Illuminations

  • Conductor: Sharon J. Paul
  • Date: July 11 - 18, 2027
  • Location: Denver, CO: University of Denver

Program Details

The sparks of artistic genius – old and new – merge in this innovative program contrasting Bach’s uplifting Magnificat with Elaine Hagenberg’s Illuminare, a sonic blockbuster drawing on ancient texts tracing the restoration of hope in the world. The Notebooks of Leonardo Da Vinci by Jocelyn Hagen brings his scientific and philosophical genius to life through compelling music and vivid projections of his drawings, synced in real time with stunning visual impact. Sharon Paul, Director of Choral Activities at University of Oregon and frequent Oregon Bach Festival collaborator, leads our week.

Important Dates
  • Program Dates: July 11 - 18, 2027
  • # of Days: 8
  • Registration Opening: September 15, 2026
  • Registration Deadline: December 1, 2026
Repertoire

J.S. Bach: Magnificat, BWV 243

Elaine Hagenberg: Illuminare

Jocelyn Hagen: The Notebooks of Leonardo Da Vinci

 

The Bach and Hagenberg are sung in Ecclesiastical Latin. Hagen is in English.

Voice Parts
  • Soprano: Open
  • Alto: Open
  • Tenor: Open
  • Bass: Open
sharon paul 27

Sharon J. Paul

Sharon J. Paul holds the Robert M. Trotter Chair of Music at the University of Oregon, where she currently serves as the Department Head of Music Performance and Director of Choral Activities. Her teaching includes graduate courses in choral conducting, repertoire, and pedagogy, along with conducting the internationally award-winning Chamber Choir.

The University of Oregon Chamber Choir has garnered international attention in recent years by placing first or second in five international choral competitions, most recently winning both of their competitive...

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Tuition includes: 7 nights lodging based on double occupancy, all meals, welcome reception and post-concert party, rehearsals, sectional, and classes with our professional faculty, practice audio files (sent in March), and a fully produced concert with professional orchestra in an excellent venue.

    • $3,150 Standard
    • $2,362 Newcomer
    • $2,047 Next Gen (Ages 18-45)
    • $2,650 Commuter

Dormitory housing is in modern air-conditioned suite-style bedrooms with a shared suite bathroom. A single bedroom supplement option is available. Elevator access is available. Garage parking under the dorm is available for an additional University fee. A commuter option is available for local singers and those who wish to stay off campus. The campus meal plan is included in all tuitions to encourage shared learning and social experiences.

All meals from Sunday dinner through the following Sunday breakfast are included. Dining services can meet the needs of vegetarian, gluten-free, and vegan diets.

While campus housing provides the best value and community experience, those who prefer a commuter hotel option can click here to find rates and availability for hotel properties within a convenient distance to campus:

Denver commuter housing options

Accessibility

This campus location requires a moderate amount of walking. Walking distance between the dorm and rehearsal space is approximately 0.3 mile. Walking distance between the dorm and dining is approximately 0.2 mile. All venues are fully accessible.

Golf cart transportation will be available to assist at scheduled rehearsal and event times.

Travel to Denver is not included. Denver International is the nearest airport. Campus parking is an additional campus charge.

Trip Insurance

We recommend trip insurance, as BCI fees are not refundable after our published tuition due dates (see our cancellation policy). You are free to purchase travel insurance from any provider you wish. We have partnered with Yonder Travel Insurance to quote, sort, filter, and compare travel insurance policies from all of the major US providers. They also offer customer service by phone and email to help you select coverage. BCI will receive a 10% commission when you click this link:

Newman Center for the Arts

We will rehearse and perform at University of Denver’s contemporary and comfortable Newman Center for the Arts.

More about our program in

Denver, CO

Things to do

Mile high culture and fun

University of Denver

A gorgeous campus and the facilities of the Lamont School of Music

Explore the Music

Music Listen to some sample clips of the repertoire for our program