Victoria Conservatory of Music in Victoria, BC
July 13-18, 2020
An intensive training program in period instrument performance, led by members of the Victoria Baroque and Pacific Baroque Orchestra. This course is for players already experienced in baroque instruments, as well as those with no prior experience. The program welcomes music students, professional musicians and advanced amateurs. Instruction is available for strings, woodwinds, and harpsichord. Ensembles are formed according to the students’ level.
The Baroque Academy is an exciting opportunity to immerse oneself in baroque instrument performance, and develop one’s technical and stylistic understanding and ensemble skills in a focused and friendly environment. The course offers a generous amount of one-to-one instruction and small group and orchestral coaching by leading West Coast early music specialists.
Due to the BC government’s recommendation against inter-provincial and international travel, this year’s program is only available for participants currently residing in BC.
Location:
All programs will take place onsite at the Victoria Conservatory of Music (900 Johnson Street).
Faculty:
Soile Stratkauskas; flute and artistic director
Chloe Meyers; violin
Christi Meyers; violin
Elyssa Lefurgey-Smith; violin
Mieka Michaux; viola
Martin Bonham; cello, viol, baroque dance
Christina Hutten;harpsichord
Katrina Russell; bassoon
Jeanne Lamon; Guest Instructor, violin
Christina Mahler; cello
Curtis Foster (online only); oboe, recorder
Programme Information
- July 13-18, 2020
- fee: $500*
This course includes:
- Ensembles and chamber music
- Private and group lessons
- Lectures
- Master classes
- In-house performance opportunities
Program start: Monday, July 13 at 1pm
Classes run daily 9am – 5:30pm
(Individual schedules may start later or finish earlier)
The number of participants is limited to 25.
*Course fees only cover c.60% of this programme; through the generous support of the Victoria Baroque and Early Music Vancouver the fees are kept as low as possible to make this course affordable to all students.
Instrument Requirements
Strings:
Baroque instruments are encouraged but not required. Those using modern instruments will need baroque bows, gut strings on the top two strings, and to tune to A=415.
Flutes, oboes, recorders, bassoons:
Baroque instruments are required and must be pitched at A=415.
There are some baroque instruments and bows available for loan.
For inquiries about instruments and gut strings, email: victoria-baroque@shaw.ca
Registration is now open through Victoria Conservatory of Music. Click here for details.
Winners of EMV’s BC Scholarship programme can use a portion of their award to attend the course.
Health and Safety Statement:
Students’ health and safety is our top priority. The academy follows all the current BC government Covid-19 safety protocols. All the lessons and classes will take place in the spacious Alix Goolden Performance Hall, Wood Hall, Metro Theater, and large classrooms allowing for appropriate distancing between the participants. In the unlikely event the academy is cancelled due to changes in the government recommendations or other unprecedented factors, tuition fees will be refunded in full.
A note from the artistic director:
After a spring of Covid-19 turmoil and self-isolation, we are delighted to still be able to offer our Instrumental Baroque Academy this summer. We have adjusted the program in order to be able to follow the current health and safety-regulations: This year’s baroque academy will be smaller in number of participants, and only available for BC residents. We will focus on chamber music in varied combinations and delving deeper into baroque performance style and technique. Being the only program at the VCM that week, we will have the luxury of ample space to make music together whilst still keeping with the distancing measures. Faculty members will be playing with most of the student ensembles: this master-apprentice style is one of the most effective and inspiring ways to absorb new skills and ideas!
This summer we are especially excited to welcome Tafelmusik’s Director Emerita, violinist Jeanne Lamon, and Tafelmusik’s long-time cellist, Christina Mahler as guest faculty.
I look forward to a beautiful week of baroque music!
Warm wishes,
Soile Stratkauskas
