World-renowned composer Bob Chilcott to visit Londonderry to lead choral music workshops

The symposium, in association with Ulster University, will take place on Wednesday 21st October and will feature a series of open rehearsals and practical workshops led by Bob Chilcott, one of the world’s premier composers, choral conductors and former member of The King’s Singers, and Ragnar Rasmussen, Professor of Conducting at Tromsø University, Norway and conductor of the chamber choir, Utopia and Reality.

The morning session will see Chilcott lead two open rehearsals with the Music Promise Junior Choir (Derry) and Utopia & Reality Chamber Choir (Norway) focusing on Equal Voice and SATB repertoire from his own varied and well-known catalogue of choral music. The sessions will offer an insight into the workings of the music from both the composer’s and the conductor’s perspective.

Following the success of the conductors’ workshop in last year’s festival, Professor Ragnar Rasmussen will return to lead the afternoon workshop, which will focus on practical conducting techniques for aspiring choral conductors of all levels. Applications are now open for participation in this workshop and details can be found at www.codichoral.com.

Dónal Doherty, Artistic Director of the Festival, said, “I’m delighted to welcome Ragnar and Bob to this year’s Symposium - the dream team! We are privileged to have two of the world’s leading choral experts coming to the city to work with local and international choirs and conductors. Their participation in the festival will undoubtedly add to its growing international reputation. This promises to be a very exciting day and one not to be missed by anyone with an interest in choirs or choral music.”

For more information and to submit an application for participation visit the festival website at www.codichoral.com.