Sarteano Choral Workshop
June 26-July 7, 2024

About
Imagine a gathering of choral enthusiasts from every corner of the globe, united by a profound passion for music, nestled in the heart of picturesque Tuscany. This is the essence of the Sarteano Choral Workshop.
Whether you’re a music educator in the public or private sector, an enthusiastic undergraduate or graduate music major, a community chorus singer or director, or a devoted conductor or choral ensemble member at a religious institution, you’ll find your place here to explore the world of choral music in an intimate, inspiring setting.
Sarteano Choral Workshop alumni have achieved remarkable success in the world of choral music. From the United States to the Philippines, Croatia to Japan, and numerous places in between, our workshop has played a pivotal role in shaping the careers of conductor-teachers and singers alike. Notable figures, including Mark Anthony Carpio (Conductor, Philippine Madrigal Singers), Caron Daley (Director of Choral Activities, Duquesne University, USA), Anthony Blake Clark (Dallas Symphony Chorus and Baltimore Choral Arts Society, USA), Jurica Petar Petrač (Oratorio Choir of St. Mark’s Church, Croatia), Joel Tranquilla (Choeur de Chambre du Canada), Cameron LaBarr (Director of Choral Studies, Missouri State University, USA), Alexander Naji (Kantorei Tokyo Yokohama, Japan), Cheryll Chung (Artistic Director, Cantabile Chamber Singers, Canada), Justyna Chelmińska (Chorus Master, Warsaw Medical University Orchestra Chorus, Poland), and Brianne Biastoff (Choral Director, Nashua High School, USA), along with countless student conductors and singers from renowned institutions like the Eastman School of Music, Yale University, University of Southern California, Oklahoma State University, Notre Dame, University of Massachusetts Amherst, University of Connecticut, University of Arizona, and the University of Toronto, have all been part of our transformative Workshop.
Now, we invite you to become a part of our summer choral family. Experience the awe-inspiring power of choral music in enchanting Tuscany. Join us on this unforgettable journey to create beautiful music, forge lifelong connections, and make memories that resonate deep within your soul. Apply today!
Schedule
2024 Musica Sacra Session
Each morning session will begin with ensemble voice building with Jamie-Rose Guarrine, followed by the conducting masterclasses, led by Tony Thornton and Simon Carrington.
2024 Schedule (June 26-July 7):
June 26 – Arrive in Rome; bus transfer to Sarteano from Fiumicino available
June 27 – Mini-intensives (Simon Carrington and Jamie-Rose Guarrine); wine and cheese welcome reception in evening
June 28-July1 – Masterclasses (part 1) – Filarmonica
June 29 – Welcome dinner at La Gustea
June 30 – Mass performance at Chiesa di San Francesco
July 1 – PopUp concert 1 (soloists and small ensembles) at the Teatro in the evening
July 2 – Free day
July 3-6 – Masterclasses (part 2) and performances
July 4 – PopUp concert 2 (soloists and small ensembles) inside the Teatro in the evening
July 5 – Day and concert at Chiesa del Gesu in Montepulciano; post-concert dinner in Montepulciano
July 6 – Rehearsal and concert in Sarteano at Chiesa di San Francesco; Farewell dinner at Locanda dei Tintori
July 7 – Depart Sarteano; bus transfer to Fiumicino from Sarteano available
Transportation and Accommodations
Participants are responsible for arranging their own accommodations and transportation to and from Italy. Sarteano is a charming small town with only a few hotels within walking distance of the Workshop rehearsal venue. Due to the popularity of the region and the numerous nightly festivals, we highly recommend making your hotel reservations as early as possible.
If you plan to have a car during your stay, you’ll have a wider range of accommodation options. Consider staying in the picturesque agriturismo in the outskirts of Sarteano or in nearby towns such as Chiusi or Chianciano Terme. Ample parking is available near the main piazza in Sarteano, although be prepared for some uphill walking, as the town and our rehearsal space are situated on a hill, as is characteristic of many Tuscan villages.
Recommended Hotels
La Gustea (main Workshop hotel) – 70 euros per person per day, plus a 2 euros tax per person daily. Double and triple rooms available. Includes breakfast. Please email Nadia directly at info@lagustea.com to book your accommodations for the Workshop.
Ai Lecci in Centro (Bed and Breakfast) – 120 euros per room, plus a 2 euros tax per person daily. Breakfast is included. There is a swimming pool located on the property.
There are a number of excellent short term rentals available on AirBnb and Vrbo.