Choir Camp 2022 with Russell Thompkins Jr at Dunfield House
Overview
Following the success of previous weekends with Sheila Ferguson, Kiki Dee and Peter Straker, Choir Camp is back for the fourth time, and we return to the idyllic Dunfield House.
Commencing on the Friday evening, a delicious buffet of home-cooked food will be served as we mingle and settle in. We’ll then sing a range of musical and vocal styles; conductor Matthew Jones is already writing six-part arrangements for the occasion. After some songs around the campfire and a nightcap or two, it’ll be ‘lights out’ before waking up to a full English breakfast, setting us up for a busy Saturday of music-making. There’ll be time during the day to take a swim or wander through the labyrinth. In the evening, we will don our glad rags and dance the night away, after a champagne reception and gala dinner!
A Sunday roast will break up another day’s singing, culminating in a very special afternoon session with the inimitable Russell Thompkins, Jr.* Lead singer emeritus of The Stylistics — the original and only one to have charted — Thompkins’ coy yet cutting falsetto on such transatlantic hits as ‘Can’t Give You Anything (but My Love)’, ‘Betcha by Golly, Wow’ and ‘You Make Me Feel Brand New’ was integral to the records’ iconic sound and contribution to Philly soul. Having provided the soundtrack to many an amorous encounter, the group’s 1971 single ‘Stop, Look, Listen (to Your Heart)’ was covered by Diana Ross & Marvin Gaye and used for the famous ‘granny pants’ scene in Bridget Jones’s Diary. Russell went solo in 2000 and later formed The New Stylistics. Duly complete with matching suits and slick moves, they ‘took to the float’ before throngs of fans in 2019 at America’s oldest Thanksgiving Day parade in their hometown of Philadelphia, and recently joined Beach Boys legend Brian Wilson on tour, continuing to delight audiences the world over.
A smaller crowd of local villagers will hear a run-through of our efforts, we’ll enjoy afternoon tea and say our goodbyes, until 2023. As far as Matthew’s concerned, there is no activity more inclusive than group singing, so whether you’re a complete beginner or seasoned professional, he invites you to join him in what promises to be yet another unforgettable experience.
* Artist correct at time of publication and subject to change without notice.
Includes
Residential: 2 nights, full board with same sex, hostel-style accommodation.
Non-residential: all activities except swimming pool access included, without meals or accommodation.
Travel & Stay
Dunfield House: Standing in some fifteen acres of rolling Welsh Border countryside, we have the exclusive run of the 19th-century mansion. Requisitioned during World War II for US forces, Dunfield House was a bolthole for Winston Churchill for high-level meetings and elaborate dinners. Nearby Hergest Ridge inspired Mike Oldfield’s 1974 album of the same name and, according to local folklore, the chilling legend surrounding its Court was drawn upon by Arthur Conan Doyle for his classic ‘The Hound of the Baskervilles’.
| Type | Price | |
|---|---|---|
| Member Non Residential | £124.00 | Available |
| Member Residential | £199.00 | Available |
| Guest Non Residential | £149.00 | Available |
| Guest Residential | £249.00 | Available |
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Host & Everything Else
- "It was an absolutely brilliant weekend. Musical director, phenomenal. All his support staff, very efficient and organised. Everyone went out of their way to make it a good weekend. Thanks to Matthew for a wonderful weekend. I did learn a great deal."
- "I had a really great weekend from the mansion house setting to the people I met. A great mix of vocal coaching and social event. Matthew is very passionate about what he does and gets results by being so focused.
- It was very full on and we achieved a lot. It was a real experience staying in a dormitory environment just like being at boarding school!"
- "I realised I expected to sing but didn't expect to learn and I did both! I found the pace just about right - comfortable enough for me as a beginner but also stretching and for me at least, Matthew's promise that we'd all be better singers by the end of the weekend, came true. The weekend was wonderful, relaxing and fun, and the first time I've felt truly happy for quite a few months since a family bereavement - singing is wonderful medicine! I've been inspired to make enquiries about local choirs and I'm hoping to take a few singing lessons too. Matthew himself is great fun and I enjoyed his unique combination of humour and high expectations!"
- "It was a super weekend, which I thoroughly enjoyed. Ingestre Hall was glorious & the atmosphere was good. I found the choir sessions uplifting & I think Matthew managed the mixed ability group with great skill."
- "I had a fantastic time. Really enjoyed the singing. Matthew's got really good/perfect hearing. You can't hide. The songs were amazing. I also really enjoyed the tour of Christopher Wren's church."
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