¡TONE UP! – The Tallis Lamentations from the newly restored Sadler Partbooks
Apply today – Applications due Wed 10 April
Join us to explore the magnificent vocal polyphony of Thomas Tallis, William Byrd’s predecessor and mentor. Learn to read the original notation in order to sing the Tallis Lamentations from the newly restored Sadler Partbooks. Encounter anew the sublime music of Tudor England within the unique and beautiful surroundings of The Old Monastery, Stroud.
We are only offering Scholarship places for this ¡TONE UP! at The Old Monastery. The number of musical participants will be maximum 12. Dinners are a communal part of the experience and may also include music-making. Culinary companions interested in leading the catering activities (everyone is expected to take part) also welcome (maximum 3).
Scholarship: $380 | Culinary companion: $490
Optional prior night’s stay on Wed 24 April: $95
Price includes rustic accommodation in single rooms (BYO sheets, pillowslips, towels, toiletries), breakfast essentials, communal dinner, all music scores and ensemble tuition.
Apply today – Applications due Wed 10 April
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 Excelsia 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
