DORDRECHT ENGLISH WEEKEND
31 May & 1 June 2008
directed by David Allinson

ENGLISH WEEKENDS are a series of two-day courses for choral singers. They have been held in Madrid, Doesburg, Stockholm, Bruges, Cologne, Brielle, Barcelona, Amsterdam, Dreischor, Dordrecht and Jimena de la Frontera, and are intended to appeal to experienced singers of all ages and nationalities. They cover many aspects of choral technique, and are led by conductors who combine a specialist knowledge of the chosen repertoire with an ability to create a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. The general aim is to stimulate international contact and broaden enthusiasm for choral music.

The Dordrecht course will be held in the town's famous Grote Kerk (or Onze Lieve Vrouwekerk), familiar to many from old paintings. The programme is a choral evensong, which will be sung in the church at the end of the course. The rehearsal on Sunday morning will be held in the art gallery 'De Compagnie', which is a few minutes' walk from the church at Kuipershaven 21.

Remember not, Lord, our offences by Henry Purcell (1659-1695)
Evening hymn by Henry Balfour Gardiner (1877-1950)
Magnificat and Nunc dimittis in B flat by Charles Villiers Stanford (1852-1924)
Preces and Responses by Richard Ayleward (1626-1669), Psalms and Hymns

David Allinson is one of England's most sought-after directors of the younger generation. His choir Cantores has won glowing plaudits for its passionate performances and recordings. He was a choral scholar at Oxford University, where he has also been a tutor, and has a doctorate for his work on early Tudor votive antiphons. David also teaches singing and sings professionally with choirs including Schola Cantorum of Oxford and A Capella Portuguesa. The organist will be Cor Ardesch.

The course will be held from 9.30am to 6.00pm on Saturday 31 May & Sunday 1 June 2008. Please arrive at 9.15am on the Saturday to allow time to register. I will send you copies of the music in advance, together with information about local accommodation and details of a rehearsal CD with each voice part picked out, available at an additional fee of €12.50. The course fee of €100 or £79, which includes the printed music, teas and coffees, should be paid in full on registration. Payments in the Netherlands may be made to my account No 83.52.00.205. The course is run by Andrew van der Beek, Cantax House, Lacock, Chippenham SN15 2JZ, England, telephone and fax 44 (0) 1249 730468, email avdb@cantax.freeserve.co.uk.

Enquiries in Dutch to Miep Peereboom on 078 6156179 or merwes.oratorium@hetnet.nl.

 Email us for further enquiries about the Dordrecht English Weekend.

Click here for a report of last year's event.

FOR A REGISTRATION FORM FOR THE DORDRECHT ENGLISH WEEKEND, CLICK HERE.