For many small, charitable organisations like ourselves, COVID-19 presents us with great challenges but we are committed to responding with creativity and resilience so that we can face the future with optimism.
More than ever before, however, we are going to need the help of our friends and supporters in the coming weeks and months to help us navigate our way through the current, rapidly changing crisis.
We have set up a special PayPal account and any donations would be most gratefully received.
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WELCOME TO VaCO
From higher education and music college to professional life
For over 25 years we have been one of the UK's leading residential chamber music course providers. Vacation Chamber Orchestras holds a number of annual seasonal courses for grade 8 standard sixth-form, undergraduate and postgraduate students aged 16-24 across the United Kingdom.
President: Sir Simon Rattle CBE
VaCO AT A GLANCE
Independent, professional training in a relaxed but focussed environment
The courses we provide are designed to be friendly and focussed and offer fantastic performance, personal development and career opportunities. VaCO courses are also exceptional value for money - we believe in subsidising all student places to ensure aspiring talent is never starved of opportunity.
Our team of tutors consists of some of the finest professional musicians in the UK. We carefully programme and perform a wide range of exciting repertoire for chamber orchestra and small ensembles which we bring to audiences across the country.
We are endorsed by
English
chamber orchestra
WHY COME TO VaCO?
The requirements of being a professional musician in the 21st century are evolving. We combine structured tutoring with constant evaluation to provide relevant and effective training.
OUR MISSION
Our courses are designed to reflect the intensity of the professional world; with the rural locations of our courses providing a beautiful backdrop to explore and create music.
DESK ROTATION & LEADERSHIP
By rotating section desks we encourage students to get to know each other and offer the opportunity for a few to experience leading a section.
REPERTOIRE
In order to broaden students' repertoire-experience we carefully select an exciting, dynamic and diverse range of pieces for both small ensembles and chamber orchestra.
AFFORDABILITY
We charge a fraction of what it costs to run our courses to ensure talent is never starved of opportunity, meaning an investment from us can result in significant gains. All the places we offer are subsidised to enable every student to access the best in music education and performance opportunities.
GRADUATION OF SKILL
We ensure that specific knowledge and experience are not only communicated by our tutors but also exchanged among our students. The result being a cross-sharing of skills among all age ranges which reinforces orchestral ensemble playing.
FRIENDLY & FUN
Our courses are famous for their relaxed and friendly
atmosphere. We create a culture that is dynamic and fun
without losing focus. Impromptu chamber music is a feature of many of our post rehearsal evenings.
- 10 Apr, 10:00 – 17:00ZoomWe're delighted to welcome David Routledge, Principal First Violin of the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, for the latest online masterclasses. This day is designed for students under the age of 25 and Grade 7+ standard. Observers of any standard welcome.
- 07 Apr, 10:00 – 17:00 BSTZoomWe're delighted to welcome Amy Yule, Principal Flute of the Hallé Orchestras, for the second of our online masterclasses. This day is designed for students under the age of 25 and Grade 7+ standard. Observers of any standard welcome.
- 06 Apr, 10:00 – 17:00ZoomWe're delighted to welcome Stephen Orton, Principal Cello of the Academy of St Martin in the Fields, for our first ever online masterclass for students under the age of 25 and Grade 7+ standard. Observers of any standard welcome.
FORTHCOMING COURSES
NEWS
CONTACT US
Musical Director: Xen Kelsey
Orchestral Manager: Jane Lomax
Administrator: Josh Hall
VaCO, Blaireaux Ghyll, Smelthouses, Harrogate, HG3 4DL, United Kingdom
+44 (0) 7747 810494