Launching on Monday 1 June 2026, join us for the first course of our popular online Summer School, where we will learn, sing and record a stunning mix of 20th Century choral music by Michael Tippett and Edward Elgar.
What we will learn
In this 7-week course, we will learn:
The Five Spirituals from A Child of Our Time by Michael Tippett
Steal Away
Nobody Knows The Trouble I See
Go down, Moses
O By And By
Deep RiverLux Aeterna by Edward Elgar
The choral arrangement of the Nimrod variation from Elgar’s Enigma Variations, set to the Latin text Lux Aeterna.
About the composers
Michael Tippett (1905-1998) was one of the most distinctive British composers of the 20th century. Deeply committed to peace and social justice, he believed music could be a force for understanding and healing. These ideals shaped both his life and his compositions.
Tippett’s musical style is vibrant and expressive, with a strong sense of rhythm and emotional depth. He was constantly searching for new ways to communicate through music, but his work remains rooted in a deep connection to the human experience. His music invites listeners - and performers - to reflect, feel, and engage.
Edward Elgar (1857-1934) is one of Britain’s most celebrated composers, known for music that is both noble and deeply moving. His work captures a rich emotional range, from quiet introspection to soaring grandeur, and has become a lasting part of the British choral and orchestral tradition.
Largely self-taught, Elgar rose to prominence through talent and determination. His music often carries a sense of national pride, but it also reveals a more personal, heartfelt voice. Audiences and performers continue to be drawn to its beauty, sincerity, and emotional clarity.
A little about the pieces
Listen to Deep River - one of the spirituals from A Child Of Our Time
Spirituals from A Child of Our Time – Michael Tippett
The spirituals in A Child of Our Time are some of the most emotionally powerful music Tippett wrote. He chose well-known African American spirituals like Steal Away, Go Down, Moses, and Deep River because of their deep sense of humanity and hope in the face of suffering.
Tippett placed these spirituals at key points in the piece, using them much like chorales in Bach's oratorios. They offer space for reflection and unity, and the arrangements are rich and expressive without being technically difficult. They are deeply moving to sing and connect immediately with both performers and audiences.
Listen to Elgar’s Lux Aeterna
Lux Aeterna – Edward Elgar
Lux Aeterna is a choral setting of Elgar’s Nimrod from the Enigma Variations, arranged with a Latin text that means "eternal light." The music is flowing, heartfelt, and quietly powerful, with harmonies that feel both warm and timeless.
This version invites singers to focus on blend, breath, and phrasing, creating a deep sense of stillness and expression. It’s a piece that many people already know and love in its orchestral form, and singing it brings a new layer of emotional connection and meaning.
Our teaching and resources
Our online courses are designed to be flexible and welcoming. You will get:
A one-hour full choir rehearsal each week of the course, led by our Musical Director, Ben England
A one-hour sectional rehearsal focused on your voice part (soprano, alto, tenor or bass) each week, with the option to attend any others you like - learn and record as many voice parts as you like, or just come along to enjoy the music and live chat
Rehearsal tracks recorded by professional singers and musicians - for this course by the fantastic Fieri Consort and organist Richard Gowers
The option to record and submit your own recordings, which will be combined with singers around the world to create a final mixed performance
Our rehearsals take place between 17:00 to 21:00 UK time - a full schedule will be provided on our exclusive Members’ Area prior to the course launch. Can’t make it live? No problem - our rehearsals are recorded and available immediately so you can catch up at a time that suits you!
At the end of the course, our global recording will be premiered on YouTube as a concert - a celebration of what we have learned and created together.
You don’t need any previous choral experience to take part in our courses - just a love of singing and a way to get online.
As these pieces are still under copyright, it will be necessary to purchase scores for a small extra cost, but we will provide all the information you need to obtain these.
Our innovative learning tools mean you will learn this stunning music in a depth you don’t get with any other choir.
ℹ️ Find out more about how Choir of the Earth works here.
Be part of it
Our course launch session on Monday 1 June 2026 will be open to all, so please come along to hear more about the music and how the course will work.
If you would like to take part in Choir of the Earth’s 2026 Summer School and sing these fantastic pieces, simply sign up as a member. Sign up for an annual membership to enjoy the rest of our 2025/26 programme too, plus save 10% across the year.
We hope to sing with you soon!
Enjoy some of Choir of the Earth’s previous Summer School performances:
Discover Choir of the Earth with a full sample week of rehearsals - learn the Sanctus from Haydn’s Harmoniemesse with us here:
Find the score and sample rehearsal tracks from Richard Gowers and Fieri Consort in the description underneath each video
Disclaimer: While we make every effort to ensure that courses proceed on the dates and with the content advertised, unforeseen circumstances may require changes on occasion. We endeavour to minimise such alterations, but we reserve the right to make adjustments if necessary.