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.

Theme for 2027: Music for the court of Frederick the great

The Summer Early Music Workshops (SEMW) are an annual, five-day immersion in Baroque music, held in the beautiful coastal town of Denamrk in Western Australia.  

In 2027, participants will explore music associated with the Court of Frederick the Great, alongside works by other significant Baroque composers. Through technical classes, chamber music, lectures and ensemble performance, participants will develop a deeper understanding of the music, culture and performance practices of the eighteenth century. 

Large ensembels projects will include:

• A Bach cantata involving both instrumentalists and singers.
• A major orchestral ensemble work to be announced.

Early registrations have been particularly strong in the recorder stream, and the appointment of a second recorder tutor is being considered.

We are especially interested in hearing from

• Violinists
• Violists
• Male Singers
• Baroque bassoon players

about the workshop

SEMW occupies a distinctive place in Australia's early music sector as one of the few multi-instrumental early music workshops designed specifically for amateur, semi-professional and emerging musicians.

Participants study with nine nationally recognised tutors across instrumental and vocal streams including:
Violin • Viola • Cello • Recorder • Flute • Oboe • Bassoon • Harpsichord • Voice
Players using both 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 study and performance.

Afternoons:

Chamber music and ensemble coaching in small groups. 

Ensemble rehearsals and collaborative music-making.

Optional:

Opportunities for masterclasses in workshop streams.

Predinner lectures exploring repertoire, history and performance practice.

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 the workshop faculty and showcasing historically informed performance at the highest level.

The Workshop concludes with the Student's Concert, celebrating the musical achievements of participants and sharing the week's work with families, friends and the wider community.

scholarships

Scholarships for regional, emerging and financially disadvantaged musicians are available subject to funding.

Applications are assessed on the basis of financial need, musical commitment and the expected benefit to the applicant's musical develoment. 

Apply for a scholarship here: Scholarship Applications

2027 TUTORS

CHORAL: Nicholas Dinopoulos, Melbourne based Bass-Baritone

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

VIOLA: Alix Hamilton, distinguished Perth based violist

CELLO: Noeleen Wright, Perth based Baroque specialist

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.

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