Assisi Summer School 2008
- with Jeremy
Jackman -
10 August - 17 August
This
summer, the popular
Run by Singers Assisi Summer School will be directed once
again by Jeremy Jackman. Perched on a hilltop overlooking the plains
of Umbria, Assisi, the
city of Giotto and St Francis, is a place of picturesque alleyways,
steps, churches, bells
and pilgrims.
THE MUSIC
"For Assisi 2008 I have again produced a programme of diverse
eras, moods and styles designed to keep us happy through the week
and which will sound splendid in the superb surroundings of the
Basilica.
“Palestrina’s glorious motet and mass ‘Veni Sponsa Christi’ might have been written specially for such an acoustic. It will be preceded by an extraordinary piece – neither motet nor madrigal – written for a ducal wedding by the naturalised Italian de Wert.
“As part of the concert we will again produce our British calling card for the Italian audience by singing a group of home-grown pieces ranging from the 16th century to the present day. You can look forward to whooping Weelkes, passionate Purcell, amiable Attwood, bold Battishill and felicitous Ferguson, to say nothing of a bit of jolly Jackman to finish the set.
Veni Sponsa Christi
Motet and Mass Veni sponsa Christi (Palestrina)
Or si rallegri il cielo (Giaches de Wert), Opusteny (Dvorak)
Khvaleetye Gospoda snyebyes (Tchaikovsky), Esti Dal (Kodaly)
Alleluia! I heard a voice (Weelkes), Turn thee again O Lord (Attwood)
Remember not Lord our offences (Purcell)
O Lord look down from heaven (Battishill), Believe me (Ferguson)
Take 9 (Jeremy Jackman)
“As a musical antidote to all this familiar musical territory, we shall also be singing an Eastern European set which will give the lie to the notion that all Brits are hopeless at other people’s languages. Any loose dental work should be fixed before the first rehearsal!
“I hope you can join me on this fulfilling - and fun - musical journey.”
Jeremy Jackman
JEREMY JACKMAN
Jeremy Jackman, for ten years first counter-tenor with The King’s
Singers, is now a widely acclaimed musical director whose work in the
field of vocal/choral music is of the highest international standard. He
has been Chorus Master to the London Philharmonic Choir and the Belfast
Philharmonic, and is currently Musical Director of the English Baroque
Choir, Chorus Master of OSJ Voices and Musical director of two other
Chamber Choirs.
In addition to being a respected composer, arranger and editor, Jeremy is also a much sought after director of workshops and summer music schools.
WHO IS THE COURSE FOR?
This course is for experienced choral singers of all ages. Participants
should have reasonable sight-reading ability or be prepared to study
the music beforehand, although nobody is expected to be note-perfect.
Jeremy is experienced in working with singers at all levels and creates
an atmosphere that is focused but relaxed.
It also helps if you enjoy good food, good company and the occasional glass of wine. We all eat together in the evening in a selection of different restaurants where everyone will soon get to know each other. Our singing holidays have proved equally popular with people travelling on their own and singing couples. Non-singing partners are also able to join us (subject to numbers) paying only for evening meals.
WHAT DOES
IT COST?
The course fee is payable in two stages - £145 on registration
and £195 no later than four weeks before arrival in Italy. This
covers tuition and five evening meals but not transport or accommodation.
Music - which can be kept - will cost £20.00 You will also need
to organise your own travel and health insurance.
There is a
wide choice of accommodation available in Assisi from the excellent
campsite to three star hotels - with dozens of one and two-star hotels
in between. An accommodation list will be sent to all participants
on registration and early booking is advised. Assisi is a hilltop
town so please bear this in mind when selecting your accommodation.
The rehearsal venue is near the Piazza Commune, the main square of
Assisi.
GETTING
THERE
The nearest international airports are Perugia, Rome and Ancona.
Although it is no longer the nearest airport, there is
an excellent direct rail link
from Rome to Assisi so some participants will favour this route. Assisi
is accessible by road but the town centre is a car-free zone. Check
Assisi
Online for more information.
TRAVEL AND HEALTH INSURANCE
Insurance is not included so we recommend that all singers take
out their own cover.
You
should also bring an EHIC form (replaces E111) with you.
ANY
QUESTIONS?
If you have any questions at all please contact Nick Couchman (nickc@runbysingers.org)
or Jane Osgathorp (jane@runbysingers.org)
or ring Nick during office hours on 01438 812100. We can probably put you in touch with
somebody in your area who has already experienced one of our courses.
To apply for a place on the course, please print out and submit the registration form
OTHER USEFUL LINKS
www.sanfrancescoassisi.org (official Franciscan website)
www.trenitalia.com (Italian railway timetables)
www.couchman.com (couchman communications pr agency)