Lincoln Summer Schools - 27 July to 31 July 2025
Directed by Patrick Craig & Matt Finch
Lincoln Summer Schools - two courses for 2025
Following the success of last years UK Summer Schools at Lincoln University we are returning this year with two brand new courses.
Course One - Orlando Gibbons and the music of Westminster Abbey
This course will be directed by Patrick Craig. This course explores anthems by three towering musicians of Westminster Abbey, focussing on Orlando Gibbons who died in 1625. Robert White’s music has soaring lines which reflect the architecture of the newly added Lady Chapel. Purcell’s music revels in the joyous mood following the Civil War. All three composers died tragically young but have left a rich legacy.
Course Two - Songs from the Musicals
Matt Finch - Maestro of the Musical Theatre - will direct another programme of SATB arrangements of songs fom the great musicals.
These are two separate courses with singers signing up for one or the other.
Lincoln itself needs little introduction and the shiny new campus of Lincoln University is just across the lake from the Town Centre. Up on the hill the majestic cathedral is clearly visible.
The courses runs from Sunday evening, when we meet for dinner, to the following Thursday where we perform our new repertoire at a lunchtime concert - followed by Afternoon Tea.
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 each evening where everyone will soon get to know each other.
Musical Director - Patrick Craig
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. Read more...
Musical Director - Matt Finch
Matt Finch - a prolific composer and arranger - has been singing and performing music since he was a small child.
Musical Director for Bath Light Operatic Group for over 25 years, Matt completed his music degree at Bath Spa University where he conducted the choir and orchestra. Since then he has conducted several choirs including many virtual and online choirs. Read more...
Music
- MUSIC LIST - PATRICK CRAIG
Gibbons - Hosanna to the Son of David
Gibbons - Almighty and everlasting God
Gibbons - O Lord in thy wrath
Gibbons - Lift up your heads
White - Christe qui lux III
White - Domine quis habitabit I
White - The Lord bless us
Purcell - I was glad
Purcell - I will sing unto the Lord
Purcell - Lord how long wilt thou be angry
Purcell - O God thou art my God
MUSIC LIST -MATT FINCHSend In The Clowns - Sondheim - A little night music
One hand one heart - Bernstein - West Side Story
Something to believe in - Menkin - Newsies
Defying gravity - Schwartz - Wicked
Not While I'm Around - Sondheim - Sweeney Todd
Edelweiss - Rogers & Hammerstein - Sound of music
When You believe - Schwartz - Prince of Egypt
One Day More - Schoenberg - Les Miserables
Love is an Open Door - Lopez -Frozen
Ease on Down the Road-Smalls & Vandros -The Wiz
Singing in the Rain - Herb Brown - Singing in the Rain
Ascot Gavotte - Loewe - My Fair Lady
Where to stay?
We will be using the university's student accommodation which is bright, clean and recently built - but not particularly spacious. The rooms are all en suite and all contain a single 4 foot bed - six inches narrower than a standard double. There are no twin rooms but there are also NO SINGLE ROOM SUPPLEMENTS.
Couples are advised that the beds are not designed for two full-sized adults to sleep in. All rooms have access to tea and coffee making facilities.
Getting there
This bit is up to you and is not included in the price. Lincoln University is right beside the railway station and this is the recommended way to get there. If you come by car, there is a council run multi-storey Car Park opposite the main campus which offers competitive rates but there is no parking on site unless you have a blue badge.
What does it cost?
The course fee is payable in two stages - £295 on registration and a further £895 no later than eight weeks before arrival in Lincoln. This covers tuition, the concert, four nights accommodation with buffet breakfast at the university, four evening meals - and afternoon tea. Music - which can be kept - will cost £35 and is sent out six-eight weeks in advance.
Holiday insurance
All singers are strongly advised to take out appropriate holiday insurance and supply their policy details to us before the course begins.
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.
