Choir Camp 2019 with Sheila Ferguson at Dunfield House
Overview
Following the success of previous weekends with Kiki Dee and Peter Straker, Choir Camp is back for a third year. This time we descend on the idyllic Dunfield House in Herefordshire.
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 busy writing six-part arrangements especially 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 to set us up for a busy Saturday of music-making with his band.
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 the American 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'.
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, after a champagne reception, dance the night away as Matthew hosts a black-tie party!
A Sunday roast will break up another day's singing, culminating in a very special afternoon session with the one and only Sheila Ferguson*. Best known as lead singer of The Three Degrees on chart-topping hits in the 70s including 'When Will I See You Again', 'Woman in Love' and 'Take Good Care of Yourself', Ferguson was first signed as a solo artist by Swan Records in her hometown of Philadelphia. Since leaving the internationally renowned girl group once dubbed 'Charlie's Angels' because of their appeal to the Prince of Wales, Sheila has gone on to star in numerous theatre roles and television shows. Hot-footing it to us from Amsterdam's Johan Cruyff Arena, there she will perform a series of concerts with Dutch supergroup De Toppers to crowds of tens of thousands each night.
An audience of local villagers will hear a run-through of our efforts and we'll say our goodbyes, until 2020.
As far as Matthew is 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.
| Type | Price | |
|---|---|---|
| Member Non Residential | £149.00 | Available |
| Member Residential | £229.00 | Available |
| Guest Non Residential | £159.00 | 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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