Another exciting journey.

Voice-Works Summer Study Weekend 2025:

Exploring 8 Greats of French Vocal Music"

 Two-Day Study Event for Classical Singers

The late 19th and early 20th centuries saw an extraordinary flowering of French vocal music, with composers navigating the shifting landscapes of Romanticism, Impressionism, and Modernism. Many of these figures crossed paths, influencing one another’s work, drawing inspiration from shared literary sources, and sometimes even studying under the same teachers. Their English contemporaries—Stanford, Elgar, Vaughan Williams, and others—were similarly engaged in defining a national identity in song, yet the French approach remained distinct in its sensuality, clarity of line, and connection to poetry.

During this weekend, we will explore the music of eight great French composers, carefully selected for their impact on both mélodie and opera. Fauré, Debussy, and Ravel each shaped the evolution of French art song, while contemporaries like Massenet and Poulenc moved effortlessly between lyrical song and operatic drama. Their works provide a rich tapestry of contrasting styles, allowing us to study the delicate balance between intimacy and grandeur, lyricism and declamation, refinement and theatricality.

• Georges Bizet (1838–1875) – Opera
• Jules Massenet (1842–1912) – Opera
• Gabriel Fauré (1845–1924) – Art Song
• Henri Duparc (1848–1933) – Art Song
• Claude Debussy (1862–1918) – Art Song & Opera
• Reynaldo Hahn (1874–1947) – Art Song & Opera
• Maurice Ravel (1875–1937) – Art Song & Opera
• Francis Poulenc (1899–1963) – Art Song & Opera

Many of these composers shared artistic circles. Fauré taught Ravel at the Paris Conservatoire; Debussy and Ravel both admired and reacted against Wagnerian influence, developing their own uniquely French sound worlds. Poulenc, a later figure, was profoundly influenced by the literary and musical legacies of his predecessors, crafting songs that reflect both the wit and depth of French poetry. Understanding these connections adds another layer to our study—not only do we examine their music, but we also place it within a broader artistic and historical context. 

What to Expect

• Guided Repertoire Exploration – Each singer will choose up to four composers, working on a mix of art songs and opera arias to experience different stylistic and vocal demands.

• Masterclasses & Coaching – Supportive, practical sessions focusing on breath management, phrasing, diction, and interpretation, helping you to navigate shifts in style and technique.

• A Space for Experimentation – This is a chance to step outside your comfort zone, explore new repertoire, and develop insights into what suits your voice.

• Informal Sharing Session – A relaxed opportunity to sing through your repertoire, receive constructive feedback, and reflect on what you’ve discovered over the weekend.

• Teacher & Singer in Exploration – As with all my study weekends, I will also be studying and exploring this repertoire alongside you. This unique approach allows for shared discovery, offering insights into the practical challenges and artistic considerations of the pieces we work on together.

• Repertoire should be musically secure but not necessarily polished. This weekend is all about exploring, learning, and finding balance in your performance. I’ll be on hand throughout the weekend to offer guidance and support.
• MP3 Backing Tracks – Each singer will work with their chosen high-quality MP3 backing tracks to work with their repertoire.

Who is This For?

This weekend is ideal for classical singers who enjoy a hands-on, exploratory approach to learning. With a maximum of six participants, everyone will receive focused guidance and the space to experiment freely.

Curious but not ready to sing? You are warmly invited to come and observe. Experience the learning process firsthand, listen to the voices at work, and absorb the discussions—all at your own pace. Many singers find that observing helps them feel ready to take part in the future. There’s no rush, no pressure—just an open door to inspiration and discovery.

A fresh perspective ...

Sophie, a regular participant, shares her recent experience:

“Two aspects of the Spring Study Weekend '25 were particularly wonderful for me: 1) the way Gillian helped us acclimatise ourselves to singing in a large Hall and truly feel supported by the acoustics, and 2) the fact that Gillian herself participated in the event by going through the whole process of choosing repertoire, learning, and singing it with us. This was incredibly insightful and inspirational, showing what can be challenging about a piece and why. In addition to boosting my learning curve, the whole event had a joyful atmosphere, giving me a whole new level of courage as a singer.”

Application Details

• Application Deadline: Saturday, 5th April

• Maximum Participants: 6 singers

• Location: local to me here in Chandler's Ford, Hampshire UK

If you have any questions, feel free to get in touch—I’m happy to help!

Looking forward to sharing this musical journey with you! 

Repertoire Selection Guidance: While our timeline offers a framework, the repertoire is entirely your choice. The musical journey will be yours to curate.

"Gillian has given us a breadcrumb trail between what happens when we meet in a hall with her coaching, where things emerge from us that we can’t replicate at home and the stuckness we sometimes feel practising alone"