The Twelve - exploring the backbone of the choral repertoire

The Twelve is our masterclass series offering conductors the opportunity to focus on twelve major works which form the backbone of choral repertoire in the UK.

Whether you are a choral conductor looking to expand your repertoire, are planning to perform a particular work and want new insights, or an orchestral conductor looking to learn more about working with a choir, this series offers you both in-depth learning and practical experience.

Each work has its own dedicated day, with participant places including masterclasses with a full-size chorus. Observer places are also available for those who would like to learn more without committing to a full day of participation. Works are aimed across skill levels, and from Handel through to classic twentieth century works.

Our twelve works are:

  • A German Requiem - Brahms
  • Requiem - Duruflé
  • The Dream of Gerontius - Elgar
  • Requiem - Fauré
  • Dixit Dominus - Handel
  • Messiah - Handel
  • The Creation - Haydn
  • Elijah - Mendelssohn
  • Requiem - Mozart
  • Carmina Burana - Orff
  • Petite Messe Solennelle - Rossini
  • Requiem - Verdi

The Twelve returns!

Join us on 19 June for an unmissable day in Manchester, delving into Elgar's great Oratorio, The Dream of Gerontius. The Chorus Director of the BBC Symphony Chorus, Neil Ferris, leads a masterclass day, along with the Choral Director of the Hallé Choir, Matthew Hamilton, and members of the Hallé Choir, which will include small group workshop time in the morning, then the opportunity to conduct the Hallé Choir in the afternoon. Find out more and book here.

We are continually developing new training initiatives, so if you think there's a work missing from the list, contact us and let us know what you'd like to see us offer a masterclass on.

Subscribe to our course mailing list to receive details of further workshops as soon as they are available.

Find out more - check out our FAQs here or contact our Training Manager, Elisabeth Brierley, via email or on 07805 454563.