Course description

The Valamo Summer Choir is formed by experienced choir singers who master the basics of Orthodox church singing. During the course, the choir practices together, develops in stem singing, choral singing and voice formation, and learns new things about Orthodox church music. The 2026 summer choir's repertoire will feature Valamo tunes in particular, and the course will culminate in singing services on the memorial day of Saint John of Valamo. At the end of the course, the summer choir will also sing a small church music concert in the monastery church. Course participants are selected based on applications, application form here.   Application period ends on 1.3.2026.  The selection criteria are experience in choral singing in an Orthodox choir or similar, musical literacy, voice singing skills, and the balance of the different voices (soprano, alto, tenor, bass) of the summer choir to be formed.  A maximum of 20 participants will be accepted for the course. The teacher and choir director is a TM, musician (YAMK), music pedagogue (AMK) dir.cant. Varvara Merras-Häyrynen. The course is supported by the Finnish Orthodox Church.

Special price 250 €/OH1 incl. tuition, accommodation and meals according to the program. No other discounts.