Last year, the Hereford International Summer School found a wonderful new venue in Shrewsbury School, and we’re delighted that it’s now become our permanent home. The site is stunning – the scale and elegance of the buildings and grounds are awe-inspiring – and the musical facilities offer real comfort and space for expansion. These are very exciting times for the Summer School, now renamed ISSMUS (International Summer School of Music at Shrewsbury).

This year we are adding a Young Singers course for those aged 21 and under. Our existing Young Pianists course is well established, and it seems natural, given that we concentrate on piano and voice, to run a parallel course which we envisage will cater for both classical song and music theatre.

We are also delighted to welcome choral specialist Jeffrey Skidmore, who will conduct a one-day Singing Workshop on Tuesday 11 August focusing on Latin American choral music. Jeffrey Skidmore is renowned for his work with the ensemble Ex Cathedra, famous for its vibrant specialist performances. For us, this is the first of many innovative specialisms to be introduced in future years.

The Summer School has a very significant number of regulars, joined each year by newcomers eager to experience this wonderful musical week. If your interest is in piano or voice then our Summer School will inspire you. Read on, and join us in August 2009.

Graeme Humphrey