Choral singers, aspiring or experienced!
By Roland Graham
Following a memorable choral workshop last autumn, which culminated in a sold-out performance of Vivaldi’s Gloria in December that raised over $2,000 for the CHEO Foundation, I’m pleased to announce a winter 2019 edition, which will take place Wednesdays from 7 to 9:30 p.m., from January 30 to April 17, with a performance of the Fauré Requiem with orchestra and soloists on Friday, April 19.
The winter workshop will develop concepts introduced in past workshops, especially the listening, breathing, rhythm, intonation and singing in harmony exercises that have served participants well in the past with a focused program of musical study leading up to a performance in which participants will put techniques into practice. As one participant commented, “I found your classes richly textured, vividly imagined and clearly delivered. You’re an excellent teacher – one who can balance varied needs, control a disparate group, point out rough spots without singling out culprits and, to clarify a point, come up with the most imaginative illustrations I’ve encountered to date. Thank you for a splendid six weeks.” Said another, “I particularly enjoyed the focused workshop approach that explicitly integrated theory and practice, and I appreciated the clarity of the learning objectives that you articulated at the outset.”
There is no audition for the workshop. However, participants will be expected to be able to match pitch (sing the same note as played on a piano), and basic music reading ability would be a strong asset. Please contact me if you are unsure of your suitability.
A novel fee structure will allow participants to reduce the cost of the course, even taking it for free, through the sale of tickets to the course-end concert. The course fee of $300 covers: 12 two-anda- half hour workshop sessions; rehearsing and performing with a professional orchestra; and administrative and production costs. Early-bird special: register by January 6 and pay only $250. To register or to obtain more information, write winterchoralworkshop@gmail.com. The course limit is 50 people (25 minimum required). Register now to ensure your spot!
Roland Graham is a pianist, conductor, teacher and concert producer. He is music director at Southminster United Church and with the Rideau Chorale, and artistic director of Upbeat! Productions.
