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International Renaissance Course 2026
JULY 12-19, 2026 | DORDOGNE, FRANCE
FRANCO-FLEMISH MASTERS
JOSQUIN, CLEMENS, LASSUS
International Renaissance Course 2026
We are pleased to announce that our Renaissance course 2026 will be held in Dordogne, France, July 12-19, 2026. The course will explore Renaissance polyphony by Franco-Flemish composers, including Josquin des Prez, Jacob Clemens non Papa, and Orlando di Lasso.
Application Review Date: February 2, 2026
WHERE
La Côte, 24310 Biras, France
WHEN
Sunday, July 12 - Sunday, July 19, 2026
COURSE OVERVIEW
The primary course objective is to prepare a program of music by Josquin des Prez, Jacob Clemens non Papa, and Orlando di Lasso, which will be presented on Saturday, July 18, 2026, details TBA.
Through this concentrated week of rehearsal, recording, and performance, singers will refine skills required for professional, small-ensemble singing: tuning, singing in time, sight-reading, one-on-a-part singing, execution, and breathing. Interpolated throughout the week are masterclasses/talks aimed to further explore these skills.
Singers interested in consort one-to-a-part singing are encouraged to participate in small groups. Small groups are invited to perform at the nightly informal “Small Group Sharing” sessions.
ABOUT THE CHATEAU
Château de la Côte is a striking 15th-century Renaissance château nestled in the rolling countryside of the Périgord Vert in Dordogne, southwestern France. Historically rooted in the Hundred Years’ War era, the site evolved from a fortified manor into a graceful château under successive families, including the Du Lau and Dethan lineages, before falling into decline and later restoration.
Today the château is a beloved boutique hotel and restaurant, set in a 19-acre wooded park of century-old trees in the picturesque Dordogne countryside. The château combines historic atmosphere with modern hotel comforts. Guests will enjoy elegant rooms and suites, period salons, and refined Périgord gastronomy amidst historic architecture marked by round towers and turrets. In the surrounding parkland, you're likely to catch sightings of wildlife such as deer, wild boar, hares and many different species of birds.
Enjoy Perigordian culinary delights in the stunning half-panelled dining room, sip rosé wine and marvel at the views on the terrace or lounge around the outdoor swimming pool at Château du Campe. Other amenities of the château include a sauna, hot tub, and wellness facilities, extensive gardens and walking paths, .
Steeped in history yet offering modern comforts, Château de la Côte embodies the timeless charm of rural French aristocratic residences while serving as an idyllic base for exploring Dordogne’s cultural heritage, landscapes, and gastronomy.
ROOMS
The rooms at the château blend historic old-world style with modern comfort. Classic rooms (like “Les Perliches”, “Le Rigolat”, “La Courelie”) are charming and comfortable, with features like traditional décor and exposed beams. Suites and more refined rooms include larger or specially themed spaces, such as a bridal suite with a four-poster bed and private terrace in the tower offering panoramic views over the countryside. Some rooms are located in towers or the annex, showcasing the château's historical character and unique layout.
ABOUT THE REGION
The château is set in the heart of the Périgord Vert, the northern part of the Dordogne region in southwestern France, an area renowned for its lush landscapes, gentle rivers, and deep rural tranquillity. The region offers a charming blend of heritage, natural beauty, and authentic French countryside life.
Surrounding the château are oak and chestnut woodlands, small stone villages, and traditional farms. Nearby you'll find the delightful towns of Bourdeilles and Brantôme – Brantôme, known as the "Venice of Périgord", is known for its stunning abbey, beautiful riverside setting (with gorgeous views from land or canoe!), and charming medieval architecture. To the south lies Périgueux, the historic capital of Dordogne with its Roman and medieval heritage. The area is rich in history, dotted with Roman remains, monasteries, and fortified towns, reflecting centuries of strategic and cultural importance.
The Périgord Vert is also celebrated for its gastronomy, including foie gras, truffles, walnuts, duck dishes, and local wines, as well as its strong connection to nature. Visitors enjoy outdoor activities such as walking, cycling, canoeing, and exploring rivers winding through verdant valleys nearby.
REGISTRATION IS OPEN
SINGER FEES
€1900 (shared)
€3600 (private room)*
GUEST FEES
€1700 (shared)
€3400 (private room)*
*extremely limited supply
Limited scholarships available for
first-time participants. Email Markdavin at markdavin@byrdensemble.com for more information.
Participants in shared rooms will share a room with at least one other participant.
If selected, a deposit of 50% of fees is due upon acceptance, and the remainder is due by May 1, 2026. If you would like to make alternate payment arrangements, please contact Markdavin at markdavin@byrdensemble.com
All deposits are non-refundable
WHAT YOUR FEE INCLUDES
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Accommodations for 7 nights
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Breakfast and dinner (drinks included) (lunch on one's own)
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Singing course
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Day trip TBA (dinner on own)
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Onsite Photographer
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A video recording of the concert and produced videos of selections from the program.
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Private Voice Lesson
REPERTOIRE TBA
Repertoire is subject to change and will be finalized after the singers have been selected.
SINGERS
Up to 36 singers—nine Sopranos, Altos, Tenors, and Basses—will be selected through an application process to participate in the course. Experience singing Renaissance polyphony is preferred, but not required.
GUESTS
We have a few guest spots available for those that would like to enjoy the course as observers. Guests are welcome to dine with the singers, attend rehearsals and the nightly "sharing" performances, and join in on the general fellowship. Some guests may prefer to use the hotel as a home base for trips they might take during the day. Guests are responsible for planning how they will spend their time at the course.
DAILY SCHEDULE Subject to change
9:00 AM - Breakfast
10:00 AM - Rehearsal (FULL)
12:30 PM - Talk/Masterclass
1:00 PM - Lunch/Break
2:30 PM - Break - Sign up for small group sessions
4:00 PM - Rehearsal (FULL)
7:00 PM - Small Group Sharing
8:00 PM - Dinner
9:30 PM - Bar
DAY TRIP (TBA)
Middle of the week day trip.
Staff
MARKDAVIN OBENZA, DIRECTOR
Markdavin is a choral director, recording producer, singer, and composer. Markdavin is co-founder of the internationally acclaimed Byrd Ensemble (founded in 2004), specializing in the performance of Renaissance vocal music. He is the artistic director of the Byrd International Singers, a select group of singers from around the world who participate in an annual Renaissance course offered by the Byrd Ensemble.
DOUG FULLINGTON, TUTOR
Credit: Angela Sterling Photography
Doug Fullington is founder and director of the Tudor Choir, based in Seattle, Washington. As a countertenor, he has performed with the Tallis Scholars as well as the Tudor Choir, Byrd Ensemble, and Cappella Romana. Trained as a musicologist, Doug is also a dance historian, with a focus on 19th-century French and Russian ballet.
LAUREN KASTANAS, OPERATIONS
Lauren Kastanas is a singer, music director, and the Executive Director of the Seattle Girls Choir. Lauren founded contemporary women's a cappella group GIRL BAND in 2014 and currently directs Sorella, a contemporary vocal ensemble of Seattle Girls Choir. Lauren sings with Radiance and the Trinity Parish Choir.
MARGARET OBENZA, COURSE MANAGER
Margaret Obenza has managed the Byrd International Courses since they began in 2017. Margaret is a professional freelance singer and has sung Soprano for the Byrd Ensemble since 2006.
RUTH SCHAUBLE, VOCAL INSTRUCTOR
Ruth Schauble is thrilled to return again to Byrd International Singers as voice instructor. In addition to maintaining her own private voice studio, Ruth also serves as the vocal coach for Seattle Girls Choir. She has been singing professionally for over 20 years, performing with Byrd Ensemble, Radiance, Trinity Parish Choir, Epiphany Parish, and more. During voice lessons with Ruth, you can expect a truly personalized approach, designed to meet you where you are and help you accomplish your vocal goals during the course.
DIGITAL MEDIA, PHOTOGRAPHER, FUN GUY
Willimark Obenza has over 20 years of professional choral experience and has performed with The Tudor Choir, Radiance, and the Byrd Ensemble. An expert in gimbal and drone shooting, and photography, Willi is responsible for documenting the activities on the course. Willi is also owner of photography studio, Willi Pixel. His love for photography was borne out of his love for the Pacific Northwest, which has culminated in a large collection of nature-themed photographs.