Summer Intensive Program: Baroque
July 12-19, 2025
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.
Stay tuned – registration opening early 2025.
Learn more
How to Apply
Coming soon.
Fees and Deadlines
Coming soon.
Dates and Daily Schedule
Program start: Saturday July 12 | 9.30am
Program end: Saturday July 19 | 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
Coming soon.
Concerts
Coming soon.
Lectures
Coming soon.
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 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]