• Primarily aimed at conductors emerging into the profession, currently studying or recently post-study, or more established conductors wishing to develop their skillset.
• Gain invaluable insights and practical skills from Neil Ferris, one of the country’s leading teachers of choral conducting.
• Receive personalised feedback and guidance in a supportive and encouraging environment. Observers are welcome to participate with questions and receive advice.
• Refine your conducting technique and learn how to use it to effectively communicate with your choirs.
• Places are limited to 8 active participants and up to 20 observers. Active participants will receive a minimum of 30 minutes podium time over the course of the day.

Neil will be joined by pianist and composer Michael Higgins, and members of Sonoro will join for the afternoon session providing a rewarding opportunity for all active participants to work with one of the UK’s finest professional choirs.

REPERTOIRE
Samuel Coleridge-Taylor – Summer is gone
Maurice Duruflé – Ubi caritas / Tu es Petrus (from ‘Quatre motets’)
Cecilia McDowall – Regina Caeli
Becky McGlade – A spotless Rose
Hubert Parry – My soul, there is a country

TIMETABLE OUTLINE
10:00-13:00 – Masterclass with Neil Ferris
14:00-17:00 – Masterclass with Sonoro

FEES
Active participant: £175.00
Observers: £50

HOW TO APPLY

Applications for active participant places are to be made by 12:00pm (noon) on Sunday 1 June 2025 to Liz Chapman. Please submit the following:

• An up-to-date CV
• A video link of an example of your work (rehearsal or performance)
• A statement on why you would like to participate and what you hope to gain from the masterclass.

Participants chosen will be notified by Monday 9 June 2025.

Observer applications: If you would like to attend as an observer, please click the ‘book now’ link above.

Neil Ferris is Chorus Director of the BBC Symphony Chorus, Co-Artistic Director of Sonoro, and Music Director of Wimbledon Choral. He made his BBC Proms conducting debut in August 2019, celebrating the 90th Anniversary season of the BBC Symphony Chorus.

In demand as guest conductor at some of the finest choirs in the UK, Neil has worked with London Symphony Chorus, Choir of the Age of Enlightenment, BBC Singers and the National Youth Choir of Wales. He has conducted the London Symphony Orchestra, the Philharmonia, Welsh National Opera, London Mozart Players, Orchestra of the Swan, City of London Sinfonia and the Royal Scottish National Orchestra.

Neil is recognised as one of the country’s leading teachers of choral conducting and has led masterclasses in the UK, USA, Ireland, Denmark, China and Singapore.