Current Courses

Orpheus Recorder Boutique 2021

Although this Boutique has been cancelled due to Covid 19 there will be some activities offered online during 7-12 January

Orpheus Recorder Festival 2022

On the wings of possibility

9-15 January at Armidale NSW Australia

Orpheus Recorder Competition

8th January semi finals

12th January finals

An intensive and intimate recorder course for intermediate and advanced players of all ages. Six days of technique classes, small ensemble and chamber ensemble. Each group works with a variety of world-renowned tutors. The full board is available on campus. 

"What would a year be without a week in January in Armidale, dedicated to playing recorder intensively with fellow recorder addicts at the wonderful Orpheus Recorder Boutique?  Orpheus Recorder Boutiques are a very rich experience for so many of us, where we can immerse ourselves in the joys of learning, music-making and team-work, with like-minded people who quickly become lasting friends.  Orpheus Music also sells a fabulous range of recorders of all sizes, to suit every pocket, and music from the earliest times to the ultra-modern, to suit recorder players at every level, whether playing solo or in a group of any conceivable size.  A veritable treasure trove!  Thanks so much to Zana, Peter and Alexandra for their expertise and patience in providing advice and help."        (Vanessa Elwell-Gavins, Hervey Bay, QLD)                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         

Orpheus Recorder Boutique 2021 has been postponed!

Due to the uncertainly of what the months ahead hold in relation to health, safety and travel, we have made the difficult decision to postpone the next Orpheus Recorder Boutique (originally scheduled for Jan 2021)  until January 2022.  However, we will offer many other activities throughout 2020 and 2021 that you might like to engage with, so don’t think you have been forgotten! We will be back for a big event in January 2022, so keep the dates 9-14th January free.

Although this Boutique has been cancelled due to Covid 19 there will be some activities offered online during 7-12 January. Watch this space.

Orpheus Recorder Boutique 2020

Tutors:

Joris van Goethem (BELGIUM)

Robyn Mellor (AUSTRALIA, ACT)

Hans-Dieter Michatz (AUSTRALIA, NSW)

Rodney Waterman (AUSTRALIA, VIC)

Ruth Wilkinson (AUSTRALIA, VIC)

Anna Stegmann (NETHERLAND)

Alexandra Bailliet-Joly (AUSTRALIA, NSW)

Joanne Arnott (QLD)

Description:

About the Course: An intensive and intimate recorder course for intermediate and advanced players. Six days of technique classes, two ensemble classes daily (Small Ensemble and Chamber Ensemble). Each group will be a balanced and fully functional small ensemble that caters to each individual’s needs, and each group will work with a variety of tutors throughout the week. There will be a separate Youth Section for players under 18 (depending on ability some Youth players may prefer to join the adult groups). Full board is available on campus - also available for unaccompanied minors (age 11 yrs and older).

Eligibility:

All participants need to be comfortable with both C and F fingerings. (I.e. must be able to read for and play descant/tenor and treble). The new learners stream is available for those that only play F or C fingering.

Venue:

PLC Armidale, Crest Rd 
Armidale, NSW 2350

Full board is available at PLC Armidale. Single room, twin share or dormitory/cubicle rooms are available. Staying on site really adds another dimension to the course as it gives opportunities to play with other people outside the class times and to socialize with like-minded people. All the tutors and administration staff stay on campus. If you want a single room you are advised to book early. 

How to get to Armidale:

Armidale is situated half way between Sydney and Brisbane on the New England Tableland. It is an education centre and the home of the University of New England. Both Qantas and Rex fly from Sydney to Armidale and Fly Corporate flies from Brisbane to Armidale. There is a daily train service from Sydney to Armidale. Orpheus Music is happy to pick up participants from either plane or train and take them to the venue. As the Accommodation is on site so there are no further transport needs whilst at the course. 

Groups and set works:

For ORB20 a maximum of 6 set works will be required.  Around the end of August, participants will be organised by the tutors into groups according to standard and balance of instruments and repertoire will be selected that best suits each level.  Each participant will receive a list of set works along with a part allocation in late September If you have not attended an Orpheus Recorder Boutique before, you will be contacted to discuss your playing level. For more information on how participants are allocated a group please refer to our frequently asked questions.

Concerts:

For ORB20 there will be 3 Blackboard concerts and a final concert at the Astra Arts Centre, PLC Armidale on Friday 10th January at 4pm. Visitors, friends and family are welcome at no additional cost. There will also be other concerts during the week – details to be advised.

Trade Display:

Largest range of recorder sheet music recorders and accessories in the Southern Hemisphere available throughout the course.

Recorder Repairs: There is a repair workshop set up at the course and recorder services, cleans and repairs can generally be attended to in a day or two.

Town Dinner: 

On the final day of the Recorder Boutique and after the final concert there is a Town Dinner that will be held at the Tattersalls Hotel in the centre of Armidale on Friday 10^th January at 6.00pm.

Additional Course Add-on Options: There are additional courses which can be added on to the principal Orpheus Recorder Boutique Course 2020 before (Pre) and after (Post). All of these courses are only available to Orpheus Recorder Boutique Course 2020 participants.They include:

• Reading up an octave on the Treble Recorder
• Learn to play the Bass Recorder
• The basics of Recorder Maintenance 
• Tips on how to write for the Recorder
• Opening Concert
• Additional Accommodation
• Chamber Recorder Ensemble

Costs:

Refunds for all courses:

50% refund if withdrawing before 30 September 2019;

25% refund if withdrawing before 30 November 2019;

No refund after 1 December 2019.

NB - it is recommended that participants consider taking out insurance in case you are unable to attend at the last minute.

Questions:

Please refer to frequently asked questions.

Youth Bursary Fund - Supporting the next generation of recorder players.

Depending on Donations received, Orpheus Music may be able to offer partial Youth Bursaries to support young recorder players to attend the Orpheus Recorder Boutique in 2019. Please contact us for details.

Photo above taken by Pam Rooney.