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Italian Renaissance Course

PALESTRINA AND THE ROMAN SCHOOL

July 18 - 24, 2022

#Italyphony2022

At

Palazzo Mannocchi

Italian Renaissance Course 2022

Located in the heart of a typical hill top Italian medieval coastal town, Palazzo Mannocchi is an important historical residence of the region, furnished with period antique furniture, old master paintings, and decorated with frescoed ceilings. The medieval town that surround the palace, Petritoli, has a variety of bakeries, restaurants, bars, museums, and much more for your exploration. We are looking for singers to join us to explore Italian Renaissance polyphony in this historic destination.

 

WHERE

Palazzo Mannocchi

Largo Leopardi 13, 63848 Petritoli (FM) Italy

Tel +39 3395026017

WHEN

Monday, July 18 (5pm check in at Palazzo Mannocchi, IT) - Sunday, July 24 (afternoon concert in Rome/end of course is in Rome)

PURPOSE

To perform and record a CD of Renaissance polyphony by Palestrina and other composers from the Roman school. We are organizing a trip to Rome for our final performance.

**COVID PRECAUTIONS** Updated 6/14/22

All participants and guests must show proof of vaccination. 

Please view this document for the complete COVID protocols and information. 

REPERTOIRE full group

PALESTRINA Cantantibus organis (SATTB)

PALESTRINA Missa Cantantibus organis (SATB + SATB + SATB)

MARENZIO: Magnificat octavi toni (SATB + SATB)

MARENZIO: Lamentabatur Jacob (SATB + SATB + SATB)

PALESTRINA: Nunc dimittis (SATB + SATB)

PALESTRINA: Stabat mater (SATB + SATB)

VICTORIA: Alma redemptoris mater (SATB + SATB)

Repertoire is subject to change and will be finalized after the singers have been selected.

OBJECTIVES

Through this concentrated week of rehearsing, recording, and performance, singers will refine the following skills required for professional small ensemble singing:

  • Intonation

  • Singing 'in time'

  • Sight reading

  • One on a part singing

  • Execution

  • Breathing

SINGERS WE ARE LOOKING FOR

We are looking for 32 total singers—Sopranos, Altos, Tenors, and Basses, eight on each part. Experience singing Renaissance polyphony preferred, but not required.

Course rep will include several pieces for all 32 voices in double choir, and a variety of pieces for two separate mid-size choirs. All participants will sing in a mid-size choir of 20 or fewer voices. Rep for these groups will be assigned based on skill level. All participants are encouraged to form small groups throughout the week to prepare music for informal performances every evening, also known as "sharing."  

GUESTS

We have a number of guest spots available for those that would like to come on the trip and enjoy the same accommodations, food, and trips, but not participate in the singing/course activities. While guests will not sing in the full choir, they are welcome to participate in small group singing at the end of each evening. 

Singer Fees: 

€1195 (shared room)

€1595 (private room)*

Guest Fees: 

€895 (shared room)

€1395 (private room)*

*While supplies last

Application deadline:

February 28, 2022 or until filled

We will announce selected guests and singers by March 1.

If selected, 50% is due upon acceptance to confirm your spot, and the remainder by May 1. If you would like to make different payment arrangements, please contact Markdavin at markdavin@byrdensemble.com

WHAT YOUR FEE INCLUDES

  • Accommodations for 6 nights

  • Breakfast and dinner. (Lunch on own)

  • Singing course

  • Day trip to Rome for the final concert. (You are responsible for arranging your own accommodations following the concert).

  • A recording of the concert. 

DAILY SCHEDULE (subject to change)

  • 9am -​ Breakfast

  • 10am - Rehearsal

  • 1pm - Lunch

  • 2pm - Break 

  • 4pm - Rehearsal

  • 7pm - Dinner

  • 8:30pm - Small Group Sharing

  • 9:30pm - BAR

STAFF

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CONCERT IN ROME

We are SO EXCITED to announce that the Byrd International Singers will be performing at the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome on Sunday, July 24 at 8:00pm!

 

Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore is one of the four papal basilicas in Rome, where Palestrina began his musical training and eventually took up a post. In 1537 he was one of the choirboys at the basilica and he also studied music there between 1537 and 1539. By 1544 he was employed as an organist, music teacher, and singer at the cathedral.

 

We are very excited for this opportunity to present our program of Palestrina and composers from the Roman school in his native cathedral. 

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MARKDAVIN OBENZA is the director of Seattle-based Byrd Ensemble, founder of chamber choir Radiance, and Producer for Scribe Records, an independent record label. He is an active freelance singer who performs with the Byrd Ensemble and has performed with the Tudor Choir, Early Music Vancouver and members of the Tallis Scholars. He is the Director of Choral Music at Trinity Parish Church and teaches at South Seattle College in Seattle, WA. 

ABOUT PALAZZO MANNOCHI

Palazzo Mannocchi is situated in the heart of a medieval town and is an important historical residence of the region. The sea and beach resorts are only about 20km away. The entire property is furnished with period antique furniture, old master paintings, and decorated with original 17th century fresco painted ceilings. 

ROOMS AND ACCOMMODATION

The castle has numerous solarium terraces with distant views. There are 2 giant Jacuzzis, a sauna, and two swimming pools. The Palazzo has 32 spacious bedrooms,16 bathrooms, and 7 kitchens. This property offers the experience of living in art, history, town life, and enjoying the nature without having to use the car for every necessity. The town offers many services there are three bars, numerous shops and supermarkets also restaurants, wine tasting bars that are less than a minutes walk. The local people are very friendly, warm and very welcoming. It is one of the major traits of this destination .

The castle has quiet cozy corners as well as areas for relaxing. It is equipped with all the practical aspects such as modern amenities and there is free parking space next to the property. The Castle is divided into numerous independent units with own kitchens and bathrooms enabling guests to have some privacy if needed.

THINGS TO DO

Various tours and activities can be organized for guests, including wine tasting, half day tours, sailing the coast, painting or cooking lessons, spa treatments, shopping in factory outlets, horse racing at the hippodrome, beach parties, quad biking and much more. Transport and shuttle service from and to airports is available.

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.

Excerpt from last summer's course!

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