A week of harmony singing in a magnificent 15th-century abbey within walking distance of Lake Garda.
Join John Mark Harrison (Vermont), Jane Harris (Bath) and Carlo Pozzoli (Milan) as we reprise the wonderful singing weeks we had here in 2018 and 2023.
“Great combination of leaders, songs and teaching styles”
“Absolutely wonderful…”
John Harrison is a composer, teacher, and arranger working in a variety of styles that reflect his eclectic background in music: rock, blues, jazz, country, gospel, and world music. He has for many years led summer singing camps for adults and teens through Village Harmony and Turtle Dove, and directed the Montpelier Community Gospel Choir and Barre Rock City!; and leads workshops for community and church choirs throughout New England and beyond. He taught choral and elementary music at Twinfield Union School in Marshfield, VT for 11 years. John lives with his wife Scottie in Plainfield, VT.
Jane Harris is an experienced choir leader and Director of Songways, based in Bath, England. She leads singing workshops and singing holidays in beautiful places and two thriving choirs. She has a clear, inclusive and enabling teaching style, uncovering the best in singers’ voices and drawing people together with heartfelt, resonant singing. Jane teaches by ear and loves to explore songs in different ways to enrich and deepen the singing experience. Jane has a rich, vibrant voice and has released an album of her own songs, inspired by the natural world – One touch of nature. Jane also performs with her own vocal group, Rolling Harmony. Jane is hugely looking forward to collaborating with John and Carlo again.
Carlo Pozzoli directs the Beato Vergine Choir of Seregno; Piccolo Coro; Coro CAI of Melegnano; and the Milan Ensemble Vocale. In his choirs he mixes both sacred and international repertoire. He is an award-winning middle school music educator. Since 1997 he has regularly collaborated with Village Harmony, for which he has conducted choral sessions in Italy, United States, Great Britain and South Africa. Carlo and John have worked together on several previous singing camps in Italy, and are looking forward to doing it again!
REPERTOIRE We will enjoy a rich variety of songs during the week: folk songs, gospel, early Italian polyphony, and original compositions by the leaders. All songs will be taught by ear, but scores will also be made available.
ACCOMMODATION We’ll be staying in the beautiful 15th century Abbazia di Maguzzano overlooking the southern shore of Lake Garda, near Desenzano del Garda and the picturesque medieval town of Sirmione. Built in 1490 on the site of an ancient religious house, the Abbey has spotless, simple and welcoming twin or single rooms, all with en-suite bathrooms and air conditioning.
FOOD Delicious home-style Italian meals will be prepared by the Abbey, and served with wine. Some special dietary requirements can be catered for.
