“I always come, it’s by far the highlight of my singing year.”

The Festival Choir week begins with rehearsals on Saturday 13 July, leading to a concert performance on Tuesday, directed by Aoife Hiney, at the Santa Casa da Misericórdia church in the historic centre of Tomar. For the rest of the week, you will be joined by all the other choral groups in preparation for the Festival Chorus programme, directed by the Artistic Director, Brian MacKay, which we will perform in Mosteiro da Batalha on Friday evening, returning to Tomar for a second concert in the Convento de Cristo on Saturday 20 July. Further details including repertoire for both programmes can be found below.

“A wonderful choral concert made all the more rewarding by having the professionals supporting and singing with us in the choir. It really elevated my own performance.”

Based in Tomar, there will be daily warm-ups and full and sectional rehearsals (see example schedule below). The choir will be rehearsed by Aoife Hiney and Brian MacKay, and coached by members of Záve, our resident professional vocal ensemble, who will also sing with you in all of your concerts.

During the week there will also be various opportunities to listen to, explore and enjoy different aspects of singing and performance, including free access to all ZêzereArts concerts, and two special choral workshops led by experienced practitioners. 

For those seeking extra coaching or wishing to develop their vocal technique during the festival, we also offer individual singing lessons with a specialist vocal teacher.