Bach in Leipzig
- with Crispian Steele-Perkins & Peter Adcock -

2 May - 4 May 2008

 

Following the success of our Parisian pilgrimage last year, we are travelling to Germany in May for an evening concert in the famous Leipzig ThomasKirche - where Bach worked as Kantor from 1723 until his death in 1750. Many of Bach’s most celebrated works were performed here for the first time, and the church also contains his tomb.

Few amateur choirs have the opportunity to sing an evening concert in this historic church but we have managed to secure a Saturday evening slot and we will be joined for the concert by the renowned Baroque trumpeter Crispian Steele-Perkins. We shall perform two Bach motets, O Jesu Christ, mein’s Lebens Licht and Jesu meine Freude; the Vivaldi Gloria; and Purcell’s Music for the funeral of Queen Mary.
 

                           

JS Bach - ThomasKantor                                   The City of Leipzig circa 1735
 

Places are restricted so priority will be given to singers who have sung with us before.
Participants must be prepared to learn the music beforehand as rehearsal time will be very limited. Music and rehearsal CDs for the motets and Purcell will be available in advance. If it has been a while since you sang the Gloria, you might also want to consider buying one of the excellent ChoraLine rehearsal tapes/CDs available from Music Dynamics. (01242 679379 and online). These are available for individual parts.

There will be plenty of time to explore the Leipzig Bach Museum and the city itself and, if there is sufficient interest, we may also consider a visit to Berlin on the Sunday and a possible evening ‘busk’ under the Brandenburg Gate for those who can spare the extra day.

Peter Adcock
Peter has over 15 years of conducting experience in addition to his frequent collaborations with other musicians including Sir David Willcocks, Robert Tear, Sir Neville Marriner and Nigel Perrin, He currently directs the highly regarded Exeter-based chamber choir ExeVox and also regularly coaches and accompanies many international singers including Claire Powell, Isobel Buchanan, Yvonne Fontane and Sarah Walker.
 

Crispian Steele-Perkins
Crispian Steele-Perkins is one of world’s most respected virtuoso trumpeters, well known for concerto and solo appearances all over the globe. His career began as an orchestral musician (in the English National Opera and Royal Philharmonic orchestras). He collects and restores historic trumpets and, playing these, he has recorded with The King’s Consort (with whom he is principal trumpet), the Academy of Ancient Music, Collegium Musicum 90, The Taverner Players, Tafelmusik, the English Baroque Soloists and The Parley of Instruments.
 

Accommodation
We plan to stay in the IBIS Leipzig which is centrally located, near the station, and within walking distance of the ThomasKirche, museums, and coffee-houses (including one frequented by Bach). The hotel is a little short on frills but is modern, convenient, managed with splendid German efficiency, and large enough to accommodate all of us during a popular weekend. Dinner on the Friday night and supper on the Saturday night will be in a restaurant near the church. From previous experience we may well be encouraged to sing a little for our supper.
 

Travel arrangements
This bit is up to you and is not included in the price of the weekend. Leipzig is little more than an hour away from Berlin by train and there are budget flights available to Berlin airport from many UK terminals. There are also Ryanair flights from Stansted to Altenburg (Leipzig) which is somewhat nearer than Berlin and benefits from a coach service from airport to town centre. Please bear in mind that the first rehearsal will be at 3.00 pm on the afternoon of Friday 2nd May, so be sure to arrive in good time.

Music
Music will be provided, well in advance, for the Bach motets and the Purcell Funeral Music. You will need to provide your own score for the Vivaldi Gloria.The version we shall be singing from is the popular Casella edition published by Ricordi and also available from Music Dynamics.

The Price
The cost of the weekend including the concert, music for the Purcell and Bach motets, two nights B&B at the IBIS, and two evening meals will be £295 per person sharing.
(Single room supplement £50) Transport is not included.

Travel and health insurance
Please ensure that you arrange suitable travel insurance. You should also bring your EH1C form with you (replaces E111).

Deposit and payment
We will require a £50.00 deposit per person. The balance is payable no later than four weeks before we leave.

Choir balance
The weekend is restricted to a maximum of forty singers and there is a need to keep a balance of voices in the choir. Early applications are strongly recommended.

To apply for a place, please print out and submit the application form.

Need more information?
Please contact Nick Couchman (nick@runbysingers.org) or Jane Osgathorp (jane@runbysingers.org) or ring Nick on 01438 812100 (daytime).