Workshops 2026

Plenum

In the mornings and evenings, we gather in the large choir, the plenum. Here, several choir directors take turns working on the core works with the entire choir of all participants. This not only provides variety, but also introduces you to different approaches to rehearsal techniques and choral conducting.

Repertoire

W.A.Mozart, Vesperae solennes de confessore, K. 339
S. Quartel (arr.), How Can I Keep From Singing
G. Coberly, Homeland
W. Reisinger, Deutsche Messe (German Mass) for 3-part choir and organ
O. Gjeilo, Ubi caritas
J. Mäntyjärvi, Ave Maria
A. Sköld, Aus dem Requiem
K. Nystedt, I Will Praise Thee
Þ. Sigurbjörnsson, Heyr himna smiður

Choral Conducting (for Beginners)

This workshop is designed for beginners in choral conducting. Being able to conduct is not a prerequisite, but basic knowledge of reading music, rhythm and interval theory, and the willingness to lead a group musically and personally are. Basic conducting technique will be taught, and rehearsal methods will be discussed, enabling our participants to quickly learn to conduct a choir.

Repertoire

J.S. Bach, Ich steh an deiner Krippen hier
J. Brahms, Da unten im Tale
A. Pärt, Da pacem

Choral Conducting (advanced)

This seminar is aimed at experienced choir conductors, who may have been conducting a choir for a long time. A certain degree of organizational blindness can quickly set in. Each active participant submits two shorter choral works in advance, which are then worked on with the group under supervision – with the aid of modern pedagogical tools. Questions of interpretation and music historical background will of course be incorporated into the lessons.

Chamber Choirs (P. Crabb & S. Erasimus)

In addition to the full choir, two chamber choirs also offer singing opportunities on a smaller scale. Here, specific choral pieces works are presented that do not require the large choral sound of the full choir and are intended as inspiration for singers to take on more musical resonsibility. Choral singing techniques and liturgical applicability complement the format.

Repertoire (P. Crabb)

E. Hovland, The Glory of the Father
J. Deignan, What We Need Is Here
R. Shaw/A. Parker (arr.), My God is a Rock
M. Hayes, Wade In the Water

Repertoire (S. Erasimus)

J. Vila i Casañas: Laudate Dominum
A. Pärt: Bogoroditse Djevo
C. Schumann: Abendfeier in Venedig
G.P. da Palestrina: Sicut cervus

Women’s Ensemble

This workshop offers experienced participants the opportunity to sing in a small ensemble of upper voices. Under the direction of Clara Smith (USA/Cologne), a variety of pieces from various regions will be studied. Please prepare in advance by requesting the music!

Repertoire

J. Busto, Salve Regina
K. Rhenqvist (Arr.), Var inte rädd för mörkret
S. Labarr, Rise My Soul
A. Parker (Arr.), Didn’t You Hear

Spiritual Seminar

REJOICE has a spiritual director who not only presides over the liturgies celebrated during the week, but also leads a seminar that provides substantial input on various liturgical and general church issues. The workshop format will slightly change this year, and guests will also be invited; there will always be space and time for discussion and exchange.

Organ Seminar

In the organ seminar, participating organists meet daily to discuss various topics related to organ playing. Sometimes we discuss the organ works of a given year, other times we focus on interpretation or registration issues, but liturgical organ playing and the associated improvisation always play a role. The instruments available are the Hradetzky organ in the campus chapel and the three-manual Glatter-Götz organ in the Horn parish church. Historical instruments are also frequently visited and played on excursions.

Topic: J.S. Bach “The Orgelbüchlein” and selected free organ works by Bach and contemporaries
Active participants: Please prepare two pieces from these topics (or any special pieces you request)!

Cantoring

This workshop aims at cantors, who are interested in getting to know new repertoire and who are eager to improve their skills when it comes to leading congregational singing.

Individual Voice Lessons

Four voice coaches, themselves outstanding soloists and experienced vocal teachers, enhance our music week not only with their voices, but also offer many hours of individual voice training instruction per day, with each participant entitled to two sessions per week. In this setting, vocal or breathing problems can be addressed specifically, vocal technique can be worked on, and difficult passages of choral literature can be consolidated in individual lessons. The voice coaches are also responsible for the daily warm-up in the morning.

Individual Organ Lessons

All organists also have the opportunity to take organ lessons taught by two experienced organists. The topics of these lessons are not predetermined, so specific requests regarding literature and improvisation can be accommodated. Lesson times will be assigned on the first day of the conference.

Liturgical Services

We celebrate a liturgy almost every day – in the form of Morning Prayer, Vespers, Compline, Mass… or in a free form, conceived around the respective musical pieces. Every day, choral works we have prepared are incorporated into these liturgies, where they are performed in a liturgical context.

Educational Program and Lecture

Continuing education isn’t just an empty phrase; we strive to provide our participants with something new every day – both through music making and listening. Therefore, we focus on a different topic every day, with various speakers sharing their expertise. A keynote lecture on Wednesday enriches the week.

Excursion

In the middle of the week, we’ll take a deep breath, for once not before starting to sing. We’ll travel to the Czech Republic, visit churches and other historical buildings, as well as organs from past centuries – and spend some relaxing time together, free from rehearsals.

Outlook

We are looking forward to connecting people from all over the world, with whom we share a passion for the beauty of sacred music that transcends borders and denominations.