workshop choral conductor

Masterclass open singing – Jan Schumacher & Merzi Rajala

LEARN
masterclass
conducting
Thursday 9.30hrs
Theater Kikker

A masterclass open singing by two renowned session leaders.

The open singing is a well-known returning element in the events of the European Choral Association, where a conductor – sometimes supported by a choir – teaches many songs to a square full of people. It provides an intensive musical experience, as well as a personal experience of musical success. The activity is becoming increasingly popular, and it asks a very specific way of working for the conductor; how do you get the audience (be they singers in a festival, or employees during a company event) to sing along in seconds? What strategies work, and why? In this masterclass, both Jan Schumacher and Merzi Rajala will work with you on the unique skill set to conduct an Open Singing, including subjects like didactics, communication, interaction, and of course the ideal Open Singing repertoire.

Schedule masterclass Open Singing

  Wednesday 27 July   arrival   15.00 -16.30 kick-off and introduction
  Thursday 28 July   9.30 – 12.00 masterclass   17.30 – 18.00 visit open singing*
  Friday 29 July   9.30 – 12.00 masterclass   17.30 – 18.00 visit open singing
  Saturday 30 July   9.30 – 12.00 masterclass   17.30 – 18.00 visit open singing
  Sunday 31 July   9.30 – 11.00 wrap-up (Bibliotheek Neude – collegezaal)    departure**

The kick-off and morning sessions are for Masterclass participants only and cannot be visited as audience/passive participants.

* In the side programme several open singings are scheduled on different venues in the city of Utrecht. The participants of the masterclass will visit these open singings together with Jan and Merzi. Jan and Merzi will also lead some of these open singings and might invite you as a participant on stage as well.
** Please note that on Sunday afternoon there will be an indoor open singing as closure of the side programme, scheduled between 14.00 – 16.00 hrs. You are welcome to attend.

About the session leaders

Jan Schumacher

Jan Schumacher

Jan Schumacher is a music director at Goethe-University, Frankfurt. He teaches conducting at the Darmstadt Music Academy and is the conductor of the award-winning ensemble Camerata Musica Limburg.

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Merzi Rajala

Merzi Rajala

Merzi Rajala, a Finnish rhythmic choir conducting pioneer, composer and pedagogue, is specialised in popular music including world music genres and fusions.

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