5 days of immersive baroque music on the WA south Coast

Join singers and instrumentalists for an inspiring and intensive workshop in beautiful Denmark, Western Australia - combining expert tuition, chamber music, and a relaxed coastal retreat.

About the Workshop

The Denmark Summer Early Music Workshops are an annual, five-day immersion in Baroque music, set in the stunning seaside hideaway of Denmark in Western Australia.  

In 2027 our focus will be music from the Court of Frederick the Great, explored alongside works from other early music composers. Participants will study under the guidance of nine nationally recognized tutors across instrumental and vocal streams including Violin, Viola, Cello, Recorder, Flute, Oboe, Bassoon, Harpsichord and Voice. Players with A415 and A440 instruments are welcome.

Program Structure

Each day includes a balance of focused learning and collaborative music-making.

Morning Sessions (two per day):

• Developing Baroque interpretation, style and technique.
• Applying these skills in repertoire

Afternoons:

Chamber music and ensemble coaching in small groups. 

Optional:

Opportunities for masterclasses in workshop streams.

Ensemble Opportunities:

• Afternoon chamber groups will be formed from the applications.
• Existing ensembles are encouraged to apply
• Both baroque and modern instruments are catered for.

CONCERTs

A highlight of the workshop is the Tutor's Concert, featuring performances by our team of tutors. This is a wonderful opportunity to hear Baroque repertoire performed at the highest level, offering inspiration and insight into historically informed performance practice.

The Workshops close with the Student's Concert, which showcases the achievements of the week.

2027 TUTORS

STRINGS: Shaun Lee-Chen, Concertmaster of Australian Brandenburg Orchestra.

CELLO: Noeleen Wright, Perth based Baroque specialist

VIOLA: Alix Hamilton, distinguished Perth based violist

VOICE: Nicholas Dinopoulos, Melbourne based Bass-Baritone

DOUBLE REED:  Oboe - Stephen Robinson, Prominent Australian Baroque Oboist

DOUBLE REED: Bassoon - Ben Hoadley, historical bassoon specialist,active performer in both historical and modern bassoon.

FLUTE: Andy Skinner, Baroque Flautist with Australian Baroque

RECORDER: Robyn Mellor, prominent Australian early music specialist recorder player, conductor and teacher from Canberra

HARPSICHORD: Stewart Smith, studied at Royal Academy of Music London, historical keyboard specialist and performer, WAAPA teacher.

Further information about the tutors is avaiable here: Tutor Bios

GENERAL MUSIC INFORMATION 

Repertoire for chamber music sessions will be provided electronically in November.

Tutors will communicate plans for the morning session and also provide links to the repertoire.

Placement into ensemble groups: every effort will be made to place participants appropriately. You will be given the instrumentation and details of players and links to the pieces to which you have been assigned. Changes to the ensemble allocations can only be through SEMW organisers and your tutor.

Scholarships: A number of full and part scholarships will be available depending on the success of grant applications. Scholarships will be awarded in October. Please email the organisers for the application form.

ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS

Participants can stay on site at the Agricultural College: $50 pp per night

The college has single rooms with a shared bathroom and a common room. People will be required to bring their own linen (unless they are coming from outside the state in which case linen will be provided)

Lecture theatre and classrooms will be available for practise and informal playing in the evenings.

Participants can gather for (self catered) breakfast in common rooms, or the larger staffroom or dining room. There are barbecues and numerous outdoor tables.

Accommodation in Denmark town

There are many options, but January bookings are quickly filled during the year so an early booking is desirable.

Eating and Eating Out

Catered Lunches are an optional extra at $36 for the week, when you make your booking. Otherwise participants can bring their own lunch.

Restaurants and bars

Denmark has many food and drink options. 

Ag College facilities

Common rooms have a fridge, microwave and kettle. Limited crockery and cutlery - perhaps consider bringing your own if you would like to prepare meals in house. Staff common room has fridge, microwave, toaster. 

Location

Get directions

WA College of Agriculture Denmark
South Coast Highway, Denmark WA 6333

Contact Event Organiser