Lute Fest (3 Nights)

Explore the treasures of the lute and its place in ensemble music in this joyous celebration designed for both newer and more experienced players of instruments in the lute family. Alongside, we also welcome singers, renaissance flautists, recorder players and viols to enjoy non-stop lute songs, broken consorts and four-voice ayres with lutes. 

Across the course, you will have the chance to explore lute and lute-in-ensemble music of all kinds. The tutor team will lead specialised sessions for ensembles in a variety sizes and combinations, alongside opportunities for solo work, playing unfamiliar lutes and one-to-one teaching. A key part of Lute Fest are the informal opportunities to make music with fellow participants. A wealth of sheet music will be on hand and days often end with late-night madrigal singing in the bar.

The course also includes a concert on the Friday evening, with tutor Kristiina Watt presenting a programme of music for voice and theorbo. 

Through learning lute and lute-in-ensemble music of all kinds you’ll have fun discovering new repertoire. Specialist sessions this year include: 

• Lutes, Viols and Voices - exploring music of the Italian frottola repertoire
• Lute Orchestra and Chorus - exploring Latin American baroque music
• Metal-Strung Session - band of citterns, orpharions and bandoras

You’ll also have the option try unfamiliar instruments and receive coaching and advice from tutors to help your technique and stylistic interpretation. 

You’ll have the opportunity choose your own path through a blend of different sessions, with individual lessons running in tandem with masterclasses, chamber playing, Lute Orchestra and Chorus, Lutes, Viols and Voices class and drop-in sessions. 

This course is designed to welcome players of lutes, theorboes, baroque guitars and allied instruments including viols, recorders and singers of all ability levels. 

A bounty of music for course sessions and independent exploration will be provided during the course. Some ensemble music may be shared in advance. 

For individual tuition you are welcome to bring pieces you have been practising to work on, and you may wish to bring your favourite chamber music for consort sessions. 

In addition to your instrument(s), you only need bring an ambition to enjoy yourself!