Introduction

Dear Friends of the Sarteano Chamber Choral Conducting Workshop,

As you know, the founders of this renowned workshop, Brian and Gail, have decided to step down after session 1 in 2022. Read their post here. Those who know Brian and Gail are keenly aware of their love and passion for the workshop, for the talented musicians who have taken part over the years, for their dear collaborators Simon and Broni, and the people of Sarteano.

I’m honored to begin my journey as the new Artistic Director during session 2 in late July 2022. Many conversations over the past two years with Brian and Gail, conversations with my own students who have attended the workshop, and my visit to Sarteano this summer confirmed that we must continue to offer this special opportunity to musicians. Thank you, Brian and Gail, for trusting me with this task and thank you to the people of Sarteano for such a warm welcome this summer. Once we complete the passing of the torch next summer, you will find future workshop information on the SCCCW website. Until then, choralplanet.com will be used as the source of information and for submitting application materials for the second session of 2022.

Simon Carrington, Jamie-Rose Guarrine, Marcello Mazzetti, and Livio Ticli will join me as faculty members for session 2. For the session, I will select sixteen conductors (8 intermediate and 8 advanced) for the conducting track. There will be two ensembles—one for each conducting track—composed of members of the UMass Chamber Choir, the eight conductors, and selected ensemble singers from around the world. I will lead the intermediate conducting masterclass and Simon will lead the advanced conducting masterclass. All conductors will conduct in the workshop’s closing performance. Jamie-Rose Guarrine will lead daily morning sessions covering topics related to ensemble vocal techniques. Jamie-Rose and Simon will be available for private lessons and each will offer Mini-Intensives the day before the workshop session begins, both at an additional cost.

Also new in session 2 is the opportunity to perform vocal chamber music during “pop-up” concerts throughout the city. Early music specialists and singers Marcello Mazzetti and Livio Ticli will schedule coachings with interested singers to prepare for two short outdoor evening concerts. Any conductor or singer may take part in the vocal chamber music coachings at no additional cost. We’ll include a couple of full choir works on at least one of these concerts. Not only will this be fun, but it will be a lovely gift to those listening.

Please join us as a conductor, singer, or auditor for this exciting session in beautiful Sarteano, Italy! I look forward to meeting you this summer and becoming part of the Sarteano Chamber Choral Conducting Workshop family. Please contact me at sarteanocccw@choralplanet.com with questions or inquiries.

Sincerely,