WHAT WILL WE BE SINGING?
Repertoire will include Matthew Coleridge's Requiem (in its entirety), plus selected movements of his other works including The Breath of Life and Stabat Mater Dolorosa. We'll be joined by an internationally-renowned concert organist, and professional cello and soprano soloists.
CAN ANYONE COME AND SING?
This event is for experienced choral singers. You don't need to be a strong sight-reader, but will be expected to be familiar with your part beforehand. Home rehearsals tracks can be provided. With limited rehearsal time, we plan to spend our rehearsals polishing, not note-bashing!
HOW MANY SINGERS WILL THERE BE?
Over 50 singers have already booked in, and we're expected final numbers of around 75 - a mixture of UK, Dutch, French and German, Canadian - and hopefully a few locals too! We will ensure there is a good balance between voice parts.
ACCOMMODATION AND TRAVEL
You will need to make your own arrangements for accommodation and travel. The course fee includes your return train ticket from Bruges to Ghent, travelling together as a group at a specific time (details TBC).
CAN NON-SINGING PARTNERS ATTEND?
Yes, and they will be most welcome to attend both concerts. They will need to book their own train ticket to Ghent for the Saturday concert.
WILL I HAVE TIME TO SIGHT-SEE?
Yes. With a maxmium of 4 hours singing per day, you'll have plenty of time to explore! Our rehearsal venue in Bruges is a 5 minute walk from the main square in the centre of Bruges.
There will also be a few hours to explore Ghent before our concert on the Saturday.
CANCELLATION AND REFUNDS
Refunds will only be offered in the unlikely event that the organisers need to cancel the event. If you are unable to attend, you can transfer your place to another singer, but monetary refunds are not possible. It is recommended that you take out a travel insurance policy when you book.
HOW DO I GET TO BRUGES?
CAR:
just over an hour's drive from Le Shuttle terminus at Calais.
TRAIN:
Eurostar from London to Brussels-Midi (2hrs) then 45 minute train ride to Brussels (several trains per hour).
FERRY:
DOVER to Calais or Dunkirk, then a 60-80 minute to drive to Bruges.
HARWICH to Hook of Holland, then 2.5-3 hrs drive to Bruges.
HULL to Rotterdam, then 2.5 hrs drive to Bruges (or 2hr train via Antwerp).
NEWCASTLE to Amsterdam, then 3-3.5hrs drive (or train) to Bruges.
FLIGHTS:
Bruges is 1hr from Brussels Airport, with regular flights from London (BA), Manchester (Brussels Airlines) and Edinburgh (Brussels Airlines).
