Hey all,

I'm going to take my ATCL in December (yes, Trinity Guildhall I know ) and I'd like some advice on the planning of my programme. I am thinking of singing a few blocks of three songs by the same composer. This technique has worked for me throughout uni and my singing teacher has encouraged me to use it, however would diploma examiners think my programme too 'samey'? Are they expecting every song to be by a different composer to show lots of contrast or would it be sufficient to do a few blocks of three? And, if not a block of three by the same composer would a block of three similarly grouped songs be suitable e.g. three chansons, 1 x Poulenc, 1 x Debussy and 1 x Duparc? Is that not 'the done thing' and, if not, would it be okay if the songs were linked by a theme?

I'm terrible at arranging programmes and don't really know the conventions (if there are any!) for this sort of thing so any advice or guidance would be most appreciated!

Also, is there a preferred/conventional language to sing Stravinsky's 'Three Japanese Lyrics' in? The score I have lists Russian, German, French and English and I'm a little unsure.

Thank you!

Caz.

Hi Faeriedust450,
I'm afraid I am not familiar with the Trinity board, having done my Dip with ABRSM. But first (and forgive me if you've already done this) make sure that your programme complies with the syllabus requirements of the Board. As far as my limited knowledge goes, you need to choose from a list or submit an own-choice programme for approval.

If your pieces are all from the list in the required combination, then you can order your programme exactly how you like - and if blocks of 3 work for you and make an interesting programme, then go for it. As far as I am aware you choose things from several sections of the list which would give you a built-in guarantee of at least some variety. (In DipABRSM you are explicitly told to have no more than one work per composer - check what they say for Trinity).

Remember that if you do any stuff that is not on the list you will need approval from the board and from what I've read elsewhere in the forum, this can take some time so do get your request in early.

Sorry not to be more helpful than that - but all the best with your preparations in any case!