boulanger. He has won many international awards for his recordings of Ravel, Poulenc, Saint-Saens, Fauré and Satie; his playing is characterised by its elegance, beauty, and stylistically perfect phrasing. This is an Advanced Selected course, please click here for application details.

SESSION 2

Piano Workshop

FLORIAN MITREA

The young Rumanian pianist Florian Mitrea is always a huge hit at Summer School as a performer and teacher, and returns to run the Piano Workshop. Florian will guide pianists of all abilities in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. He will coach anything from Bach to Bartók, but particularly likes the Viennese school of Haydn, Mozart and Beethoven.

SESSION 2 OR 3

Piano Concerto Workshop

JOANNA MACGREGOR

Preparing for a concerto performance demands not just mastery of your solo part, but also knowledge of orchestration, balance and the leadership required for a successful performance. Pianists are invited to bring along all or part of any concerto, which we’ll work on with two pianos, discussing style, colour, touch and tempo – also the ways in which to communicate with a conductor.

SESSION 3

Dartington Piano Concerto Competition

SIAN EDWARDS, JOANNA MACGREGOR AND DARTINGTON FESTIVAL ORCHESTRA

This is a brand new course, aimed at advanced students. Selected pianists will have the chance to rehearse a concerto with the Dartington Festival Orchestra and conductors on the Advanced Conducting course, under the guidance and coaching of Sian Edwards and Joanna MacGregor. Pianists can choose from Mozart K271 and K491; Beethoven’s 4th and 5th piano concertos; and the Schumann concerto in A minor. A winner will be chosen to perform their concerto, under the baton of George Vass, in the choral concert on August 18th. This is an Advanced Selected course, please click here for application details.

SESSION 4

Music for Two Pianos and Piano Duet

FLORIAN MITREA

The talented young Rumanian pianist Florian Mitrea returns to guide you through four-hand and two piano repertoire. You are welcome to come as an already-formed duo, or be prepared to pair up. There will be a range of four-hand and two-piano repertoire on sale in the music shop and available through the Summer School library.

SESSION 4

Violin, Viola and Cello Workshops

HEATH QUARTET

Oliver Heath and Sara Wolstenholme (violin), Gary Pomeroy (viola) and Chris Murray (cello), of the internationally-acclaimed Heath Quartet, offer string players of all abilities a friendly and supportive workshop environment, in separate instrumental classes.

SESSION 4

Chamber Music

QUENTIN POOLE, HEATH QUARTET AND BUKOLIKA PIANO TRIO

The chamber music programme, open to all instrumentalists and singers, will offer one formally organised session each day. Coaching will be available from members of the resident ensembles, both for these and for the other sessions of rehearsal and study. Groups can be organized in advance or more spontaneous music making can be facilitated with repertoire suggestions or players to fill gaps in an ensemble. Pre-formed groups are welcome. There will also be occasional larger-scale ensemble sessions, open to all.

SESSIONS 1, 2 & 3

Tai Chi Qigong

JOE SALMON

Joe Salmon, director of Tai Chi Nation, offers an early morning class, designed to relax the body and focus the mind. A dynamic form of moving meditation, Tai Chi Qigong is accessible to people of all ages and ideal for musicians, bringing great benefits for good practice and performance in the day ahead.

8.00AM-8.30AM

Dance Course: Salsa

KEVAN KENNEDY

Keven Kennedy get us ready for the Salsa Ball on Friday night, teaching participants – at any level – the sensual moves of salsa.

SESSION 4

Week 4: Courses

The Big Choir

LEE REYNOLDS

The young conductor Lee Reynolds, fresh from ENO and Glyndebourne, comes to Dartington to conduct Elgar’s valedictory The Music Makers, celebrating the power of art in society: ‘We are the music makers, we are the dreamers of dreams.’ Elgar quotes extensively from his own music – Nimrod, the Violin Concerto, First and Second Symphonies – weaving an atmosphere of memory and reflection. We’re pairing it with Elgar’s Cello Concerto, played by the wonderful cellist of the Fournier Trio, Pei-Sian Ng – it’ll be a fabulous concert!
We’ll be working with the Novello Edition.

SESSION 1

Chamber Choir

LEE REYNOLDS

Lee Reynolds rehearses beautifully complementary repertoire to The Big Choir – Elgar’s The Prince of Sleep and My Love Dwelt in a Northern Land, and Vaughan Williams’s luminous Serenade to Music. The Chamber Choir is aimed at experienced choral singers.

SESSION 2

Gospel Choir

CAROL PEMBERTON AND CELIA WICKHAM-ANDERSON

Uplifting, harmonious, soul-stirring, challenging and fun, all describe the power and appeal of the Gospel Choir sessions, led by Carol Pemberton, Music Director 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. Black Voices will perform on 20th August, and there’ll be an informal performance for participants on the final Friday.

SESSION 2

Advanced Opera Course: Peter Grimes

SIAN EDWARDS, PAUL NILON AND SUSANNA STRANDERS

The second week of this two-week course directed by Sian Edwards, leading to two concert performances of Britten’s Peter Grimes on 24th and 26th August. Applications for this course are now closed.

SESSIONS 1, 2, 3 & 4

Vocal Workshop

SARAH GABRIEL

As at home in Mozart or Britten opera as she is in music theatre – Sarah Gabriel made her European debut as Eliza in My Fair Lady at the Théâtre du Châtelet, opposite Alex Jennings. Her vocal class is open to all singers; Sarah is particularly interested in being authentically yourself onstage, and in how to express your individuality. You can see her in action in her recital on 22nd August.

SESSION 3

Songs of the Jazz Age

SARAH GABRIEL AND RICHARD WILLIAMS

It’s the 80th anniversary of George Gershwin’s death, so we thought that was a good enough excuse to celebrate this great American composer along with the genius of Scott Fitzgerald, Dorothy Parker, Hoagy Carmichael and John Steinbeck, as the Jazz Age gave way to the Great Depression. We’ll look at the literature, music theatre and songs of the 1920s and 1930s. A workshop for singers, actors and writers.

SESSION 4

Opera Chorus: Peter Grimes

TIM ANDERSON

Opera conductor and repetiteur Tim Anderson, (Glyndebourne, Garsington, ENO, Oper Stuttgart), helps prepare the choruses for Peter Grimes – some of the most earthy, visceral and dramatic music Britten ever wrote – for performances on the 24th and 26th August. This course is aimed at experienced choral singers.

SESSION 4

Advanced Conducting Course

SIAN EDWARDS

The second week of the Advanced Conducting course – see page 22 for details.

SESSIONS 1, 2, 3 & 4

Advanced Composition

MICHAEL FINNISSY

This immersive course will focus on creating new music for the young Gildas Quartet and outstanding young pianist Joseph Havlat, for performances at the end of the week. Michael Finnissy is one of the most significant figures to emerge in post-war Britain: his coruscating brilliance, shimmering textures, intensity, and gigantic output makes him a hero for the students he teaches, although he puts it rather more modestly: ‘My biography? Doesn’t “fit in”. From the wrong side of the tracks all the way.’ This is an Advanced Selected course, please click here for application details.

SESSIONS 1, 2, 3 & 4

Multimedia, Art and Sound Design: Musical Magpie-ism

DEAD RAT ORCHESTRA

Dead Rat Orchestra are adventurers, adrift in a sea of sound and possibility. They’ve gained a reputation as one of the most innovative ensembles on the UK music scene – raw, elemental and poignant, with a love of idiosyncratic folk traditions and antiquated technology. Their performances have featured flailing axes, salt and sawdust, throbbing harmonium, grinding fiddle and 2000 shards of micro-tuned steel cast to the floor in cascading, shimmering joy. The Musical Magpie-ism course will use found objects, old instruments and analogue systems to create multimedia installations all over the estate.

SESSIONS 1 & 2

Open Composition

HOWARD SKEMPTON

The magnificent Howard Skempton – a founding member of the legendary Scratch Orchestra – is a composer, pianist and accordionist, and his melodic music is characterised by a stripped-down, essentials-only choice of materials. This class is designed for people who like composing classically, as well as those who enjoy arranging and song-writing. Expert guidance is at hand, in a friendly and collaborative atmosphere. Students will showcase their work in an informal concert at the end of the week.

SESSION 2

Improvising to Film

NEIL BRAND

A great chance to work with one of the world’s foremost exponents of live film music. This course offers composers and pianists (and other instrumentalists) the opportunity to study selected silent classic films, discussing the art of improvisation and ‘reading’ a film. We’ll aim to create new music around excerpts of film, and informally showcase our work in the Barn Cinema at the end of the week.

SESSIONS 3 & 4

Writing about Music

PAUL MORLEY

Paul Morley is a music journalist, whose latest book, The Age of Bowie – part biography, part memoir – received rave reviews this year. He wrote for the New Musical Express from 1977 to 1983 and has since written for a wide range of publications, writing passionately about pop and classical music. His course will guide you in the nuances of writing about all kinds of music, in terms of journalism, social landscape and personal memory.

SESSION 4

Beginner’s Jazz

JOHN ASHTON THOMAS

John Ashton Thomas directs a class especially for newcomers to jazz, or those with a classical background who want to brush up their skills. Learn the fundamentals of jazz harmonies, rhythm and technique.

SESSION 1

Brass Warm-up Session

PAUL ARCHIBALD, ERIC VLOEIMANS AND BRETT BAKER

The essential morning ritual: a warm-up session for brass players, taken in turn by three very different brass tutors. A great way to start your day, focusing on breathing and the fundamentals of technique.

SESSION 1

Trumpet Workshop

PAUL ARCHIBALD AND ERIC VLOEIMANS

Our trumpet class is expanding this year with two tutors, and is open to trumpeters of all music backgrounds. Paul Archibald is one of UK’s busiest orchestral trumpeters, regularly working with Britten Sinfonia, London Philharmonic and his own English Brass Ensemble. Amsterdam-based Eric Vloeimans, who was an enormous hit last year, is one of the coolest trumpeters in jazz. You’ll be learning music techniques in a variety of styles, and be working on repertoire ranging from Mark Anthony Turnage and Georges Enescu to improv. There’ll be a chance to perform informally at the end of the week.

SESSION 2

Trombone and Low Brass Workshop

BRETT BAKER

Brett Baker is one of the world’s top trombonists and educators, working with musicians and groups as diverse as Black Dyke Band, Grimethorpe Colliery Band and Goldfrapp. He’s passionate about teaching the trombone, and is the director of the Singapore and Thailand Low Brass Festivals. As well as coaching, he’ll be encouraging you to perform and collaborate with the trumpet and jazz faculty all week.

SESSION 2

Jazz Piano and Keyboards Workshop

STEVE LODDER

Steve Lodder is a leading jazz pianist, synth player and teacher, working with some of the coolest names in jazz. His course is open to intermediate jazz pianists and keyboard players who wish to develop their improvisation skills.

SESSION 2

Saxophones Workshop

MARK LOCKHEART
One-to-one and ensemble tuition for all, inspiring for young and older saxophonists alike.

SESSION 2

Jazz Drumming and Percussion Workshop

MARTIN FRANCE

Martin France has worked with the finest and most creative musicians in the world – including Elvis Costello, Evan Parker, Dave Holland and Nils-Petter Molvaer – as well as many classical orchestras. His class is open to all drummers and percussionists who’d like to hone their jazz skills.

SESSION 2

Jazz Ensembles

MARK LOCKHEART, ERIC VLOEIMANS, STEVE LODDER AND MARTIN FRANCE

Dartington’s Jazz Course, directed by cool trumpeter Eric Vloeimans, keyboard guru Steve Lodder, and virtuoso drummer Martin France, focuses on jazz improvisation and ensemble playing. This week’s jazz ensembles will prepare for a late-night performance in the White Hart on Thursday.

SESSION 3

Brass Ensemble

PAUL ARCHIBALD

A chance to work together on the great brass repertoire for trumpets, horns and trombones, with one of the UK’s top trumpeters and teachers. We’ll be working on Paul’s own transcription of Prokofiev’s Romeo and Juliet Suite, for a concert performance in the Great Hall on Thursday. There’ll be opportunities for performances in the beautiful outdoor spaces of Dartington too!

SESSION 3

Big Band

STEVE DUMMER

Steve Dummer will be rehearsing Dartington Big Band for the final Friday night bash, with solos from the great jazz trumpeter Eric Vloeimans. The repertoire will range from a full programme of big band standards to more contemporary jazz pieces. Absolutely unmissable fun, this workshop is for all alto, tenor and baritone saxes, trumpets and trombones, and piano, bass and drums.

SESSION 4

Wind Band

STEVE DUMMER

A great opportunity to dust off an instrument that hasn’t been played for a few years, improve ensemble playing, and play some great music. Grade 5 standard or above is ideal; there’ll be an informal performance on Friday afternoon.

SESSION 1

Flute, Oboe, Clarinet, Bassoon and Horn Workshops

ATÉA WIND QUINTET

Alena Lugovkina (flute), Philip Haworth (oboe), Anna Hashimoto (clarinet), Ashley Myall (bassoon) and Chris Beagles (horn) offer wind players of all abilities a relaxed and supportive workshop environment, in separate classes. Improve your technique, hone your performance skills, and discover new repertoire!

SESSION 2

Piano Workshop

CHIAO-YING CHANG

Taiwanese-British pianist Chiao-Ying Chang is a top prizewinner and pianist in the Fournier Trio, who perform in the Great Hall on August 19th. Chiao-Ying will guide pianists of all abilities in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere, and is happy to coach anything from Bach to Bartók, and beyond.

SESSION 2

Cornelius Cardew and Open Scores

JOANNA MACGREGOR AND HOWARD SKEMPTON

An open class for anyone interested in the great composer Cornelius Cardew and his legacy. We’ll be looking at Cardew’s piano music; his links with Cage and indeterminate works like Autumn ’60 and Memories of You; improvisation in The Tiger’s Mind and Treatise; and The Great Learning, his masterpiece for the Scratch Orchestra. We’ll work towards an informal performance at the end of the week.

SESSION 3

Violin, Viola and Cello Workshops

SULKI YU, KAY STEPHEN AND PEI-SIAN NG

The violinist and cellist of the outstanding Fournier Trio and the viola player of the brilliant young Gildas Quartet lead individual instrumental classes, in a relaxed and supportive atmosphere.

SESSION 3

Chamber Music

QUENTIN POOLE, FOURNIER TRIO AND ATÉA WIND QUINTET

The chamber music programme, open to all instrumentalists and singers, will offer one formally organised session each day.Coaching will be available from members of the resident ensembles, both for these and for the other sessions of rehearsal and study. Groups can be organized in advance or more spontaneous music making can be facilitated with repertoire suggestions or players to fill gaps in an ensemble. Pre-formed groups are welcome. There will also be occasional larger-scale ensemble sessions, open to all.

SESSIONS 1, 3 & 4

Yoga

JUSTIN DALTON

This course, based on the gentle, fluid Scaravelli approach to yoga, is suitable for participants of all ages and abilities. Yoga has been practised by many musicians – most famously Yehudi Menuhin – and it’s a great chance to loosen up the body before a day’s music-making.

7.45AM – 8.30AM

Dance Course: Jive

KEVAN KENNEDY

Everyone is invited to get ready for the final Big Band party on Friday night by learning the cool jazz movements of Jive, taught by this experienced tutor.

SESSION 4