Fifty-five singers enjoyed a wonderful week of harmony singing in a magnificent 15th-century abbey led by John Harrison from Vermont, US, Jane Harris of Songways, and Carlo Pozzoli from Milan.

We stayed in the beautiful 15th century Abbazia di Maguzzano overlooking the southern shore of Lake Garda, near Desenzano del Garda and the picturesque medieval town of Sirmione. Singers came from the UK, US, Canada, Italy and Germany, many singing together for the first time.

Repertoire for the week spanned an amazing 1700 years, from 4th century Gregorian chants, through Italian polyphony and traditional songs, to evocative folk songs from the US and UK and contemporary compositions by Jane and John. Morning circle dancing in the courtyard, swims and drinks at the lake, free time to explore the surrounding area, impromptu folk tunes on violin and cello, and a cabaret on the final evening all combined to make a very special and memorable week.

Comments from singers:

“Fabulous organisation and wonderful music and teaching”
“Tuition by Jane, Carlo and John was truly exceptional”
“A week of total joy”
“The most amazing week”
“A magical experience”
“Best holiday ever!”

SONG LEADERS

This was the third singing week at Maguzzano led by Jane, John and Carlo and they loved collaborating again, working together to combine their complementary repertoire and teaching styles.

JOHN HARRISON is a composer, teacher, and arranger working in a variety of styles that reflect his eclectic background in music: rock, blues, jazz, country, gospel, and world music. He has for many years led summer singing camps for adults and teens through Village Harmony and Turtle Dove; directs the Montpelier Community Gospel Choir and Barre Rock City!; and leads workshops for community and church choirs throughout New England and beyond. He taught choral and elementary music at Twinfield Union School in Marshfield, VT for 11 years. John lives with his wife Scottie in Plainfield, VT.

JANE HARRIS is an experienced choir leader and Director of Songways, based in Bath, England. She leads singing workshops and singing holidays in beautiful places and two thriving choirs. She has a clear, inclusive and enabling teaching style, uncovering the best in singers’ voices and drawing people together with heartfelt, resonant singing. Jane loves to explore songs in different ways to enrich and deepen the singing experience. Jane has a rich, vibrant voice and has released an album of her own songs, inspired by the natural world – One touch of nature. Jane also performs with her own vocal group, Rolling Harmony.

CARLO POZZOLI directs the Beato Vergine Choir of Seregno; Piccolo Coro; Coro CAI of Melegnano; and the Milan Ensemble Vocale. In his choirs he mixes both sacred and international repertoire. He is an award-winning middle school music educator. Since 1997 he has regularly collaborated with Village Harmony, for which he has conducted choral sessions in Italy, United States, Great Britain and South Africa.