Following the resounding success of its inaugural course in November 2023, the Berkeley Ensemble is delighted to be accepting applications for its Summer Chamber Sessions weekend course for amateur musicians, scheduled to take place from Friday 12th (6pm) to Sunday 14th July (5pm) 2024.
Due to the side-by-side nature of this course, places are limited and it is anticipated that demand will be high. Applications will close on 26th May 2024, or sooner if capacity is reached. We strongly encourage you to apply as early as possible.
- Spend the weekend playing large scale chamber music with like-minded musicians in the serene rehearsal spaces at St. Mary’s German Lutheran Church (Friday and Satursday) and Conway Hall (Sunday), just moments away from the social and cultural highlights of central London.
- The majority of the course will be spent rehearsing set works for large chamber ensemble, working side-by-side with members of the Berkeley Ensemble and culminating in a public performance of selected movements on the Sunday afternoon.
- The repertoire for summer 2024 is Gounod’s Petite Symphonie for winds and JS Bach’s Third Brandenburg Concerto and Biber’s Battalia for strings and continuo. Places are available for flute, oboes, clarinets, bassoons, horns, violins, violas, cellos, double bass and harpsichord.
- Suitable for advanced amateur musicians who have substantial chamber music experience (minimum ABRSM Grade 7 or equivalent).
- The schedule also includes an informal performance class: receive feedback on solo repertoire (accompanist provided) from members of the Berkeley Ensemble.
- Optional opportunities to socialise with fellow participants include a pub trip on Friday night and course dinner at a local restaurant on Saturday evening.
The course fee of £295 includes all tuition and rehearsal refreshments. Accommodation and main meals are not included in the course price although there is a selection of cafes, restaurants and accommodation options in the vicinity.
Places are limited and applications will close on 26th May 2024, or sooner if capacity is reached and applicants of complementing abilities can be placed in an ensemble together. We will be in touch with applicants by Friday 14 June 2024 to confirm places and part allocations.
For more information, please email john@berkeleyensemble.co.uk
We also run a residential chamber music course in Somerset.