Portuguese Polyphony, Braga - 1 June to 8 June 2025
Directed by David Ogden
Portuguese polyphony, Braga
Join us - and inspirational conductor David Ogden - in the historic city of Braga. Often referred to as the “Rome of Portugal” and the “City of Archbishops”, it is one of Portugal’s oldest cities. Its roots date back to when Rome ruled over the peninsula containing Spain and Portugal, which they called Hispania, for almost 700 years from 218 BC to 460 AD. It's Bom Jesus do Monte Sanctuary is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Braga actually feels more like a large town than a city. The centre is largely pedestrianised and it has escaped mass tourism - so far - so there are always quiet cafes to visit and and interesting corners to explore in peace.
The course runs from Sunday evening, when we meet for dinner, to the following Sunday morning with a final concert on the Saturday night. Porto is just 30 miles away so we plan to go there for a port tasting and lunch. Full details of this optional day trip will be sent to all participants later this 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. 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.
Our singing holidays have proved equally popular with people travelling on their own and singing couples. We all eat together most evenings in a selection of different restaurants where everyone will soon get to know each other.
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 Publishing and, in his post of Head of the Bristol Choral Centre, he also conducts the Bristol Youth Choirs. Read more...
Music
- MUSIC LIST
Vincente Lusitano - Regina Caeli & Crux et virga vigilansJohn IV of Portugal - Crux fidelisEstêvão Lopes Morago - Gaudete cum laetitia & Oculi meiDuarte Lobo - Asperges mePero de Gamboa - Estote fortes in belloPedro de Escobar - Clamabat autem mulierEstevao de Brito - Ego dilecto meoHenry Purcell - O God the King of glory & Thou knowest LordOrlando Gibbons - Lift up your headsThomas Attwood - Come Holy GhostSamuel Wesley - Si iniquitates observaveris & Constitues eos Principes
Where to stay?
We will be staying at the 4-star Hotel Vila Gale which is centrally located in the heart of the Old Town. The building dates from the 16th century. It has a swimming pool as well as a fitness centre and a pleasant bar and restaurant. Rehearsals will take place in the hotel's large function room.
Getting there
This bit is up to you and is not included in the price of the week. Most people will choose to fly to Porto - the nearest airport - and catch the train. The journey time is less than an hour and there are 16 trains a day so little need to book months in advance.
What does it cost?
The course fee is payable in two stages - a deposit of £295 and a further payment of £1045 no later than eight weeks before the course commences . This covers tuition, seven nights accommodation with breakfast (based on two sharing) and four 3-course evening meals. The single occupancy supplement is £35 per night. Music - which can be kept - will cost £35 and is sent out six-eight weeks in advance. Non-singers sharing a singer's room pay a reduced fee of £995.
Holiday insurance
All singers are required to take out appropriate holiday insurance and supply their policy details to us before the course begins. You should also bring a GHIC card or an EHIC card with you - if yours is still valid.
Any questions?
If you have any questions at all please contact Nick Couchman ([email protected]) or Emma Ford ([email protected]) or ring Nick 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.
