Project Overview
The Ascona Choral Academy, under the direction of the celebrated Tenebrae Choir of London and its director Nigel Short, brings together for a week in the Locarno region more than 200 choristers participating in workshops, evensongs and concerts. All Academy events are free of charge (reservations required).
The Academy is designed primarily for already established vocal ensembles. There is also a limited number of places for individual singers to participate in a choir created especially for the Academy.
Each day is punctuated by rehearsals devoted to the repertoire which is presented in the evening during Evensongs, one of the oldest and most evocative liturgical traditions of the Anglican Church, in which choral singing plays a central role. Afternoons are reserved for additional rehearsals and an extensive workshop program. Workshops may include ensemble singing, ear and voice education, choral conducting, improvisation or composition. The program offers a comprehensive training in which daily alternation between study and performance of new music fosters the development of technical skills, ensemble awareness and musical expression.
Rehearsals are directed and accompanied throughout the week by Nigel Short, artistic director of the renowned professional choir Tenebrae, joined by other Academy faculty.
Participants can choose to arrive on Sunday and follow the entire week of activities, or join the shortened formula, starting on Wednesday. All activities take place between Ascona and Locarno, in the picturesque scenery of Canton Ticino.
Thursday and Friday also feature concerts by the London-based Tenebrae Choir, with a repertoire of choral music of the highest caliber. The week concludes on Saturday with a festive choral day, during which all participating choirs sing together in the streets of Ascona, creating a lively outdoor musical celebration. In the evening is the final concert, in which selected choirs perform together with Tenebrae-the culmination of the entire Academy experience.
Registration to participate is already open. Since the number of participants is limited, a selection will be made for both choirs and for singers. Final participation will be announced after registration.
Structure
General requirements
- Amateurs and professionals are welcome
- Experience in choral singing is required
- It is necessary to be able to read music
- Proficiency in English is required for communication
- Good ability to read at first glance is an advantage.
Ad hoc choir – basic level
- Relatively simple repertoire
- Sample excerpts:
- Thomas Tallis: If ye love me
- William Byrd: Ave verum corpus
Ad hoc choir – advanced level
- More challenging repertoire
- Sample excerpts:
- Gustav Holst: Nunc Dimittis
- Robert Lucas Pearsall: Lay a Garland
Practice makes perfect
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Evidence
Mornings are generally devoted to rehearsals. During the morning sessions you will work with your choir on the pieces that will be performed during Evensong. Nigel Short and other Academy teachers will join you in the musical work.
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Workshop
Afternoons are reserved for workshops. Topics include ensemble singing, vocal technique, choir conducting, improvisation and composition, among others.
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Evensong
Evensong is an evening liturgical service set to music that combines sung prayers, psalms and hymns in a contemplative experience. This tradition, particularly rooted in Britain, is valued for its understated beauty and spiritual depth. All Evensongs are open to the public.
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Concerts
In addition to their own musical activities, participants have the opportunity to hear other choirs, ensembles and musicians. The Tenebrae Choir will give two concerts during Academy week, along with other artists included in the festival program.
Daily schedule
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Sunday
October 4, 2026
Arrival day. Get to know the course leaders and other participants in a relaxed atmosphere.
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Monday
October 5, 2026
Rehearsals, workshops and Evensong. Rehearsal for final concert (optional).
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Tuesday
October 6, 2026
Rehearsals, workshops and Evensong. Rehearsal for final concert (optional).
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Wednesday
October 7, 2026
Arrival day for the short academy. Rehearsals, workshops, Evensong.
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Thursday
October 8, 2026
Rehearsals, workshops, Evensong. Concert by the Tenebrae Choir in the evening.
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Friday
October 9, 2026
Rehearsals, workshops, Evensong. Concert by the Tenebrae Choir in the evening.
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Saturday
October 10, 2026
Various concerts in the streets of Ascona/Locarno. Closing concert in the evening.
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Sunday
October 11, 2026
Departure day.













