Welcome back!
After the challenges of the past two years and a considerable hiatus in our operations we're delighted to be making a return in 2022. We've been busy behind the scenes developing an exciting new series of online and in-person courses plus a refreshed patron scheme. We're also pleased to announce a new residential venue for our summer course - the Grade I listed Wentworth Castle in South Yorkshire, which will offer our students high quality accommodation and an inspiring setting in which to make music.
We couldn't have made it through the past couple of years without the generosity of our patrons who have supported us in maintaining and developing our vital work. If you are considering becoming a supporter we now offer, in addition to our standard payment system, access to our patron scheme via Patreon. Our new multiple level scheme offers you a variety of benefits including, access to free concert tickets, online masterclasses, plus pre-concert talks and drinks receptions. Your generous subscription will help us to continue to provide high quality orchestral training and a valuable educational experience for the next generation of talented young musicians.
We look forward to welcoming you to a course or concert in 2022.
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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 from 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.
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.
22 Aug, 14:00 – 29 Aug, 20:00Northern College, Wentworth Castle, Barnsley S75 3ET, UK
FORTHCOMING COURSES
NEWS
CONTACT US
Musical Director: Xen Kelsey
Orchestral Manager: Jane Lomax
VaCO, Blaireaux Ghyll, Smelthouses, Harrogate, HG3 4DL, United Kingdom
+44 (0) 7747 810494
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