Music Academy Pielachtal
Master Classes for Vocal Music

with Gerald WIRTH, the Artistic Director of the Vienna Boys' Choir (exclusive at Haring KEG)

 Gerald Wirth
Artistic Director of the Vienna Boys' Choir Composer, Choir pedagogue, Conductor, Gerald Wirth acquired his first musical education at the Vienna Boys' Choir and at the "Bruckner" Music Academy in Linz. He was Choirmaster at The Vienna Boys' Choir and Choir Director at the Salzburg State Theatre. In 1991 he became Artistic Director of the Calgary Boys' Choir, and somewhat later, Artistic Director of the Calgary Civic Symphony and the Vocal ensemble Sangita. He operated as Associate Conductor of the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra and has visited Australia, China, Canada and USA, amongst others, in the capacity of Guest Conductor.

In The year 2001 Gerald Wirth was asked to take over the artistic leadership of the Vienna Boys' Choir. Gerald Wirth holds international workshops on stage presentation, choir leading and voice training. Since the early 1990´s he has been working on a unique method for the elementary, comprehensive musical education in the field of choral singing. The Composer Wirth is present in every single continent through his music and his adaptations of international folklore music. Myths or philosophical texts often inspire his music and he likes to combine Gregorian works with rhythmic components and elements of ethnic music. Wirth is convinced that intensive engagement in music has a positive impact on every realm of the personality, and motivates his students to utilise their potential.

Masterclass. Vocal Music
A week of singing, fun, excursions and vocal development in picturesque Pielach Valley - this is what your choir who attend our Master Class for Vocal Music can look forward to. This workshop is for all choirs who enjoy singing. Experience is an advantage, but not essential. Daily vocal training on a one-to-one basis increases the choir's motivation and self-confidence and is an important element of the workshop philosophy. Participating choirs are coached in English or German by Gerald Wirth and internationally experienced tutors from a number of renowned universities and music academies.

Method. Success Fun
The Master Classes employ the highly effective "Wirth method", used to prepare students in the Vienna Boys Choir Junior School for admittance into the performing choirs. The Wirth method combines entertaining group experience with high-quality artistic talent development. The teaching approach is holistic and incorporates associative learning, integrating body, voice and music. One of the highlights for the participating choirs is a concert at the end of the week. Participants receive a DVD which contains excerpts to remember their stay by specific exercises to practise at home.

Workshop Content
  • Daily vocal coaching on an individual basis bodily awareness and breathing techniques

  • Vocal tone awareness as a soloist and in an ensemble

  • Choral singing

  • Pronunciation training in English, German and Italian

  • Musical coaching

  • Sight-reading/singing exercises

  • Rhythm training & exercises

  • Musical aural training

  • Ear training

  • Articulation & Pronunciation

  • Advice on choice of repertoire

  • Creating a training program for home-use
Discussion of solutions to possible voice problems (speech and singing) Full Day excursion to the famous Abbey of St. Florian - here you will have a workshop and perform in the church where the famous composer "Anton Bruckner" worked and lived. Anton Bruckner is buried in St. Florian directly under the famous "Bruckner Organ"! * ½ day excursion to the famous "Nixhöhle - Ice Grotto" * Traditional folkloric evening*

Body Voice Music
In the peace of this scenic setting, participating choirs will be developed by internationally renowned trainers using the latest entertaining, interactive methods. The Director of the Academy, Gerald Wirth, who enjoys an outstanding reputation world-wide as Artistic Director of the Vienna Boys Choir, lays particular value on modern and methodical training at a high artistic level, the connection between body, voice and music being among the most important aspects. The Hotel Steinschalerhof unites a romantic atmosphere with exclusive comfort. Participating choirs could not wish for a better assortment of culinary specialities, fascinating workshops and leisure activities to choose from.

Harmony Good company Nature
Austria is a popular holiday destination for guests from the whole world. Hardly surprising, given hospitality, the great cuisine, magnificent scenery and rich culture. With the "Master class for vocal music" for choirs of all age, the Wirth music academy has created a unique combination of all these sought-after components. In a representative hotel nestling in the hills of the exquisite Pielach valley, choirs from all over the world can take part in a highly professional music workshop.

Experience. Marvel. Enjoy
A mere 50 kilometers away from Vienna, the capital of Austria, Pielach valley, with its diverse landscapes at the foothills of the alps, is an attractive spot to visit. The Pielach is one of Austria's purest alpine rivers and stages a number of picturesque pools for a refreshing swim. The Pielach river winds alongside the famous Mariazeller railway, a nostalgic narrow-gagged railway track. The country hotel Steinschalerhof is a 200 year old traditional-style house which has been lovingly converted to a romantic holiday residence. Each room is individually decorated with traditional wooden furniture and is equipped with an Internet connection and satellite TV.

Rate per Person
7 Days / 6 Nights Workshop 2007

Rate per active singer: EURO 990,-
Rate per accompanying person: EURO 470,-

Rate per active workshop participant include: Masterclass and Workshop Fee 6 overnights - Accommodation in 4* hotel in ½ twin room, Full board (breakfast-lunch-dinner)

Rate per accompanying person include: Accommodation in 4* hotel in ½ twin room Full board (breakfast-lunch-dinner)

All other inclusions are marked with (*) Services not included in this rates: Arrival & Departure transfers Porterage, personal items such as souvenirs, telephone calls, minibar, beverages, laundry, insurance

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