Glories of the Musical Baroque
Classical music is usually divided into discrete periods which aim to capture something of a prevailing style and approach of composers in Europe at a given time. But what do we really mean by these labels? In this day-course, we … More details …
Brahms: Inspiration or perspiration?
Poor old Brahms sometimes finds himself facing undue criticism. Despite being widely recognized as one of the greatest composers in history, some people encounter challenges when trying to connect with his music. Is it due to its complexity? Or perhaps … More details …
Music from the Movies
This course is now fully booked. Please contact us if you would like to be added to the waiting list for any cancellations. Join Ben England, award-winning conductor and educator for a day exploring the origins of film music, presented … More details …
Mozart: a life in choral music
Mozart is a legendary composer whose legacy and influence continues to impact on our lives today. Join us as we take a unique look at Mozart’s life through the lens of his writing for choir, from his earliest works to … More details …
The Creation: JF Haydn
Spend a day with some of the most joyous and delightful music in the classical repertoire – Haydn’s beautiful Creation. Composed as a response to Handel’s Messiah, this great work is rightly considered an essential piece for all lovers of … More details …
The Messiah G.F. Handel
Handel’s Messiah is a work that transcends, genre, and even time – it is the greatest choral work ever created and a piece that to this day brings joy to the world. Our day course will explore the origins of … More details …
The Enthralling Chamber Music of Franz Schubert (1797-1828)
Schubert’s contribution to the 19th century is unparalleled, with many of his works revered as absolute masterpieces. This six week course will explore Schubert’s huge contribution to chamber music, including his Lieder (secular songs for solo voice), his solo piano … More details …
1959: the year that changed Jazz
A course for both beginners and experienced jazz fans – we will explore the origins and development of The Blues and Jazz, with a particular focus on 1959 when some of the most essential albums in the genre were recorded, … More details …
Remembering Vaughan Williams
The life-story of this great composer is a chronicle of changing times. His music is the soundtrack of the century – by turns dynamic, reflective, challenging and just plain gorgeous.
More details ...Beethoven and the early Romantics
Exploring the musical development of the 19th century Romantic era, beginning with the later compositions of Beethoven, and discussing the wonderful instrumental, vocal and piano music of Schubert, Brahms, Schumann, Mendelssohn and Chopin.
More details ...The Evolution of Film Music
A six-session study of film music from the earliest simple film reels with live music, to the sprawling scores of modern cinema. Session 1: Music for a New Visual Age Exploring the music of the silent age – live scores … More details …
The Genius of the Classical Era in Music (1750-1820)
We will explore the evolution of the orchestra, the formalisation of the symphonic and sonata form, Mozart’s operas and masses, the symphonies and string quartets of Haydn, the explosion in popularity of the fortepiano and the demise of the harpsichord. … More details …
The Story of the Blues
Explore the social history that brought about Blues music and gain an understanding of its nature and origins.
More details ...Thomas Hardy and Gerald Finzi
Thomas Hardy was one of the greatest of English poets, Gerald Finzi one of the subtlest and most sensitive of composers. The conjunction of the two led to a miraculous fusion – songs which are truly more than the sum … More details …
Masters of Baroque Music (1600-1750)
Masters of the Baroque (1600-1750) : Discover the seamless beauty of some of the most exquisite music ever written, and how the great composers of this age influenced everything since. We will explore a wide range of works by … More details …