Masterclass Singing & Choir | MAX-imum Schwaz | Emma Kirkby & Colin Mason | Pentecost 2026 German / English / Italian
- 4K Schwaz
- Dec 31, 2025
- 3 min read
Updated: 4 days ago
Save the date! 22.05. - 25.05.2026
at the Franciscan monastery in Schwaz
Experience musical inspiration at the highest level – amidst the historic rooms of the Franciscan monastery in Schwaz (founded in 1507). Both courses are dedicated to the music at the court of Emperor Maximilian I and combine practice, knowledge and artistic expression in a unique setting.
Schwaz – once a center of silver and copper mining and an important city of the Habsburg Empire – offers the ideal setting with its rich cultural history to authentically experience the sound world around 1500.
Program overview
From Friday to Monday, participants can expect:
Daily work periods (approx. 2 × 3 hours )
A meet & greet on Friday at noon
Lectures on the court composers of Emperor Maximilian and their political significance
A celebratory closing concert on Monday evening
Master class: approx. 30–40 minutes
Choir class: approx. 20 minutes
Master class with Emma Kirkby
Internationally acclaimed soprano Emma Kirkby teaches an exclusive masterclass with a maximum of 10 singers .
The following can participate:
Singers with professionally completed vocal training
Students
Advanced singers with experience in early music
Applicants are asked to submit a short vocal audition file. The individual repertoire will be suggested by Emma Kirkby by the end of March 2026; works (solos/duets/trios) from the 16th-17th centuries brought by the applicant are welcome .
Choir course with Colin Mason
Led by the renowned baritone and conductor Colin Mason, this course combines:
Choral work in group and chamber choir sessions
Voice health training with Hannes Fromhund
Historical background information on composers such as Senfl, Hofhaimer, Isaac, Desprez, de la Rue, etc.
This course is aimed at singers from all countries who wish to further develop their vocal and musical skills. Choir directors will also find valuable inspiration for their work.
Musical focus: Chamber choirs & liturgical music.
The aim is to establish a well-balanced chamber choir; selection will be made through an application process. The detailed program will be sent out by the end of March 2026.
The lecturers
Dame Emma Kirkby
One of the world's most influential early music sopranos, renowned for her pure, crystalline voice and her exquisite text interpretation. Her recordings are considered benchmarks. In 2007, she was appointed a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire by Queen Elizabeth II for her services to the field.
Colin Mason
Scottish baritone, conductor, and former member of the King's Singers. Extensive international career, teaching positions at, among others, the University of Music and Performing Arts Vienna and the University of Music and Performing Arts Graz. Director of the vocal ensemble NOVA and a sought-after expert on Renaissance and Baroque music.
Hannes Fromhund
Austrian Hannes Fromhund studied organ and harpsichord at the Mozarteum University Salzburg and the University of Music and Performing Arts Vienna. He also studied choral and ensemble conducting and completed courses in voice and movement training, as well as vocal technique, at the Complete Vocal Technique Institute in Copenhagen. Hannes Fromhund has worked as a vocal coach and voice health trainer for more than 25 years. In his coaching sessions, he focuses particularly on the entire vocal apparatus, and resolving vocal blocks is his specialty.
He founded and directs the Monteverdi Madrigalweek in Venice and the European Mass Project Venice.
Prices & Payment Terms
Early bird discount until March 1, 2026 & students: €350.00
Regular price: €400
Passive participation (listening only) in master class: €180
Deposit: A non-refundable deposit of €150 is required to secure your place on the course. Final payment: due one month before the course begins. Further information will be provided after registration.
Special conditions
If you are a member of the Tyrolean Choral Association, please let us know, as special conditions may still be negotiated for these participants.
Travel expenses/ Accommodation/ Meals
These costs are not included in the course price .
Services included in the course
Welcome reception
Introductory lecture by Colin Mason: “Encounter” with the court composers of Emperor Maximilian I and their political significance”
Participation in the final concert (Whit Monday)
Master class – approx. 30 - 40 min
Choir class – approx. 20 min
Many thanks to our sponsors!
