¡TONE UP! – music from the Dow Partbooks and other Renaissance manuscript facsimiles and editions
Join us to explore the magnificent vocal polyphony of Thomas Tallis, William Byrd, and their contemporaries. Learn to read the original notation in order to sing from the Dow Partbooks and other Renaissance manuscript facsimiles and editions. Encounter anew the sublime music of Tudor England within the unique and beautiful surroundings of The Old Monastery, Stroud.
Staying at Stroud is being part of a family – dinners are an important communal experience and may also include music-making. Culinary companions interested in leading the catering activities (everyone is expected to take part and to help) are also welcome.
Full price: $680 | Returning resident: $544 | Scholarship place: $340 (for emerging professionals or students – please indicate if you are applying)
Culinary companion: $420 | Creative residency: $510 (by invitation)
Price includes rustic accommodation in single rooms (BYO sheets, pillowslips, towels, toiletries), breakfast essentials, communal dinner, all music scores and ensemble tuition for singers. We start around 10.30am on Thursday and finish around 4pm on Sunday. It is possible to stay at The Old Monastery on both Wednesday and Sunday nights.
Antony Pitts
International conductor, composer, and producer Antony Pitts has over 30 years’ experience in choral directing, founding TONUS PEREGRINUS while at New College, Oxford, and leading The Song Company, Australia’s national vocal ensemble, as Artistic Director for seven years. He is the inaugural William Byrd Fellow and Ambassador at Excelsia College.
Formerly a Hampton Court Chapel Royal treble, New College Oxford Academic and Honorary Senior Scholar, Royal Academy of Music Senior Lecturer, and BBC Radio 3 Senior Producer, his music has been performed at London’s Wigmore Hall and Westminster Cathedral, Amsterdam’s Concertgebouw, Berlin’s Philharmonie Kammermusiksaal, and the Sydney Opera House, including a 50-part motet commissioned by Sydney Philharmonia Choirs, called XLX – Mente cordis sui.
Antony is skilled in inspiring confidence and bringing out the best in all he works with, nurturing singers 'development through community workshops and training programs for emerging artists. Amateur and professional singers alike can refine their skills through Antony’s intimate musical knowledge, unique approach to historically informed performance from original notation, and extensive performance and recording experience in diverse genres.
¡TONE UP!
“Thoroughly enjoyed the three days. I came away feeling enriched and inspired, with the choice of music being challenging and satisfying. Can't recommend TONUS AUSTRALIS highly enough.”
Jess Ciampa, participant in the ¡TONE UP! at Excelsia College, Sydney in January 2024
“A truly unforgettable experience, both as to learning and enjoyment. Antony’s knowledge and experience stood out clearly, as did his patience. I would be happy to recommend the workshop and thoroughly enjoyed the company and the enthusiasm of everyone who took part.”
Bob Jordan, participant in the inaugural ¡TONE UP!, Sydney, Jan 2023
