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A Choral Workshop to Remember

SPEM IN ALIUM
LOQUEBANTUR VARIIS LINGUIS

THOMAS TALLIS (C1505-1585)

​​​21ST JANUARY 2023, ST MARY'S, BATTERSEA, SW11 3NA 
10:30-17:00 (REGISTRATION FROM 10:00)
COST: £49 ​(includes break-time refreshments)

The origins of this motet are somewhat uncertain. However, it is listed in the catalogue of the library of Nonsuch Palace, in Surrey, and it has been suggested that Thomas Howard, then Duke of Norfolk, commissioned Spem for a performance at Nonsuch (which happens to have an octagonal banquet hall replete with four balconies – a nifty performance spot for a motet with eight choirs!) Other scholars believe that the work was written for Queen Elizabeth I’s 40th birthday in 1573. No matter the provenance, Spem is a favourite for singers who have already performed it, and a 'can't-miss' opportunity for those who haven't.​ Please read on for further logistical details about the day.

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Booking Process

PRIORITY BOOKING
Priority Booking opens on 10th October at 9.30am for those who have joined the pre-registration list only. This will be sent in the form of a private link and will not be discoverable on this page. 

GENERAL BOOKING 
General Booking opens on this page on 11th October at 9.30am, with a limited number of places available. 

VOICE ALLOCATION
Please note we will be allocating you to a Spem choir (1 to 8) in order to ensure a good balance, but you are able to make special requests when booking.

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WHO IS THIS FOR?

As always, this choral workshop is designed to challenge and stimulate experienced choral singers. That said, we welcome those who haven't sung Spem before. We work quickly with only limited note-bashing so we expect you to prepare music in advance or be a proficient sight-reader. There are excellent rehearsal files, such as John Fletcher's, which can aid your learning – so please do make the most of those.

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THE DAY

Our workshop will take place in the beautiful riverside church of St Mary's, Battersea. Founder, Scott Inglis-Kidger, will skilfully guide you through the music and on vocal technique. The day runs from 10:30-17:00 and you are provided with homemade cakes, real coffee and Yorkshire tea. Family and friends will be welcome to listen to our informal sing-through at the end. We may de-brief in the Woodman pub afterwards...

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SCORES

We will be using an online PDF edition of Spem, which is prepared in different choir books. Once you have been allocated to a choir, we will send you the PDF link by email and kindly ask you to print your music at home. A link to the scores is also below. You may also consider displaying the music on a tablet. We will not be providing hard copies on the day.

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About your Director

Scott INGLIS-KIDGER

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. 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.​