The Berkeley Ensemble is delighted to announce that the next Chaffcombe chamber course is scheduled for the 2nd to 5th May 2025. Applications are now open: complete an application form or continue reading for more information.
At a glance:
- Course dates: Friday 2nd May (lunchtime) – Monday 5th May c.4pm
- Deadline for application Monday 6th January 2025 at midnight (applications will close sooner if capacity is reached)
- Confirmation of places will be announced on Tuesday 21st January 2025
- Course fee: £490 (£465 for returning participants who Refer-a-Friend). Deposit of £190 due on application. Balancing payment due 14th February 2025.
In more depth:
- Spend the weekend playing beautiful chamber music with like-minded musicians in the idyllic surroundings of rural Somerset.
- The course will include individual tuition and ensemble coaching with members of the Berkeley Ensemble, who will be joined by long-standing ensemble collaborator Simon Callaghan (piano).
- Suitable for advanced amateur musicians (minimum ABRSM Grade 6), either in pre-formed ensembles or individuals, with some previous experience of playing chamber music. We accept participants of varying musical standards (from Grade 6 through to music college alumni) and group participants of similar abilities/experience together.
- Each participant will be placed in two different ensembles, and work on two distinct pieces or selections of repertoire. Whenever possible, these groupings will contrast in size and instrumental combination, and repertoire will be varied. View a list of repertoire studied by participants on previous courses here.
- Accommodation will be provided by host families within the village, included in the course fee, for those that require it. Participants are also welcome to arrange their own accommodation if they prefer, at their own expense.
- The course fee of £490 includes all tuition, meals and accommodation with host families. Returning participants are invited to Refer-a-Friend to the course for a £25 reduction in course fee for themselves (and the Friend they refer).
Chaffcombe is situated just off the A303, near Ilminster. The nearest stations are Crewkerne (10 miles) and Taunton (20 miles). Direct trains run from London Waterloo to Crewkerne or from London Paddington to Taunton. For those travelling by public transport, transfers between the nearest train station and course location are provided.
Please note: the course continues to grow in popularity and places are limited so applications will close on Monday 6th January 2025 at midnight, or sooner if capacity is reached. We strongly encourage you to apply as early as possible. Your place will be confirmed once we have been able to place you in an appropriate ensemble.
To apply for a place on the course please complete the online application form here
For more information, please email chambercourse@berkeleyensemble.co.uk
We also run a non-residential chamber music course in London.