The dates for Cratoule Summer Singing School 2026 are 15-22 August
Applications are open from the start of February 2026
Programme directors
Jan Wiener, Course Convener
Marc Verter, Artistic director
Cratoule Summer Singing School is an annual vocal programme that takes place in the south of France, and is open to young professionals as well as college students and experienced amateurs. Participants receive daily voice lessons and rehearse for opera scenes and song ensembles. The musical programme is presented in a final public concert at the nearby village of Barjac. The staff includes highly experienced international professionals: three voice teachers, one stage director and three pianists/vocal coaches.
The social element is an essential part of the spirit of the course and all meals and drink are served outdoors to be enjoyed by all participants and staff.
Bursaries are available for college students.
Cratoule is located in the south of France near Issirac (Gard), about an hour’s drive from Avignon. Click here for map.
The course runs from Saturday to Saturday and you need to commit to the whole week if you decide to apply. Arrival is Saturday afternoon, public final concert late on the Friday night and departures are on the Saturday morning or lunchtime. The course is located in rural France so no travel to Avignon is possible in the evenings.
Deadline for non-student applications 15th April, 2026
Deadline for student applications 15th May, 2026
Cratoule
The Summer Singing School is held in Cratoule, a small village close to Issirac. Singers stay in the lovely setting of three French farmhouses which together provide accommodation for up to 35 people and five music rooms, perfect for rehearsing. A couple devoted to music, Nicole Ayrton and her late husband Steve, bought Cratoule in order to offer week-long courses for singers, instrumentalists and choirs throughout the year.
Cratoule Summer Singing School performance videos from 2025
Above: Tia Raddix- Callixte, Hannah Leggat, Chad Vindin
Above: Dorothy Whyte Venables, Anthony Cohen, Smauel Mills, Amit Sova,
Marc Verter
Above: Dorothy Whyte Venables, Keren Hadas, Tia Raddix Callixte, Grace Carter
Above: Niri Boasson, Samuel Mills, Marc Verter
