The English Choral Experience

The English Choral Experience offers a variety of unique choral courses for lovers of singing and English music, set in glorious locations at home and abroad and directed by the leading choral director Paul Spicer.

Please following the links to find out more about our courses: Abbey Dore, Abroad, and Camerata

It is with real sadness that Paul has decided that, owing to some health issues, the 2025 Abroad course will be the last. The weekend courses will continue and it is hoped to replace the Abbey Dore week with an extended weekend so we continue our long and happy relationship with this lovely place and its people.

Abroad Chateau Rieutort

23 April 2025 — 30 April 2025
Chateau Rieutort, Saint-Pargoire, France 34230

For the final time, a week of fine choral singing, good food, convivial company and beautiful surroundings.

Experience an inspirational choral course with excellent food and wine included, wonderful accommodation and French-style living.

St George’s, Cullercoats

16 May 2025 — 18 May 2025
St George’s Church, 1 Beverley Gardens, North Shields NE30 4NS

For experienced amateur choral singers, focusing on specialist high-quality choral music. It will take place in the iconic grade I listed church of St. George’s, on the sea front at Cullercoats. The architect was John Loughborough Pearson, one of the great architectural geniuses of the 19th century, whose use of high brick vaulting gives acoustics for singing that are always outstanding.

Camerata Upper Voices

13 September 2025 — 14 September 2025
St Bartholomew’s Church, Orford, Suffolk IP12 2LN

For experienced amateur choral singers focusing on works written and arranged for upper voices (sop/alto). The church of St Bartholomew’s, Orford is within the Suffolk Coast and Heaths AONB and has premiered several works by Britten.

Camerata St Cross

18 October 2025 — 19 October 2025
Hospital of St Cross, Winchester SO23 9SD

This course is for experienced amateur choral singers. It is held in the wonderful church of St Cross near Winchester, which is said to be more like a miniature cathedral than an almshouse chapel.