“Caius is an exceptional choral conductor and teacher. He sets the bar high for his singers and carefully nurtures all musicians to reach that level, developing their long-term confidence and performing security in the process. Rehearsals are great fun and engaging, and all feel that every minute has been well spent since the whole approach is about the musical team rather than any individual ego.”

— Benjamin Saunders
(Director of Music, Diocese of Leeds and Lead Consultant National Schools' Singing Programme)

“Caius brings energy and character to his rehearsals. He focuses on musicality and telling a story through the music, without neglecting technical aspects like intonation, articulation and ensemble. His rehearsals are very efficient and he is great at selecting the most important passages to work on.”

— Oscar Tovey-Garcia
(Cambridge University Choral Scholar)

“The "come and sing" format is very exciting....and the support within the individual voice parts makes learning a pleasure.”

— Fauré in Paris 2024 Participant

“An incredible experience as always. Who else would give the opportunity to sing at two major London cathedrals in the same weekend!”

— London Choral Course 2024 Participant

Love singing? Want to learn and perform challenging choral works but not sure you have the experience or ability? Then FISP is the place for you to find both your voice and your feet in a truly supportive and friendly environment. Why not give it a go?

— Florence/Rome Choral Course 2024 Participant

“Enthusiastic chef de chœur , very professional , easy to follow , giving useful tips , and very concerned with the JOY of singing”

— Fauré in Paris 2024 Participant

“The course was stimulating and the venues we sang in were awe inspiring, particularly St Peter’s in the Vatican and the Duomo in Florence. Throughout the course Caius and Kahlan took extra care to make sure everyone was comfortable. The other participants on the course were friendly and the part leaders were very encouraging. The last meal at the Florentine steak house was delicious, other meals were ok but to be honest the company more than made up for any deficiency in cuisine. The hotel was extremely well positioned in the heart of Florence at the end of the Ponte Vecchia and the staff were friendly and helpful. This was my second year and I hope to return in 2025.”

— Florence/Rome Choral Course 2024 Participant

If you enjoy fine choral music, good company, great tuition and support in inspiring venues, FISP is for you. Part leaders very supportive and friendly.

— York Choral Course 2024 Participant

“I found this life-affirming. Extraordinary to come together without auditions, bound only by love of music and the will to honour it, and find oneself rehearsing and performing extraordinary repertoire with dedicated musicians in sublime spaces. Is this not music?”

— Fauré in Paris 2024 Participant

“This was a very amazing experience ! Thanks a lot for the energy, kindness and talent of the director Caius Lee!”

— London Choral Course 2024 Participant

“York was my first residential with Addamus and it won't be my last! I was a little nervous but from the first rehearsal everyone just "gelled" into a wonderfully friendly group totally focused on the music (and on having great fun!) Caius and the rest of the team were so enthusiastic and knowledgeable that I felt I was learning and improving all the time. Singing in such beautiful venues was a fantastic experience and I had my musical experience widened. I would (and have!) recommend FISP to anyone who enjoys singing.”

— York Choral Course 2024 Participant

“The opportunity to sing and socialise with French choristers made it special......a real international feeling of being united in music.”

— Fauré in Paris 2024 Participant

“This experience of singing with professionals and learning from them is unique, as are the singing venues. As one of the older members of the course I hope I can continue to be a part of this experience for many years to come.These days in Florence were thrilling in every respect. To sing glorious music in outstanding locations can not be matched, FISP delivers something unique and I absolutely loved it all. Thank you so much.”

— Florence Choral Course 2023 Participant

“Very friendly, really good to be singing at a high level and pleased that a scratch choir makes such a good sound. Including part leaders was a help. Very impressed with Caius's and David's musicality. All the organisers were very approachable and engaging, and worked so hard to make the week a success, really went out of their way to help. Such marvellous places to sing.”

— London Choral Course 2023 Participant

“I cannot recommend the Florence experience highly enough! Stunning churches; inspiring music and leadership. To have the opportunities to sing in the Dumo, St. Miniato and St. Croce places of worship .. leave me speechless. And a day outing to Arezzo was a complete joy! Huge thanks to everyone who made this happen! What about you who read this - might it be something that could be such a joy to you too?.”

— Florence Choral Course 2023 Participant

“I have attended three events run by Addamus and always find Caius is great at communicating what he wants from us as a choir. I feel my singing and my understanding of choral music grows every time I attend a workshop. He aims for and helps us all to achieve a wonderful sound. If you want to be challenged in a fun and supportive environment I can wholeheartedly recommend attending an FISP course”

— York Choral Course 2023 Participant

“I really enjoyed the variety of repertoire that we sang, having the opportunity to meet people from different regions and backgrounds, and the opportunity to sing for different types of services. I also loved the venues. The whole group and the tutors were really supportive and welcoming.”

— London Choral Course 2023 Participant

“Singing with Addamus is the highlight of my year! Caius is so inspirational! Who else can bring 30 strangers together and have them singing as an accomplished choir within 2 hours? His humour and knowledge make learning such fun, the venues are awe inspiring, and the whole weekend is so uplifting!.”

— Florence Choral Course 2023 Participant

“York was my first residential with Addamus and it won't be my last! I was a little nervous but from the first rehearsal everyone just "gelled" into a wonderfully friendly group totally focused on the music (and on having great fun!) Caius and the rest of the team were so enthusiastic and knowledgeable that I felt I was learning and improving all the time. Singing in such beautiful venues was a fantastic experience and I had my musical experience widened. I would (and have!) recommend FISP to anyone who enjoys singing.”

— York Choral Course 2023 Participant

“This course has it all. Dynamic tutors, beautiful rep, stunning locations to rehearse and sing services, all wrapped with singing tips and performance guidance.”

— London Choral Course 2023 Participant

“What an incredible experience! I have never experienced anything quite like it. All praise to Caius and his team for their extraordinary hard work and commitment. Singing in Saint Mark’s, San Miniato, Santa Croce and The Duomo was so fantastic.”

— Florence Choral Course 2023 Participant

“The whole day was so inspiring! It was uplifting singing with over 200 other singers in such a welcoming and friendly atmosphere. The rehearsal was very inclusive regardless of your ability and the final concert was truly memorable. The opportunity to be taught by such outstanding conductors surrounded by brilliant soloists made it a day to remember. Looking forward to the next one.”

— Selby Abbey ‘Come and Sing’ participant 2023

“I spent a wonderful weekend in York with FISP. The music was challenging for me which did me a lot of good. The organisers were supportive and extremely helpful. The course was conducted with sensitivity and humour. The accommodation was clean and comfortable with everything I needed. The food was good and plentiful. The venues were beautiful and welcoming. I look forward to joining you in Florence next week. Many thanks for all your hard work.”

— York Choral Course 2022 Participant

“Do you like to sing? Do you like to push your boundaries of musical genre? If you do, you won't get much better than signing up and singing with Addamus!! What a wonderful group of inspiring and talented young musicians to help you push your capability whilst having a lot of fun. Great venues, great accommodation, a great Team to help you along the way and the chance to meet like minded folk from other parts of the country you may never have met without FISP. Thank you for the opportunity.”

— Florence Choral Course 2022 Participant

“My wife and I were not sure of what we were letting ourselves in for, one being an experienced singer and the other new to choir singing, and both of us being septuagenarians! From the moment we arrive in York we felt at home and were made most welcome by Caius and the team. Singers of all ages mixed well together. We worked hard on the music and in a very short time we were able to sing music for a service in York Minster. The tuition was excellent and what is more important enjoyable. There was time for looking round York and for social activities. We made many new friends. The course was for anyone who loves choral singing, it worked well across the age range. It was a real confidence booster and we are looking forward to singing on any future courses arranged by these magnificent young, fun loving, musicians.”

— York Choral Course 2022 Participant

“I have never attended a course such as this before, and was a little apprehensive that I might be biting off more than I could chew; the emails and updates from the team helped, and from the outset I felt part of a real choir. Our hosts at St. Mark's were so welcoming. as were our hosts at Villa Montalbano. The singing of Compline at San Miniato, and the experience of singing in The Duomo, were in my opinion the highlights of the week. Small wonder that several of us were a bit "teary" at times. The quality and location of the hotel was exceptional; a real haven from the hot streets. To anyone considering signing up next year, I would urge them to do it; it is not necessary to be a skilled sight-reader or a particularly strong singer. The age range of members went from mid-70's to early 20’s, and all bonded really quickly into a choir. If you enjoy making beautiful sacred music with likeminded people, in a beautiful city, with inspiring leaders, this is for you!!”

— Florence Choral Course 2022 Participant

“This course was such a joy! Uplifting, unforgettable, bit scary, exciting, by turns. You never knew what was coming next! Such a variety of different churches. and led with such extraordinary commitment and energy - with unfailing good humour and patience. SUCH A MEMORABLE TIME- than you so much!”

— York Choral Course 2022 Participant

“Such a great long weekend and still talking about it to anyone who will listen! It was such a pleasure to sing such beautiful music with other like minded people in gorgeous spaces and to experience the settings for which the pieces were written. The opportunity to sing in York Minster, in particular, was amazing as was the opportunity to have a deeper dive into chant with David Grealy which was very interesting and really helped us make sense of the notation. Like others, I was nervous that I wouldn’t be good enough but Caius, Anthony and Tom ensured that we had access to the music beforehand, swept us along with their passion and enthusiasm and had the right balance between working on the technique and allowing us to sing through to achieve a great sound. They had also made sure that each part was well supported with a lead singer which was very helpful. I can’t wait until next year!”

— York Choral Course 2022 Participant

“I feel so privileged to have joined the recent programme in Florence. We stayed in the lovely Hotel de la Ville, and had the chance of singing in some of the most iconic locations in the city. San Miniato was my most looked for location, but then we had the chance to sing in the Duomo! Caius and the team were wonderful in supporting our rehearsals and ensuring that we could perform to the best of our ability. It was also a privilege to meet young musicians who were so talented and so generous with their help. I can well believe I shall be boasting of having met them in years to come! I didn’t expect to have much time to explore Florence alongside the singing, but there were moments to experience the city, and taking some days before or after the course worked well. It was also a lovely way to go on holiday as a single person, meeting up with a range of friendly people who shared an interest with me.”

— Florence Choral Course 2022 Participant

“This was the first choral course I have ever been on; it won't be the last. Caius, and the team were extremely welcoming. The repertoire was challenging and we worked hard, but the rewards were huge, and the opportunities fabulous. I look forward to joining you again soon.”

— York Choral Course 2022 Participant

“A superb experience. Excellent organisation. A brilliant team of gifted musicians. The hotel was comfortable and a perfect base.We ate great food in interesting venues. Even more importantly, the group became a choir from day one. Rehearsals were exciting and purposeful. And the venues quite unbelievable…we had the Duomo to ourselves. We sang in the gardens of a Tuscan Villa; in ancient churches and - spontaneously - in the wide open spaces of great squares, with appreciative audiences of hundreds of people. All enjoying the wonder of Florence. We had singing lessons, conducting master classes, seminars and skills workshops… The experience was rich and layered, informative, great fun and at times (lots of times) incredibly moving. A great team. Lovely group. The best of times - absolutely recommend joining up next time.”

— Florence Choral Course 2022 Participant

“Great opportunities to sing in amazing places in York. Fabulously talented course leaders - full of energy and desire to share how to make the best sound possible Never a dull moment! High levels of engagement achieved Hope to sing with you all again”

— York Choral Course 2022 Participant

“After an amazing time in York a few weeks ago, I made every excuse under the sun as to why coming to Florence was not a good idea. I justified all these reasons to friends on Monday 1st August, and then booked my flight on Tuesday 2nd August and came anyway. I am extremely grateful to Caius for allowing me to join the course at such a late stage. I had the time of my life, travelling solo abroad for the first time in years, flexing my foreign language muscles for the first time in a while, and feeling completely accepted and welcomed into a group of wonderful human beings. The four star hotel, with a sumptuous breakfast each day, was lovely, and the air-con an absolute blessing in the August heat. The opportunity for free appetizers during happy hour, and a 20% off drinks voucher, were welcome, too. Caius chose a great selection of restaurants and the food and drink was wonderful. The part leaders were hugely supportive and whilst the music was challenging, it was a good level of challenge which left room for improvement and a stab at musicality, rather than just hoping for right notes. I have heard before that a long note is not just a chance for a rest, but it was wonderful to hear that demonstrated so beautifully by Tom and Matt, in particular. It was a privilege to sing with such wonderful young and aspiring musicians, and to hear them perform for us. I shall certainly keep an eye out for them in the future and go to listen if I can. As I said in the group chat: Such a fabulous few days of laughter, learning and love. My heart and my head are overflowing with music and inspiration. Thank you, one and all.”

— York and Florence Choral Course 2022 Participant