The British Choral Institute

2009 Choral Study/Performance Weekend

This Study Weekend aims to give enthusiastic choral singers the opportunity to work with fellow singers and an experienced professional conductor, soloists and pianist in a very relaxing and pleasant environment.  We have chosen two works for this, the 11^th Choral Study/Performance weekend.

“Hymn of Praise” (Lobgesang), op. 52 – F.  Mendelssohn.  To celebrate the 200^th year of Mendelssohn’s birth in 1809, the first of two works to be studied/rehearsed/performed will be the “Hymn of Praise” that Mendelssohn wrote in 1840 for the Leipzig Town Council who wished to mark the 400^th anniversary of the invention of printing with a Festival and a new commission.  Leipzig was the centre of the German book trade at that time.  Mendelssohn had in mind to write a symphony with choruses, based on the plan of Beethoven’s “Choral Symphony” (no. 9).  He chose the biblical texts from the Psalms and the work was given its first performance in St. Thomas, Leipzig in 1840 with Mendelssohn conducting.  The new composition commenced with an extended instrumental introduction,  followed by the choral section. This is in cantata form and consists of several choruses, arias and duets, including the  well-known   “I waited for the Lord”.  It was very well received at its première in Leipzig (conducted by the composer).  Mendelssohn also conducted the first performance in England at the Birmingham Musical Festival on September 23, 1840 in Birmingham Town Hall.  The chorus makes a substantial and rewarding contribution to the work which is now sadly  rarely  performed.  We will study the work in English for the workshop weekend.

“Messa di Gloria” – G. Puccini.  This substantial work dates from 1880 during the apprenticeship of the young composer at Lucca, Italy.  It was written for his final composition examination at the Conservatory and was first performed on July 12, 1880.  Scored for  soloists and chorus, it was until 1951 generally little known to the wider public.  Since then, and the publication of the score by Ricordi, it has become increasingly popular and many choirs now  include this attractive mass setting in their concert programmes.

Our venue is Alfriston, a beautiful Sussex village not far from Seaford and Eastbourne.  The river Cuckmere runs through the village, past the church, which is known as ‘The Cathedral of the South Downs’.  The War Memorial Hall is right next door to the church on the village green and provides excellent facilities for an event such as this.  There will be a public performance on the Sunday afternoon in the church with professional soloists as a climax to the weekend.

THE BRITISH CHORAL INSTITUTE

The British Choral Institute was established in 1993.  Since its inception it has organised an International Youth Choral Festival and five major International Choral Summer Schools.  In addition, it has been responsible for organising a number of successful day-long or weekend choral workshop sessions, some jointly with the Association of British Choral Directors, in venues throughout the country. For the past seven years the British Choral Institute has linked up with West Dean College in Chichester to present ‘Choral Singing for Enjoyment’ weekends or days on various themes, including African Music, French Choral Music, the Music of John Rutter and English and European Choral Classics. The British Choral Institute has offered a number of study scholarships in association with the British Council to many young choir conductors from various African countries, including Nigeria, Ghana, Sierra Leone and South Africa, to study in England.  Its international work has also included organising concert and study tours to the UK for choirs and orchestras from Denmark, Hungary, USA, Israel and Australia.

Timetable for Weekend (approximate timings)

Cost

£50 to include hire of music, teas and coffees.

Meals

These are not included, but may be taken in any of the many restaurants, cafés or interesting pubs/hotels in the village.  The village green and the banks of the River Cuckmere also provide the ideal setting for a picnic (weather permitting!)

Saturday Night Dinner in Alfriston (optional)

We have arranged to have dinner this year (as last year’s event was so successful) at The Tudor House, a very pleasant restaurant in the heart of the village.  The price is £20 (including service) for a three course meal. Please book and make your meal choices with your registration for the course, as space is limited for dinner to 60 people, Payment is required with booking and will be refundable only in exceptional circumstances or in the unlikely event of cancellation on our part.

Accommodation

For singers coming from outside the area, the British Choral Institute can send you a list of possible accommodation if requested.

Application

This can be made on the attached form which should be sent to:

email: britchorinst@fastnet.co.uk

Full payment of £50 should be sent with your application. This will only be refundable in the unlikely event of cancellation on our part. You will be sent final details nearer the time.