Following
three highly successful Summer Workshops,
Nigel Hopkins is holding his fourth this year, from Monday 1st to
Saturday 6th August. A warm reception awaits all participants in the
magnificently air-conditioned function room at the Hotel Cabo Cervera
in La Mata, Torrevieja.
New Format! This year will take a similar
format, but with several additions to previous years. The general
idea will be to learn and rehearse many exciting pieces of music in
readiness to perform in our end-of-course concert on Saturday, 6th
August. On each day of the course, however, there will be a specific
theme for the day, highlighting important features of singing, and
helping singers to perform better - whatever their standard.
These will include:-
Monday: Breathing.
Correct usage of the breath whilst singing. This is one of the most
important facets of singing, and techniques will be discussed and
practised in detail, particularly with reference to the songs in rehearsal.
Also considered will be vocal health, increasing voice range, vocal
control and how best to deal with an ageing voice (something which
eventually catches up with us all!)
Tuesday: Voice
Production. Participants will be shown in detail how to correctly
produce their voices, and to use their diction to the fullest effect.
Vowel shapes - so important to the final sound made - will be demonstrated
and practised in detail.
Wednesday: Soloists
Master-Class. This section of the course proved extremely popular
last year, with both Nigel and Matthew Hopkins listening to prospective
or established soloists, and bringing their vast professional experience
to the fore whilst discussing and demonstrating ways in which individual
performances could be improved. All participants should be present.
Thursday: Performance
techniques & discipline. Whilst continuing to learn the
set music for the concert on Saturday, particular attention to details
and techniques which will improve the final performance will be discussed
and practised.
Friday/Saturday: Bringing
it all together. All facets and techniques of the week will
be rehearsed as the concert music is completed in readiness for performance.
Friday Buffet Social: This highly successful
social event will be repeated this year. This is open to all participating
members and their guests.
Saturday 6th August Final Concert: This
will take place in the Hotel Function Room. It will be open to the
public, and tickets will again be priced at €5. Everyone is welcome.
Nigel
and Matthew Hopkins hope to see you
at their successful West End Choral Workshops again in August of this
year. The cost of the course remains unchanged
at €30. This will include use of the sheet music provided,
teach disks and all tuition during the
week.
Registration for the course will be on
Sunday 17th July at the Hotel Cabo Cervera, between 11am and 3pm.
The course music and 'Teach Disks' will be supplied upon registration
enabling those who wish to look at the music in advance an opportunity
to do so.
