Education

Eric Ericson Masterclass

Koorbiennale Haarlem
Eric Ericsson Masterclass

Once every two years Haarlem is the place to be for the International Choral Biennale. The programme contains concerts by renowned professional vocal ensembles from The Netherlands and abroad, courtyard concerts, amateur music, workshops, a summer school and of course the Eric Ericson masterclasses, where talented young conductors get the opportunity to conduct the Netherlands Chamber Choir and the Dutch Radio CHoir, under guidance of professionals such as Jos van Veldhoven and Michael Gläser.

Meesters en Gezellen

In ancient times it was common to study with a master as a companion, a pupil. This proven way to learn the tricks of the trade has dissapeard over the last century, but is given a renaissance in this project. Twenty young, enthusiastic singers (companions or pupils) work with their experienced colleagues of the Netherlands Chamber Choir and receive coaching by singing teacher Geert Berghs. Led by an experienced choral conductor (in 2011 the Latvian conductor Kaspars Putninš) they study an exciting concert programme, which is then perfomed in beautiful locations throughout the Netherlands.

the project Masters and Companions was created by Geert Berghs in collaboration with the Netherlands Chamber Choir, to bridge the gap between training at conservatories and work in practice at a professional chamber choir. The apprentices learn to use their individual skills in ensemble singing - an aspect of singing that unfortunately receives little attention in Dutch conservatories. Now they have the chance to perform at the top level, led by an internationally renowned choral conductor. For young singers, this project is an important step towards a professional career.

Here is a brief impression of the first rehearsal day in 2010:

More information via Stichting Tettix