RCO announces flagship summer events

RCO announces flagship summer events


The Royal College of Organists has announced details of its two flagship summer events, offering inspirational teaching, outstanding instruments and unique social experiences for any organist.

The ever-popular RCO Academy Summer Course for Organists, based at St Giles Cripplegate Church in the City of London, is an established landmark event in the organ calendar.

Taking place from 3rd to 8th August, it welcomes up to 75 organists of all standards for a mix of masterclasses, informal learning groups, concerts, workshops, visits and daily services – more than 70 separate group events plus individual lessons and daily access to practice organs.

Featured topics for daily masterclasses in 2015 will be Bach, manuals-only repertoire and 21st-century music.

This course, which has been fully booked throughout recent years, is known by its many regular attendees as ‘the big event with the personal touch’ because it combines the social opportunities and fun of a major group event with a high level of personal tuition, encouragement and one-to-one attention.

With seven levels of study from absolute beginner to post-Diploma and a range of more than 20 organs available for practice, tuition and performance, the event is suitable for any organist, whether church organist, self-taught, examination candidate or recreational player.
Meanwhile in Oxford, The Organ Scholar Experience will run from 4th to 9th August. This event is tailored specifically for ambitious teenagers, including those preparing for, or considering, organ scholarships at universities, cathedrals and churches.

Based at St Hilda’s College the event will allow students to experience and prepare for a scholar’s life through six days packed with organ playing; encouragement to extend repertoire and keyboard skills; singing, conducting and accompanying chapel services; celebrity recitals; high-profile student concerts; and a lively social scene (including, of course, punting).

Tutors include Daniel Moult, David Goode, Tom Bell and Professor Jeanette Fishell, Chair of the Organ Department at Indiana University, USA. There are just 40 places available on TOSE, with a discounted early-bird booking rate before 31 March and generous bursaries available.

RCO Academy Director Simon Williams said: “These two courses, which will run more or less concurrently in 2015, sit at the heart of our annual events programme.

“Together they offer a huge breadth of opportunity and an outstanding experience for any organist hoping to use their summer break to improve their playing, find new inspiration, or to prepare themselves for the next stage of their musical journey.”

For more details on these two events plus the complete RCO programme, visit www.rco.org.uk.

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