Parkside, Burnthill Lane, Rugeley, Staffordshire WS15 2HX
Mob: +44(0)7866 770360

E-mail: ece@paulspicer.com
Website: https://englishchoralexperience.co.uk

NEWSLETTER No.16

Dear Friends

A very happy New Year to everyone. This is a brief newsletter to cover a few points of information which will be notable for our regulars.

FRANCE 2024 3-10 April

I have decided that this will sadly be the last ECE Abroad week. There are a number of reasons for this, some of which are personal. But the fact that this is the last time we can be at Chateau Rieutort (as it is being sold) and the serious problems finding anywhere which is large enough and suitable in terms of accommodation, rehearsal venue and somewhere which accepts our outside caterers, Ken and Alison, is extremely difficult. Recruitment is also not as easy as it was.

I really hope that we can make this last course a real celebration and I urge people who may be thinking of booking but haven’t done so yet to sign up as soon as possible. All voice parts are welcome but especially sopranos and tenors. Remember, that even if you enjoy the music making the food is even better!!

WINCHESTER

We have moved the dates of the St. Cross weekend from 26/27 October to 9/10 November 2024. This course is not open for booking yet and I hope that it will still be an attractive weekend for this popular event. I will be working on repertoire for this very soon now and when it goes live for booking on the website you will be sent an advisory e-mail.

ABBEY DORE

It is also with considerable sadness that I am announcing that this year’s course will be the last week-long course at this beautiful place which has become almost a second home to me and which started all our courses off back in 2007. The fact is that, following some health issues, I am having to reduce what I have done regularly with joy and energy. I want to keep the weekend courses going and we will probably now have one at Abbey Dore instead of the whole week.

So please do consider joining us in this beautiful place this July (21-27 or 28 for Consort singers) so we can have a truly uplifting and celebratory week to conclude this aspect of the ECE operation.

Other points:

CULLERCOATS

Has proved to be incredibly popular and is now closed for booking to all parts except, inevitably, tenors. If you know a tenor who may be interested, please do encourage them as this should be a really terrific weekend of music making. Fabulous acoustic and right by the sea!

ORFORD UPPER VOICES

The dates for this weekend are 14/15 September 2024. Again, this is not yet open for booking and you will be advised as soon as it is. Please put the dates in your diaries. It is also worth booking accommodation early as it tends to get booked up.

With all best wishes,