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Introduction
Following the sell out succes of our Mournful Music pilgrimage in Salisbury earlier this year we offer singers another five days of deliciously 'miserable' music and a chance to enjoy the full, friendly Runbysingers singing holiday experience without getting on an aeroplane.
There will be a series of informal performances in the fine churches of Salisbury - including the cathedral - as we embark on a musical pilgrimage taking our music from place to place and enjoying everything that the historic city has to offer.
This will be a residential week based in the Sarum College conference centre where we all stay as a group, sharing meals, music and fellowship as a group of singers.
In his 400th anniversary year, we explore some of the wealth of music by ‘the English nightingale’, William Byrd. Much of Byrd’s sacred output – certainly his choice of texts – was influenced by his Catholic faith and resulting position as a Recusant in Protestant England. Also in our musical bestiary are pieces by Byrd’s younger contemporary Orlando Gibbons, rightly celebrated as the most important English musician of his generation.
Who is the course for?
This course is for experienced singers who want to improve their choral technique and enjoy exploring a rich mix of repertoire in a convivial social setting. Singing couples and individual singers are all welcome. Music will be sent out in advance and, while nobody is expected to be note perfect on arrival, we do expect singers to familiarise themselves with the music beforehand. This is not a course for beginners but anyone who has been singing regularly in a choral society or church choir is unlikely to feel out of their depth.
Sarum College is in the heart of the City Centre and the amount of walking and standing involved during the week should not challenge anyone of average fitness. If you have concerns about the required level of activity please contact us in confidence before you book.
Musical Director
Rory McCleery began his musical career as a chorister at St Mary’s Episcopal Cathedral, Edinburgh under Timothy Byram-Wigfield and Matthew Owens. He gained a…
MUSIC LIST
William Byrd
Aspice Domine
O lux beata trinitas
Domine praestolamur
Propers for All Saints – Justorum Animae; Beati mundo corde
Orlando Gibbons
O Lord, how do my woes increase
Drop, drop slow tears
O Lord, I lift my heart to thee
O Lord, in thy wrath
The silver swan
We will be staying in Sarum College, a study centre in the close of Salisbury Cathedral. It's not a hotel and the rooms are small and simple. However, all rooms are en suite and there is a bar downstairs.
Singers can check in any time from 2.00 pm on Sunday 26 February, explore Salisbury, then join their fellows for an early supper and a first run through the music. The course ends after lunch on Thursday.
Public transport links to Salisbury are excellent. There are direct trains from London, Southampton, Portsmouth, Bath, Bristol, Cardiff and Exeter. If you are planning to drive, please check the following link for detailed directions https://www.sarum.ac.uk/college-community/find-us
The course fee is payable in two stages - a deposit of £195 and a further £675 no later than six weeks before the course commences . This covers tuition, four nights accommodation with breakfast (based on two sharing) lunches and dinner throughout the course, and tea and coffee during breaks. Music - which can be kept - will cost £25 and is sent out six-eight weeks in advance. The single occupancy supplement is £20 per night.
Holiday insurance
All participants are advised to have appropriate holiday insurance in place and notify RBS of the policy provider.
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.
