ZêzereArts Festival Choir and Chorus - Full Programme 2024

Santa Casa da Misericórdia Tomar July 20th

“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.

Convento de Cristo
Charpentier Te Deum 2022
Záve at Santa Casa da Misericórdia Tomar
Mass in G Carlos Seixas 2022
Sea Swell Batalha 2019
Sea Swell 2019

Repertoire and Performances

Festival Choir Mid-week Concert

Santa Casa da Misericórdia, Tomar – Tuesday 16 July

Liszt – Die Seligpreisungen
Schubert – Mass No. 4 in C major, D452

Festival Chorus Concerts

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

Full Choral Programme sample schedule*

SATURDAY: Arrival in Tomar. Afternoon/evening: welcome, registration and rehearsals.

SUNDAY: Morning: rehearsals. Afternoon: free time. Early evening: rehearsals.

MONDAY: Morning: rehearsals. Afternoon: workshop (optional) / free time. Early evening: rehearsals. Evening: attend ZêzereArts concert (free entry).

TUESDAY: Morning: rehearsal in concert venue. Afternoon: free time / dress rehearsal. Evening: concert performance.

WEDNESDAY: Morning: all choral groups meet & rehearse. Afternoon: free time. Early evening: rehearsals. Evening: attend ZêzereArts concert (free entry).

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.

Fees and Accommodation

Course fee: €420

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.

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