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.

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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 

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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. 

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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.

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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.

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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. 

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FORTHCOMING COURSES

Musical Director: Xen Kelsey
Orchestral Manager: Jane Lomax
Administrator: Josh Hall

VaCO, 11 Skellbank, Ripon, North Yorkshire, HG4 2PT, United Kingdom

+44 (0) 7974 698264