The International Academy of Sacred Music was established by Michael Procter in 1992 and has been under his direction ever since. It provides a unique opportunity to study, in the heart of Venice, music created in and for the city and its magnificent Basilica. The 2012 Academy - the 21st - will include sacred music by Giovanni Gabrieli and Hans Leo Hassler: the two studied together under Andrea Gabrieli and became close friends. Both died in 1612. A course for very experienced choral singers and instrumentalists with very good sightreading. Instrumental coaching by Gawain Glenton (English Cornett and Sackbut Ensemble). With a concert in Santo Stefano, where Gabrieli is buried, and the annual High Mass in the Basilica. Details subject to confirmation. Full information will be posted on the website www.Venice-Academy.com as soon as it is available.

Again we are invited to sing the Solemn High Mass in the magnificent setting of St Augustine's. This time we shall be working on the triple-choir mass movements from Gabrieli's Sacrae Symphoniae of 1597, together with the 12-voice Agnus by Hans Leo Hassler and further polychoral pieces. For singers, cornett, Sackbut, curtals and suitable strings.

The 15th Summer Academy in the wonderful Praemonstratensian Abbey of St Martin at Mondaye near Bayeux. The main emphasis this year will be on the music of 16th century Venice, as we celebrate the 450th anniversary of the death of Adrian Willaert, and the 400th of the deaths of Giovanni Gabrieli and Hans Leo Hassler. We sing Vespers each evening with the Canons, take part in the great final Sunday Mass, and on August 15 we have a chance to join the celebrations of the Assumption (le quinze août).

A unique opportunity to sing a full choral service in the Chapel of Gonville and Caius College. This year we are celebrating the Feast of Holy Cross with motets by Adrian Willaert (+ 1562) and the Missa de Sancta Cruce of Pierre de la Rue (* ca. 1462).