UMBRIAN SERENADES is a life-transforming choral program that brings together passionate singers from all over the U.S. who seek opportunities to perform exquisite a cappella repertoire within a small vocal chamber ensemble. These choral enthusiasts come together to enhance their vocal, musicianship, and ensemble skills, as well as savor all that small medieval hilltop towns in the heart of Italy can offer culturally, be it wine, olive oil, cooking, and the like.
This select 24-voice chamber ensemble performs sacred a cappella vocal works, spanning from Renaissance to Gospel, Spiritual and contemporary repertoire in unique spaces throughout the lush and breathtaking hills of Umbria.
NEW: 2009 Summer Season Dates
July 15 - July 27, 2009
NEW: 2010 Winter Season Dates
January 7 - 18, 2010
Winter 2010 Choral "Tastings"
Ensemble rehearsals and quartet coachings with Holly and Paulo — Our daily choral artists' workshops, where we develop our ensemble, build our unique sound, and achieve the highest level of choral excellence possible in preparation for all of our concerts and services. For the 2009 Winter Season participants will get to perform in three exquisite cathedrals in the Umbrian region, including the Duomo Cathedral (Spoleto), Basilica of St. Francis (Assisi) and the Church of San Silvestro (Bevagna).
These daily rehearsals will include opportunities to further develop the singers’ musicianship skills through unique, challenging and engaging group exercises as well as enhance each choral artist’s awareness of what it takes to maintain a healthy instrument and increase vocal stamina through focused vocal technique instruction.
Toning and chanting class with Holly — Delve into the world of ancient mystical singing practices through group "sounding" — enabling each singer to reach new levels of resonance through songs from various cultures, as well as spontaneously improvised group vocal explorations.
See our Sample Itineraries, which includes this season’s Cultural Tastings