Choral Course in Italy with Neil Ferris
Dates: 14 - 21 Aug 2027
Venue: Villa Michelangelo, Veneto, Italy
Course Leader: Neil Ferris
£1845 per person
For our ninth choral week with Neil Ferris, we are delighted to be heading to Italy and the beautiful Villa Michelangelo, set among the rolling hills of the Veneto just outside Vicenza. Neil’s lively and engaging approach to rehearsals has made his courses a firm favourite over the years. He will once again be joined by accompanist Michael Higgins and soprano Joanna Tomlinson, who will offer every participant an individual singing lesson during the week. Together, they will lead a week of enjoyable and rewarding music-making in the relaxed and friendly atmosphere that has become such an important part of these holidays.
Our home for the week is an elegant former country residence, surrounded by gardens, wooded hillsides and sweeping views across the Colli Berici. Villa Michelangelo offers a wonderfully peaceful setting in which to immerse ourselves in music, with comfortable accommodation, attractive terraces and a beautiful outdoor swimming pool. There is ample space to relax between rehearsals, enjoy the Italian sunshine or simply take in the surrounding countryside.
The nearby city of Vicenza provides a fascinating contrast to the tranquillity of the villa. Renowned for its extraordinary Palladian architecture, this UNESCO World Heritage city is full of elegant piazzas, Renaissance palaces and beautiful churches, not least the remarkable Teatro Olimpico. Further afield, the Veneto is a region of exceptional cultural riches, from the historic streets of Verona to its celebrated vineyards and picturesque landscapes.
As always, our musical programme will be complemented by excursions, good food and opportunities to enjoy the company of fellow singers. The combination of inspiring music-making, cultural discovery and time to relax is at the heart of our approach, allowing everyone to enjoy a holiday that is as rewarding socially as it is musically.
Accordion Content
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 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 24 July 2027 from 2.30-5pm at the Royal Academy of Music 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 Verona 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.
The Veneto is one of Italy’s most rewarding regions, celebrated for its extraordinary artistic heritage, beautiful historic cities and landscapes stretching from the foothills of the Alps to the Venetian lagoon. Shaped by centuries of trade, culture and the influence of the Venetian Republic, it is a region of magnificent architecture, lively piazzas, long-established vineyards and rich musical traditions.
During the week, excursions are planned alongside the musical schedule, offering opportunities to discover some of the region’s cultural highlights while leaving plenty of time to enjoy the villa and its surroundings.
All of the above excursions are included in the price of the course.
Originally built in the 18th century as the country residence of the aristocratic Tomi family, Villa Michelangelo retains much of its Palladian character, with high ceilings, antique furnishings and traditional Venetian floors. Set within five hectares of grounds, with mature trees, olive groves and sweeping views across the Berici Hills, the villa offers a peaceful and comfortable setting for our stay. The lovely swimming pool, with its panoramic views, is an inviting place to spend a leisurely afternoon.
Accommodation is in comfortable double and twin 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.
For those travelling on their own, we have a number of comfortable, smaller single bedrooms, which we encourage guests to consider. A limited number of double rooms for single occupancy are also available, subject to a supplement. Please indicate your preferred room type when booking.
Please note that if you wish to share a room, your sharer’s name 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.
Accessibility: Some areas of the hotel have steps, and excursions involve coach travel and walking. If you have any accessibility requirements, please contact us before booking so that we can discuss the facilities and arrangements with you.
The Veneto is celebrated for its rich culinary traditions, fresh seasonal ingredients and excellent local wines. Throughout the week, we will enjoy a selection of regional dishes and Italian specialities prepared by Villa Michelangelo’s chefs. Meals will include a varied breakfast, a lighter lunch and a delicious three-course evening dinner, accompanied by carefully selected wines.
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 Venice Marco Polo Airport, where a coach will collect the group for the transfer to Villa Michelangelo, approximately one hour away.
Please arrange to arrive at Venice Marco Polo Airport by 15:15 on Saturday 14 August and book your return flight for no earlier than 12:30 on Saturday 21 August, to coincide with the group coach transfers.
Recommended flights are as follows:
OUTBOUND: Saturday 14 August 2027
The coach will leave Venice Marco Polo Airport once passengers on the final recommended flight have arrived and cleared the airport. The exact departure time will be confirmed nearer the course.
RETURN: Saturday 21 August 2027
The coach will leave Villa Michelangelo in time for the earliest recommended departures. Exact transfer arrangements will be confirmed nearer the course.
Please note: Flight schedules are subject to change. We recommend checking flight details carefully before booking and informing us of your confirmed travel arrangements and any subsequent changes.
If you prefer to travel independently or hire a car, parking is available at Villa Michelangelo. Please let us know in advance and we will provide directions.
Why not extend your stay?
With so much to discover in the Veneto, why not extend your holiday by a few days? Venice offers magnificent architecture, art and culture, while Verona is home to the celebrated Verona Opera Festival, with spectacular performances in its ancient Roman Arena. Both cities are easily accessible by train, with Verona just 25 minutes from Vicenza.
The total cost of the course is £1845 and includes everything except your return flight to Italy.
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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"Rehearsals are serious in the best way — focused, purposeful, and hugely rewarding — but always fun. The progress we make in just a few days is genuinely impressive."
"Neil Ferris leads the group through a programme of varied sacred music with skill and good humour”
"...one of the best experiences I can remember"
"A wonderful holiday in a gorgeous setting with lovely people"
"I cannot fault the organisation!"
