ISSIGEAC INTERNATIONAL MUSIC ACADEMY
CHORAL COURSE 2026
​Thursday 16 April to Thursday 23 April
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The IIMA’s Choral Course is open to all singers who want to improve their vocal and performance techniques. This hugely popular course is led by the accomplished cellist and internationally renowned choral conductor, Richard Jenkinson. During the week, participants will immerse themselves in the world of the choir. Sessions will focus on all aspects of vocal technique including ensemble skills, performance, colour and interpretation.
This year, the central repertoire will be Carl Orff’s celebrated choral masterpiece, Carmina Burana. Singers will have the opportunity to explore its thrilling rhythms, vivid contrasts, and evocative storytelling under expert guidance, gaining a deeper appreciation for both the technical demands and expressive possibilities of this iconic work. The text of Carmina Burana are derived from a collection of poems and dramatic texts from the 11th to 13th centuries, found in a manuscript entitled “songs of Beuern” These texts are predominantly written in Latin, with some in Middle High German and a few in macaronic, a blend of Latin and vernacular languages.
Alongside intensive rehearsals, the course will also feature a series of inspiring masterclasses and workshops, providing participants with personalised feedback and opportunities to refine their artistry. Whether aiming to challenge themselves with ambitious repertoire or simply to revel in the pure joy of communal music-making, singers will find the Choral Course 2026 a transformative experience—one that celebrates musical excellence, personal growth, and the shared spirit of choral singing.
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MASTERCLASSES WITH
NELLY MIRICIOIU - The Voice Sunday 12 April to Saturday 18 April & The Performance Sunday 19 April to Friday 24 April
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In 2026, Nelly Miricioiu will offer two weeks of masterclasses at the Academy in the Dordogne, France. The first course will focus on THE VOICE and the second course will focus on THE PERFORMANCE.
Nelly is uniquely positioned as an expert in both arenas: as an artist and as a teacher. Professionally, she was often compared to Maria Callas because her vocal skills were matched by an intensity in her performances that transfixed audiences. As one critic said of her performance of Mimi in La Boheme at the Metropolitan Opera “Spellbinding, captivating...insufficient words for what Miricioiu accomplished. She simply became Mimi. “
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Nelly has a reputation as one of the most desired and respected voice teachers - in demand both in the UK and internationally. Alongside her own busy private teaching schedule, she is a mentor for the Jette Parker Young Artists Programme at the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, and a regular visiting professor with the London Masterclasses, The Mediterranean Opera Studio & Festival, Festival y Academia de Musica en Tequila, and with Stichting La Voix in the Netherlands. Nelly is both a Course Tutor and Patron of the Issigeac International Music Academy.
STRINGS COURSE 2026
Wednesday 16 September to Sunday 20 September
The IIMA Strings Course is designed to provide an enjoyable and inspirational opportunity for string players (nominally ABRSM Grade 5 and above) to play orchestral music led by the internationally recognised and multi‑talented cellist and conductor Richard Jenkinson. Participants will be supported by the Slate Quartet, who will lead each orchestral section, alongside celebrated violinist Ishani Bhoola and pianist Charles Matthews, who will support individual learning.
Richard Jenkinson is a world renowned cellist and Ishani Bhoola a celebrated violinist, whilst Charles Matthews is an exceptional pianist. Formed in 2022, the Slate Quartet performs a variety of repertoire, from classical to contemporary and have a particular interest in curation, working in a conceptually focused way – always finding a theme or idea that draws the programme together.Taking pride in championing lesser-known and modern works, they actively programme composers from diverse backgrounds or rarely performed works into all their concerts. The Slate Quartet are passionate about collaborating with other artists, musical and not, often reaching a wide and diverse audience as a consequence, which is key part of their ethos.They have performed at the Royal Festival Hall, the Petworth Festival and Leicester Cathedral amongst other large venues, and have played for audiences in the South of France as part of a residency at the Ferrandou Atelier.
Students of all ages are welcome on the course and will enjoy both group and individual sessions as well as the opportunity to attend Masterclasses. The repertoire will include Elgar, Holst, Grieg and Piazzolla.
‘I have been attending IIMA strings courses since the beginning. Each course has helped me to become a more rounded, enthusiastic and confident player.
Working with Richard Jenkinson in 2024 to perfect 'The Lark’ quartet opened my eyes to new possibilities of expression and dynamics. The tune is rarely with the second violin and so it is difficult sometimes to bring colour to a piece of music with a regular rhythm and a supporting harmony, Richard showed me how important the role is in driving the pace and character of a piece.
I am looking forward to the new format for the Strings course, the String Orchestra, as I know we will learn skills appropriate to joining local ensembles and we’ll have fun making music together.'
Michele jobling
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