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Vaughan Williams' Mass and Other Delights
Facilitator: Gavin Carr
Explore the music of Vaughan Williams through choral singing. This weekend will give you the opportunity to deepen your knowledge with likeminded singers, in an inspiring setting. The weekend will culminate in a public performance.
Event time: Fri 12th Aug 2022 at 6:30pm - Sun 14th Aug 2022 at 4:45pm
- Choral singing for male and female voices
- Friendly, supportive, retreat atmosphere
- Teaching from a leading conductor
What Participants Will Gain
- Understanding the deep structure of choral music
- Experience in singing challenging music
- Develop sight-singing and listening skills
The aim of this summer weekend is to enjoy exploring Vaughan Williams’ incredible music and come away with a renewed sense of vigour and excitement in the possibilities of choral singing. A broad range of singers will be involved, and everyone who can sing in tune and read music at an elementary level is welcome. We will be accompanied by piano, and there will be a performance run-through of the work on Sunday afternoon. In Gavin Carr’s expert hands there will be a strong emphasis on delight and fun – i.e. no stress!
Retreat Schedule
DAY 1
Fri 12 Aug
4.00 pm onwards: Check-in and Registration, with tea
6.30 pm: Supper together in your group
8.00 – 9.30 pm: Evening session
9:30 pm – onwards: Optional informal time together
DAY 2
Sat 13 Aug
8.30am: Breakfast (for residents)
9.30 – 11.00am: Morning Session 1
11.00 am: Coffee / tea break with biscuits
11.30 am – 1.00 pm: Morning Session 2
1.00 pm: Lunch
2.00 –4.00 pm: Afternoon Session 1
4.00 pm: Afternoon tea with cake
4.30 – 6.00 pm: Afternoon Session 2
6.30 pm: Supper together in your group
7.30 onwards: Free evening or informal practice
DAY 3
Sun 14 Aug
8.30 am: Breakfast (for residents)
9.30 – 11.00 am: Morning Session 1
11.00 am: Coffee/tea break with biscuits
11.30 am – 1.00 pm: Morning Session 2
1.00 pm: Lunch
2.00 -3.00 pm: Final practice for the concert
3.15- 4.15 pm: Sing-through concert (open to the public)
4.15 pm: Afternoon tea
Hawkwood
Hawkwood is a stunning Grade II listed 19th Century country house, surrounded by 42 acres of sustainably managed woodland, farmland, and gardens. Set in the heart of the Cotswolds – an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty – it is a sanctuary away from the hustle and bustle of modern life. With a diverse selection of nearly 150 courses, there’s plenty to choose from, including courses in transformative leadership, future thinking, inner life, music and the arts. Our programme of courses is led by experienced tutors and leaders in their fields.
What Is Included
Both residential and non-residential rates are available. Residential options are fully inclusive with all meals provided. Non-residential options include suppers, lunches and all refreshments and exclude B&B.
Additional Activities
- Mindful walking through our woodland trails
- Meditate in our Woodland Sanctuary
- Go on a hike and explore the Cotswolds AONB
- Discover surrounding charming market towns
Price Options
£320 Non-Residential
£380 Residential Shared
£420 Residential Single
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Practical Information
The ability to sing in tune among other voices and some familiarity with sight-singing is strongly advised. Hire copies of music will be provided. Limited places, so early booking is essential to avoid disappointment.
Please note that prices are listed per person.
Residential options are fully inclusive with all meals provided. Non-residential options include suppers, lunches and all refreshments and exclude B&B.
Arrival and registration from 4.00 pm Friday. A sing-through concert takes place on Sunday afternoon, open to the public; the course ends with afternoon tea at 4.15 pm following this.
Gavin Carr
Gavin Carr is today one of the UK’s busiest conductors, working with leading orchestras and choruses in a hugely varied repertoire. A multi-faceted musician, a trained artist, poet, and composer, his celebrated energy and sense of positivity flows through all his activities. Conductor of two of the UK’s leading symphony choruses, the Bournemouth Symphony Chorus and the Philharmonia Chorus, he also directs Bath Minerva Choir and is Founder-Director of Chorus Angelorum.
Visit Tutor's WebsiteTestimonials
Wonderful, complex music. Gavin is energetic, fun, immensely knowledgeable and nurturing. A great teacher. The course was a lot of fun and hard work, but in a good way. I learnt a lot.
An excellent course. Gavin Carr is flexible, inspiring, responsive to our needs, immensely informative and educative. The course was warm, enjoyable, suitably challenging and very satisfying.
An excellent course. Gavin Carr is flexible, inspiring, responsive to our needs, immensely informative and educative. The course was warm, enjoyable, suitably challenging and very satisfying.
