BAROQUE VIRTUAL 5-25
DISCOVER BAROQUE
SESSIONS
JULY
2021
LOVE BAROQUE
PLAY BAROQUE
WHAT ARE THESE SESSIONS ABOUT? Baroque music celebrates and embodies dance, community, and improvisation and expresses joyousness and drama in equal measures. Although there are certain Baroque favourites we tend to play when we start to learn our instruments, there is so much to discover from the energetic and revolutionary advancements in Baroque interpretation. Throughout these Sessions, we will be approaching this music in a way that inspires fun and enjoyment, a greater sense of togetherness, a true abandonment of caution, and an embracing of scratches, scrapes and unapologetic flair, as well as connecting to dance and rhythm, to harmony, bass, and improvisation. LA
FOLIA
–
TUTORIALS
AND
MULTI-TRACK
RECORDING
We will be exploring a new multi-level arrangement of La Folia by Corelli arr. Geminiani put together for us by the wonderful multiinstrumentalists, Laura and Sarah Ayoub. There will be weekly live tutorials and pre-recorded lessons for string players of all ages and stages from Nicola Benedetti, the Foundation’s tutors and specialist guest baroque musicians to help you learn the new arrangement of La Folia. Conservatoire students (and those beginning at conservatoire in September 2021) and professional players will be working on the original Corelli’s La Folia arr. Geminiani in live sessions, again working with baroque specialists throughout. All participants will be invited to send in a recording of them performing the part to be included in two music videos which will be premiered as part of the final concert at the end of the sessions on Sunday 1 August.
DISCOVER BAROQUE VIDEO SERIES We will delve into the fundamental elements of Baroque music by honing-in on bitesize examples that demonstrate different features of the music. These videos, recorded by Nicola Benedetti and David Watkin will demonstrate examples of: Expression – the joy, beauty, energy, drama and fire of the music Interplay – the question and answer and the conversation between bass and treble Map - how the music is generally structured Virtuosity These short films will be released throughout the sessions.
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IMPROVISATION We will illustrate the improvisatory element of baroque music across the three weeks in focused improvisation sessions led by specialist baroque musicians.
DANCE We will be working with young, innovative dancers led by Imogen Alvares to explore and embody rhythm and expression.
PERFORMANCE There will be some live streamed performance moments across the three weeks.
As participants in these sessions, you will also be able to access behind the scenes exclusives into the world of baroque performance and preparation with Nicola and the Benedetti Baroque Orchestra.
THE FINAL PERFORMANCE The sessions will culminate in a performance of the two La Folia arrangements, all recorded and produced remotely in the style of a concert bringing together all we have learnt. This will be premiered on Sunday 1 August.
WHO CAN TAKE PART? There are two routes through these Virtual Sessions String Players – open to any age and all levels of playing from introductory to conservatoire / professional level. Everyone – the Saturday sessions which focus on baroque fundamentals, discovery of baroque instruments and styles, improvisation, dance and historical context are open to all – any age, whether you play an instrument or not String Players will be able to access all levels of parts and can move freely between groups. At the end of week 2, we will invite those who wish to, to record and submit your chosen part for the final performance video. We would advise those of you who are fortunate enough to have teachers to please consult with them where possible.
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SCHEDULE OVERVIEW ALL TIMES GIVEN IN BST (GMT+1) ALL sessions will be recorded for those who are unable to attend live, and to watch back to support practice between sessions. All participants will be able to access the recordings. Our Lead Ambassadors will be running ‘drop in’ practice sessions on the multi-level parts to support learning throughout the sessions. A schedule of dates, times and which parts will be covered will be sent to all registered participants each week.
LIVE SESSIONS ADULTS Wednesday 7 and 14 July: 6-6.45pm
Introductory ( open strings - Grade 1) & Beginner Level (approx. Grade 2 - 3)
7.15-8pm
Intermediate Level (approx. Grade 4 -6)
Thursday 8 and 15 July:
6-6.45pm
Advanced Level (approx. Grade 7+)
Wednesday 21 July:
7-8pm
ALL Adult Learners
CONSERVATOIRE STUDENTS & PROFESSIONAL MUSICIANS Thursday 8, 15 and 22 July: 7-8pm
All Conservatoire Students & Professional Musicians
YOUNG PEOPLE (SCHOOL AGE 18 AND UNDER) Sunday 11 and 18 July:
Sunday 25 July
3-3.40pm
Introductory Level ( open strings - Grade 1)
4-4.40pm
Beginner Level (approx. Grade 2 - 3)
5.15-6pm
Intermediate Level (approx. Grade 4 -6)
6.30-7.15pm
Advanced Level (approx. Grade 7+)
3-3.45pm
Introductory and Beginner Level
5.15-6pm
Intermediate and Advanced Level
OPEN TO ALL – YOUNG PEOPLE LIVE ON ZOOM, ADULT PARTICIPANTS ON LIVE STREAM Saturday 10, 17 and 24 July Between 3-6.45pm (UK Time), these will be short sessions covering topics including: Introducing Baroque Instruments Baroque Fundamentals Dance Improvisation Performance Sunday 1 August
Final Celebration Concert Premiere
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REGISTER TO TAKE PART Click Here to Register There is no set fee to take part in these sessions. Instead, we ask you to donate what you can – a donation of £30 would cover the cost of a place for one person on the 3-week sessions. Thank you for your support. By registering, you will gain access to all the Zoom sessions, and exclusive content. Register by Friday 2 July to access all the content from Day 1 on Monday 5 July. Registration remains open throughout. Parts and tutorial videos will be available from July 1. We will write to registered participants with further information on how to access these when they are released.
WHO WILL BE TUTORING? Throughout the Sessions, you will be working with a team of internationally acclaimed baroque performers and teachers, our team of tutors and a group of innovative, freelance dancers, as well as our Lead Ambassadors and new Ambassador teams. To find out more about our Tutors, please visit: www.benedettifoundation.org/tutors We are thrilled to welcome these phenomenal Baroque specialists including: Luise Buchberger, cello Kati Debretzeni, violin Michael Gurevich, violin Clifton Harrison, viola Becky Jones, viola Liz Kenny, lute Sarah McMahon, cello Nikta Naumov, double bass
THE FINAL CELEBRATION We will host a final event on Sunday 1 August when we will join together to watch the premiere of our celebration concert. More information about this will be sent to registered participants during the sessions.
VISIT WWW.BENEDETTIFOUNDATION.ORG/BAROQUE-VS 5