The Choral Weekend
The Rodolfus Choral Foundation Choral Weekend is an inspiring opportunity for singers aged 22 and over to come together for an exceptional weekend of singing, learning and music-making, taking place from Thursday 1st April to Sunday 4th April 2027.
Led by the Foundation’s Founding Artistic Director, Ralph Allwood MBE, the Choral Weekend offers an exceptional opportunity to learn from some of the most respected names in choral music. Participants will enjoy a special session with Guest Director, Sir John Rutter, alongside individual singing lessons with Nicki Kennedy. The weekend will also include the memorable experience of singing Evensong at St Paul’s Cathedral, London, on Saturday 3rd April.
Rehearsals will take place at St Gabriel’s Church, Pimlico, and Holy Sepulchre Church, Holborn, with the weekend culminating in a concert at St Gabriel’s Church, Pimlico, at 17:00 on Sunday 4th April.
Participants will work together towards a varied and rewarding programme of music, featuring Fauré’s Requiem, Mozart’s The Sparrow Mass (Spatzenmesse), and Edgar Bainton’s And I saw a new heaven and a new earth.
Combining expert tuition, ambitious repertoire and the shared experience of singing with like-minded musicians, the Rodolfus Choral Foundation Choral Weekend offers a rewarding opportunity to develop as a singer, make new musical connections and enjoy performing at the highest level. The cost of the weekend is £399.
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A message from Ralph Allwood MBE
“For some time I had been thinking that we shouldn’t confine the particular delights of a Rodolfus Choral Course to young people, so I was delighted when we added Choral Weekends for adults to what we offer. The delights of choral singing are many and varied, and the particular ones that we see here are singing really good music, making new friends and learning.”
What to expect?
For ages:22 and up |
Dates:Thursday 1st April – Sunday 4th April 2027 |
Schedule:Thursday 1st April – 11:00 – 18:30 – St Gabriel’s Church, PimlicoFriday 2nd April – 09:30 – 17:30 – Holy Sepulchre Church, Holborn. Visiting Director, John Rutter and individual singing lessons with Nicki KennedySaturday 3rd April – 09:30 – 18:15 – AM Holy Sepulchre Church, Holborn. PM Evensong from St Paul’s Cathedral, LondonSunday 4th April 10:30 – 19:00 – Concert at St Gabriel’s Church, Pimlico |
Concert:Sunday 4th April 17:00Concert at St Gabriel’s Church, Pimlico |
Repertoire highlights:Fauré – RequiemMozart – The Sparrow Mass (Spatzenmesse)Anthem Bainton Edgar – And I saw a new heaven and a new earth |
Cost:£ 399Please note, international payments will include a 3% card processing fee |
DIRECTOR: Ralph Allwood
Ralph Allwood is the Foundation’s Artistic Director and director of this Choral Weekend. Ralph was for 26 years Director of Music at Eton College and is now a much sought-after choral director, teacher and conductor.
Ralph is co-founder and conductor of Inner Voices, made up of singers from state schools in London. He is also a Supervisor for harmony in Cambridge, Director of the only conservatoire chapel choir in the world, the Old Royal Naval College Trinity Laban Chapel Choir and an Honorary Fellow of University College, Durham. He is Chair of the Choral Evensong Trust and Patron of the Choir of the Earth.
Ralph has conducted choirs for over 40 broadcasts for BBC Radio 3. He has composed much music for Extreme Music Ltd and PDM, heard worldwide on radio, films and television. He is co-founder, with the Vicar of St. Gabriel’s, of the Pimlico Musical Foundation.
In 2017, the Archbishop of Canterbury presented him with the Thomas Cranmer Award for his contribution to Music and Worship
GUEST DIRECTOR: Sir John Rutter
Sir John Rutter was born in London and studied music at Clare College, Cambridge. He first came to notice as a composer during his student years; much of his early work consisted of church music and other choral pieces including Christmas carols. From 1975–79 he was Director of Music at his alma mater, Clare College, and directed the college chapel choir in various recordings and broadcasts. Since 1979 he has divided his time between composition and conducting. Today his compositions, including such concert-length works as Requiem, Magnificat, Mass of the Children, The Gift of Life, and Visions are performed around the world.
His music has featured in a number of British royal occasions, including the two most recent royal weddings. He edits the Oxford Choral Classics series, and, with Sir David Willcocks, co-edited four volumes of Carols for Choirs. In 1983 he formed his own choir the Cambridge Singers, with whom he has made numerous recordings, and he appears regularly in several countries as guest conductor and choral ambassador.
He holds a Lambeth Doctorate in Music, and in 2007 was awarded a CBE for services to music. In September 2023, he received the Ivors Academy Fellowship, and was knighted in the 2024 King’s Birthday Honours.
SINGING TEACHER: Nicki Kennedy
Nicki Kennedy’s sparkling and engaging personality has assured her a long and successful career as a soloist, particularly of baroque and classical music. Nicki is now also a much sought-after performance coach and singing teacher and participants of the Choral Weekend can opt to have a singing lesson with Nicki.
Read more about Nicki
FAQs
What is the Rodolfus Choral Weekend?
The Rodolfus Choral Weekend was known previously as the Adult Choral Course and has been running since 2023. It’s an opportunity for those who love singing to perform in some of London’s stunning settings.
Who is eligible to participate?
All ages are welcome on the course as long as you are too old to join us on one of our Junior or Senior Choral Courses. If you are the right age for a Senior Course but none of the dates work for you, please get in touch as we may be able to accommodate you.
What level of singing ability is required to attend?
All abilities are welcome to attend the course. Most participants have some experience with singing in a choir; however, we have had some singers join us as first-timers, so don’t be put off from signing up if you think you are not experienced enough.
What is expected of participants in terms of preparation before the course?
We will send copies of the music as well as suggested recordings to listen to, so some preparation before the course is always helpful.
What should we wear for the concert?
Please wear all black for the performance.
How much does the course cost?
The total cost of the course is £399 for 2027 (plus a small card processing fee for applicants outside of the UK). Singing lessons are optional with an additional charge of £25. We will provide all of the music and light refreshments during the day.
What is the refund policy if I have to cancel?
If you cancel your place on or before 18th February 2027, you will receive a full refund of any fees paid. If you cancel between 19th February and 11th March 2027 (inclusive), we will refund 50% of the fees paid. Unfortunately, we are unable to offer refunds for cancellations made on or after 12th March 2027.
Is this course residential?
No, this course isn’t residential.