Sintra International Singing &
Choral Conducting Course
SINTRA - THE COURSE 24th to 31st July 2010
Conductors start Sat 24th July at 09:30
Singers start Sun 25th July at 17:00
 
Music   Daily Programme Evening Events   Timetable
           
Perfomances   Concert Dress Language   Fee
           
Travel   Food Accommodation   Smoking
 
The Course is for
1. up to 30 very experienced singers who are either extremely good sight-readers, or prepared to learn the music thoroughly in advance. The music chosen is challenging and needs some preparation from even the best of readers.
2. up to 4 conductors wishing to improve their choral conducting. Some previous experience is necessary. Music should be prepared in advance. Conductors will be expected to sing with the choir
 
 
Music
The repertoire is of mixed styles & periods, both secular & sacred. Both midi and pdf files will be available for advance practice; a list of recordings will be recommended for study. Manuscripts in paper form can be forwarded on request; the price of postage will be added to the fee. Otherwise the music will be handed out in Portugal at registration. (See Repertoire).
 
 
Daily Programme
Singers get daily warm ups and instruction in vocal technique, an individual singing lesson, choir rehearsals, and opportunities for one to a part ensemble singing in some astonishing places
Conductors get daily warm ups and instruction in vocal technique, coaching in conducting both away from the choir and with the choir, and the opportunity to conduct one short piece in the final concert. Conductors are expected to sing with the choir when not conducting
 
 
Evening Events
Evening events usually include optional Portuguese Folk Singing with Pedro, a trip to a Fado Club in Lisbon and the course party with entertainment provided by small ensembles.
 
 
Performances
Open air workshop at Quinta da Regaleira.
Main concert at the end of the week in S. Martinho. A recording will be made on CD.
 
 
Concert Dress
Ladies - black tops and long black skirts, dresses or trousers. Men - white long sleeved shirts and black trousers.
 
 
Timetable 2010 - to be confirmed

Sat 24th July 09:30 Conductors Register
  10:00 Session 1 & 2
  13:00 Lunch
  15:00 Session 3 & 4
  18:00 Break
  20:00 Dinner

Sun 25th July 09:30 Session 1 & 2
  13:00 Lunch
  15:00 Session 3
  17:00 Break
  17:00 Singers Register
  17:45 Welcome to All
  18:00 Warm Up & Rehearsal
  19:30 Break
  20:00 Communal Dinner

Mon 26th &
09:30 Warm Up
Tues 27th July 10:00 Rehearsals
  13:00 Lunch
 
Afternoon free for ensembles, individual lessons, rest, practice, shopping, exploring
  17:00 Rehearsal
  19:00 Break, bar, optional informal ensembles
  20:00 Dinner

Wed 28th July
Morning as Mon & Tues but free afternoon & evening

Thurs 29th July
As Mon & Tues

Fri 30th July 09:30 Warm Up
  10:00 Rehearsals
  13:00 Lunch
  15:00 Rehearsals
  17:00 Break
  17:30 Workshop
  19:00 Break, bar, optional informal ensembles
  20:00 Dinner

Sat 31st July 11:30 Rehearsals
  13:00 Lunch
  15:00 Rehearsals
  18:00 Break
  21:30 Concert
  22:30 Celebration Meal
  Please note the lateness of the traditional Portuguese concert time and therefore the Celebration meal on Saturday night when planning any Sunday travelling.
 
 
 
Language
The course will be given in English. The course has a Portuguese interpreter, Pedro d'Orey, who has knowledge of English, Italian, Spanish and French. (See Links for basic Portuguese)
 
 
Fee
See Payment Details.
 
 
Travel
A course 'minibus' is available at selected times for transport from Lisbon airport to Sintra. Please contact Pedro (see Contacts).Otherwise there is a bus from the airport to Rossio in the centre of Lisbon, from where there is a direct train to Sintra.
 
 
Food
Deals are being made with local restaurants for group bookings. Numbers for such meals will be taken on the course, as some will wish to eat independently and a la carte. Course members are encouraged to attend the communal meals at the beginning and end of the course. Meals are not included in the course fee, but all food & drink at break times is.
The Portuguese cuisine available in the town is generally in the style of simple, hearty, country cooking. There is a lovely restaurant at the Quinta da Regaleira, the rehearsal venue, where many people have lunch.
 
 
Accommodation
See Accommodation for recommendations
 
 
Smoking
Portugal has now passed laws prohibiting smoking in public places.