Sounds of Sweden - 2 July to 9 July 2023
Directed by Neil Ferris
Sounds of Sweden
Introduction
After meeting Mårten Jansson at the American Choral Drectors conference in Minneapolis, and singing through parts of his Missa Popularis, we have been very keen to perform the piece in the cathedral of his hometown in Uppsala. Now at last everything is in place and we have none other than Neil Ferris – who also knows Jansson it transpires – to direct us.
Neil has put together a fine selection of pieces to complement the Mass most of which are by living composers such as James Macmillan and Cecilia McDowell. Finally, just to make the whole thing irresistible, we have booked rooms in one of the cities most charming boutique hotels. we have a limited number of rooms there so it's going to be first come first served.
Who is the course for?
This course is for experienced choral singers of all ages. Participants should have good sight-reading ability and be prepared to study the music beforehand.
There will be a certain amount of walking, standing around and climbing steps involved in this week. We don't expect that this will tax anyone of average fitness but if your fitness or stamina is below average, you should contact us for a confidential chat before booking.
The course runs from Sunday evening, when we meet for dinner and a few introductions, to the following Saturday evening where we perform our new repertoire at a formal concert in the Cathedral. We will sing for approximately five hours each day with breaks for coffee and a long afternoon break. Thursday will be a half-day when people may choose to explore a little further afield.
Musical Director
Neil Ferris is the Chorus Director of the BBC Symphony Chorus, Artistic Director and conductor of Sonoro, and has been the Music Director of Wimbledon Choral since 2009.
In demand as guest conductor at some of the finest choirs in the UK, Neil has worked with the London Symphony Chorus, The Bach Choir, the Choir of the Age of Enlightenment and the BBC Singers. He has prepared choirs for internationally acclaimed conductors including Valery Gergiev, Sir Simon Rattle, Marin Alsop, Bernard Haitink, Sakari Oramo, Sir Andrew Davis, Carlo Rizzi, Edward Gardner and Martyn Brabbins.
Formerly Director of Choral Studies at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, Neil is recognised as one of the country’s leading teachers of choral conducting and has led masterclasses in the UK, USA, Ireland and Denmark. In the UK he has been invited to lead masterclasses at the Royal College of Music, Royal Academy of Music, Royal Birmingham Conservatoire and for the Association of British Choral Directors.
Neil has conducted the London Symphony Orchestra, Welsh National Opera, New Queens Hall Orchestra, London Mozart Players, Orchestra of the Swan, Orchestra Vitae and Florilegium. read more...
Music
- Missa popularis - Mårten Jansson
Magnificat in A - CV Stanford
Ave Maria - Nathaniel Dett
Ave Maris Stella - Cecilia McDowall
O Radiant Dawn - James MacMillan
O thou the central orb - Charles Wood
Where to stay?
We have two hotels available in Uppsala - the boutique Hornan and the nearby, more modern, Svava. Both are within easy walking distance of the cathedral and are no more than 500 yards apart.
Getting there
This bit is up to you and is not included in the price of the weekend. There are affordable budget flights to Stockholm Arlanda which is less than an hour away by train from Uppsala. Both hotels are less than five minutes walk from the station. You need to arrive in time for dinner on the Sunday night night and can leave any time the following Sunday.
What does it cost?
The Uppsala course fee is £1190 which will cover all tuition, seven nights accomodation in the Svava Hotel with breakfast and four three course group meals with wine. The Hornan costs a little more at £1350. This price is based on two sharing so there will be a single occupancy supplement of £30 and £40 a night respectively . Non-singers sharing a singer's room pay a reduced rate of £895 (Svava) or £1025 (Hornan) . Music for the course, which can be kept, will cost £35 and is sent out about eight weeks in advance.
Travel and health insurance
All participants are required to take out appropriate holiday insurance and notify RBS of the policy provider before the courses starts., You should also bring an EHIC or GHIC card with you.
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.
