Summer Intensive Program: Baroque
July 13-20, 2024
This course is presented with the support of Victoria Baroque and Early Music Vancouver.
This intensive training program is an exciting opportunity to immerse yourself in baroque performance on period instruments. Develop your technical and stylistic understanding, and your ensemble-playing skills in a focused and friendly environment, led by leading early music specialists from across Canada, from the United States, and from Europe.
Programs Offered:
Baroque for Instrumentalists
This course is for students already experienced on baroque instruments, as well as for those with no prior experience. The program welcomes music students, professional musicians, and advanced amateurs. Instruction is available for strings, woodwinds, and harpsichord.
The Instrumental Program includes:
- Ensembles and chamber music
- Private and group lessons
- Lectures
- Masterclasses
- Performance opportunities
Instrumental students will receive private lessons, play in 2-3 ensembles including a chamber group and orchestra, participate in group classes and lectures, and have one or more opportunities to play in a masterclass. Ensembles are formed according to students’ level. Students may work on solo repertoire in private lessons and masterclasses.
Baroque for Singers
Career-track singers over the age of 18 are welcome to apply.
The Singers Program includes:
- Private lessons and group coaching
- Daily masterclasses
- Lectures
- Staging and character work
- Performance opportunities with period instruments
Singers will receive lessons and coachings and sing in masterclasses. Each singer will have an opportunity to perform an aria in an ensemble with baroque instruments, and to study and perform one-on-a-part vocal ensemble music and choral repertoire. Since theatricality is integral to the expressivity of Baroque music, singers will also have opportunities to explore staging some of their repertoire.
Auditing
Auditors receive access to audit all masterclasses, group classes, lectures, student and faculty concerts, and ensemble rehearsals. Please note: auditors observe, they do not sing or play their instrument. Auditors are welcome to ask questions and engage in discussions.
Please note, applications will continue to be accepted to May 1, 2024
Learn more
How to Apply
Auditing only
No application process or fee. Registration by July 1, 2024.
Instrumentalists and Singers
Please follow the steps below to complete your application. Please note, your application is not complete until we have received your application fee, form, and video.
1. Pay your application fee ($32.00)
- Pay online.
- Phone the VCM with your credit card at 250.386.5311 | toll free in Canada & the U.S. 1.866.386.5311 (Please note, a 2.86% convenience fee applies to all credit card transactions.)
- Send us an e-transfer. Please call 250-386-5311 or email [email protected] for instructions.
2. Submit your application
3. Upload your application video
- Instrumentalists: 3-5 minutes of unedited audio or video recording of music written between 1600 and 1780 played on either modern or a baroque instrument. Accompaniment is not required.
- Vocalists: An unedited video or audio recording of:
- An aria by either Bach or Handel.
- A second aria by any composer (different from the first aria) written between 1600 and 1750.
- One of the arias must include a recitative. Accompaniment is required.
In addition to helping to make sure this program is a good fit for you, the recordings will help the faculty to place students in ensembles.
Fees and Deadlines
Application deadline: April 15, 2024 (please note, applications will continue to be accepted to May 1, 2024)
Applicants who applied by April 15 will be notified by May 1, 2024.
Auditing Only: $200
No application process or fee. Registration by July 1, 2024
Some bursary assistance may be available. Applicants must comply with all deadlines and requirements. Late applicants will not be considered for financial assistance.
Bursary application deadline: April 15, 2024.
Dates and Daily Schedule
Program start: Saturday July 13 | 9.30am
Program end: Saturday July 20 | 5:00pm
Classes run daily 9:00am-5:30pm with breaks and some time for private practice (individual schedules may start later or finish earlier). Practice rooms are available.
Location
All programs will take place onsite at the Victoria Conservatory of Music (900 Johnson Street) in downtown Victoria. There are many cafes, restaurants, and grocery stores within walking distance.
Accommodation
Students are responsible for finding their own accommodation. There are many AirBnB options in the area and students are encouraged to explore affordable summer accommodation options at the University of Victoria.
Faculty
Christina Hutten, Artistic Director
Chloe Meyers, violin, orchestra director
Christi Meyers, violin
Mieka Michaux; violin & viola
Diederik van Dijk; cello
Martin Bonham; cello and viola da gamba
Christina Hutten; harpsichord
Soile Stratkauskas; flute
Katrina Russell; bassoon
Curtis Foster; oboe and recorder
Christopher Bagan; harpsichord, vocal coach
Vicki St Pierre; voice
Erin Bardua; voice, acting, and stage direction
Suzie LeBlanc; voice
Concerts
Faculty Concert
Tuesday, July 16, 7:30pm | Alix Goolden Performance Hall | Tickets coming soon!
Small Ensemble Final Concert; Chamber Ensembles
Friday, July 19, 5:00pm | Alix Goolden Performance Hall | By donation
Small Ensemble Final Concert; Arias and Opera Scenes
Friday, July 19, 7:30pm | Alix Goolden Performance Hall | By donation
Large Ensemble Final Concert
Saturday, July 20, 2:30pm | Alix Goolden Performance Hall | By donation
Concert information subject to change.
Lectures
Join us for talks by early music specialists on intriguing aspects of Baroque music and performance practice.
Lectures are open to the public at $15.00 per lecture. More information and registration will become available closer to the program start date. (If you are already enrolled in this year’s Baroque Intensive, the lectures are included in your tuition and there is no need for you to register.)
Instrument-Specific Requirements
Students are expected to be competent at reading music, and technically proficient on their modern instrument. Prior experience playing a period instrument is beneficial, but not required.
Harpsichordists
Keyboard players will be playing basso continuo parts in ensembles and exploring solo repertoire in lessons and group classes. Keyboard students are not required to have prior experience on harpsichord or with basso continuo playing but are expected to have solid understanding of keyboard harmony and proficient keyboard technique. The Conservatory has designated practice rooms with harpsichords.
Strings
Baroque instruments are encouraged but not required. Those using modern instruments will need baroque bows, gut strings on the top two strings, and will tune their instrument to A=415.
There are some string instruments and bows available for loan, and we can assist with acquiring gut strings. For inquiries, please email [email protected]
Flutes, oboes, recorders, bassoons
Baroque instruments are required and must be pitched at A=415.
There are some wind instruments available for loan. For inquiries, please email [email protected]
Instrumentalists under 18
The program includes designated ensembles for middle and high school aged students. Minimum level grade 6 RCM or equivalent. Instrument requirements as described above.
The Fine Print
Please note: all fees must be paid in full by the registration deadline (excluding those waiting on the result of their bursary application).
Online registration requires payment in full. Payment by credit card will incur a 2.86% convenience fee. If you do not wish to incur this fee, please contact our office for other payment methods.
Those awaiting acceptance (where applicable) or the results of their bursary application are encouraged to contact us directly to register.
Contact
Victoria Conservatory of Music Front Desk
250.386.5311 | [email protected]