CIAC Rachmaninov 150 Choral Conducting Course


To celebrate Sergei Rachmaninov’s 150th Anniversary, CIAC Conducting Academy is delighted to present our second choral conducting course, focused on his choral output.


Eight participants will work with CIAC faculty member Irina Walters (http://www.canasg.com/waltersA.shtml) over several months culminating in a live workshop with a professional chamber choir in London. 


The course will suit any musician looking to improve their conducting skills in the choral genre and for those with a particular interest in the music of Sergei Rachmaninov and his choral tradition. 


The course also provides participants with an opportunity to receive a high-quality video and audio recording which can be used for applications/auditions. 



Course Schedule (UK time)


- Online Group Session 1 (Zoom)

Saturday 17th June, 10am-12.30pm



- Private Tuition with Irina Walters in Staines/on Zoom 

Individual sessions of 90 minutes organised between Monday 19th June and Friday 7th July.



- Live Group Session 1 with pianist at Brixton Unitarian Church, London

Saturday 8th July 

10am Arrivals/Welcome
10:30am-1:30pm Session with pianist



- Online Group Session 2 (Zoom)

Saturday 9th September, 10am-12.30pm



- Live Group Session 2 with Chamber Choir at Brixton Unitarian Church, London

Saturday 14th October

10am Arrivals/Welcome
10:30am Session 1 with choir 
1:30pm Lunch
2:30pm Session 2 with choir
5:30pm End of workshop



Repertoire

Rachmaninov’s choral output:

- "Incessantly Praying", Concerto for Choir, 1893 
- "Pine Tree" from "Six Choruses for female or children's voices with piano accompaniment", (1895-96), op.15 *
- Selection of movements from the Liturgy of St John Chrysostom, Op. 31, 1910 
- Selection of movements from the All-Night Vigil ("Vespers"), Op. 37, 1915 
- Romances: "The Spring Waters" and "Vocalise", arranged for SATB choir by Ananiy Andrusenko.*


(NB sheet music for pieces marked with * will be provided to participants by CIAC)
During the online group sessions an overview of the large-scale works will be provided (Spring Cantata, The Bells, Three songs). 


Participants can choose one piece from the list to conduct and bring a second piece of their choice (either a cappella or with piano, maximum 5 minutes duration).



Participants

Eight active participants will be accepted on a first come, first served basis. 

To apply, please fill out the following Google form: 

https://forms.gle/aWh1mVaUZhbSXGB8A



Observers

Observers are welcome for all online group sessions and the live sessions in London. 



Fees (GBP)

Active participant: £495 

(Optional further individual tuition during the course period with Irina Walters can be arranged for an additional cost)

Observer (whole course): £150
Observer (per session): £40


At the current time CIAC does not provide scholarships but can provide letters of recommendation for participants applying to funding organisations.

​Other information
  • Any further questions about the course please contact cardiffiac@gmail.com
  • Payment details will be sent out via e-mail
  • Fees are non refundable for all CIAC courses unless the course is cancelled by the organiser