The Chilingirian String Ensemble Course
9 to 13 April 2025

The celebrated Chilingirian Quartet return to West Dean for their inspirational annual course. All quartets or ensembles enjoy the idyllic and relaxing surroundings, which make this a perfect setting for ensemble coaching, masterclasses, informal performance and collaborative playing sessions.

Course structure

The course offers the opportunity for music graduate, music student or amateur quartets or ensembles, to work closely with each of the Chilingirian Quartet. Each group selects a repertoire of their own choice to work on, benefitting from at least two intensive daily coaching sessions each day. Groups can also participate in informal masterclass, performance and collaborative ensemble playing sessions. The course starts after lunch on the first day and ends after an informal student concert on the final afternoon.

Since its first year in 1983, many students have benefitted from the immersive and supportive learning experience offered on this course. Many have used the course as a final preparation for an important performance, international competition or concert engagement. A maximum of six string quartets or ensembles are accepted to the course each year.  Bursaries are available.

Each of the participating string quartets/ensembles benefit from:

  • Concentrated study and daily coaching sessions with tutors
  • A dedicated practice room allocated to their quartet or ensemble for the week
  • An informal performance opportunity
  • Collaborative ensemble playing sessions in the evenings with tutors and/or other students.

Bursaries

To help music graduates and students in quartets and ensembles attend the Chilingirian String Ensemble Course, funding has generously been provided by donors and trusts, including support from The Finzi Trust. 

A contribution towards the course fees of a minimum of £200 is expected from each bursary applicant.

Bursaries are awarded based on individual needs. Read the full Bursary and Criteria information

The applications should be received no later than 28 February 2025.

The Chilingirian String Ensemble Course Bursary Application Form
The Chilingirian Quartet playing at West Dean College

About your tutors

The Chilingirian Quartet are one of the world’s most celebrated and widely travelled ensembles renowned for their thrilling and authoritative interpretations of the great quartets and commanding performances of the contemporary repertoire.

Levon Chilingirian (violin), Mark Butler (violin), Susie Mészáros (viola) and Stephen Orton (cello) are highly accomplished musicians, and blend four distinct voices into a single extraordinary sound; their performances are frequently acclaimed by the critics. They are also respected teachers, leading masterclasses at many universities in the UK and around the world.

Fees & accommodation

Non-resident course fees
The non-resident student fee is £681 and includes coffee, lunch, tea and dinner daily and tuition. If you wish to stay at the College, the accommodation costs are given below.

Start/end times
The course begins at 12:30pm with lunch on Wednesday 9 April and ends on Sunday 13 April at 4pm.

Accommodation fees 
Prices are per person, including breakfast.

Standard rooms Superior Rooms
Single occupancy with private bath/shower, ensuite or adjacent (Main House/Vicarage) Twin occupancy with private bath/shower ensuite or adjacent (Main House/Vicarage) Single occupancy with ensuite bath/shower (Main House/Vicarage) Twin occupancy with ensuite bath/shower (Main House/Vicarage)
£436 £288 £548 £344

How to book and more information

Level: Grade 8 and above
Please bring to the course: your instrument, music and a music stand.

Start/End times
The course begins at 12:30pm with lunch on Wednesday 9 April and ends on Sunday 13 April at 4pm.

Applications and how to book

With your application, please return:

  • One copy of the Musical Details form on behalf of your quartet/ensemble
  • One Course Application form for each student,
  • And, if applying, one Bursary form for each applicant for a bursary and return as directed.

The Bookings Office will contact you regarding payment for the course fees due for your quartet or ensemble, alternatively please pay via the online link from the course page.  If you need to contact us in advance or have any queries, please email: [email protected]   or telephone: 01243 818300 (Option 2).

 

Read the full Short Course booking Terms & Conditions

Book online

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