I offer public and private workshops to learn and sing the uplifting music of Hildegard Von Bingen from the original 12th century notation.
Hildegard von Bingen was a firm believer in the power of music. She spoke of the harmony in our souls and believed that music reminds us of paradise. Through fun, creative exercises, I introduce my workshop participants to Hildegard’s repertoire, using two 12th century manuscripts that were produced during and shortly after her death. The original notation opens up a wealth of information that, though largely lost in modern editions, is invaluable when bringing this music to life.
The workshops are available in Dutch, French and English and are suitable for both professional and amateur singers.
Price: My workshops are tailor-made on demand. I currently charge €400 for a one-off, three-hour workshop. If you are interested, please contact me via penelope.turner(at)telenet.be.
Why learn to read Hildegard’s musical language?
Singing Hildegard from modern editions is problematic because our modern notation encourages a note-by-note interpretation of her melodies. Using the original notation as a basis frees up your mind and your voice as you follow the direction of the musical phrases, shown graphically on the page. It is a language that once learnt is never put aside!
Upcoming Workshops
Singing Hildegard von Bingen, organized by Caldemia Workshops in collaboration with Music Relevant asbl vzw
September-October 2026
This is a series of four Saturday morning workshops that is open to all. It will concentrate on singing some of Hildegard’s liturgical chants, which we will explore using two magnificent 12th century manuscripts. The workshop members will also actively participate in an end-of-series concert that will feature both Hildegard’s chants and my Hildegard Revisited project.
No prior knowledge of musical notation is required for these workshops, as we will discover the 12th century notation together. The only technical requirement is that you can pitch and hold a note. However, as I will accept a maximum of 16 participants for these workshops, there will be individual voice work, and you need not to be afraid of using your voice!
The workshops will take place on September 19 & 26, and October 3 & 10, 2026 from 10:00 to 13:00 at St Andrew’s, Brussels, 181 Chaussée de Vleurgat, 1050 Brussels.
Full price: €160 for the four workshops + the end-of-series concert. There is a reduced price of €100 if you are a student, a professional musician, retired, or out of work.
If you would like more information, or would like to receive a registration form for these workshops, please contact me via penelope.turner(at)telenet.be.
Recent Projects
Brussels Cathedral
I have had the great pleasure to lead two series of workshops in the Chapel of Our Lady of Deliverance in the Brussels Saint Michael and Saint Gudula Cathedral. The workshops focused on singing Hildegard von Bingen from the original 12th century notation – the graphics helping us to find a freedom and direction that can remain elusive when using modern editions.
Thanks to the multifaceted achievements of this amazing medieval magistra, these series were attended by Hildegard enthusiasts from many different disciplines: dancers, healing practitioners, performance artists, musicians, the spiritually curious – what a wonderful mix of talents and perspectives!
February and March 2025
4 workshops in February and March, leading to a group performance during the 11:00 mass on Sunday March 16, 2025.
October 2023 – May 2024
Eight workshops between October 2023 and May 2024, leading to a group performance during the Cathedral’s mini Hildegard festival (May 24th-26th), during the 11:00 mass on Sunday May 26th. Surrounded and supported by two superb exhibitions, Hildegard’s spirit was with us as we sang. I was deeply impressed by the work and enthusiasm of the group – and immensely proud that they could all understand and sing from the original notation by the end of the process.
Here are some nice visual reminders of our workshop moments together. A big thank you to all the participants, and to the Brussels Cathedral for hosting us – and in particular to Xavier Deprez for his vision and support.
February 2023 – 2026
De expressieve en vernieuwende kracht van muziek (2023, 2024, 2025 and 2026)
Workshop and weekend retreat featuring the music and language of Hildegard von Bingen (1098 – 1179). Ut Sol (Penelope Turner and Jos Somsen) at the St. Dominicanenklooster Huissen, Stadsdam 1, 6851 AH Huissen, NL.
Previous Projects
2016 – 2020
‘Médiations Culturels’ with the medieval vocal ensemble La Noeva for the Philharmonique de Namur, for example: Christmas concert for the staff of the Hénellux (Haute Ecole de Namur, Liège et Luxembourg) on December 19, 2019.
Workshops inspired by Hildegard von Bingen, for example: in collaboration with Mora Vocis at the Kapellen culturel centre, Kasattenhoven on December 14, 2019.
2009 – 2015
ReMuA : the Réseau de Musiciens Intervenants en Ateliers
Musique en Action
Concert at the BOZAR in April 2014. Preparing and leading a choir made up of two schools (one French-speaking, one Dutch-speaking) in a mostly classical programme. Supported by members of the Orchestre National de Belgique.
Choeurs à l’Ecole
Following on from Etoiles et Voix (mentioned below), Choeurs à l’Ecole is a project involving Brussels primary schools. The project is inclusive – all pupils attend the classes. It provides a wonderful experience for children whose musical education may otherwise be limited. As well as training the voice and musical ear, the children are exposed to a form of discipline and group-based work that is of great value in their general development. The classes are also good fun!
Concerts given within this project have been attended by Princess Mathilde and Queen Paola.
2007/2008
ReMuA : the Réseau de Musiciens Intervenants en Ateliers
Etoiles et Voix
Throughout the school year 2007 – 2008 a team of five professional singers worked to strengthen music education in Brussels’ primary schools.
Etoiles et Voix was an ambitious and imaginative project that ran alongside the Queen Elisabeth Competition for Voice. It involved 1738 pupils in 9 French-speaking primary schools in Brussels; I was the ‘adopted’ singer for Saint Henri, Woluwe, and Sainte-Marie St. Gilles.
A central idea behind Etoiles et Voix was to introduce primary school children to opera, and in particular to the repertory being sung during the Queen Elisabeth Competition. Phase I of the project saw the children tackling works by composers such as Mozart, Bizet and Offenbach, in specially adapted arrangements.
In Phase II of the project we led one class of each school through the process of writing their own songs – a major creative effort which resulted in some excellent new works.
The project culminated in two concerts given in the Théâtre Marni, Ixelles, and the Maison du Peuple, St Gilles, in April and May.
Etoiles et Voix was a huge undertaking for everyone involved and demanded a great investment of time and energy from both the pupils and teachers. For me the results clearly reflect that effort. I was impressed with the obvious improvement, notably in listening and tone pitching, by the end of the project.
Photos by R. Noviello
