VOCES8 International Summer School and Festival 2026
Milton Abbey, Dorset, U.K.
Mon 27th July – Sat 1st August 2026
To apply for an Under-18 place, please email the Summer School Administrator .
VOCES8 is delighted to present its annual Summer School and Festival at Milton Abbey School.
Throughout the week, participants work closely with VOCES8 to rehearse and perform in the Festival’s closing concert. The Summer School focuses on major works with orchestra, as well as opportunities to perform in smaller chamber ensembles directed by members of VOCES8.
The Summer School package also includes entry to the evening concerts held in the Abbey, featuring renowned international artists.
New adult participants (aged 18 and over) must be Friends of The VOCES8 Foundation to apply. Click here to learn how to become a Friend.
Main Summer School Course
- Engaging with specialist choral techniques in bespoke masterclass sessions with VOCES8
- Rehearsing and performing for a gala orchestral performance on the final Saturday
- Working in chamber groups to present a madrigal, part song, pop and jazz a cappella concert
- Tickets to all Festival concerts, including performances by VOCES8 and APOLLO5
- All sessions on the course will be led by VOCES8
Resident: £1,095 (All meals included)
Non-Resident: £895 (lunch & dinner included)
Chamber Groups ONLY
- Working in chamber groups to present a madrigal, part song, pop and jazz a cappella concert
- Tickets to all Festival concerts, including performances by VOCES8 and APOLLO5
- All sessions on the course will be led by VOCES8
Non-Resident: £605 (lunch & dinner included)
Young Musicians Course – 15–17 year olds
- Older children can join the full-week adult course and participate in sessions led by VOCES8
- Specialist choral masterclasses with members of VOCES8 and visiting vocal professionals
- Chamber group performances of madrigals, part-songs, pop, and jazz a cappella
- A final Gala Concert featuring a major work with full orchestra
- On-site pastoral team
Resident: £660 (All meals included)
Non-Resident: £390 (lunch & dinner included)
Young Musicians Course – 8–14 year olds
- Led by highly experienced music educator and workshop leader Neil Valentine
- Singing, songwriting, and performances culminating in a Young Musicians’ Concert on Friday afternoon
- Chamber group rehearsals and performances led by members of VOCES8
- Opening performance at the Festival Gala Concert
Resident: £660 (All meals included)
Non-Resident: £390 (lunch & dinner included)
Please note: All resident accommodation is in school boarding house facilities, mostly with shared bathrooms.
A £100 non-refundable deposit to secure your place is payable on booking. The full balance becomes due on 1 May 2026.
Travel costs are not included, but a shuttle service between Dorchester Stations and Milton Abbey is provided on the first and last day of the Summer School.
Scholarships
We are delighted to be able to offer part or full scholarships to help prospective participants under the age of 18 (or under 21 if still in Full Time Education) to be able to attend the Summer School. For more information and to receive an application form, please email the Course Administrator.
Participant Information
This section will host details about the week, including joining instructions, timetables, downloadable scores, Chamber Group information, and other exciting things!
Please check back here for more information which we’ll add below as it becomes available.
Participants are encouraged to join the Summer School Facebook group and to use it to communicate before and during the week, and post your pictures and videos afterwards (don’t forget to tag @voces8foundation !).
