Le Chant des Oyseaux
Choral workshops
CHORAL WORKSHOPS IN FRANCE
The place to be for enthusiastic singers
Le Chant des Oyseaux (Franck Pellé-Rolland, musical director) run singing holidays in France (Brittany and Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes) for mixed choir or women's choir. Whether in May, in summer (July, August) or in October, what a treat to meet new singers and share your passion for choral singing and classical music ! Welcome in France. Enjoy our French touch and the French-style living.
Choose the right workshop for you
We propose two options :
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Adagio workshop (for all singers)
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Andante workshops (more challenging repertoire)
As part of our range of chora workshops, the Adagio workshop is designed specifically for singers who are passionate about classical music, who wish to progress and feel comfortable at the same time thanks to short and easy pieces. It's a first step in our courses for singers who are used to relying on their more advanced fellow singers, who are not used to singing in a choir or who want to discover the wonderful world of classical music.
Our Andante workshops are designed for advanced singers, self-demanding, with sound background in classical a capella music and mastery of all the pieces on the program.
Adagio workshop : Earlybird discount up to 30th April
May 2024
July 2024
August 2024
October 2024
July 2024
4th April 2024
Focus on
Zoltán KODÁLY
Zoltán KODÁLY (1882-1967), a Hungarian composer, was deeply committed to the preservation and promotion of his country's folk music.
His works for women's choir include arrangements of Hungarian folk songs, as well as original compositions inspired by these same traditions. Kodály was also a renowned pedagogue, and many of his compositions for women's choir are designed to teach vocal techniques and musical concepts while honouring Hungary's rich musical heritage.
"Hegyi Éjszakák" (Mountain Nights) is a work for women's choir. Composed in 1923 and based on Hungarian folk poems, it is one of Kodály's best-known compositions for women's choir. It consists of several movements, each a musical representation of a nocturnal atmosphere in the mountains, evoking landscapes, sensations and emotions specific to those nights.
We will be singing three movements from 6 to 13 July 2024.
23rd March 2024
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William HORSLEY
William Horsley (1774-1858) was an English composer, organist and music educator of the early nineteenth century. He was also an accomplished pianist. Horsley was an influential member of the British music scene of his time.
He composed in a variety of genres: sacred music, piano music, chamber music and songs. He also worked as a music publisher. Although his works were relatively popular during his lifetime, he is less well known today than some of his contemporaries.
Horsley was also a fervent advocate of music education. He was instrumental in founding the Royal Academy of Music in London and was one of the institution's first piano teachers.
Some of his most famous works include songs such as "Slow, Fresh Fount", choral works such as hymns and anthems, and piano pieces.
"Slow, fresh fount" is on the programme for our Adagio workshop from 22 to 26 October 2024.
William Horsley made a significant contribution to the British music scene of his time, both as a composer and as an educator. Although his name may not be as familiar as those of some of his contemporaries, his work left a lasting imprint on nineteenth-century English music.
15th March 2024
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William BYRD, Catholic composer
William Byrd (c. 1540-1623) was an English composer of the Renaissance known for his prolific output of sacred music, including compositions for the Catholic liturgy. He lived during a time of religious turmoil in England, where Catholicism was suppressed, yet he remained steadfast in his faith and continued to compose music for the Catholic Church clandestinely.
Some of Byrd's most notable Catholic compositions include:
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Masses: Byrd composed several masses for Catholic liturgical use, including the "Mass for Five Voices" and the "Mass for Four Voices." These masses showcase Byrd's mastery of polyphony and his ability to create rich harmonic textures.
"Mass for four voices" is on the programme for our 4th Andante workshop (August 10-17).
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Motets: Byrd composed numerous motets for Catholic liturgical occasions. His motets often feature elaborate counterpoint and expressive harmonies, reflecting his deep spirituality and devotion to the Catholic faith. Examples include "Ave verum corpus" and "Vigilate."
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Gradualia: Byrd's "Gradualia" is a collection of motets for the Propers of the Catholic Mass, covering various liturgical seasons and feasts. These compositions were intended for use in clandestine Catholic services during a time when the celebration of the Catholic Mass was prohibited in England.
Byrd's Catholic music is characterized by its profound spirituality, intricate polyphony, and expressive musical language. Despite the challenges posed by religious persecution, Byrd's compositions for the Catholic Church endure as masterpieces of Renaissance sacred music. They attest to his unwavering commitment to his faith and his enduring legacy as one of England's greatest composers.