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Singing holidays run by singers for singers

Summer in Salisbury - 25 August to 29 August 2024

Directed by David Ogden

3 LEVEL

Summertime in Salisbury

Following the success of last year’s event, David Ogden once again leads this feast of singing in the city of Salisbury. Rather than a single end of course concert, we will sing informally in local churches  including Salisbury Cathedral, St Thomas's Church - and Romsey Abbey (transport provided). There will also be plenty of free time to explore this historic city. 
 
Staying in Sarum College in the close overlooking the Cathedral, this course is a marvellous opportunity to sing some carefully selected music from living composers - some well-known, others less well known. We all eat together in the College and all meals - apart from lunch on the first day - are included so we all get to know each other very quickly. Many people book from year to year.

Who is the course for?

This course is for experienced singers who want to improve their choral technique and enjoy exploring a rich mix of repertoire in a convivial social setting. Singing couples and individual singers are all welcome. Music will be sent out in advance and, while nobody is expected to be note perfect on arrival, we do expect singers to familiarise themselves with the music beforehand. This is not a course for beginners but anyone who has been singing regularly in a choral society or church choir is unlikely to feel out of their depth. 

Sarum College is in the heart of the City Centre and the amount of walking and standing involved during the week should not challenge anyone of average fitness. If you have concerns about the required level of activity please contact us in confidence before you book.

choral singing holidays

Musical Director

David Ogden is a professional conductor and composer. He conducts Exultate Singers, City of Bristol Choir, choirs at the Royal Mail, Airbus and Sawday's Publishing and, in his post of Head of the Bristol Choral Centre, Read more...

Music

 
  • MUSIC LIST 
     
    Judith Weir - Drop down ye heavens from above
    Joanna L’Estrange - How can I keep from singing?
    Peter Nardone - I give to you a new commandment
    Philip Wilby - Jubilate Deo
    John Rutter - God be in my head
    Morten Lauridsen - O Magnum Mysterium
    Amy Summers - Love Divine
    David Ogden - Christ is our cornerstone
    Sarah Quartel - Fill your hearts with joy and gladness   
    Grayston Ives - Beati mundo corde
    Bob Chilcott - There is a green hill far away
    Jamie W Hall - O nata lux
    Jeremy Jackman - Musica Dei donum optimi
    Simon Lole - A Sarum blessing
    Malcolm Archer - Sing we merrily   

Where to stay?

 

We will be staying in Sarum College, a study centre in the close of Salisbury Cathedral. The rooms are simple but comfortable and are all en suite. Single rooms have single beds.

Singers can check in any time from 2.00 pm on Sunday 25 August, explore Salisbury,  then join their fellows for an early supper and a first run through the music. The course ends after lunch on Thursday. 

Getting there

 

Public transport links to Salisbury are excellent. There are direct trains from London, Southampton, Portsmouth, Bath, Bristol, Cardiff and Exeter. If you are planning to drive, please check the following link for detailed directions https://www.sarum.ac.uk/college-community/find-us 

What does it cost?

 

The course fee is payable in two stages - a deposit of £245 and a further £695 no later than eight weeks before the course commences .  This covers tuition, four nights accommodation with breakfast, lunches and dinners throughout the course, and tea and coffee during breaks. Music - which can be kept - will cost £35 and is sent out six-eight weeks in advance.  There are no single occupancy supplements.
 

Holiday insurance

All participants are advised to have appropriate holiday cancellation insurance in place. 

Any questions?

If you have any questions at all please contact Nick Couchman ([email protected]) or Emma Ford ([email protected]) or ring Nick during office hours on 01462 372702. The office is not always occupied so please do leave a message and we will get back to you.