Musica, Impulse Centre for Music (based in Neerpelt, Flanders) and the Laus Polyphoniae Festival (Antwerp) are joining forces to present a week-long Summerschool on sixteenth-century polyphony, sung from original notation (August 27 till September 2). The course will be presented by the vocal ensemble Cappella Pratensis, bringing 25 years of experience with the repertoire and this exciting approach to performance practice. This will be the fourth edition of this Summerschool as part of the Laus Polyphoniae Festival, and is the continuation of more than 20 years of summer courses given by Cappella Pratensis.

The theme of the 2012 Summerschool is Mare Adriatico, an exploration of the sixteenth-century polyphonic culture of the Adriatic region. As in other years the theme runs in parallel with the festival itself.

In six days of intensive workshops, culminating in a final performance that forms part of the festival, the Summerschool participants will sing music from a region dominated by the Venice of Willaert and the Gabrielis. The repertoire includes both sacred and secular genres, reflecting the increasing influence of native Italian culture on the art of the northern polyphonists over the course of the sixteenth century.

The Summerschool is intended for students, (pre-)professionals, and advanced amateurs. Experience has shown that the mix between these various groups offers a fruitful learning opportunity for all.

Cappella Pratensis has since its inception in 1987 performed exclusively from original notation in facsimile, either from a large choirbook on a central music stand, or from partbooks. It is the ensemble's belief that this brings the performer closer to the music, while recreating the performance conditions of the time. The insights gained from this approach can be applied to the singing of all polyphony. Among other topics to be explored are: vocal technique for polyphonic ensemble singing, musica ficta, text underlay and solmization as a means of strengthening musical expression. Artistic leader Stratton Bull, together with singers Christopher Kale and Pieter Stas, will draw on many years of experience to deal with these issues.

The interaction with the Laus Polyphoniae Festival gives the Summerschool an added dimension. All participants will receive a package of 5 tickets to the concerts in the festival—an ideal opportunity to hear top international ensembles perform polyphony and thus a valuable counterpoint to the workshops. The Summerschool will take place in the splendid historical setting of the sixteenth-century Elzenveld Centre, in the heart of Antwerp, a city that offers a world of cultural riches to participants.

The reasonable price of this Summerschool makes it accessible to younger musicians on a tight budget. Accommodation is available at every price category, including an excellent new youth hostel nearby, guest-families, and a wide variety of hotels.

Teachers
Stratton Bull, Christopher Kale and Pieter Stas (members of Cappella Pratensis)

Cast
Advanced and pre-professional singers. Familiarity with old notation is desirable but not required.

Price
200 euro The price does not include meals or lodging, but does include tickets to 3 afternoon concerts and 2 evening/nocturne concerts during the Laus Polyphoniae festival. Musica and AMUZ will make a selection from the programme.

Selection
Participants are selected based on curriculum vitae. The selection of the participants will be held at regular moments.