Advanced Wind Chamber Music

Directed by the wind players of Ensemble 360

About the course

Explore some of the richest repertoire for wind ensemble in this advanced chamber music course coached by the wind players of Ensemble 360: Claire Wickes (flute), Adrian Wilson (oboe), Robert Plane (clarinet), Jonathan Davies (bassoon) and Naomi Atherton (horn). Playing one to a part, participants will experience the close listening, shared responsibility and musical dialogue that make chamber music so rewarding. From Mozart’s dramatic C minor Serenade to the sumptuous textures of Richard Strauss and the distinctive voice of Ruth Gipps, the course offers an opportunity to work in depth on exceptional music with experienced professional players.

Who is it for?

This course is for advanced wind players with strong instrumental technique, confident sight-reading and substantial ensemble experience. Participants should be comfortable holding an independent part and preparing challenging repertoire before the course. Places will be allocated with the instrumental balance of the ensembles in mind. The course is intended for players who relish detailed rehearsal and the collaborative demands of one-to-a-part chamber music.

What to expect

Daily coached sessions will focus on ensemble precision, intonation, blend, articulation, phrasing and musical interpretation, with guidance from Ensemble 360’s wind players. Participants will rehearse in chamber groups, exploring the contrasting sound worlds and demands of the selected repertoire. Works under consideration include Richard Strauss’s Suite, Op. 4, and Serenade, Op. 7; Mozart’s Wind Serenade in C minor, K. 388; and Ruth Gipps’s Seascape and Sinfonietta. The music studied will depend on the available instrumental forces, and the week will culminate in an informal performance sharing the results of the group’s work.

Practical information