with

Peter Phillips

Rupert Damerell

and members of the

The Tallis Scholars

Ávila, Spain. Sunday 3 – Saturday 9 August 2025

PALESTRINA 500

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Experience the Renaissance in the Heart of History: A Summer Course in Avila Celebrating 500 Years of Palestrina

Join us this summer in the enchanting city of Avila, a UNESCO World Heritage site, for an extraordinary choral experience dedicated to Renaissance polyphony. As we honor the 500th anniversary of Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina’s birth, our course will focus on his timeless works, exploring the intricacies of his sacred music in an immersive, hands-on program. Whether you are an experienced choral singer or a passionate student of music history, this is a rare opportunity to deepen your skills in Renaissance choral music, connect with like-minded singers, and perform in a city rich with medieval charm.

Course Highlights:

• Exclusive Palestrina Focus: In honour of this monumental anniversary, our repertoire centers on the lush harmonies and delicate polyphony of Palestrina, exploring both his well-known masterpieces and lesser-performed works.
• Expert Faculty: Led by renowned conductors and specialists in early music, our instructors bring years of performance and teaching experience, guiding you through stylistic techniques and interpretative nuances specific to Renaissance choral tradition.
• Historic Venues: Rehearse and perform in some of Avila’s most awe-inspiring historic spaces, including cathedrals and cloisters that resonate with centuries of choral tradition.
• Community and Camaraderie: Connect with a vibrant community of singers and musicians from around the world, united by a shared passion for Palestrina and Renaissance music.

Guided by Masters: Peter Phillips and the Tallis Scholars in Avila

We are thrilled to announce that this summer course will be led by none other than Peter Phillips, world-renowned director of the Tallis Scholars and esteemed authority on Palestrina. Joining him are members of the Tallis Scholars, bringing their unparalleled expertise and insight into Renaissance polyphony. Co-directing alongside Peter Phillips is Rupert Damerell, an acclaimed choral director known for his deep commitment to early music and exceptional ability to bring Renaissance works to life with authenticity and passion.

Learn from the Best in Renaissance Choral Music:
Under the guidance of these distinguished musicians, you’ll gain an insider’s understanding of Palestrina’s unique style and techniques, deepening your appreciation and command of his music. The course will include:

• In-Depth Masterclasses with Peter Phillips and Rupert Damerell, where you’ll explore Palestrina’s work through the lens of historical performance practices.
• Specialised Ensemble Coaching by Tallis Scholars members, providing close attention to vocal blend, precision, and the expressive subtleties that define Palestrina’s compositions.

This is a unique opportunity to be part of an elite choral group, learn directly from leaders in the field, and perform music that has shaped the course of Western sacred music in one of Spain’s most storied cities. Spaces are limited, so secure your place today for an unforgettable week honouring Palestrina’s legacy!

What to Expect:
Our intensive week will feature daily rehearsals, masterclasses, and insightful discussions on Renaissance music theory and historical performance practices. Each day concludes with opportunities for reflection, exploration of Avila’s architectural beauty, and immersion in its cultural heritage. The course culminates in a final concert where participants will perform select Palestrina works in one of Avila’s most inspiring historic locations, open to the local community and visitors alike.

Who Should Apply:
This course is designed for experienced choral singers, vocal students, and musicians with a strong interest in early music. Familiarity with Renaissance polyphony is recommended, though not required. A passion for choral singing and commitment to the ensemble experience are essential

Celebrate a timeless legacy with us this summer in Avila as we sing in the spirit of Palestrina. Embrace the historic setting, the exquisite music, and the unforgettable community that awaits. Spaces are limited; secure your place today and be part of this commemorative journey into the Renaissance.

Tallis Scholars Summer Course with Peter Phillips 2016. 

The sessions will be led by Peter Phillips and Rupert Damerell together with members of The Tallis Scholars.

Each day will have sessions for full choir for larger-scale polyphonic pieces and  working other polyphony in smaller groups with the members of The Tallis Scholars. We especially welcome pre-formed groups (SATB)

At the end of the day there will be an informal concert in a historic Avila church, performing the music studied that day.

This music will be presented in a public concert at the end of the course in a XVIth century convent church.

The course begins on Sunday, August 3 2025 at 17.00 pm and ends on Saturday, August 9 at 21:30.

Victoria Requiem – Offertorio  2018 course. Director Peter Phillips.

The course will take place in Avila, at the Colegio Mayor Magistral Honcala, http://magistralhoncala.com    very close to the historic city centre. A former Seminary, now it is used as a university hall of residence, boasting all the facilities – teaching rooms, dining room, wifi throughout, recently refurbished sleeping areas, parking, etc.

There is full board accommodation in the Hall for those course students who wish it. The grounds have fine gardens and shady areas also to enjoy in family if you would like to come accompanied. In addition, it is very close to the centre of the city, with the historic and cultural heritage that this city enjoys. Ávila boasts a wide variety of hotels and other accommodation available to participants.

The participants do not have to reserve the lodging in the residence directly, in the case of staying there. The organisation of the course already has a block booking of rooms to allocate to the students who would like them.The lodging is paid directly to the residence and the price for full board is 56,75 euros/ day per person in a single room, and 54,26 euros/ day per person in a double room (2024 price, 2025 price will be shown when known)

Impressions of the 2017 course by course member Eric Hatch from the USA

Student profile:

Choir directors, section leaders and choristers

Level –  advanced, with excellent reading skills

Scores will be sent in advance for prior study (from February)

Course fee: €370 euros (Includes tuition and scores in digital format) (There are discounts in the course fee available for preformed groups)

The seminar will have approximately 35 hours of workshop time, in addition to the final concert. 

The course will be held mainly in English, with translators to Spanish on hand for those who require.

The dates for registration and matriculation are the following:

Registration: From 1 November 2024

The registrations received will be evaluated by the Musical Director and applicants will be informed of their admission to the project. The organisation may request an audition or a voice recording from candidates.

. Sending of scores. Once an application has been accepted, scores will be sent digitally (from February 2025).

. There is a limit of places. The organisation reserves the right to admit students and the right to change the programme due to force majeur.

For any queries, email to info@zenobiamusica.com

The course matriculation fee should be paid using bank transfer to the following account. We ask you not to make any transfer until admission to the project has been confirmed.

Account Name:  Zenobia Música

IBAN:     ES39 0081 0638 5700 0198 0308

Please put the name of the student in the concept field.

We also accept international payments using Paypal:

PLEASE COMPLETE THE FOLLOWING FORMULA FOR REGISTRATION

We frequently check the registrations. If we have not replied to your submission within 24 hours, please contact us at info@zenobiamusica.com

Contact: info@zenobiamusica.com

Tallis Scholars Summer Course with Peter Phillips 2016. Monasterio de Santo Tomás.

Contacto: info@zenobiamusica.com

En cumplimiento de la normativa vigente en materia de protección de datos personales (Ley 15/1999 de 13 de diciembre de Protección de Datos de Carácter Personal), le informamos que sus datos personales forman parte de ficheros bajo responsabilidad y tratados por Zenobia Música S.L. Igualmente le informamos que sus datos personales pueden ser utilizados con la finalidad de mantenerle informado de los eventos organizados por la entidad que pudieran ser de su interés.

Podrá ejercer sus derechos de acceso, rectificación, cancelación u oposición dirigiéndose a Zenobia Música S.L. – info@zenobiamusica.com

Further details and application form coming soon. Please contact us at info@zenobiamusica.com for more information or pre-inscription.