WE WILL ADD MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE MUSIC AT NORVIS 2026, INCLUDING THE REPERTOIRE ON THE MUSIC LISTS, AS IT BECOMES AVAILABLE.
The pitch in general is A415 for string instruments and A440 for recorders unless otherwise indicated. Participants who wish to play strings or other winds in the NORVIS Orchestra (all at A415 pitch) should bring their own instruments. We encourage you to mention in your online application all the instruments you plan to bring, not just those of your tuition class main study.
For an overview of the sessions of the day, see
THE FOUR DAILY NORVIS SESSIONS
Click on the LINK
MUSIC LIST 2026 – TUITION CLASSES
Click on the LINK
This MUSIC LIST includes information about the ‘first session’ tuition class main study music.
MUSIC LIST 2026 – AFTERNOON SESSION 1
Click on the LINK
This MUSIC LIST includes information about the Choir, Orchestra and Recorder Ensemble.
The BIG GROUPS (Choir, Orchestra and Recorder Ensemble) will present a varied programme around the theme of ‘GENERALLY GERMAN’, including cantatas by J S Bach and Sebastian Knüpfer (one of Bach’s predecessors as Kantor of St Thomas, Leipzig, who died in 1676). It is the 400th anniversary of John Dowland’s death, and this may also influence the week.
NORVIS Choir – director: Andrew Fowler
The Choir is open to all. No auditions. There are opportunities for solos.
NORVIS BAROQUE Orchestra – director: CHRISTOPHER ORTON
The Orchestra is open to all players of wind and stringed instruments at A=415. Music will be provided and will be available HERE (when link is available), where you can read the advisory note* for aspiring members of the orchestra. (*Advisory note: NORVIS Baroque Orchestra welcomes wind players as well as strings. Players are invited to select the parts that they play. Oboes and flutes will need to choose from violin 1 and 2, and some transposition will need to occur when string parts go below your range. The conductor reserves the right, however, to re-distribute players to ensure a suitable balance across all parts. Bassoons can take the cello/basso line. Recorder players can choose to play on voice flutes or alto recorders, with the occasional transposition. We can accommodate a maximum of four recorder players per piece. Recorder parts are suitable for advanced players. )
NORVIS RECORDER ENSEMBLE – DIRECTOR: PETER WENDLAND
The Recorder Ensemble is open to all recorder players at A=440.
Music, Instruments and Shopping
NORVIS has a large music library which may be borrowed from during the course. Lute music for the course is detailed on the MUSIC LIST, with some downloadable resources available HERE.
THE FOLLOWING RESOURCES WERE AVAILABLE IN 2025 – WE ANTICIPATE THAT THEY WILL BE AVAILABLE AT NORVIS 2026, TOO.
Sheet music may be ordered in advance from Jacks Pipes and Hammers. Contact Ruth or Jerry on: Tel: 01422 882751 email: info@jackspipesandhammers.co.uk
The JP&H shop will be at NORVIS most of the week.
Tutor, Jacqui runs Rondo Publishing and will be selling their publications at NORVIS.
Tutor, Annabel, runs AK Music and will be selling their publications at NORVIS.
Peter Booth from the Early Music Shop will join us at NORVIS as usual, selling everything from viol strings to bass recorders, crumhorns to renaissance drums and useful instrument accessories.
Julie Dean from Recorder Shop London will be with us again, offering maintenance and technical support for recorders and some support of ‘second session’ ensemble groups.
Viol-maker Merion David Attwood will be at NORVIS again, offering maintenance and technical support for viols and violin family instruments.
RENAISSANCE VIOLS
Richard and Vivien Jones, longstanding friends of NORVIS, make beautiful Renaissance viols, see their website. Richard and Vivien will be visiting us again.
HIRING INSTRUMENTS
A limited number of viols may be available for hire at a small charge. Baroque violins and/or bows may be available by prior arrangement. Lutes may be available for hire. Please enquire by email about hiring instruments.
NORVIS - Early Music Summer School 