French Song Weekend
14th -17th June 2024

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Course Venue: Maison du Kleebach, Munster, Alsace, France

Tutors: Theresa Goble, Beverley Worboys, Robin Bowman and Brian Parsons

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CLIQUEZ ICI POUR LIRE EN FRANÇAIS

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We are delighted to be returning to the magical hillside setting of Maison du Kleebach in Alsace for our next French repertoire course which will take place from the 14th -17th of June 2024. A former ferme-auberge, Maison du Kleebach has been transformed into the perfect place for musicians to work, breathe and be inspired. 

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Our internationally renowned team bring with them a wealth of knowledge and experience. 

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Robin Bowman is a leading French repertoire expert. Robin worked as assistant to Pierre Bernac , the singer for whom Poulenc wrote more than half his songs, for the last decade of Bernac’s life. For many years he was principal French vocal repertoire teacher at the Guildhall School, French consultant for the National Opera Studio as well as head of vocal studies at the Guildhall School. His international career as an accompanist included partnerships with Dawn Upshaw and Gérard Souzay. 

Tenor - Brian Parsons, as well as his  extensive career as soloist in opera, oratorio and concert,  was for many years, voice professor at the conservatoires of Lyon and the Guildhall School of Music and Drama.

Completing the team are renowned performer practitioners Theresa Goble, Director of Vox Integra and Professor of Vocal studies at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, and Beverley Worboys soprano and stage director. Full information on all our tutors can be found on our about page. 

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The weekend’s focus is French Repertoire, both mélodie and French opera.   

The course will include an introductory talk by Robin Bowman on the principles of singing French mélodie, as well as specialised masterclasses focusing on French Opera, and on French poetry and how it is  transformed when set to music.

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The weekend’s focus is French Repertoire, both chanson and specifically French opera. (Native French-speakers may bring non-French repertoire). Previous courses have attracted singers from France, Germany, Switzerland, England and America, and repertoire explored has ranged from Poulenc to Dumont. We aim for the weekend to offer a truly holistic experience.

The course provides: One-to-one diagnostic sessions tailored to each individual singer on technique, interpretation and body work. Group work to bring together in performance aspects explored individually, all within a friendly, supportive atmosphere for all our participants. 

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Examples of collective themes discussed include optimum vocal projection and better ways of practicing/rehearsing. The course will culminate in a concert on Sunday evening in the venue’s extraordinary open-air amphitheatre. The excellent concert reviews from previous concerts can be read on our News/Blogs Page.

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Following the course from Friday to Sunday, whilst there is no formal excursion on the Monday, participants attending the course in Alsace may wish to take advantage of being in the beautiful region and perhaps stay on to visit the ancient and picturesque town of Colmar (the home of Alsatian wine!). Based on the huge success (and value for money!) of the last two years' Alsace courses there has already been a lot of interest in this upcoming course. 

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Please note flights and accommodation are not included. Nearest airport is Bâle Mulhouse.

Participant Investment: £325 / 375€ Tuition only