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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20251018T103000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20251018T170000
DTSTAMP:20260515T121244
CREATED:20250304T143600Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250908T143601Z
UID:16297-1760783400-1760806800@memf.org.uk
SUMMARY:Vivaldi's Gloria with Tutor Ben England on 18th October 2025
DESCRIPTION:Come and sing the choruses from Vivaldi’s momentous Gloria in D major\, and learn about the fascinating history of this work – how it was lost for centuries before being rediscovered in the mid 20th century.  Ben England BEM\, acclaimed conductor and music educator will lead the day\, with support from an array of online resources to help singers learn the parts before they come. Pitch will be A415 (Baroque pitch). \nVivaldi’s celebrated Gloria was written for the Ospedale della Pietà in Venice around 1715. It is a perennially popular work and great fun to sing and play but it is perhaps more unusual to have the chance to work on it at the pitch for which it was intended\, which is also easier on the singers’ voices. This workshop will also give us a chance (in chorus or perhaps semi-chorus) to try out the lovely soprano and alto solos and duos.\nWe welcome applications from all voice parts.\nHave a look at Ben’s preparation materials on  www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLIngS9V1Y4Lj-ovsbCMiW06Go1IqMsi7V \nSingers\, please read the following notes with care before applying.\nWe will be working from the Westermann score of the Gloria: https://koorpartij-oefening.nl/partituren/Partituur-Gloria-RV-589-Vivaldi.pdf\nThe vocal score runs to 90 pages\, so it is impractical to print vocal scores for all. You are welcome to download the vocal score to a tablet or print it yourself. The correct printed score is also available readily for a small cost: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Gloria-RV-589-Vocal-score/dp/1932419551\nIf you own a different edition of the vocal score\, these are mainly compatible\, except for the second movement (Et in Terra Pax). A substitute page 11 can be provided for the problems in the Ricordi edition. \nInstrumentalists: The Gloria is scored for oboe\, trumpet\, strings (of the violin family) and continuo. Winds are not used throughout so wind players may wish to sing in the other movements if they have a vocal score (spare scores will not be available – please read above). We welcome applications from violins\, violas\, cellos\, double bass/violone\, and one or two Baroque oboes or trumpets. Up to two recorder players may be accepted if they have C instruments (descants) at A415; they will be doubling or substituting the oboe and trumpet parts. One or two keyboard continuo players (one organ and one harpsichord)\, theorbo and bassoon are welcome to apply. The orchestral bass part is figured. \nInstrumental parts can be provided on the day or links can be sent out in advance. MEMF reserves the right to limit acceptance to preserve the orchestral balance. \nBen England is a new tutor to MEMF\, but our South West colleagues were very enthusiastic about this workshop:  https://swemf.org.uk/vivaldi-workshop-with-ben-england/.   Ben is an award-winning conductor\, educator and musical innovator based in Bristol. He has conducted choirs and orchestras across the UK and internationally and was awarded the British Empire Medal in 2020 for services to music and the community during the COVID-!9 pandemic. \nBen is the founder of Homechoir and co-founder of Choir of the Earth\, two pioneering online choirs that bring high-quality choral learning to singers around the world.  He is also Principal of Earth Choir Academy\, a non-profit organisation dedicated to music education and digital singing resources.  In recognition of his work\, he received the University of Bristol Alumni Award for Community Engagement and Impact in 2022. \nBen is known for his engaging and inclusive approach to music-making\, from Renaissance motets to large-scale symphonic works and in much in demand He has conducted major performances in venues such as Salzburg’s Mozarteum\, the Haydn Hall at Esterhazy and St Philip’s Cathedral in Atlanta\, and has worked with groups such as the Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra\, Tenebrae and the Gesualdo Six.  His educational music work reaches tens of thousands of singers globally. \nAn award-winning Advanced Skills Teacher with a long and successful teaching career\, Ben has worked extensively across the education sector\, including city-wide as Vocal and Instrumental Manager for the Bristol Beacon and prominent roles with the University of the West of England and St George’s Bristol on the ground-breaking Sing for Happiness initiative. \nVenue   Dorridge Village Hall\, Grange Rd\, Dorridge\, Solihull B93 8QA\nhttps://dorridgevillagehall.org.uk/\nThe drive to the Hall can be found on the B4101 (Grange Road)\, on the left hand side heading away from Dorridge village centre\, just after the park. The What3Words location is ///sponge.flopping.wedding . Satnavs tend to misdirect you. Dorridge station is 0.6 miles away. \nWorkshop organiser is Jane Warren\, janeariadnesclew@gmail.com \nBooking is now open. Click here.\n  \n  \n 
URL:https://memf.org.uk/event/vivaldi-gloria-with-tutor-ben-england-on-18th-october-2025/
LOCATION:Dorridge Village Hall\, Grange Road\, Dorridge\, B93 8QA
CATEGORIES:A415,brass,Continuo,Recorders,Strings,Voices,woodwind
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20250412T103000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20250412T170000
DTSTAMP:20260515T121244
CREATED:20250106T180924Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250314T180333Z
UID:15160-1744453800-1744477200@memf.org.uk
SUMMARY:From Mexico with Tears:  Lamentations by Padilla and López  Capillas with George Parris on 12th April 2025
DESCRIPTION:We welcome back George Parris to tutor this workshop\, for voices and all instruments at A440 pitch. \nWe will explore two settings of the Lamentations of Jeremiah by outstanding composers: Juan Gutierrez de Padilla\n(c. 1590-1664) and Francisco López Capillas (1608-1674). Both composers worked at the magnificent cathedral in Puebla\, Mexico\, where the music-loving Bishop Juan Palafox y Mendoza presided over the richest establishment of the Spanish Empire outside Spain. Their music represents a high point in the Spanish manner of sacred polyphony\, exhibiting a use of voices and a tonal instability that is both remarkable and highly expressive. \nJuan Gutierrez de Padilla was born in Málaga\, in Old Spain\, and was appointed maestro at Cádiz Cathedral in around 1616. He next appears at the Cathedral in Puebla in 1622 where he later became maestro and would spend the rest of his life. \nFrancisco López Capillas was born in Mexico City where he sang in the Cathedral choir and studied theology at the University. By 1641\, he is found working as organist\, cantor\, and assistant to Juan Gutierrez de Padilla at Puebla Cathedral\, but he later returned to Mexico City where he became maestro of the Catedral de México in 1654. \nGeorge Parris read Music at Cambridge University\, following by a Master’s Degree at Oxford University\, and then studied choral conducting and ensemble singing at the Sibelius Academy in Helsinki. In 2011 he founded The Carice Singers\, now a professional vocal ensemble\, and works across Europe as a singer\, chorus master\, and conductor. His work is varied and far-reaching\, from being Artistic Director of the Aurore Renaissance Music Festival in Helsinki\, performing vocal works by Kaija Saariaho and Luciano Berio\, and mentoring the next generation of choral composers on schemes for Cheltenham Music Festival\, Spitalfields Music Festival\, and the Three Choirs Festival. \nTimetable for the day \n10.00             Registration and drinks – PLEASE BRING YOUR OWN MUG \n10.30             Morning session (with a short break) \n1.00               Lunch (bring your own /or use local pubs and cafes) \n2.00                Afternoon session \n3.30 approx Tea break \n4.00               Final session \n5.00               Finish \nVenue   St Faith & St Laurence Church is very visible at the junction of Balden Rd & Croftdown Rd in Harborne\, Birmingham\, B32 2EL . There is a small amount of parking next to the church\, and plenty more street parking on Croftdown Road. \nThe organiser is Jonathan Spencer. If\, having booked\, you need to cancel\, please let him know on 07784 657563 \nBooking is now open-  book here.
URL:https://memf.org.uk/event/from-mexico-with-tears-lamentations-with-george-parris-on-12th-april-2025/
LOCATION:St.Faith & St.Laurence Church Hall\, Balden Road\, Harborne\, Birmingham\, B32 2EL\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:A440,brass,Loud wind,Recorders,Strings,Voices,woodwind
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20240914T103000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20240914T170000
DTSTAMP:20260515T121244
CREATED:20240512T175927Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240805T135318Z
UID:10929-1726309800-1726333200@memf.org.uk
SUMMARY:Mateo Flecha's 'Ensalades' with Anita Datta on 14th September 2024
DESCRIPTION:Those of us who were able to attend Anita Datta’s ’s last MEMF workshop will know we are in for a treat! \nShe will explore with us three of the ‘Ensaladas’ of Mateo Flecha el Viejo (1481-1553). So-called for their eclectic mixing of languages and musical styles\, they depict allegorical dramas as a form of courtly and carnivalesque entertainment. Exploring the Ensaladas offers musicians liberty to play with sound and imagination\, creating rich and atmospheric depictions of life and politics in early modern Europe through delightful polyphony. \nRepertoire: La Guerra; El Jubilate; La Bomba and Riù Riù Chiù.  There’s a Spotify playlist here with performances of all the pieces to get a flavour of what we’ll be doing. \nThe workshop is for SATB voices and pretty much any instruments – melody (which can double any vocal line in their range) or continuo.  Especially welcome: sackbuts and cornets\, early percussion\, early Iberian instruments (e.g. Vihuela). There will be some percussion instruments at the workshop\, so anyone who would like to bang a drum or rattle a tambourine is welcome to come as a percussionist. Pitch: A=440 \nPlease note that Anita will need notice well in advance for instruments not in C so she can prepare parts. \n \nThe Tutor\, Anita Datta\, is a conductor and Early Music Specialist from East Yorkshire. She is the founder and artistic director of vocal ensemble The Swan Consort\, and with them has performed at major music festivals across the UK and Europe. Graduating from Sidney Sussex College\, Cambridge as an organ scholar (2014)\, she is frequently engaged as an organist and continuo player\, and has directed a number of early and contemporary operas. She is also a soprano\, Indian Classical musician\, and composer\, having recently delivered commissions for Multitude of Voyces and the BBC Singers. \nThe Venue   St Faith & St Laurence Church is on the junction of Balden Rd & Croftdown Rd in Harborne. There is a small amount of parking on site\, and plenty more street parking on Croftdown Road. \nThe MEMF AGM will be held during the lunch break at 1pm. \nOrganiser: Jonathan Spencer 07784 657563 or jonathan-spencer@blueyonder.co.uk \n  \nBooking is now open – click here for the booking form. \n  \n  \n 
URL:https://memf.org.uk/event/mateus-fletxas-ensalades-with-anita-datta-on-14th-september-2024/
LOCATION:St.Faith & St.Laurence Church Hall\, Balden Road\, Harborne\, Birmingham\, B32 2EL\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:A440,brass,Continuo,Loud wind,Recorders,Strings,Viols,Voices,woodwind
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20231202T103000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20231202T170000
DTSTAMP:20260515T121244
CREATED:20230612T135759Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20231128T180022Z
UID:8272-1701513000-1701536400@memf.org.uk
SUMMARY:Angels and Shepherds: Christmas workshop with Philip Thorby on Saturday 2nd December 2023
DESCRIPTION:Angelus ad Pastores \nThis year we have invited Philip to tutor our pre-Christmas workshop. Philip has found some wonderful music on the theme of Angels and Shepherds in the Christmas story. There will be music by Christoph Buehl\, Hans Leo Hassler\, Johann Hermann Schein and Agostini Soderini. \nThe angels are generally\, well\, angelic\, but the shepherds are revealed as zither-strumming\, boisterous and (as depicted by Schein) initially very grumpy at being woken up by the heavenly host. \nThe workshop will be for voices\, violins\, viols\, cornetts\, sackbuts\, curtals\, recorders and continuo. The pitch will be A440. Tenor viol players/violas please note that most  pieces have octave-treble rather than alto clef parts. \nInstrumentalists please bring a labelled music stand. \n\n \nPhilip Thorby is one of our most popular and respected tutors. He specialises in early Italian Music. Many people will have seen his wonderful Zoom lectures during the lockdown period\, which are still available to watch on this website. \n  \n  \n  \nVenue is Solihull Methodist Church\, next to the Railway station SatNav B91 1LG. There is a large car park with the entrance in Station Approach. \nNB: If approaching from the west along Blossomfield Road\, please note that recent road layout changes mean there is no left turn into Station Approach. Either go completely around the roundabout and then turn right into Station Approach\, or take the first exit at the roundabout into Streetsbrook Road and then turn left into the opposite end of Station Approach at the traffic lights. \nBooking is now closed.
URL:https://memf.org.uk/event/christmas-workshop-for-voices-and-instruments-with-philip-thorby/
LOCATION:Solihull Methodist Church\, Bossomfield Road\,\, Solihull\, B91 1LD\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:A440,brass,Continuo,Loud wind,Recorders,Strings,Viols,Voices,woodwind
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20230603T103000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20230603T170000
DTSTAMP:20260515T121244
CREATED:20221203T201818Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230508T181043Z
UID:7523-1685788200-1685811600@memf.org.uk
SUMMARY:Sweelink and Scheidt with George Parris on 3rd June 2023
DESCRIPTION:We are delighted to welcome George Parris having had to cancel his planned workshop in the Spring. \nThis workshop  celebrates the figurehead of the Netherlands’ ‘golden age’: Jan Pieterszoon Sweelinck (1562-1621). Primarily known as the organist of the city’s Oude Kerk — where his improvisations earned him the nickname among his contemporaries as the Orpheus of Amsterdam — Sweelinck was prolific across other genres including chansons\, madrigals\, and motets. In this workshop we will combine instruments and voices to perform one of his crowning glories\, the 5-part Magnificat\, along with one of his 153 settings of the Pseaumes of the Genevan Psalter in which Sweelinck mixes grand sacred gestures with colourful madrigalian writing. \n \n  \nForemost among Sweelinck’s many pupils was Samuel Scheidt (1587-1684) from Halle\, a key figure in late-Renaissance/early-Baroque music\, who studied with Sweelinck between 1608-9. The Orpheus of Amsterdam’s influence is still prevalent in one of Scheidt’s most sublime motets for eight voices\, Christ lag in Todesbanden\, from 1620. It will be a day of glorious music and hopefully some new discoveries for everyone\, both musically and linguistically! \nThe workshop is for double SATB choir\, strings/viols\, cornetti\, sackbutts\, 2 x chamber organs and theorbo (A=440) \nGeorge Parris grew up in deepest South Warwickshire and now works as a professional singer\, the Founder and Artistic Director of The Carice Singers (named after Elgar’s daughter)\, an Associate Conductor of Ex Cathedra and one of the Co-Artistic Directors of the Aurore Renaissance Music Festival in Helsinki\, Finland. He has degrees in Music from the Universities of Cambridge and Oxford and studied Conducting at the Sibelius Academy in Helsinki between 2017-2020. As a singer he has been trained in early music and ensemble singing\, performed contemporary choral works with the Helsinki Chamber Choir and has appeared as a soloist alongside the Helsinki and Finnish Baroque Orchestras in works by Stradella\, Purcell and Gilles. \nSolihull Methodist Church is close to the centre of Solihull\, at the junction of Blossomfield Rd and Station Approach.  It is right next to Solihull Railway Station\, which is also served by buses. If coming by car\, use postcode B91 1LG for your satnav; there is plenty of parking.  The hall is a separate building to the church and is clearly signed. \nRefreshments are served from 10 am. \nBooking is now open.
URL:https://memf.org.uk/event/sweelink-and-scheidt-with-george-parris-on-3rd-june-2023/
LOCATION:Solihull Methodist Church Hall\, Blosssomfield Road\, Solihull\, B91 1LG\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:A440,Continuo,Loud wind,Strings,Voices,woodwind
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20230225T100000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20230225T170000
DTSTAMP:20260515T121244
CREATED:20221203T185542Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230120T195311Z
UID:7510-1677319200-1677344400@memf.org.uk
SUMMARY:The Noodle Factory  with Paula Chateauneuf on 25th February 2023
DESCRIPTION:The Noodle Factory is a gentle introduction to the art of improvisation\, ornamentation and decoration in the manner of the great 16th- and 17th-century Improvisation Masters. \nSome people think one needs to be born with an ‘Improvisation Gene’ to be able to extemporise\, but this couldn’t be further from the truth.  All that’s required is to learn some basic techniques which can be ‘plugged in’ to a given situation.  16th- and 17th-century writers recognised this\, and their fascinating improvisation manuals contain all the materials you could ever need or want to learn to improvise\, and expand your ear and musical imagination.  This workshop will be a taster session for anyone who would like to try their hand at doing some early improvisation – it’s very informal and no prior improvisation or early music experience is necessary to take part.  However this course is designed to be inclusive – more experienced improvisers are also welcome and will benefit just as much. \nThe day will consist of various sessions during which different aspects of early improvisation will be covered\, starting with a brief introduction to each subject.  We’ll explore the materials in 16th- and 17th-century manuals and how to use them practically\, and then apply those techniques to learn to extemporize on ground basses\, create variations on popular tunes\, and add your own graces and ornamentation to pre-composed pieces.  There will be both solo and ensemble opportunities.  Improvisation enhances\, intensifies\, and ‘seasons’ performances\, and helps you to make a piece your own.  Singers and instrumentalists are welcome (Pitch A+440) – come along and dip your toe in the water! \nThe Tutor: Paula Chateauneuf’s playing has been described as “one of the most exciting things on the pre-classical concert circuit”.  A Fulbright Scholar to London\, she soon established herself there as one of early music’s leading soloists and ensemble players and became the linchpin of numerous groups including the Gabrieli Consort\, New London Consort and Sinfonye.  She has also performed with the Academy of Ancient Music\, Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment\, English Concert\, His Majestys Sagbutts and Cornetts\, Handel and Haydn Society\, Avison Ensemble\, De Nederlandse Bachvereniging\, and Jordi Savall’s Le Concert des Nations. \nPaula’s repertoire spans medieval music to the baroque\, with particular expertise in early improvisation and the music of early 17th-century Italy.  Her knowledge and skill in the art of basso continuo has made her one of the most sought-after accompanists in early music\, resulting in fruitful collaborations with many leading singers.  Her wealth of experience in early opera has led to involvement as both repetiteur and continuo player for numerous international opera houses\, including Bayerische Staatsoper\, Maggio Musicale Fiorentino\, Royal Opera House\, English National Opera\, and Glyndebourne Festival Opera. \nVenue Dorridge Village Hall is at the end of a driveway (with a height barrier) off the B4101 between Dorridge and Hockley Heath and is easy to reach from the M42.. The satnav is not pinpoint accurate so when you get near look for :the following: \nFrom Hockley Heath\, the driveway to the Hall is the first right after the Railway pub\, before the “Welcome to Dorridge” signs and the start of the built-up area. \nFrom Dorridge centre\, the driveway to the Hall is the first left after Dorridge Park. If you get to the Railway pub you have gone too far. \nBooking is now open until 17th February – scroll down for the booking form.
URL:https://memf.org.uk/event/improvisation-with-paula-chateauneuf-on-25th-february-2023/
LOCATION:Dorridge Village Hall\, Grange Road\, Dorridge\, B93 8QA
CATEGORIES:A440,brass,Loud wind,Recorders,Strings,Voices,woodwind
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20220917T100000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20220917T170000
DTSTAMP:20260515T121244
CREATED:20220301T130626Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20220904T201155Z
UID:4578-1663408800-1663434000@memf.org.uk
SUMMARY:Schütz and his World - with Tutor Gawain Glenton
DESCRIPTION:This workshop will focus on the works of Heinrich Schütz and his brilliant German 17th-century contemporaries. \nSchütz is regarded today as the leading German composer before Bach\, but there is still much we can learn about his life and world (for example his first name: he only ever signed himself Henrich). Born in Thuringia in 1582\, he received early training at the court of Moritz von Hessen-Kassel before being allowed to study for three years in Venice with Giovanni Gabrieli. This sparked in Schütz a life-long desire to incorporate the sounds and styles of Venetian music into German musical life\, a project he would take to great heights during his long tenure as kapellmeister at the court of the Elector of Saxony in Dresden. \nSchütz was not the only German composer to be inspired in this way. Michael Praetorius also wrote highly Italianate music despite never travelling south of the alps (thanks to the explosion in Venetian music printing he could educate himself in the latest styles via imported printed editions). Hans Leo Hassler meanwhile made the journey to Venice a decade before Schütz\, also studying with Gabrieli. \nMore broadly\, Schütz was just one of many gifted German kapellmeister composers who produced music of great skill and emotional depth in the appalling backdrop of the Thirty Years War which ran from 1618-48. We will also explore large-scale works by some of these\, including Hammerschmidt\, Staden and Berger. \nWe invite singers and players of renaissance strings (from the viol and violin families) and winds (in particular cornetts\, sackbuts and dulcians). Pitch A=440. Music will be provided\, but players must bring your own music stand. \n \n  \nThe Tutor – Gawain Glenton is a specialist cornetto player whose work as a soloist and an ensemble musician takes him all over the world and is a member and co-director of  the English Cornett and Sackbut Ensemble. \n  \n  \nThe Venue: St Mary’s Church is in St Mary’s Place situated just off the main street (Greengate Street) accessible on foot by the side of Boots Chemist or the Ancient High House. Road access (drop-off only) off Earl Street. \nSTOP PRESS: THERE IS A TRAIN STRIKE SCHEDULED FOR THIS DAY SO PLEASE CHECK BEFORE TRAVELLING. If you have no other way to get there please get in touch with Tim Boardman on 07794 837396 and he will try and help. \nFrom Stafford Station (five minutes walk): turn left then immediately right over the river bridge\, straight on through pedestrian area between Stafford College and law courts into St Mary’s Place. Regular direct trains from Birmingham New St. \nPlease note that the church does not have its own car park. We have arranged for a limited number of parking spaces in the church close\, for those bringing bulky instruments or those with limited mobility. Please telephone or message Tim Boardman if you would like to make use of one of these spaces\, and please try to car-share where possible. Tim’s mobile: 07794 837396. \nDetails of town car parks can be found at https://www.staffordbc.gov.uk/car-parking-in-stafford. The website includes a link to a map. Note that some car parks are pay-by-phone only. \nBooking is now open.
URL:https://memf.org.uk/event/schutz-and-his-world-with-tutor-gawain-glenton/
LOCATION:Collegiate Church of St  Mary’s \, Stafford
CATEGORIES:A440,Loud wind,Recorders,Strings,Viols,Voices,woodwind
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20220205T100000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20220205T170000
DTSTAMP:20260515T121244
CREATED:20211010T204723Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20220111T152106Z
UID:3852-1644055200-1644080400@memf.org.uk
SUMMARY:The Gabrieli Times Table with Tutor Alison Kinder
DESCRIPTION:This will be an innovative multi choir day of music by Giovanni Gabrieli\, with Tutor Ali Kinder\, increasing the choir numbers as we go from 6 parts\, to 8 parts (two choirs)\, to 12 parts (three choirs) and 14 parts (three choirs) \nWe welcome all singers and instrumentalists (strings\, recorders\, reeds and brass all welcome) Pitch A=440. Fees for MEMF and other EMF members is £18\, non-members £23. \n  \nGiovanni Gabrieli\nNephew of the great Andrea Gabrieli and student of Orlando Lassus\, Giovanni Gabrieli held the posts of both principal organist and principal composer at the basilica of St Mark’s in Venice. This workshop will look at four pieces from his vast output\, two with sacred texts and two secular. As well as being beautiful music\, it will hopefully be fun to witness the expansion of our ensemble into ever increasing numbers of parts during the day! \n  \nAlison Kinder read Music at Oxford and then studied viol with Alison Crum at Trinity College of Music\, being awarded the college’s Silver Medal for Early Music Studies. Her love is of viols in all shapes and sizes\, from soundpost-less Renaissance instruments to 7-string baroque basses. Alison is an enthusiastic teacher both privately and on courses\, and she runs the Rondo Viol Academy with fellow teacher and player Jacqui Robertson-Wade \n  \nBooking now open – please scroll down
URL:https://memf.org.uk/event/the-gabrieli-times-table-with-tutor-alison-kinder/
LOCATION:Dorridge Village Hall\, Grange Road\, Dorridge\, B93 8QA
CATEGORIES:A440,brass,Recorders,Strings,Viols,Voices,woodwind
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20211204T100000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20211204T170000
DTSTAMP:20260515T121244
CREATED:20210818T191733Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20211108T122449Z
UID:3559-1638612000-1638637200@memf.org.uk
SUMMARY:Christmas Workshop with Steve Davis
DESCRIPTION:Our Christmas Live Workshop will be a joyful day with Steve Davis and this time festive refreshments will be provided. \nThe workshop will explore three works – Gabrieli: In Ecclesiis\, Schütz: Weinachtshistorie and Sweelink: Hodie Christus Natus Est. There will be opportunities for some solo singing and some interesting instrumental playing as well as ensemble work\, with a run through of some of the music at the end of the day. \nWe welcome all voices\, cornets/trumpet\, sackbuts/trombones\, recorders\, viols\, violins and continuo instruments. The pitch will be A440 and the cost for the day is £18 for MEMF and other EMF members\, non – members £23 \n   \n  \nTo get to the church you drive along the B4101 from the Knowle direction into Dorridge and under a railway bridge.  There is a Sainsbury’s garage on the left after the bridge and you need to turn right after this onto Manor Road. The church is immediately on the right.  There are plenty of disabled parking places and a few others.  However\, there is a large public car park immediately behind the church. To get to it you turn right immediately after going under the railway bridge and before the Sainsbury’s garage.  This is a station over-spill park which is free at weekends. The signs do not point this out\, but this has been confirmed by Chiltern Railways and the Council. \n \n \nStephen began singing lessons with the late Mary Parsons\, and subsequently went to the Birmingham Conservatoire where he studied singing with Brian Raynor-Cook and conducting with Roy Wales and Jonathan Delmar. After graduating with distinction\, he studied with Jessica Cash\, Pamela Cook\, Andrew King and Ian Partridge. He has been a regular soloist with many of the leading choirs in the Midlands\, most notably Ex Cathedra\, the region’s foremost chamber choir\, and has also sung with the Britten Singers\, Northern Voices\, London Voices\, The Academy of Ancient Music and The Schütz Choir of London.  He is musical director for Halesowen Choral Society\, having been appointed in 2004. He also works as guest conductor for several other choirs in the Midlands.  He has recently retired from teaching singing at Malvern College\, and as music librarian for Ex Cathedra (although remaining a singer with the choir). \nPlease scroll down for the booking form.
URL:https://memf.org.uk/event/schutz-gabrieli-workshop-with-steve-davies/
LOCATION:St Philip’s Church Centre\, Dorridge\, B93 8DX
CATEGORIES:A440,brass,Loud wind,Recorders,Strings,Voices,woodwind
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20211023T100000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20211024T170000
DTSTAMP:20260515T121244
CREATED:20210627T182614Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20210920T182844Z
UID:3437-1634983200-1635094800@memf.org.uk
SUMMARY:Welcome to Beautiful Venice - with Philip Thorby
DESCRIPTION:Philip will introduce us to a feast of music showing Venice at her most extravagant and sumptuous best in order to welcome royal and distinguished guests.  In 1574 King Henri III of France visited the Serenissima and Andrea Gabrieli wrote the 10 part “Ecco Vinegia Bella” for the occasion. The King attended services in San Marco and we will represent this with Andrea Gabrieli’s sumptuous 16 part Gloria and Claudio Merulo’s setting of the Te Deum verse “Salvum Fac Populum”. Andrea also composed “Dal Gran Tuonante” for a distinguished lady visitor. \nIn this 2 day workshop we will also enjoy Giovanni Gabrieli’s 12 part motet “Virtute Magna” in honour of St Mark and “Udite\, Chiari” to celebrate the Sposalizio\, the annual ceremony when the Doge marries Venice to the sea. \nPhilip Thorby is a specialist in music of the Italian Renaissance\, particularly Venetian. Formerly a Professor at Trinity College\, Philip has become one of the most popular of workshop tutors. His four Zoom lectures on the music of Venice earlier this year were stunning and widely acclaimed. They can be viewed on another page of this website. \nThis workshop is for all voices\, cornets\, sackbuts\, curtals\, recorders\, viols\, violins and continuo instruments. The pitch will be 440. \nBooking now open – please scroll down for the booking form.
URL:https://memf.org.uk/event/welcome-to-beautiful-venice-with-philip-thorby/
LOCATION:Solihull School
CATEGORIES:A440,brass,Loud wind,Recorders,Strings,Viols,Voices,woodwind
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DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20210322T193000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20210322T203000
DTSTAMP:20260515T121244
CREATED:20210222T145759Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20210310T130216Z
UID:2628-1616441400-1616445000@memf.org.uk
SUMMARY:Renaissance Recycling: an instrumental  workshop (singers welcome) with Alison Kinder
DESCRIPTION:Reusing old material is not a new concept – Renaissance composers did it all the time\, sometimes with their own material and sometimes with someone else’s. We’ll look at two such examples in this workshop\, in both cases a kind of ‘upcycling’ from a short initial motet or chanson into an entire mass. \nThe first is a composer reworking his own material: Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina’s beautiful 6-voice motet Tu Es Petrus is then gloriously expanded into a mass\, not once\, but twice! The first Missa Tu Es Petrus is also for 6 voices\, but then he gets a bit carried away and does a setting for 18 voices in three choirs\, still based on the same material. We’ll do the motet and a movement from the 6-voice mass\, and if we’re feeling very brave then maybe the Kyrie of the three choir version…! The second example is where one composer borrows a piece by someone else. At that time it was thought of as a compliment – today we’d call it plagiarism! The original piece is the beautiful 4-part chanson by Josquin\, Mille Regretz\, and the recycling is done by Cristobal de Morales\, who uses it as the basis for a 6-voice mass setting. \nAlison Kinder read Music at Oxford and then studied viol with Alison Crum at Trinity College of Music\, being awarded the college’s Silver Medal for Early Music Studies. Her love is of viols in all shapes and sizes\, from soundpost-less Renaissance instruments to 7-string baroque basses. Alison is an enthusiastic teacher both privately and on courses\, and she runs the Rondo Viol Academy with fellow teacher and player Jacqui Robertson-Wade. \nPlease book below:
URL:https://memf.org.uk/event/renaissance-classics-an-instrumental-workshop-with-alison-kinder/
LOCATION:Zoom
CATEGORIES:brass,Loud wind,Online,Recorders,Strings,Viols,Voices,woodwind
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20191214T100000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20191214T170000
DTSTAMP:20260515T121244
CREATED:20190411T205233Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20190908T145643Z
UID:1320-1576317600-1576342800@memf.org.uk
SUMMARY:Michael Praetorius: Motets from Polyhymnia Caduceatrix et Panegyrica
DESCRIPTION:Workshop for voices and instruments (A=440) with Tutor David Hatcher in Selly Oak. \nIn 1619\, Two years before his death\, Praetorius published the Polyhymnia Caduceatrix et Panegyrica – 40 choral concerts or motets in the Italian style\, modelled on works by Giovanni Gabrieli and Monteverdi. The basis of these works was Protestant hymns with instruments supporting the groups of singers. In this new style the instruments\, with a basso continuo (consisting of organ\, lute\, theorbo\, etc)\, became more important – adding interludes and symphonies. These “concerts composed in many kinds and manners” were performed at various gatherings and “filled with all sorts of musical instruments and human voices\, including trumpets and army timpani; with voices in 2 to 6 choirs”.  \nDavid Hatcher is well known to many of us from previous workshops and courses and is in great demand as a tutor.  He is an exceptional performer on a wide range of early instruments and has played and recorded with numerous period ensembles both in this country and abroad.
URL:https://memf.org.uk/event/christmas-workshop/
LOCATION:Selly Oak Methodist Church Hall\, Langleys Road\, Birmingham\, B29 6HT\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:A440,brass,Recorders,Strings,Voices,woodwind
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DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20190713T100000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20190713T170000
DTSTAMP:20260515T121244
CREATED:20190404T145022Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20190410T111101Z
UID:1292-1563012000-1563037200@memf.org.uk
SUMMARY:The Delights of Summer
DESCRIPTION:A workshop with Tutor Alison Kinder for all voices and instruments enjoying the delights of Summer. A time when The Leaves be Green\, Fair Phyliss is to be found feeding her flock\, nymphs and shepherds are courting and dancing\, and All Creatures Now Are Merry Minded. We’ll have a predominantly English day\, with composers including Wilbye\, Farmer\, Bennett and Morley. Such as John Bennett’s ‘All Creatures Now’ (5-part)\, and the Morley ‘Hard By A Crystal Fountain’ (6-part)\, and Farmer ‘Ye Blessed Bowers’ (8-part). \nWe welcome all voices\, strings (viols and violin family)\, recorders\, brass\, housetrained double reeds and wind caps (it would be wise to have a quieter alternative instrument or voice with you too for the daintier nymph and shepherd moments…!) \nFind the details in the leaflet below.
URL:https://memf.org.uk/event/the-delights-of-summer/
LOCATION:St George’s Church\, Rugby\, St.John's Avenue\, Hillmorton\, Rugby\, CV22 5HR\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:A440,brass,Loud wind,Recorders,Strings,Viols,Voices,woodwind
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20190316T100000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20190316T170000
DTSTAMP:20260515T121244
CREATED:20181201T211333Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20181204T151719Z
UID:1220-1552730400-1552755600@memf.org.uk
SUMMARY:Purcell: The Fairy Queen
DESCRIPTION:The Fairy Queen\, composed by Henry Purcell in 1692\, is written in the form most popular with the audiences of the day – a play with substantial incidental music\, with each of its five acts completed with an extended masque: a Restoration spectacular – following the huge success of Dioclesian and King Arthur. The libretto is an anonymous adaption of Shakespeare’s wedding comedy – A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Purcell did not set any of Shakespeare’s text to music; music was to be played as the audience took their seats and also to be played between the acts. The music for short masques in nearly every act\, presented by Titania and Oberon\, is subtly related to the action in the play and makes reference to King William and Queen Mary.\nAs in King Arthur the principal characters do not sing\, unless they are supernatural\, pastoral or drunk! Secondary characters sing to them\, usually as entertainment\, or as supernatural beings.\nWe shall need plenty of singers. There may be a chance to include some of the short solos and ensembles\, especially where they lead straight in to a chorus. At the moment we cannot be more specific but if you are interested please contact Sheila Koch the organiser\,saying whether you sing Soprano 1\, Soprano 2\, Alto or Counter Tenor\, Tenor\, Bass. \nThe orchestration is for 2 recorders\, 2 oboes\, 2 trumpets\, timpani\, strings and continuo. Pitch will be A-415. \nJohn Hancorn \nJohn Hancorn is music director of various choral groups in the Sussex area and has directed performances of Bach\, Monteverdi and Purcell\, among others\, for the Brighton Early Music Festival. John leads vocal workshops and masterclasses  specialising in baroque repertoire\, including regular visits to Early Music Fora and ‘Sing and Discover’ days with Richard Wigmore throughout the UK. He teaches at Trinity Laban College of Music\, the University of Chichester\, East Sussex Academy of Music and Lancing College. He directed chamber choir courses at Dartington for many years and is a tutor at AIMS International Music School. John was a popular tutor for Purcell’s King Arthur in 2017.
URL:https://memf.org.uk/event/purcell-the-fairy-queen/
LOCATION:Selly Oak Methodist Church Hall\, Langleys Road\, Birmingham\, B29 6HT\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:A415,brass,Recorders,Strings,Viols,Voices,woodwind
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