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Singing holidays run by singers for singers

Parma and the Court of Mantua - 31 August to 7 September 2025

Directed by David Skinner

4 LEVEL

Parma and the Court of Mantua

Join us in Parma, centre of Italy's Food Valley, to sing music from the court of the Gonzagas written by the Masters of Parma and Mantua. Tourism has not yet overwhelmed this charming and historic city and most of the visitors we encountered during our first visit were Italians in search of aged Parmesan cheese, or ham. Music, especially opera, is very important here; there is a fine Opera house and an annual Verdi festival. It is very much our sort of place and we are sure you will enjoy it. If there is sufficient interest, we will also arrange a visit to nearby Ferrara.

Our hotel is in the  Old Town centre and the amount of walking and standing involved during the week should not challenge anyone of average fitness. If you have concerns about the required level of activity please contact us in confidence before you book.  The course runs from Sunday evening, when we meet for dinner, to the following Sunday morning with a concert in one of Parma's large churches on the Saturday night.

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.

 

choral singing holidays

Musical Director

David Skinner is Fellow, Praelector, and Osborn Director of Music at Sidney Sussex College in the University of Cambridge where he teaches historical and practical topics from the medieval and renaissance periods, as well as directing the chapel choir. He is also artistic director of the professional consort Alamire (www.alamire.co.uk), who received the 2015 Gramophone Award .. Read more...

Music

 
  • MUSIC LIST 
     
    CIPRIANO DE RORE
    Magnificat Primi Toni 
    Da pacem, Domine (SAATB) 
    Cantantibus organis (SATTB)

    JACQUET DE MANTUA
    Aspice Domine (SAATB) 
    Sancta Trinitas (SATB/SATB)
    Ave maris stella (SATB) 
    Ave Maria (SAATB)

    CLAUDIO MONTEVERDI
    Missa a quattro voci da capella (SATB)
    Kyrie & Agnus Dei (SATB) 

      

Where to stay?

 

For this visit we will be staying in the Mercure Stendhal - which will be independent (ie not part of Accor) by the time we arrive.  The hotel has a restaurant and a bar and is within walking distance of the rehearsal room, the station, and our chosen restaurants.   

Getting there

 

This bit is up to you and is not included in the price of the week. The nearest airports are Milan and Bologna and there are fast and frequent train connections to Parma with no need to make bookings months in advance.

What does it cost?

 

The course fee is payable in two stages - a deposit of  £295 and a further payment of £995 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 £25 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 £895.

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.