Guest Ensembles

Kosmos

“Everyone should make the effort to hear them; amongst the brightest rising stars of musical Britain, Kosmos are truly exceptional.” - FE News

Outstanding string trio Kosmos (www.kosmosensemble.com) explores the boundaries of Western Classical music through fusing Eastern European, Gypsy, Balkan, Klezmer and Tango with contemporary influences. Prepare to be intoxicated by entrancing dance rhythms, soulful improvisation and Gypsy passion delivered with inimitable panache and virtuoso technique.

 

Kosmos will lead an afternoon workshop based on folk style and improvisation, resulting in a collaborative concert that evening. This will involve course participants in the first and will give Kosmos themselves carte-blanche in the second half.

Helix

Young percussion duo Helix are completing their studies at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, and will have recently returned from competing in an international percussion competition in Luxembourg.

Helix will lead two workshop sessions on the course. In the first session, course participants will have the opportunity to build their own percussion instruments, creating a Samba ensemble. In the second session, the newly formed Samba ensemble will create a new work through improvisation and group collaboration, leading to a performance in the first half of the evening’s concert. The second half will showcase Helix themselves, with an engaging performance of rhythmic virtuosity.

Unique Concert Venues

We are delighted to announce that in 2009 course participants will have the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to perform in concerts at unique venues on the island. Week one will incorporate a concert at the truly spectacular location of Mont Orgueil, a 13th century castle. Week two will include a concert in the heart of the wildlife conservation park Durrell, helping to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of this wonderful organisation.