Choral Course in Spain with Neil Ferris
Dates: 14 - 21 Aug 2026
Venue: Parador de Almagro, Castilla La Mancha, Spain
Course Leader: Neil Ferris
£1695 per person
Nestled in the heart of La Mancha, the stunning Parador de Almagro is without question one of the most welcoming and delightful venues we have been to. It provides the perfect setting for our eighth choral week with Neil Ferris, in a place that quickly feels like home.
Housed in a beautifully restored 16th-century convent, the Parador combines historic character and modern comfort, offering a setting of quiet elegance and ease. Elegant courtyards, generous rooms, lush gardens and a beautiful swimming pool together create a calm and inviting setting for both focused music-making and relaxed afternoons.
Just beyond the Parador’s walls lies the historic centre of Almagro, known for its theatrical heritage and exceptional hospitality. From the extraordinary Corral de Comedias, one of Spain’s most important historic theatres – to palacios, museums and monasteries, Almagro has a rich cultural heritage and a wonderfully welcoming spirit. The Parador is only moments from the Plaza Mayor, one of Spain’s loveliest squares, where arcaded cafés and friendly local bars form the social heart of the town.
The combination of the Parador’s quiet elegance and Almagro’s gentle buzz creates an atmosphere that is both inspiring and restorative, a truly special backdrop for a creative holiday.
Our director of music is the dynamic and inspiring conductor Neil Ferris, supported by accompanist Michael Higgins and vocal coach Joanna Tomlinson. The musical programme for the course will include a selection of works ranging from renaissance to contemporary, and will lead to a public concert at the end of the week in a local church.
The aim of the course is to raise choral singing skills. Rehearsals focus on vocal technique, and during the sessions we work on aspects of tone, blending, breathing and intonation as well as musical interpretation. We also encourage participants to bring material for smaller groups (e.g. madrigals or part-songs) and coaching is offered to individuals and small groups. At the end of the week an informal al fresco paella evening provides an opportunity for these items to be performed for the rest of the group.
Music is made available in advance of the course via printable downloads and audio files. A rehearsal is held in central London a few weeks before the course to give participants the opportunity to meet one another and sing some of the music. This rehearsal will take place on Saturday 25 July from 2.30-5pm in central London. This is not compulsory, but is very useful for those who are able to attend. Further details about the rehearsal will follow after registration.
As well as providing a rewarding musical experience, we aim to give participants the opportunity to enjoy a truly memorable holiday. A typical day will include a morning rehearsal session followed by a buffet lunch, after which there will be small group sessions. Afternoon excursions usually depart at around 3.30pm and return in time for dinner, with the exception of the excursion to Toledo which will depart at lunchtime and return late evening.
On the penultimate evening there is an al fresco evening with informal performances by participants (optional!) and our final concert is held in a local venue on the last evening.
La Mancha, central Spain’s timeless heartland, is a region of wide horizons, layered history and deeply rooted traditions. Immortalised in Don Quixote, it is a landscape of medieval towns, dramatic fortresses and long-established vineyards, where history, culture and daily life sit comfortably side by side. During the week there will be plenty of time to explore Almagro itself, with its exceptional theatres, monasteries, museums and elegant squares, all just moments from the Parador and easily discovered at a relaxed pace.
During the week, excursions are planned alongside the musical schedule; we have selected some highlights which we hope will give a taste of the history and culture of this great region.
All of the above excursions are included in the price of the course.
Originally built as the Convent of Santa Catalina, the Parador’s tranquil courtyards and spacious rooms offer plenty of opportunity to relax and unwind, providing a peaceful and luxurious atmosphere for our stay. The outdoor swimming pool is a lovely way to keep cool on warmer days.
Accommodation at the Parador is in comfortable twin and double bedrooms, all with en-suite bathrooms and air conditioning. If you are coming with a friend, or wish to share a room with someone in particular, please let us know. Single occupancy rooms are available for a supplement of £450; if you wish to reserve one, please indicate this when you book. Please note that if you wish to share a room, their name roomshare must be provided at the time of booking; otherwise the single room supplement will be applied. Full details are set out in our Terms and Conditions.
A note about the weather: August in La Mancha is warm, but this is something we plan for very carefully. During the course we are in air-conditioned spaces for most of the day, including rehearsal rooms, accommodation, dining areas and transport. Activities and excursions are scheduled to avoid the hottest part of the day, and the Parador’s shaded courtyards and gardens provide welcome relief. From our experience of running these courses in Almagro, the heat has been very manageable and has not detracted from the enjoyment of the week.
This region is renowned for its traditional ‘Manchego’ cuisine and delicious local specialities which we will enjoy at the Parador de Almagro. Our meals will be prepared by the hotel’s acclaimed chefs and will comprise a varied breakfast, buffet lunch, and three-course evening meal.
We are able to cater for most special dietary requirements; please let us know of any on your booking form.
Participants are required to book their own travel to Madrid-Barajas airport, where a coach will collect the group. Please ensure that you arrive at the airport by 14.15pm on Friday 14 August and that your departure on Friday 21 August is no earlier than 13.25pm, to coincide with the coach transfer.
Recommended flights are as follows:
OUTBOUND: Friday 14 August
LHR-MAD: BA/Iberia flight BA7055/IB0714 dep 10:50 arr 14:15
LGW-MAD: Air Europa flight UX1014 dep 10:00 arr 13:30
LHR-MAD: BA/Iberia flight BA7053/IB0712 dep 09:15 arr 12:40
STN-MAD: Ryanair flight FR347 dep 08:40 arr 12:10
LTN-MAD: Wizzair flight W9 5355 dep 08:00 arr 11:40
The coach will leave the airport at approximately 15:30pm when passengers on the last flight have cleared.
RETURN: Friday 21 August
MAD-LHR: BA/Iberia flight BA7056/IB0717 dep 13:25 arr 14:55
MAD-STN: Ryanair flight FR5993 dep 13:35 arr 15:00
MAD-LHR: BA/Iberia flight BA7054/IB0719 dep 14:55 arr 16:20
MAD-LGW: Air Europa flight UX1015 dep 15:00 arr 16:25
MAD-LHR: BA/Iberia flight BA7068/IB0721 dep 15:45 arr 17:15
MAD-LGW: BA/Iberia flight IB1863/BA7198 dep 18:40 arr 20:00
The coach will arrive at Madrid-Barajas airport at approx. 10:30am.
Please inform us of any changes to your booked flight schedule.
If you wish to bring a car, parking is available on site. Please let us know in advance and we will supply directions.
The total cost of the course is £1695 and includes everything except your return flight to Spain.
What’s included?
To reserve your place, please complete the online booking form and send your deposit to us (£275 per person) within seven days. Your booking confirmation will follow. The balance is required eight weeks before the start of the course.
More information on the booking process, along with payment details, is available here.
Please refer to the Find out more section for booking details, terms and conditions and frequently-asked questions.
We’d love to hear from you, so do contact us or you can request a ringback and we’ll call you as soon as possible.
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"...one of the best experiences I can remember"
"The concert was a wonderful experience. It was also great to meet so many interesting people and make some good friends"
"A wonderful holiday in a gorgeous setting with lovely people"
"Brilliant all round - very impressed!"
"I cannot fault the organisation!"
