French Song Weekend 2026 - May 29-31 | VOX Integra

NEW DATES ANNOUNCED
French Song Weekend
29th - 31st May 2026

Course Venue: Schloss Gottlieben, Switzerland

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

This year we are delighted to announce a new venue for our 2026 French repertoire weekend. The course will take place at Schloss Gottlieben, a Swiss heritage site of national significance situated directly on the banks of the Seerhein between Lake Constance and Untersee in the canton of Thurgau. The castle dates back to the 13 th century and once belonged to the French Emperor Napoleon the third. Between 1950 and her death in 2012 it was owned by the Swiss soprano Lisa della Casa.

Schloss Gottlieben is currently the home of International soprano Tatjana Gazdik and her family, our hosts for the weekend.

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

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, mezzo soprano, Director of Vox Integra and a Professor of Vocal studies at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama for 35 years and Beverley Worboys, soprano, educator, stage director and Artistic director and founder of the Basel Proms. Full information on all our tutors can be found on our about page.

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.

The weekend’s repertoire typically ranges from Berlioz to Poulenc, via the riches of Fauré, Debussy, Duparc and Ravel, and many other less central song-writers in this genre (Gounod, Saint-Saëns, Chausson, Roussel and Satie), as well as 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.

Examples of collective themes discussed include optimum vocal projection and better ways of practicing/rehearsing. The course will culminate in a public concert on Sunday evening . The excellent concert reviews from previous concerts can be read on our News/Blogs Page.

Following the course from Friday to Sunday, participants are encouraged to take time to explore the enchanting setting of Gottlieben, known as the Pearl of the Seerhein and characterised by charming half- timbered houses from the 17 th century, picturesque corners and a picturesque avenue of plane trees. Based on the huge success (and value for money!) of the last two years' French song events, there has already been a lot of interest in this upcoming course.

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

Participant Investment: £340 / 390€ Tuition only.

Under30’s: £300/350€

Early bird offer £310/355€ - Deadline April 1st.

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