Summertime in Salisbury
- 16 August to 20 August 2026Directed By David Ogden
Introduction
Following the success of last year’s event, David Ogden once again leads this feast of singing in the city of Salisbury. Rather than a single end of course concert, we will sing informally in local churches including a private recital in the Cathedral itself. There will also be plenty of free time to explore this historic city.
Staying in Sarum College in the close overlooking the Cathedral, this course is a marvellous opportunity to sing some carefully selected music from living composers - some well-known, others less well known. We all eat together in the College and all meals - apart from lunch on the first day - are included so we all get to know each other very quickly. Many people book from year to year.
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
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…
MUSIC LIST
O Sing joyfully – Adrian Batten
Magnificat in D- Herbert Brewer
Prayer of St Francis – David Ogden
O thou the central orb – Charles Wood
How lovely are thy dwellings fair – Johannes Brahms
Wondrous Cross – Philip Wilby
The Lord hath been mindful of us – SS Wesley
The Lord bless you and keep you- John Rutter.
O Lorde the maker of al thing – John Joubert
Faith is the bird- Elizabeth Alexander
Down in the river to pray- Traditional
Every time I feel the spirit - Bob Chilcott
Down by the riverside – arr Rutter
We will be staying in Sarum College, a study centre in the close of Salisbury Cathedral. The rooms are simple but comfortable and are all en suite. Single rooms have single beds.
Singers can check in any time from 2.00 pm on Sunday 16 August, 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 £295 and a further £695 no later than eight weeks before the course commences . This covers tuition, four nights accommodation with breakfast, lunches and dinners throughout the course, and tea and coffee during breaks. Music - which can be kept - will cost £35 and is sent out six-eight weeks in advance. There are no single occupancy supplements.
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.
