The ZêzereArts Choral Programme attracts experienced choral singers and choirs from all over the world who wish to combine their love of singing and performing with a holiday in the sunshine, meeting like-minded people, developing their vocal technique and enjoying the region’s wealth of cultural experiences.
Running between 13th and 21st July 2024, we are offering individual choral singers three levels of participation – allowing you to choose the balance of activity and leisure time that best suits you – each with a rewarding programme of carefully-chosen repertoire, full and sectional rehearsals, and specialist coaching and support throughout. There is also an option for whole choral groups to join us and perform at the festival. Whichever option you choose, all participants will perform together in two end of week concerts.
“I had never participated in such an enriching experience”
Based in and around the historic city of Tomar, the programmes involve daily rehearsals and culminate in public performances alongside all our choral groups, collaborating with the festival’s professional musicians and student instrumentalists.
“The concert in the Convento de Cristo was magical”
Our performance venues feature UNESCO world heritage monuments and medieval buildings, such as the Convento de Cristo, Batalha Monastery, and the Santa Casa de Miséricordia Igreja da Nossa Senhora da Graça in Tomar.
“My friend was full of praise and encouraged me to go and I’m glad I did!”
During their stay, participants enjoy access to free ZêzereArts Festival performances, additional optional activities, and plenty of downtime in which to explore the local sights and culture, and soak up the atmosphere.
ZêzereArts Festival Choir and Chorus – Full Programme
Saturday 13th to Sunday 21st July 2024
The full Festival Choir and Chorus experience includes two programmes of stunning music, and performances in three of the most beautiful and atmospheric venues in Portugal. Throughout the week the choir will be conducted by Aoife Hiney and Brian MacKay, and coached by members of Záve, our resident professional vocal ensemble, who will also join them in the concerts. Find out more:
ZêzereArts Enhanced Choral Programme
Saturday 13th to Sunday 21st July 2024
Combining a professional-level programme with the Festival Chorus experience, selected singers will join members of Záve to prepare and perform a very special ZêzereArts Chamber Choir programme directed by Bogdan Djaković, our guest conductor, before joining the Festival Chorus to rehearse and perform two end of week concerts directed by ZêzereArts Artistic Director, Brian MacKay. Places are limited and all participants will be required to pass an audition. Find out more:
ZêzereArts Festival Chorus – Compact Programme
Tuesday 16th to Sunday 21st July 2024
Ideal for those who have less time available or who would like to spend more time enjoying the festival atmosphere and seeing the sights before the course begins, participants of our shorter programme will rehearse and perform as part of the Festival Chorus for two end of week concerts in stunning venues, along with Záve and the other choral groups attending the festival. Find out more:
ZêzereArts offers the opportunity for quality choral groups to participate as a Featured Choir including performing their own programme at the festival and joining the Festival Chorus for the two end of week concerts. Find out more:
“a highly enjoyable and fulfilling experience in a wonderful place”