S3

EARLY NIGHTS
ISAAC IN AETERNUM

Heinrich Isaac (c. 1450–1517) was a prolific and influential composer of the Renaissance period, known for his wide-ranging body of work. Thought to have been born in Flanders, Isaac became one of the leading figures of the Franco-Flemish school. He spent much of his career working as both a composer and a singer in Italy, particularly at the court of Lorenzo de' Medici in Florence. This is clear in his music, which tends to combine the intricate counterpoint and rigour of Netherlandish polyphony with the melodic grace and clarity typical of Italian music. After Lorenzo de’ Medici’s death, Isaac moved to Vienna with his wife Bartolomea, employed by Emperor Maximilian I. Indeed, he remained employed by the Emperor until his death in 1517 – but he did not stay in Vienna. Instead, he travelled extensively around Northern Europe, before settling back in Florence until his death.

Isaac composed in a hugely diverse range of forms, including masses, motets, secular songs in French, Italian and German, and instrumental works. His most famous work, the song Innsbruck, ich muss dich lassen, remains one of the most enduring examples of early German lieder. Isaac was pioneering in his composition of the Choralis Constantinus, a monumental cycle of polyphonic settings of the Proper of the Mass (the part of the liturgy which changes each day). This huge anthology of motets was left unfinished at his death. Poignantly, by 1555, when it was completed and published by his student, Ludwig Senfl, the Council of Trent had made reforms to the Proper which rendered many of the texts obsolete.

Join us to explore the music of this titan of the Franco-Flemish School. Scroll down this page for full details of the music and FAQs.

Due to the popularity of Early Nights, booking is by ballot. Please apply before the end of Friday 28th March 2025. Workshops will be allocated shortly after the closing date to ensure a good balance of voices. You will be reimbursed for any workshops you are not allocated. 

Dates & Music

28TH APRIL 2025 19:30-21:30
Laetare Jerusalem
Gaudeamus omnes I

12TH MAY 2025 19:30-21:30
Oculi mei
Alleluia Magnificat
​
19TH MAY 2025 19:30-21:30
Judica me Deus
Dicit Dominus

2ND JUNE 2025 19:30-21:30
Passer invenit sibi domum
​Laetatus sum

9TH JUNE 2025 19:30-21:30
Hoc corpus
Suscepius Deus
16TH JUNE 2025 19:30-21:30
Puer natus est
Jubilate Deo
​
23RD JUNE 2025 19:30-21:30
Esto mihi
​Populus Sion

7TH JULY 2025 19:30-21:30
Alleluia Nativitas virgini
Gaudeamus omnes II
​​
14TH JULY 2025 19:30-21:30
Respice Domine
Terribilis est

21ST JULY 2025 19:30-21:30
Ecce advenit
Innsbruck, ich muss dich lassen

Venue, Cost & Scores

St Barnabas Church, Pimlico
London SW1W 8PF
​£25 per workshop
​Includes expert coaching and break time refreshments.
Please note that we now ask our singers to kindly print their own music at home. You will receive PDF copies by email. To reiterate, we will not be providing hard copy booklets.

Scott Inglis-Kidger

​Once told he couldn't sing, but now hailed by Classic FM as a “rising star of the choral world", Scott Inglis-Kidger is renowned for his passion and dedication as a conductor, vocal coach and early music specialist. He read Music at the University of Cambridge and sang in the world famous King's College Choir as a countertenor. He is the founder and director of Platinum Consort and has worked as a vocal consultant with groups such as the Scottish Chamber Choir, Exeter Festival Chorus and St Albans Choral Society. Scott has guest conducted the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment and The Hanover Band. 2023 saw the launch of his new Baroque orchestra, Platinum 415.  Cutting his teeth straight out of Cambridge as a Director of Music and Master of Choristers in two London prep schools, Scott continues to inspire and encourage singers of all ages. One singer described his participation in a session with Scott as “the most amazing musical experience of my life!". With bespoke workshops sold out months in advance and performances described as “pristine” and “intimate” (BBC Music Magazine), Scott is making a significant impact on the world of choral music.​

Helpful information and FAQs

HOW DOES THE BALLOT WORK?
Due to the popularity of Early Nights, booking is by ballot. Please apply before the end of Friday 28th March. Workshops will be allocated shortly after the closing date to ensure a good balance of voices. You will be reimbursed and added to the waiting list for any workshops you are not allocated. In the unlikely event that there are spaces left over, these will go on general sale.
WHO SINGS AT EARLY NIGHTS?
Early Nights are for those of you who love singing polyphony and are comfortable in a chamber-sized group. Our choral workshops in general are designed to challenge and stimulate experienced choral singers. We work quickly with only limited note-bashing, and we keep the groups fairly small. We therefore expect you to prepare music in advance or be a proficient sight-reader. Our goal is to enable every one of you to love your voice, through our welcoming atmosphere and our community of like-minded singers.
ARE THESE AVAILABLE ONLINE TOO?
​No, but please do look at our online courses here, a list of our wonderful digital workshops which are available to take on demand now.

What's on next?

THE EARTH QUAKES: CHAMBER WEEKENDER

28-30 MAR

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