Idrîsî Choir School

Learn medieval and Mediterranean vocal traditions in twice-monthly classes, from Old Roman chant and Hildegard von Bingen to Corsican, Greek, and Armenian repertoires. You’ll work directly with ensemble director Thomas Fournil, alongside rotating guest teachers from Idrîsî Ensemble, with a focus on early notation, ornamentation, and polyphony. Classes are held at St Botolph-without-Bishopsgate Church, Bishopsgate, London, EC2M 3TL (2-3 minutes walk from Liverpool Street station).

We’re opening new cohorts on Tuesday and Wednesday evening this September! Sign up to the waiting list for early access. You will enrol in one cohort, but may occasionally switch to the other day when needed, subject to space. If neither evening works for you, you are welcome to join the Friday or Saturday classes. These have been running for longer, however, and follow a slightly different programme.

The Choir School is billed monthly. It is not pay-per-session: the payment secures your place in the cohort. The Idrîsî Choir School is an ongoing practice rather than a short course. Please only enrol if you are able to make a long-term commitment. The monthly tiers are:

Supporter: £90/month
Standard: £70/month
Discount: £54/month

The Discount tier is available to students, low-income participants, full-time artists, and people living outside London. If you choose the Discount tier, please send relevant proof to: idrisi.ensemble@gmail.com

Testimonials

“Being a member of the choir school is such a special experience - it’s hard to put it into words. Creating unbelievably beautiful music together is one thing, but it’s much more than that. Thomas’ leadership is really special. Firstly, he’s an amazing teacher and can tease out beauty no matter how talented or experienced you might be. Secondly, he’s a fount of knowledge and we have learnt so much about the context and inspiration for the music. Thirdly, he creates connection and community so you really feel part of something wonderful. Finally, we benefit from the expertise of Idrîsî artists who bring their extraordinary talents and share them so generously with the choir school. It’s a unique experience and a privilege to explore alongside such an amazing group of people. I love it so much!”

“I feel extremely lucky to be a part of Idrîsî Choir school. The skill and knowledge Thomas and his visiting tutors have to offer is incredible and I’ve learned a huge amount so far. The classes are challenging, fun and very rewarding. Thomas has created a safe and inclusive space, where it doesn’t matter what background you’re from, or what music experience you have, it feels like a community coming together.”

“Singing and breathing together is an ancient and sacred practice and this is very apparent in Idrîsî’s work and in the choir school they are running. I feel very fortunate to experience the beauty and transformative power of this music. To step away from classical western musical notation and singing felt incredibly freeing. This project is the closest I have come to witnessing oral traditions personally being passed on - and so expertly done by Thomas and Idrisi Members. The sessions are packed with amazing background information & history behind all the incredible manuscripts and notation styles. I am not exaggerating when I say I leave each session a changed person, grounded and deeply grateful to connect to my voice in new ways.”

“Singing in the Idrîsî choir is a highlight and a joy each month. The sessions feel like gentle escapes that transport us away from the city for a while and into a warm, peaceful, slow, caring and illuminating world of musical connection. I find some of the harmonies we sing challenging and so it is such a comfort to sing within an open and encouraging group spirit and to enmesh our voices in ways that allow us to find a sense of vocal safety amongst peers. The choir leader and guest facilitators hold the space incredibly and they are deeply knowledgeable about the wider socio-historical context of the songs they teach, as well as how this singing is embodied and can exist today.”

“I recently moved back to the UK and stumbling across the Idrîsî choir school has been one of the most beautiful, unexpected discoveries. I’m not a musician - and despite having sung a lot I am still quite intimidated by music theory. Luckily, Thomas and the Idrîsî guest teachers are infallibly kind and patient, while still guiding us to engage with the music at a very deep, precise level. It’s so rare to be in a space with teachers who are so generous, sharing their knowledge right up to its edges. I’m very grateful!”

“Being part of the Idrîsî Choir school has been a fulfilling and joyful experience. As an adult, I’ve found it hard to find ways to engage with singing and music in a meaningful way when it is not part of my career. Being able to come and learn these magical musical traditions in a safe, supportive environment is the highlight of my week. I have learnt so much and am honestly surprised I’ve been able to pick up something that seemed so difficult at first. A big thank you to all our teachers for sharing their knowledge and passion with us.”

“Being part of the Idrîsî choir school has been an absolute privilege. Thomas and the guest teachers are highly skilled in facilitating, and create such a welcoming and safe space for everyone present, which permeates through the group. The study of these ancient traditional and sacred musical practices is a kind of musical archaeology - both the history and practice are fascinating, and it’s very moving to see a group of strangers make music together in such a beautiful way. A huge thank you to Thomas and all the tutors - if you have the chance to join them, please do - you wont regret it.”

“The Idrîsî choir school is allowing us a deep reconnecting to our ancestors, singing these old melodies together brings so much joy and a deeper sense of togetherness especially in a world that wants us to forget that we are human. The varieties of the backgrounds and centuries of the song we sing is incredible! Thomas and the guest teachers (members of the Idrîsî ensemble) create each session with so much thought and passion and time travel with you into human consciousness. I always feel beyond excited for each session. I am not a trained musician and feel like these choir lessons are open to every level.”

“The Idrîsî Choir School has become a truly welcome weekend retreat from the bustle of London life. Thomas leads us with warmth and remarkable insight, while the diverse talents of our guest teachers - each sharing music from their own cultural heritage - have been invaluable. Exploring new facets of vocal practice, the fascinating and extraordinary traditional musical tapestry, and spending time with this welcoming community, is often the highlight of my month. For anyone who loves singing, I wholeheartedly recommend joining us in a beautiful church, right in the heart of London.”

“The Idrisi Choir School has been a joy to be a part of! Thomas and all of the guest teachers bring warmth, kindness and a welcoming energy alongside their deep knowledge of their respective musical traditions. The Choir School is both musically ambitious and supportive, with participants from a variety of backgrounds and levels of musical experience, all united by a desire to connect through music.”

“It’s been a privilege to be part of a project that aims to decolonise the way we approach historical music, making it welcoming for everyone while also respecting the unique cultures from which the musical traditions have grown. There is so much to learn, both for beginners and those with more musical experience. So, whether you are interested in music and the associated oral traditions and history, or you just want an interesting and welcoming group to sing with, don’t hesitate to get involved.”