Rodolfus Choral Courses 2021 Announced

“The Choral Courses change lives, open doors, reveal new horizons. Over the years they have become a pillar of our cultural life in Britain, with the wonder of music setting an example for us all.” John Rutter CBE

The Rodolfus Foundation have announced six residential choral courses this Summer; four senior courses for 16-21 year olds are to be held at Eton College (2), St John’s College, Cambridge and St Edward’s School, Oxford; and two Junior Choral Courses for 8-15 year olds to be held at Uppingham School, Rutland, and Wellington College, Berkshire.

In this, our 41st year of choral courses, we are offering £40,000 in bursaries to ensure young musicians from all backgrounds can attend.

Formerly known as the Eton Choral Courses, participants on senior courses are taught by leading professionals in choral music and classical singing and learn to sing sacred choral services and consort repertoire to a very high standard. They also take part in solo masterclasses with visiting professionals and have two private singing lessons during the week. Organists are also welcome to apply. The highlight of the week will be an evensong in a prestigious college chapel or cathedral, including Westminster Abbey or Christchurch College, Oxford.

Fun for 8-15 years olds

Younger singers (aged 8-15) attending a Junior Choral Course will sing a mixture of classical repertoire such as Bach’s Magnificat, Britten’s Missa Brevis or Mozart’s Requiem, and lighter fare from musical theatre, jazz and pop. They will have whole-choir practice and age-defined consort groups, an informal instrumental concert and lots of games and good food during the week. Many young people come back year after year they enjoy it so much.

Dates and Venues

Courses for 16-21 year olds

Eton College 26th July-2nd August: Course Director Ralph Allwood. Visiting singing teachers to include Carys Lane and Evensong in Westminster Abbey

Eton College 3rd-10th August: Course Director Tim Johnson. Visiting singing teachers to include Stephen Taylor and Nicki Kennedy

St John’s College, Cambridge 19th-26th August: Course Director Simon Toyne.

St Edward’s School, Oxford 22nd – 29th August: Course Co-Directors Ralph Allwood and Anna Lapwood. Evensong at Christchurch College, Oxford with Stephen Grahl and in Westminster Abbey.

Junior Courses for 8-15 year olds

Uppingham School 2nd-8th August: Course directors Martyn Ford and Ben Vonberg-Clerk

Wellington College 13th-19th August: Course directors Martyn Ford and Ralph Allwood.

Find out more, then apply!

To apply, go to our website www.therodolfusfoundation.org.uk and complete an online form. There are no auditions but we do request a reference from a music teacher or singing tutor so we can assign singing teachers and consort groups.

For further information, please email helen@therodolfusfoundation.org.uk