Participants should be aged 16+. As a guide, the instrumental workshops are suitable for musicians of around Grade 5 or equivalent.
12 noon Vocal workshop
The Music of Howard Skempton
Grace Rossiter director
Renowned conductor Grace Rossiter leads a session exploring the beautiful choral music of Howard Skempton. Works such as Rise up, my love, He Wishes for the Cloths of Heaven and The Flight of Song have revealed Skempton as a master of rapturous choral textures and subtle, unexpected harmonic twists. Come and enjoy an introduction to his choral world – singers of all ages and abilities welcome (music reading required).
12 noon Instrumental workshop
Between Sound and Silence
James Weeks director
The music of Jürg Frey and Michael Pisaro, poised on the threshold between sound and silence, takes us into a space of deep listening and transforms our sense of the world around us. We will explore some stunning pieces by both composers in this workshop. All welcome – the music is simple and requires the ability to play quietly (or make quiet sounds) and listen. Please note you are required to bring your own instruments.
2pm Vocal Workshop
CoMA Partsongs - Volume 2
James Weeks director
In 2018 CoMA launched its Partsongs project under the artistic direction of James Weeks, to create a brand-new repertoire of experimental vocal chamber music. After the success of the first volume, a second volume is on the way; and for this weekend CoMA has commissioned four new works, some of which we will look at in this session, including pieces by Alexander Campkin and Hollie Harding. Singers of all abilities welcome.
2 pm Instrumental Workshop
CoMA Open Scores
Grace Rossiter director
CoMA’s Open Score project is at the heart of its vision to create a new repertoire of contemporary compositions that can be tackled by players of all abilities. This session will explore some of the latest additions to the collection by some of today’s leading composers. All players of orchestral instruments welcome. Please note you are required to bring your own instrument.
3.30 pm Tutti workshop
Terry Riley’s Olson III
James Weeks director
The day culminates in a workshop and rare performance of a minimalist classic: Terry Riley’s Olson III. This sequel of sorts to his signature work In C was written for a Swedish school in 1967 (the music master resigned in protest) and uses the repetition of simple fragments of material to build into an ecstatic, dynamic climax. A wonderful experience to be part of, Olson III requires singers and instruments, as many as possible. Join us and raise the roof!
Booking
Workshop Day Tickets £10.50, Students/Unemployed £5
Combined ticket for CoMA Workshops and RNS: Listening a World £20, Students/Unemployed £10
Book here.