Conceived for established vocal ensembles, this workshop offers a valuable opportunity to refine choral work on the French Baroque repertoire. Participants will benefit from a rigorous artistic perspective to develop their interpretation, declamation, stylistic approach and overall ensemble sound.
This group masterclass will give participating ensembles the opportunity to work directly with Paul Agnew on a programme of 17th- and 18th-century French repertoire. The sessions will alternate between performance, detailed work and ensemble run-throughs, exploring the various elements that define the French style: articulation, accentuation, prosody, ornamentation, declamation and the relationship between text and music. Particular attention will be paid to vocal balance, tonal homogeneity and the shaping of the collective musical discourse. Discussions with Paul Agnew will also provide an opportunity to examine interpretative choices in the light of historical sources and practices, while taking into account the distinctive identity and artistic project of each ensemble. The workshop may draw on excerpts prepared in advance by the participants.
Objectives
- Deepen interpretative practices in the French vocal repertoire
- Explore the relationship between prosody, declamation and music
- Refine the shaping of musical discourse under the guidance of an internationally renowned specialist
Trainer
Paul Agnew, tenor and co-musical Director of Les Arts Florissants
An internationally renowned artist and accomplished teacher, Paul Agnew is co-musical director of Les Arts Florissants. He received his early musical training as a chorister at Birmingham Cathedral before studying at Magdalen College, Oxford. Discovered by William Christie in 1992, he became a leading interpreter of the haute-contre roles in the French Baroque repertoire.
As co-musical director of Les Arts Florissants, he recently completed a recording of Gesualdo’s six books of madrigals, which received a Gramophone Award in 2022 and Classica’s Album of the Year award in 2023. Committed to music education for both the general public and younger audiences, he also co-directs Le Jardin des Voix, an academy for young singers.
Training arrangements
- In-person workshop only
- Workshop conducted in French (discussions possible in English)
- Assessment methods: self-assessment and individual final feedback from the trainers
Programme
Friday the 5th and Saturday the 6th March 2027
Hôtel des Menus-Plaisirs, Versailles
Sessions from 10am to 6pm
- Sessions with established ensembles
- Musical coaching with Paul Agnew
- Musicological presentations
- Visit to the CMBV library and presentation of CMBV editions
- Opportunities to socialise
Participants
- Established ensembles of singers, or singers and instrumentalists
- Singers may also apply individually, subject to the possibility of forming a coherent ensemble from all applications
Maximum of 20 participants
Prerequisites
- Practising professionals
- Trainee professionals currently undertaking higher education (Bachelor’s or Master’s degree) or equivalent
Repertoire studied
- Preferably from the French Baroque repertoire
- Other repertoires may be presented, subject to prior discussion with Paul Agnew.
Pricing conditions
Fees for the two-day workshop (payment online via a payment link sent upon acceptance of the application):
Group participation (one fee per ensemble, with a minimum of 4 singers and a maximum of 16 singers): €600 including VAT
Funding through an OPCO is possible. Please contact the Training Department’s administration team to request a quote.
Individual participation (non-priority and subject to the possibility of forming an ensemble):
- OPCO-funded fee: €600 including VAT (please contact the Training Department’s administration team to request a quote)
- Individual participation fee: €250 including VAT
- Individual participation fee for students (up to 26 years old): €90 including VAT
For permanent employees and freelance performers (intermittents du spectacle), CMBV workshops may be funded as part of continuing professional development (Afdas, employers, etc.).
The fee includes:
- Access to the CMBV premises (including instrument tuning, where applicable)
- All teaching costs (trainers, instruments, etc.) for the duration of the workshop
- Active participation in the workshops
- Provision of documents and scores
Participants are responsible for:
- Travel expenses
- Accommodation and meals
Registration
Selection based on an application and a video recording (mandatory): two Baroque pieces, preferably including one French work.
The application must include a CV and a cover letter.
Accessibility
The teaching rooms and facilities are accessible to people with reduced mobility. If you have a disability that requires adjustments to the teaching sessions, please indicate this when registering. This information will be passed on to the CMBV’s disability adviser, who will contact you if necessary.
Registration opens: the 2nd November 2026
Registration deadline: the 5th January 2027
