Our Purpose
We wish to give the listener an opportunity to experience the power of some of the most beautiful musical
creations of the human spirit, whatever their origin. But to hear them once in a concert is rarely sufficient
for a profound understanding. That is why the artistic project of the Ensemble européen Willam Byrd includes a
range of educational initiatives around its performing activities, such as lecture/recitals, public rehearsals,
introductory talks, masterclasses, workshops etc…, directed towards both pupils and their teachers in both
conservatoires and schools.
Some of our projects
2001-2002 :
The creation of the Choeur Master, a workshop/master-class for choral conductors and their section leaders in
the Val d'Oise. Over the two years, the choir formed from these participants worked on two different aspects
of Renaissance music (sacred "Palestrina-style" polyphony, and early 17th century Italian madrigals), each year
culminating in public concerts in Royaumont and Pontoise. Singers from the Ensemble européen William Byrd
participated both in the preparation, often in small workshops, and in the concerts.
2002-2003 :
Graham O'Reilly rehearsed Carpe Diem, the Sannois music school choir, and conducted the group in concerts of
French Renaissance and Italian Baroque music.
2003-2005 :
The Ensemble européen William Byrd has been in residence at Sannois, taking a leading role in an educational
project for primary and secondary schools aimed at children up to the age of 12. The project has involved :
Coming into classes (8 in September 2003, 15 by April 2005) to present period instruments and extracts
from works performed in concerts
Public rehearsals in the local church and cultural center
Concerts by schoolchildren of works from the 16th and 17th centuries
Public concerts in December and April of each year
Before each concert Graham O'Reilly has given introductory talks at the media library, open to all comers
Before each concert Graham O'Reilly has given introductory talks at the media library, open to all comers.
|
2004-2005 :
Weekend choral conducting course (technique, interpretation and performance)
for choir directors from the Val d'Oise at which six participants conducted a regional amateur choir.
2006-2007 :
The Ensemble has again been invited to work with the Chœur Master du Val d'Oise in a format designed to
consolidate the lessons of the conducting course.
Graham O'Reilly will be involved with various choirs throughout the year in repertoire focusing on 16th and 17th
century English music.
With the help of two members of the Ensemble, he will conduct the Ambronay Choir in three concerts in
the region, including one during the Ambronay Festival. The cooperation covers six week-ends and a four-day course.
At the request of Argenteuil's Cultural Development Department, Graham O'Reilly and some members of the Ensemble
will be giving 50 children aged 10 to 13 from the Argenteuil Children's Choir an introduction to English baroque
music, culminating in a concert at Argenteuil Cathedral.
Graham O'Reilly has been invited by the chamber choir Cori Spezzati to rehearse the group and conduct two
public concerts in December 2007. The partnership spans two week-ends and six rehearsals.
|
