Cambridge Choral Academy Epiphany Singing Retreat
The choral repertoire for Epiphany is almost as rich as for Christmas, and produced some of the most ground-breaking music of all time.
'Epiphany is possibly my favourite musical and liturgical season – so rich and yet often neglected by church musicians exhausted by Christmas. This is the season of stars and wise men; both will be present (actually and musically) during our weekend course, which will also capture some of the mystery and magic of this ancient feast.'
Dr Edward Wickham, Artistic Director
We’ll be staying in historic Sidney Sussex College, which is steeped in musical history. The Chapel that stood on this site in pre-Reformation times saw a number of early English composers take their degrees, including Robert Fayrfax (MusB, 1501; DMus 1504) and Christopher Tye (MusB, 1536). Later, the great Elizabethan composer William Byrd would have been well-known to the foundress, Lady Frances Sidney, and two very fine elegies by Byrd survive for her nephew, the poet and courtier Sir Philip Sidney. Alongside services in historic chapels and a feast of repertoire for Epiphany, we’ll also be wassailing, trying King Cake and merry-making at our Twelfth Night Dinner at Peterhouse.
Delights in store include candle-lit Compline in Sidney Sussex College Chapel (you can experience the gorgeous chapel in virtual reality [here!](https://vt.360virtualtours.co.uk/sidneysussex/index.html?s=pano_cms_786kuzd4ytoc)), Evensongs in two other colleges and a 3-course Twelfth Night formal dinner. You will develop your voice and choral skills with daily voice training and vocal health sessions, and enjoy warm camaraderie with a friendly group of people who share your passion for choral music.
Our Singing Retreats are designed to immerse you in the rich choral life of Cambridge, with accommodation in one of its historic colleges, and opportunities to sing in college chapels under the direction of celebrated Cambridge choir directors. Alongside the choral workshops, you’ll enjoy complementary cultural and educational talks, as well as meeting like-minded new friends.
Who this event is for
If you’re an experienced choral singer with good note-reading ability, this is the course for you! We seek to create a balanced chamber choir, with places capped at 30-40 places depending on the college.
Please note: all CCA courses involve walking between colleges to experience different college chapels. Due to the age of this historic city, there are cobbles and steps to navigate, which may be difficult for those with mobility issues.
Prices and access
£845 full board, £645 non-residential
BRING A FRIEND DISCOUNT: SAVE £50 EACH!*
Student Scholars: we’re pleased to offer a limited number of Student Scholarships at reduced fees for singers aged 18-25yrs. To apply, please email hello@cambridgechoral.com.
The full course fee includes full board for two nights, all tuition, welcome reception, music hire, three-course formal dinner with private dining and other activities. All rooms are single occupancy and ensuite with tea and coffee making facilities. Bedding and towels are provided.
Performers & leaders
We are delighted to be working with a superb team of music directors including Peter Phillips (Director: The Tallis Scholars), Benjamin Sheen (Jesus College) and Dr Edward Wickham (St Catharine’s College and CCA Artistic Director).
Location
Cambridge Choral Academy Singing Retreats and Choral Summer Schools are an opportunity to immerse yourself in the choral life of one of the choral capitals of the world.
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