Singing Retreat

*Bring a friend and save £50 EACH*

We’re so looking forward to welcoming you for an inspiring and nurturing weekend singing course making music together.

Our Singing Retreats are weekend singing courses designed to immerse you in the rich choral life of Cambridge; with accommodation in one of the historic colleges, and opportunities to sing in college chapels under the direction of experienced Cambridge choir directors. Alongside the choral workshops, you’ll enjoy complementary cultural and educational talks, as well as meeting new friends who share a passion for singing.

Each of our singing retreats includes full group and chamber choir sessions, coaching on vocal health and singing technique, historical and repertorial expertise; and services in college chapels.

Experience this extraordinary world from the inside:

• Ensuite accommodation in stunning Cambridge colleges (please bear in mind this is an academic setting rather than a hotel)
• Welcome drinks reception where you will have the opportunity to meet the other participants and the weekend tutors and staff
• Sing in iconic Cambridge college chapels, each with a different acoustic, feel and organ
• Evensong and Compline under leading Cambridge choral directors
• Vocal health sessions to develop and sustain your voice
• Saturday night formal dinner in the college hall with fine wines from the college cellar
• Complementary cultural and educational talks with academic specialists to give context and insights
• Time out to explore Cambridge

Our choral workshops at St Catharine’s College give us a fantastic location right next door to King’s College. Founded in 1473, St Catharine’s College (affectionately known as ‘Catz’) is situated next door to King’s College, right in the heart of historic Cambridge.

Catz has a strong musical tradition, with a lovely chapel and a splendid organ built behind its old facade in 1978. In 2008, the St Catharine’s  Girls’ Choir was created, a pioneering move unique amongst the colleges of Cambridge and Oxford.  The college has recently undergone major refurbishment of its facilities while preserving its beautiful historic courtyard and gardens.  Join us for an indulgent week of singing under St Catharine’s Director of Music, Dr Edward Wickham.

Repertoire: The Great ‘British’ Choral Tradition

Although we speak proudly of an ‘English’ choral tradition, it is in fact better described as a British tradition in recognition of the contribution of composers from Wales, Scotland and Ireland. The music for our evensongs will come from all four ‘home nations’, and include works by Thomas Tomkins, James Macmillan, E.J. Moeran and William Byrd.

FEES: £695 full board, £495 non-residential

Student Scholars: we’re pleased to offer a Student Scholar rate for those aged  18-21 or in full time education @£375 (£250 non-resident).

***Bring a Friend Offer***
£50 discount on your place AND your friend’s*
Simply mention your friend’s name in your application and make sure they do the same.

Course fee includes full board for 2 nights, all tuition, welcome reception, music hire, 3-course formal dinner with private dining and other activities.  All rooms are single occupancy and ensuite with tea and coffee making facilities.

“A wonderful weekend of learning and music making. It was unforgettable. I’ll definitely be recommending it to my fellow choir members”

We will be seeking to create a balanced chamber choir.  Applicants should be experienced choral singers with good note-reading ability. Applications should be supported by a statement of your singing experience.

Cambridge Chorał Academy is an independent organisation which contracts with Cambridge Colleges for the use of facilities. This event otherwise has no connection or association with the University of Cambridge or its Colleges

*Cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer