The Florence Choral Course as an annual summer course, which thanks to our supporters is made entirely free for participants and dedicated to the study, performance and promotion of Italian choral music. Up to 25 singers from all over the world have the unique opportunity to come to Florence for in immersive period of daily rehearsals, choral technique workshops, individual singing lessons, archival tours, history lectures and masterclasses with world famous practitioners, including soprano Dame Emma Kirkby.
We are delighted to confirm the return of Maestro Massimo Palombella to give the Masterclass on Italian polyphony. Maestro Palombella is the former Director of the Papal Choir of the Sistine Chapel, with whom he has toured internationally and recorded several award winning recordings for Deutsche Grammophon. Since 2022 he has been Director of the Choir of Milan Cathedral, promoting the musical heritage of Milan, including its historic 'Ambrosian Rite' and the 16th century Milanese composer, Franchino Gaffurio. Maestro Palombella's research into pertinent and historical performance practice of Italian polyphony has placed him among the most celebrated choral directors in Italy, and it is our great pleasure to welcome him back for this summer's course.
The week culminates in concert and ecclesiastical performances in some of Florence’s most iconic buildings, including Palazzo Tornabuoni, Santissima Annunciata and Santa Maria Novella, as well as a sung mass in the great cathedral of Milan.
