Advent in Dresden - 24 November to 28 November 2025
Directed by Jeremy Jackman
Advent in Dresden - with Brass!
Introduction
We have always enjoyed our Summer visits to Dresden but this year we are going later in the year when the Christmas markets will be starting up and the air will be filled with the aromas of hot Gluhwein and sizzling Bratwursts. And as we celebrate the approach of Christmas by lifting our voices in song, we shall be accompanied by a professional Brass Quartet. When we are not rehearsing there will be plenty of time off to visit the Zwinger Palace and its museums, take a boat trip down the Elbe, and visit the restored Frauenkirche.
Who is the course for?
This is a week for experienced singers - it's not suitable for complete beginners. If you enjoy good company and the odd glass of wine - or beer - so much the better. The rehearsal room is about twelve minutes walk from our hotel so the physical demands of the holiday should not tax anyone of average fitness and mobility. If you have any doubts about your ability to manage, please feel free to call us in confidence to discuss your concerns.
Musical Director
Jeremy Jackman's musical education began as a chorister at St Paul's Cathedral, and continued at the Royal College of Music and Hull University. He sang throughout Eastern and Western Europe as a soloist, and with ensembles such as the BBC Singers, the Kings' Singers, the Alfred Deller Choir, the Tallis Scholars and The Sixteen. Read more...
Music
- MUSIC LIST
Drop down ye heavens from above – Jackman
Zion Hears the Watchmen’s Voices – J S Bach
O come, O come Emmanuel – traditional
Adam lay ybounden – Ord
Little Donkey – Boswell arr. Paterson
The Angel Gabriel - traditional - arr Jackman
Es ist ein Ros entsprungen – Praetorius
Lo he comes with clouds descending – Wesley
O Thou the central orb – Wood
Glory to God (Messiah) – Handel
Adeste fideles (O come all ye faithful) arr. Willcocks
The little road to Bethlehem – Head
Nuit Divine (a Christmas Fantasia) – Jackman
Where to stay?
We have managed to secure rooms for the whole choir at the 4-star Hotel Bellevue on the banks of the River Elbe. This rather swanky hotel has always been our most popular choice largely due to the prime location, the views, and the splendid buffet breakfast.
Getting there
This bit is up to you and is not included in the price. The nearest airports are Dresden and Leipzig but direct flights are few and far between so singers may prefer to avoid changing planes and fly to nearby Berlin or Prague both of which have good regular train connections to Dresden. There are also express coaches.
What does it cost?
The course fee including the concert, four nights B&B accommodation at the popular Hotel Bellevue, and two Group Dinners will be £1095 per person sharing. (Single occupancy supplement £30 per night). Music - which can be kept - will cost £30 and is sent out six-eight weeks in advance. Non-singers sharing a singer's room pay a reduced fee of £795.
Travel and health insurance
All singers are required to take out appropriate travel insurance and supply their policy details to us before the course begins. You should also bring an EHIC or GHIC card with you.
Any questions?
If you have any questions at all please contact Nick Couchman ([email protected]) or Emma Ford ([email protected]) . You can also ring us on 01462 372702 but please bear in mind that we are often out of the office.