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Whether you're a member of the Phil, one of our seasoned workshop guests or someone who's only just stumbled across us on the net, you're welcome to apply for a place at our choral workshop, Songs Secular and Sacred: Arcadelt to ABBA, at The Gregg School, Southampton, on Saturday, 5 May. Over the course of the day, our guest leaders, Stephen Brown, Emily Dickens and Gareth Wilson, and the Choir's Musical Director, David Gibson, offer sessions exploring short pieces that may be less familiar territory for members of so large a choir as the Phil. In groups of 15 to 30 singers, we'll not only be learning some new repertoire; we'll also be working on the skills required for singing as part of a smaller ensemble and brushing up our performance technique. Rounding off the morning's work, there will be a short showcase performance from the groups after lunch, and the afternoon sessions culminate in a second showcase, to wrap up the day's work.
The repertoire
First of all, I'd better make it plain that the ABBA is optional! Read on...
This workshop offers singers an opportunity to explore a more varied repertoire than the Choir's usual fare, from such Renaissance gems as Arcadelt's Il bianco e dolce cigno and Passereau's Il est bel et bon to arrangements of more recent songs, such as Simon & Garfunkel's Bridge over troubled water, Happy Together by the Turtles and hits by ABBA. Between these extremes is a wealth of music, both secular and sacred, suitable for smaller groups of voices, some of which we will have a chance to explore. How about a taste of Russian Orthodox Church music, or some Stanford? Perhaps some English folk songs? Some Whitacre? A little bit of Lauridsen? With four workshop leaders, we hope to be able to offer participants the option of “building” their own workshop!
Subject to demand and numbers, we are also offering the option of some sessions especially for upper voices (see booking form).
List of pieces
The venue
For the past several years, we have been fortunate enough to be able to hold our workshops in the lovely setting afforded by The Gregg School at West End, Southampton (directions and map), once the home of Lord and Lady Swaythling. During the lunch-break (please bring a packed lunch), you are free to explore the listed garden, which was planned by Gertrude Jekyll and is maintained through the efforts of the Friends of Townhill Park Gardens.
The schedule
Doors open at 9.45 am for registration, and the workshop begins at 10.15 am. There are four sessions; two either side of the lunch break, and the day closes with an informal performance by the groups for their peers, finishing at 4.15pm. Please bring a packed lunch, but tea, coffee, fruit juice and biscuits will be available (no charge) at the short tea-breaks during the day.
To book your place
Places on the workshop cost £14 (students, £7) to include the cost of music hire. So that we can ensure the required ratio of leaders to participants, the number of places is limited to 100. Please complete the booking form, indicating any preference as to repertoire. We will endeavour to accommodate your wishes, as far as possible. If you have any questions, please contact Deborah Mitchell, the Choir's Secretary.
