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Seattle Byrd Course 2027
FEBRUARY 16-20, 2027 | SEATTLE, WA
RENAISSANCE POLYPHONY FROM ENGLAND, FRANCE, AND ITALY. MODERN COMPOSERS: ARVO PÄRT & NICO MUHLY
Seattle Renaissance Course 2027
We are excited to introduce our first Seattle Renaissance Course held on February 16–20, 2027.
The course will explore Renaissance polyphony from England, France, and Italy and music by modern composers Arvo Pärt and Nico Muhly.
Application Review Date: October 26, 2026
WHERE
Trinity Episcopal Parish Church
609 8th Ave, Seattle, WA 98104
WHEN
Tuesday, February 16 - Saturday, February 20, 2027
COURSE OVERVIEW
The Byrd Ensemble is introducing an intensive course for singers seeking to refine their skills for professional consort (one-a-part) and ensemble (two-a-part) performance.
Singers will receive an opportunity to sing side-by-side with Byrd Ensemble members, giving them hands on experience to sharpen their professional ensemble singing skills.
Small group (one on a part) sessions that are coached by tutors and focus on Renaissance and select contemporary choral repertoire.
Singers will perform a program of Renaissance polyphony on the final day, Saturday, February 20, and will prepare music to be sung at the nightly “Small Group Sharing” sessions.
SINGERS
A mixed choir of up to 20 singers—five 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. Singers are required to submit an audition sample.
ABOUT TRINITY PARISH CHURCH
Located in Seattle’s First Hill neighborhood, Trinity Parish Church is the city's oldest Episcopal parish, founded in 1865. Having survived the Great Seattle Fire of 1889, an interior fire in 1902, and structural damage from the 2001 Nisqually earthquake, the church has undergone extensive seismic retrofitting and restoration to preserve its historic architecture. In recognition of its rich history and design, it was designated a Seattle Landmark in 1976 and added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1991.
REPERTOIRE TBA
Repertoire is subject to change and will be finalized after the singers have been selected.
SCHEDULE
DAILY SCHEDULE Subject to change
10:00 AM - Rehearsal (FULL)
12:30 PM - Talk/Masterclass
1:00 PM - Lunch/Break
3:00 PM - Half Group Rehearsals
4:00 PM - Small Group Rehearsals
7:00 PM - Dinner
8:00 PM - Sharing
9:30 PM - Bar
HOW WILL THE SEATTLE COURSE DIFFER FROM BYRD ENSEMBLE'S INTERNATIONAL COURSES?
- Focus on professional-level chamber and consort singing - Smaller group of participants
- Opportunity to sing with and receive coaching from Byrd Ensemble members
- Small group (one on a part) sessions that are coached by tutors and focus on Renaissance and select contemporary choral repertoire
REGISTRATION IS OPEN
FEE
$1000
If selected, a deposit of 50% of fees is due upon acceptance, and the remainder is due by January 1, 2026.
All deposits are non-refundable
WHAT YOUR FEE INCLUDES
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Singing course
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A video recording of the concert
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Private Voice Lesson
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Experience singing with a member of the Byrd Ensemble.
Participants are responsible for arranging their own accommodations and covering their meals.
The course has booked dinner reservations at local Seattle restaurants, though participants are still required to pay for their dinner costs.
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.
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.