Sing Joyfully 2025: Mozart at the Helm
A Voice School Workshop Weekend ~ in collaboration with Mozart
15–16 November, The Ritchie Hall, Chandler’s Ford, Hampshire, UK
Mozart's vocal writing teaches clarity, elegance, wit, and deep human expression. Whether in opera, Lieder, or sacred music, his work demands attentiveness and rewards with joy.
Singer applications will close on Friday 19th September 2025.
Why Mozart? And - what of his wit?
In Mozart’s Vienna, wit meant more than humour. It was a sign of mental agility - the ability to turn an idea with elegance, to surprise with precision, to reveal human truth through artful restraint. Wit was quick-thinking, but never crude; refined, but never remote. It played out in salons, in symphonies, and in carefully crafted turns of phrase.
Mozart’s music carries this quality at every level, not just in his comic operas, but in the poised detail of his phrasing, the economy of his expression, and the unmistakable presence of a mind that was always alert. His wit didn’t show off; it illuminated.
You can hear it in the vocal writing; lines that appear simple at first glance, but turn out to be exacting in rhythm, breath control, and nuance. He offers you a tune, then asks you to refine your thinking with every phrase. Sometimes the writing feels natural and flowing; sometimes it places you on a tightrope. Always, it’s intelligent.
Singers often sidestep Mozart, and with good reason: his music demands accuracy, poise, and stamina. There’s nowhere to hide. But that’s exactly why he’s so essential. Mozart sharpens every corner of your technique, breath control, clarity of line, intonation, diction, rhythm, and musical imagination. He teaches you to be exacting without ever sounding stiff, expressive without being indulgent. His writing reveals what’s working (and what’s not) with a kind of musical honesty that is less about judgment and more about growth. Facing Mozart is part of the journey.
And if you’d like to hear this summed up by someone who’s sung it all, click on the image below and take a few minutes to listen to Dame Kiri Te Kanawa. In this short YouTube interview clip, starting at the very moment she’s asked about singing Mozart, she speaks with striking directness and real-world insight about what it takes to sing his music well.
Three Languages, Three Traditions.
Each of our three workshop strands takes its name from the phrase Sing Joyfully, translated into the language of the music we'll be exploring:
Cantate con Gioia – Italian arias and ensembles.
Singet Fröhlich – German Lieder.
Cantate Laetante – Latin sacred works.
These three strands will shape the weekend’s workshop sessions and offer a clear, structured way into Mozart’s vocal solo and small ensemble writing.
What to Expect
This weekend is for classical singers who enjoy thoughtful music-making in good company. You don’t need to be an expert in Mozart, just willing to bring your voice, your focus, and a sense of musical curiosity. His vocal writing has a reputation for being demanding, and it is: there’s detail, precision, and concentration in every phrase. But it’s also hugely satisfying to sing, and full of humanity, humour, and beauty. With the right approach and the right support, it becomes a joy to work on and ideal for the learning curve.
The atmosphere will be relaxed but purposeful. There’ll be time to sing, time to reflect, and time to listen. We’ll work both individually and in small groups, with a focus on communication, character, and stage presence, not just the notes.
I’ll be selecting all the ensemble repertoire for the weekend, including duets, trios, and small scenes, based on who signs up. That way, we can make the most of the voices in the room and give everyone something that suits them well.
Unlike a Voice-works Study Weekend, where you might bring repertoire you’re still finding your way into, Sing Joyfully is about stepping into your singer shoes. In addition to our selected ensembles, you’re welcome to bring up to two solo pieces, ideally connected to the strands we’ll be exploring: Italian, German, or Latin. One of these should be a Mozart Lied, so we can all experience working with his style directly. Choose music you feel reasonably secure in, especially if we are moving about the space or adding a touch of staging. There is no need to sing from memory, but bring something you are comfortable inhabiting.
A small number of observer places are also available. Observers are always included in the flow of the weekend, even if they’re not singing. You’re welcome to join conversations, follow the scores, and be part of the musical exchange. It’s an excellent way to learn, and a good step if you’re thinking about singing again in the future.
The Weekend at a Glance ...
Ready to join me?
Singers
The full weekend fee for Singers is £250, which includes all workshop sessions. Places are limited to a maximum of five to keep the working group focused and connected. You’re welcome to pay in full, or spread the cost over two monthly instalments if that’s easier.
Please note:
Singer applications will close on Friday, 19th September 2025 to allow for careful preparation. Because we’ll be working on music that includes ensemble material and potentially, stagecraft, participants will need time to learn the repertoire well. This also gives me time, post-deadline date, to select pieces to suit the voices and personalities of those attending.
Observers
Observers are very welcome. You’re not simply ‘watching’ — your presence matters. If you’re not ready to sing this time, you can still take part in the learning by attending as an engaged observer.
Observer Day passes are available at £20 per day. Observer places will remain open until the event itself.
Still thinking about it ... ?
If you’d like to keep in touch to receive updates about this and other Voice School events, you’re very welcome to join my mailing list by completing the form to the right. I send updates carefully and thoughtfully, always with singers like you in mind.
Stay in touch
See you inside The Green Room ...
Once you’ve signed up for the Study Weekend, I’ll be in touch personally to gather your thoughts and share all the logistical details. This will be a day (or weekend!) where we collaborate closely to create an experience that truly serves us as singers — positive, supportive, and focused on your growth.
To help keep us connected before, you’ll have access to The Green Room, our private online space where you can ask questions, share ideas, and get encouragement from me and the other singers. (Currently, this is hosted on Facebook, but I’m always looking for ways to make this space as welcoming and easy to use as possible.)
I’ll be with you every step of the way.
"It's essential to work on something you're deeply interested in. Interest will drive you to work harder than mere diligence ever could. The three most powerful motives are curiosity, delight, and the desire to do something impressive. Sometimes they converge, and that combination is the most powerful of all."
Source: How to Do Great Work
