This programme is for singers seeking to add a professional-level choral experience – as part of the ZêzereArts Chamber Choir preparing specially selected repertoire for a mid-week performance – to participation with the full ZêzereArts Festival Chorus in two end of week concerts.
“It was a privilege, a joy and a thrill to be among such great singers. This chamber choir was possibly the best choir that I have sung with.”
Our performance venues feature UNESCO world heritage monuments and medieval buildings, such as the Convento de Cristo, Batalha Monastery, and the Church of the Santa Casa da Misericórdia in Tomar.
This semi-professional choral programme will require participants to pass an audition monitored by the Guest Conductor and the Artistic Director. The standard will be similar to that of an entry-level professional chorister. Successful candidates will join an ensemble of around 24 singers, including members of Záve, our resident professional vocal ensemble, and a group of Záve probationers, to rehearse with our Guest Conductor, Bogdan Djaković, and perform a mid-week concert, before joining all the other choral groups for the Festival Chorus programme conducted by Artistic Director, Brian MacKay.
Rehearsals begin on Saturday 13 July (see example schedule below) and the week ends with an evening concert performance in the Convento de Cristo on Saturday 20 July.
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 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.
Ivan Moody (1964–2024)
It is with great sadness that we acknowledge the recent passing of our esteemed colleague and friend, the world-renowned composer, conductor and musicologist, Ivan Moody. We were delighted and honoured that Ivan had accepted our invitation to be the ZêzereArts Festival 2024 composer in residence and guest conductor. The Glimpses of Paradise programme that will be performed by the ZêzereArts Chamber Choir on Wednesday 17 July, directed by maestro Bogdan Djaković, will be dedicated to Ivan and will form part of the celebrations of his life and work.
Santa Casa da Misericórdia, Tomar – Wednesday 17 July
Glimpses of Paradise: an artistic meeting of tradition and modern creativity
An a cappella programme honouring our composer in residence Ivan Moody, who would have celebrated his 60th birthday this year.
Ivan Moody (1964-2024) – Večeri tvojeja tajnija / At Thy Mystical Supper, Hymn for the Great Thursday (2001)
Petar Dinev (1889-1980) – Dostojno jest / It is Truly Meet/, Mode V, Liturgical Hymn
Tchaikovsky (1840-1893) – from the Nine Liturgical Pieces (1885), Cherubic Hymn, No. 1
Petar Konjović (1883-1970) – Glas Gospoden na vodah /The Voice of the Lord, Troparion for the Great Blessing of the Waters, Mode VIII
John Tavener (1944-2013) – O, ye apostoles /Hymn for the Dormition of the Mother of God (1985)
Stevan Stojanović Mokranjac (1856-1914) – Veličanije Svetom Savi / Megalynarion for St. Sava, Hymn from the Matins
Ivan Moody – Thy Fatherly Embrace, Kathisma Hymn of the Canon for the Sunday of the Prodigal Son (2014)
Ivan Moody – O tebje radujetsja / All creation rejoices in thee/ from the Liturgy of St. Basil (1990)
Sergej Rachmaninov (1873-1943) – from the All-Night Vigil (1915), Bogorodice djevo
Aleksandar Kastalsky (1856-1926) – from the cantata Memory eternal to the Fallen Heroes 1917: Upokoj, Bože / Give Rest, O God
Rajko Maksimović (1935) – from the Cantata Testament of the Montenegrian Bishop Njegoš (1986), Ja na tvoj poziv / I Go calmly at Thy Call
Ivan Moody – from the Passion and Resurrection (1992), Ikon VIII: The Resurrection
Mosteiro da Batalha – Friday 19 July
Convento de Cristo, Tomar – Saturday 20 July
Programme:
Ola Gjeilo – Dark Night of the Soul
Reena Esmail – See Me
Brahms – Schicksalslied (‘Song of Destiny’)
Eric Whitacre – Cloudburst
SATURDAY: Arrival in Tomar. Afternoon/evening: welcome, registration and rehearsals.
SUNDAY: Morning: rehearsals. Afternoon: free time. Evening: rehearsals.
MONDAY: Morning: rehearsals. Afternoon: workshop (optional) / free time. Evening: rehearsals. Evening: attend ZêzereArts concert (free entry)
TUESDAY: Morning: rehearsals. Afternoon: workshop (optional) / free time. Evening: attend ZêzereArts concert (free entry).
WEDNESDAY: Morning: all choral groups meet & rehearse. Afternoon: rehearse in concert venue. Evening: concert performance.
THURSDAY: Morning: rehearsals. Afternoon: workshop (optional) / free time. Early evening: rehearsals.
FRIDAY: Morning: rehearsals. Afternoon: coach travel to Batalha, rehearsal. Evening: concert performance.
SATURDAY: Morning: workshop (optional) / free time. Afternoon: rehearsal in venue. Evening: concert performance, end of choral week celebration.
SUNDAY: Leisure time / onward travel.
*All timings and activities are subject to change. Participants will receive their outline schedule in advance and daily updates during the festival.
Course fee: €500
If you have a special offer code, please enter the details under ‘Other Comments’ in the form below.
Once accepted a deposit payment of €150 will be required in order to secure your place.
The balance will be due at a later date.
Note: the course fee does not include the cost of any individual singing lessons.
There are many accommodation options available in Tomar and we can help you to find the best one to suit both your requirements and your budget.