Ghent Early Music Week - 5 October to 12 October 2025
Directed by Patrick Craig
A week of Renaissance Music in Ghent
Introduction
Ghent is famous for its beer, chocolates - and it's mysterious allegorical altarpiece. It is one of our favourite destinations and we have a mouth-watering selection of Early Music masterpieces to sing there.
The course runs from Sunday evening, when we meet for dinner and a few introductions, to the following Saturday evening where we perform our new repertoire at a formal concert in one of the city's splendid churches. We will sing for approximately five hours each day with breaks for coffee and a long afternoon break. Thursday will be a half-day when people may choose to explore a little further afield.
Patrick Craig writes "Mary the Mother of Jesus has always inspired sublime music. These Marian motets by some of the greatest Flemish composers reflect the sumptuous texts of these ancient antiphons in her honour. Works by Josquin and Lassus nestle alongside choral gems by L’heritier, Gombert and Regnart. Join us in Ghent to explore this fabulous era of music, art and architecture."
Who is the course for?
Think of this as a Level 4+ week. Participants should be experienced and confident choral singers with good sight-reading ability and must be prepared to learn their part beforehand. There will be splits in upper and lower voices. In terms of physical exertion, singers should expect a reasonable amount of walking - much of it on cobbles - and standing during rehearsal. Ghent, however, is fairly flat and we will be rehearsing in one of the two group hotels in the cathedral square. As always, ring us to discuss any concerns or special requirements you may have before booking.
Musical Director
Patrick Craig is a countertenor, harpist, teacher, lecturer and conductor. He is a Vicar Choral at St Paul's Cathedral and has sung almost a thousand concerts with the Tallis Scholars. He is also a member of The Cardinall's Musick. Read more...
Music
- Music to include
Josquin - Gaude Virgo
L’heritier - Alma redemptoris SSATB
Lassus - Ave Regina caelorum SAATB
Jacobus Vaet - Salve Regina SAATB
Gombert - Inviolata SAATB
Senfl - Mater Digna Dei SAATB
Regnart - Ave Maris stella SSATB
Clemens - Ave Maria SSATB
Gombert - Agnus Dei II from Missa Sancta Maria SSATB
Lassus - Magnificat quarti toni SSATB
Where to stay?
We have chosen two hotels for this course - both are within 100 metres of the cathedral which houses the Sacred Lamb altarpiece. The Ibis Kathedraal is an RBS regular - rooms are small but modern, staff are super friendly - and there is a good-sized bar. Couples and room sharers may find it rather short of wardrobe space for a week-long stay. The nearby Novotel is a step up cost-wise but is a much swankier place with more facilities and larger rooms than the Ibis. It is also where we will be rehearsing as they have a large function room with an unusually decent acoustic. We recommend that couples and room-sharers choose this hotel. It is well worth the small extra cost for the extra comfort.
Getting there
This bit is up to you and is not included in the price. Ghent is easily accessible from Brussels and Antwerp but many may prefer the convenience and relative comfort of Eurostar. A Eurostar ticket to Brussels can be extended to any station in Belgium with minimal extra cost and Belgian train services are fast and frequent.
What does it cost?
The course fee is payable in two stages - £295 on registration and a balance of £995 which will be invoiced approximately eight weeks before arrival in Flanders. This covers tuition, four evening meals and seven nights three-star B&B accomodation in the Ibis. This price is based on two sharing so there is a single occupancy supplement of £30 a night. Non-singing partners, sharing a singer's room, pay a reduced fee of £845 but this is subject to availability. Music - which can be kept - will cost £30.00 and will be sent to you six-eight weeks in advance. The Novotel option will require a balance of £1095 following the deposit and has a single occupancy supplement of £40.00. Non-singing partners, sharing a singer's room at the Novotel, pay a reduced fee of £895.
The course starts with dinner on Sunday evening and ends officially after our concert on Saturday . Most people will choose to go home the next day but if you wish to stay an extra day or, indeed, come a day early let us know in good time and we should be able to arrange it for you.
Travel and health insurance
All participants are required to take out appropriate holiday insurance and advise us of the policy details before the course starts. 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]) or ring us during office hours on 01462 372702.
