Music of an Ancient Light
- 1 March to 7 March 2027Directed By David Ogden
Introduction
Join us for something a little different: a week of choral singing on Turkey's Mediterranean coast, with David Ogden, a particularly comfortable hotel and time to explore some remarkable ancient sites.
Our home for six nights will be the five-star Akra Antalya, where everyone will have a Deluxe Sea View room. Singing will be at the heart of our week, with rehearsals alongside opportunities to enjoy Antalya’s atmospheric old town, the sea views and the company of our fellow singers.
Our programme explores light and love through Renaissance polyphony, expressive contemporary music and well-loved songs. Tallis and Gibbons sit alongside MacMillan, Lauridsen and Gjeilo, with opportunities to revisit favourites and discover something new.
We will rehearse at the Akra Antalya and St Paul’s Church in the old town, working towards a concert at the hotel on Saturday evening, followed by a farewell reception.
There will also be time to explore Antalya’s old town and enjoy a coastal boat trip. Our excursion to Aspendos and Perge includes the opportunity to sing in the extraordinary Roman theatre at Aspendos.Â
Timings:  The course begins with dinner at 7.30 pm on 1 March and will end after breakfast on  7 March. Full details and timetable will be sent to all participants approximately six weeks in advance.Â
Who is the course for?
This course is for experienced singers who enjoy exploring a varied programme and working towards a polished performance in friendly company. You should be singing regularly in a choir or choral society, be comfortable singing without accompaniment and be willing to prepare your music beforehand. Music will be sent out in advance.Â
Nobody is expected to arrive note perfect, but familiarity with your part will give us more time to develop the choir’s sound, expression and ensemble. Individual singers, couples and groups of friends are welcome, as are non-singing partners. If you are new to Run By Singers, please get in touch if you would like to discuss whether the course is right for you.
Musical Director
David Ogden is a professional conductor and composer. He conducts Exultate Singers, City of Bristol Choir, choirs at the Royal Mail, Airbus and Sawday's…
Programme to include:
O Radiant Dawn – James MacMillan
Hail, Gladdening Light – Thomas LaVoy
Ubi Caritas – Ola Gjeilo
O nata lux - Thomas Tallis
Underneath the stars – Kate Rusby arr Clements
Sure on this shining night – Morten LauridsenÂ
Upon your heart – Eleanor Daley
Summertime – George GershwinÂ
Exultate justi – Ludovico Viadana
Five-star luxury by the sea!
Our home for six nights will be the magnificent five-star Akra Antalya, overlooking the Mediterranean and the Taurus Mountains. Everyone will have a Deluxe Sea View room, and the hotel offers an excellent choice of restaurants and bars, indoor swimming, a spa, Turkish baths, sauna and extensive leisure facilities.
This is a hotel to enjoy in its own right, and we’ve deliberately allowed time to make the most of it.
This part is up to you and is not included in the price. There are direct flights to Antalya airport from the UK but some may prefer to travel via Istanbul and take in some of the sights there during the holy month of Ramadan
The price for this very special trip will be ÂŁ1,795 per person. The single occupancy supplement is ÂŁ45 per night. The price includes six night's accommodation with breakfast, the singing programme, organised excursions to Aspendos and Perge and four evening meals.
Holiday insurance
All participants are required to have appropriate holiday insurance in place and notify RBS of the policy provider.Â
Any questions?
If you have any questions at all please contact Nick Couchman (nick@runbysingers.org) or Emma Ford (emma@runbysingers.org) or ring us during office hours on 01462 372702. The office is not always occupied so please do leave a message and we will get back to you.
