with

Peter Phillips

Rupert Damerell

and members of the

The Tallis Scholars

Ávila, Spain. Sunday 2 – Saturday 8 August 2026

Celebrating Morales in Ávila 1526

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Experience the Renaissance in the Heart of History: A Summer Course in Avila Celebrating 500 Years of the appointment of Morales to Avila Cathedral as Maestro de Capilla.

Join us this summer in the enchanting city of Avila, a UNESCO World Heritage site, for an extraordinary choral experience dedicated to Renaissance polyphony.

In the summer of 1526, a young Cristóbal de Morales was appointed Maestro de Capilla at Ávila Cathedral — a quiet but momentous beginning to one of the most influential careers in Spanish Renaissance music. Five centuries later, we return to that same city to honour his legacy in the company of The Tallis Scholars.

This year’s course invites singers to inhabit the musical world that shaped Morales and was shaped by him: the refined polyphony of Josquin des Prez, the Iberian elegance of Peñalosa, the competitive brilliance of his contemporaries, and the radiant legacy he left to Guerrero and Lobo in Seville. Through daily rehearsals, intimate coaching, and public performance, we will trace the arc of Morales’ influence — from youthful aspiration to enduring inspiration.

Set within Ávila’s medieval walls and sacred spaces, the course offers not only technical refinement and stylistic insight but a contemplative journey into the heart of Spanish polyphony. Whether you are a seasoned choral singer or a passionate student of Renaissance music, this week promises immersion, challenge, and beauty in equal measure.

Course Highlights:

• Morales 500 Theme: Repertoire will trace Morales’ artistic journey, contextualising his work within the broader Iberian and Franco-Flemish traditions. 
• Expert Faculty: ed by Peter Phillips, founder of The Tallis Scholars, and Rupert Damerell, with coaching from members of The Tallis Scholars, 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 Morales 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. 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 Morales’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 Morales’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 the course repertoire 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 Morales. 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 the full choir for larger-scale polyphonic pieces and working on 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.

The course begins on Sunday, August 2 2026 at 17.00 pm and ends on Saturday, August 8 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 with your 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 accommodations 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 58,85 euros/ day per person in a single room, and 56,26 euros/ day per person in a double room (2025 price, 2026 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 March)

Course fee: 400 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 2025

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 a CV, an audition or a voice recording from candidates.

. Sending of scores. Once an application has been accepted, scores will be sent digitally (from March 2026).

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

For any queries, email info@zenobiamusica.com

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

International payments (non-EU banks) should be made by PayPal

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 non-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.