YORK

Join the FISP community, for our annual York residential. We warmly welcome singers to join us for a course filled with music from across the English choral tradition. As we seek to build a balanced choir with a challenging repertoire, participants may be required to look at music in advance. We will send out rehearsal tracks and music in advance for those who want to get ahead! Services include a Eucharist and a triumphant Evensong at the infamous Durham Cathedral.

This is an opportunity to mix safely with like-minded friends with a common love for choral music. With ensuite accommodation at St John's University, 5 minutes from the city centre, with breakfast and evening meals - our course makes the perfect choral retreat!

Limited places are available, so please book early to avoid disappointment! 

“York was my first residential with FISP and it won't be my last! I was a little nervous but from the first rehearsal everyone just "gelled" into a wonderfully friendly group totally focused on the music (and on having great fun!) Caius and the rest of the team were so enthusiastic and knowledgeable that I felt I was learning and improving all the time. Singing in such beautiful venues was a fantastic experience and I had my musical experience widened. I would (and have!) recommend FISP to anyone who enjoys singing.”

— York 2023 Participant

Have you considered becoming a Friend of FISP? Priory booking, 5% discounts on UK courses, and supporting our part leaders. Become a friend today. 

https://www.buymeacoffee.com/infoft

Priority booking open to Friends of FISP: 28/11/23

Second release booking open: 15/01/24

Price list

Single room - £415

Double Room - £565 (Sold out)

Payment plans available (£100 deposit per person).

Non-accommodation - £195

19.07.24 - 21.07.24

2024 Repertoire

This year's repertoire features a rich selection of compositions spanning different styles and periods, showcasing the diversity and depth of choral music:

Missa Aeterna Christi Munera - Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina

Palestrina's Mass settings (Gloria, Sanctus, Agnus Dei) epitomize Renaissance polyphony with their smooth textures and balanced harmonies, focusing on clarity of text and melodic purity.

O Salutaris Hostia - Gioachino Rossini

"O Salutaris Hostia” by Gioachino Rossini's blends operatic expressiveness with reverence, often performed during Eucharistic adoration, showcasing his lyrical and melodic gifts.

Radcliffe Responses - Philip Radcliffe

These responses, composed for Magdalen College, Oxford, are marked by their clarity and simplicity, providing moments of reflection and prayer throughout the service.

Evening Service in B minor - Hugh Blair

Hugh Blair's setting of the Magnificat and Nunc dimittis in B minor reflects Anglican choral tradition with rich harmonies and expressive interpretation, tailored for evening worship.

Dum transisset sabbatum - John Taverner

"Dum transisset sabbatum" is a notable motet by John Taverner which features intricate counterpoint and soaring melodies typical of English Renaissance polyphony, creating a serene and contemplative atmosphere.

For those eager to get a head start, we'll provide rehearsal tracks and sheet music beforehand. This years program will feature enchanting services including a Eucharist and a triumphant Evensong to cap off the experience at Durham Cathedral. This unique opportunity allows music-lovers to safely connect with equally enthusiastic people who share a passion for choral music.

Please note: music can be subject to change depending on circumstances.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • As part of our York residential, we offer participants ensuite accommodation at York St John University. This is less than a mile from the city centre and, with breakfast and evening meals included, makes for the perfect weekend stay. 

    ​Included in the rooms are:

    • A single or double bed, depending on room size

    • Desk

    • Chair

    • Various drawers

    • Built-in wardrobe

    • Shelves

    • High-speed Wi-Fi.

    Bathroom facilities are en-suite and include:

    • Shower

    • Toilet

    • Sink

    • Space to hang towels.​​

  • Ensuite accommodation at York St John University

    Tuition  

    Sheet music  

    Breakfast and evening meals

  • Participants should have good sight-reading ability and are advised to prepare the music beforehand. However, nobody is expected to be note-perfect on the first day. Participants with a lower sight-reading ability are encouraged to study the score beforehand using our excellent resources and listen to the music on Spotify.

    We will post all music to you eight weeks in advance, and for those wishing to make a head start, we can arrange to get these out to you sooner. The repertoire list is also available on our web site.

For any further enquiries, please do not hesitate to contact us via the form below.

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