Devon Brass Ensemble - Italian Vocal Workshops

Whenever possible, Devon Brass Ensemble undertake to inform you of Vocal Workshops taking place in Italy (as below).

INSPIRATION FOR SINGERS

IN CASCIO/SILLICO, TUSCANY

17th – 24^th August 2008

WITH

Martin Elliott & Ian Sadler

CASCIO/SILLICO

These idyllic mediaeval Italian retreats are tiny jewels of a few hundred inhabitants on the slopes of the Apennines and Apuan Alps, with fantastic views down the Garfagnana valley and of the beautiful cities of Barga and Castelnuovo. The air is warm and pure, whilst the atmosphere lends itself to concentrated study and socialising! The excellent quality (largely organic) food, wines and cooking on previous courses have attracted much favourable comment. There are also beautiful walks and views to be enjoyed.

THE COURSE

This course is designed for singers who want to improve their ensemble and solo singing in an environment that is conducive to bringing the best out of them and their colleagues, while enjoying the delights that Italian culture and values bring to life. We will work with a select group of approximately 12 – 16 singers in beautiful settings north of Lucca, where the views are awe-inspiring, the people heart-warming and the food feeds the soul as well as the stomach. The repertoire will be a mixture of ‘a capella’ early and romantic SATB sacred and secular music, combined with the opportunity to develop the solo voice through any kind of aria or song that the participant wishes, from baroque to modern, oratorio to jazz, opera to music theatre.

Martin Elliott, with his wide experience of vocal pedagogy and inspirational direction, will ensure technique and interpretation is enhanced and consolidated in relation to the solo voice and also in the context of small ensemble singing. Ian Sadler, with his vast experience of choral conducting and keyboard skills gained in England and Canada, will smooth away the rough edges of the ensemble and solo performances.

This is a great opportunity to develop many aspects of the voice and musicianship, including improving vocal production and sight-singing, experiencing a wider range of repertoire in a one or two person per part scenario, and generally learning to take greater vocal responsibility in performance, resulting in enhanced personal satisfaction through the power of the voice.

Places are limited so please reserve a place as soon as possible.

COST

£535 sterling/$1150 Canadian/750 euros, to include tuition, shared accommodation and all meals. A deposit is payable to reserve a place (see application form).

CONTACT

For further information on course content, please contact Martin Elliott: M.Elliott@chi.ac.uk. Go to http://www.musiciansgallery.com/ for biographical notes.

Further application forms and practical information may be obtained from:

Paul Thomas, 34 Hill Hay Close, Fowey, Cornwall, PL23 1EN, UK. TEL/FAX +44 1726 833553.

E MAIL paulthomasesq@talktalk.net