Coming in late July/August 2026, join us for this second, shorter part of our Summer School programme, as we learn and record Michael Barrett’s arrangement of Ndikhokhele Bawo and other powerful African choral arrangements. Please note the final dates and full programme will be confirmed nearer the time.
What we will learn
In this 3-week course, we will learn Ndikhokhele Bawo alongside other African choral arrangements. The final selection of pieces will be announced nearer the time.
About the arranger
Michael Tippett is a South African composer, conductor and educator with a special interest in choral music from southern Africa. His arrangements are performed around the world and are known for their emotional resonance, cultural integrity and singable vocal lines.
We are proud to feature Michael’s music once again in our Summer School series, following the popularity of the Choir’s performance of Indodana from our 2023 online Summer School, and at Summer School LIVE in Bristol in June 2025.
A little about the pieces
Listen to Barrett’s arrangement of Ndikhokhele Bawo
Ndikhokhele Bawo – traditional isiXhosa, arr. Michael Barrett
One of the centrepieces of this course will be Ndikhokhele Bawo, a deeply moving arrangement of a traditional Xhosa prayer. Michael Barrett’s setting is rich in harmony, reverent in tone, and emotionally resonant – qualities that have made it a favourite among choirs around the world.
Other African Arrangements - to be announced
Additional pieces in this course will explore the vibrant textures, rhythmic drive and cultural depth of African choral traditions. Full details will be announced closer to the start of the course.
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
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
If you would like to sing Ndikhokhele Bawo and other African choral arrangements with Choir of the Earth, 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.