Upper Voice Workshop #2
About this workshop
This upper-voice (SSA/SSAA) ensemble singing weekend is built around detailed, small-ensemble choral work. The programme moves from the luminous sacred writing of Rheinberger, Lobo and Brahms to contemporary music by Susanna Lindmark, Kirsten Pagel and Frank Ferko. Rich Romantic textures sit alongside clear early polyphony and more atmospheric modern writing, giving the ensemble a varied palette of colour, language and expression.
The focus of the weekend is ensemble skills rather than solo singing: tuning, blend, balance, rhythmic precision, and ensemble contact. We’ll look at how different musical styles require different vocal approaches, and spend time working in detail on how individual lines fit together in a small group.
Repertoire
- In a clear cold crystal winter night Susanna Lindmark
- Song of Hope Susanna Lindmark
- Gute Nacht Josef Gabriel Rheinberger
- Sanctus - Misa a San Sebastian Heitor Villa-Lobos
- The Parting Glass Kirsten Pagel
- O bone Jesu (Drei geistliche Chöre, Op. 37) Johannes Brahms
- Adoramus te (Drei geistliche Chöre, Op. 37) Johannes Brahms
- All the Pretty Little Horses Frank Ferko
- She'll Be Comin' 'Round the Mountain Frank Ferko
Requirements
The workshop is aimed at singers who are musically secure and enjoy working independently, but it is not about perfection. Participants should be comfortable preparing their music in advance, reading their line confidently, and holding it within the ensemble without relying on others — while remaining open to listening, adjusting, and shaping the sound together. The emphasis is on thoughtful, collaborative music-making in a supportive but focused environment.
Schedule
Guests arrive in time for dinner on Friday which is followed by our first singing session.
Four sessions throughout the day on Saturday, with a spell of free time in the afternoon to relax or walk in the glorious local countryside.
Two sessions on Sunday morning; guests depart after lunch.
Venue
All workshops are held at High Trenhouse, Yorkshire Dales National Park.
Cost & what's included
SINGLE OCCUPANCY £475
SHARED OCCUPANCY £449
What's included in the cost?
Full board (from Friday dinner to Sunday lunch);
Morning / afternoon refreshments, including on arrival;
Free unlimited tea/coffee at other times;
Welcome drinks;
Music (which will be supplied 6 weeks in advance) including the licence for copyrighted works.
Honesty bar - sign your bar sheet and pay at the end of your stay.
The only additional cost will be any phone calls, charged individually. (NB, no mobile signal, but there is free WiFi)
Booking
To enquire about a place on the workshop, please complete and send the application form below - we will let you know if there is availability for your voice part.
All singing weekends run by Country Choral require a £100 deposit per person to confirm a place. The balance must be paid by 4 weeks before the start of the weekend course. If booking within 4 weeks of the course date, then full payment is required. Bank details will be provided when your place on the workshop has been confirmed.
Cancellation policy
IF YOU NEED TO CANCEL
All bookings are transferable – i.e. you are welcome to find someone to fill your place, as long as they are prepared to participate in the event in the same way as other singers. The accommodation type chosen must also be the same (ie single / shared occupancy), although it might be possible to change this after discussion with the venue.
- If you cancel and give 8 weeks' notice or more, we will refund all that you have paid, including your deposit, but will withhold £20 admin fee.
- If you give less than 8 weeks' notice, but more than 4 weeks' notice, we will keep your deposit but refund any remainder to you.
- If you cancel less than 4 weeks before the start of weekend, we reserve the right to keep the full amount.
- We strongly suggest you take out your own insurance in case you have to cancel through illness or other unforeseen circumstances.
IF WE NEED TO CANCEL
If we need to cancel a weekend for any reason, we will try to give you as much notice as possible and will refund all that you have paid, including the deposit.