Camino FAQs

Why are we doing this?

We've really enjoyed watching so many choirs come together throughout the lockdown to release their singing videos online. But we want to recreate more of the authentic choir experience while we wait for a time when it is 100% safe to perform in person again.

Backed by our network of outstanding choral singers and world-class instrumentalists, Brandenburg created the Camino so you can connect with other choral enthusiasts, improve your singing, and perform alongside some outstanding musicians - all from the comfort and safely of your own home. 

How will this work?

We'll be breaking our time together into a series of steps, each culminating in the release of a video recording onto YouTube, so we can showcase your talents to the world.

But unlike other virtual choirs, you'll also have the opportunity to learn with Artistic Director Bob Porter and Vocal Consultant Matthew Buswell, sing with a backing track recorded by excellent musicians and enjoy online social time with the other singers.

How long will each step take?

Each step will begin with the online intro session and culminate in the release of the recording four weeks later - giving you lots of time to prepare and Bob & Matt enough time to provide all the sectionals, social seminars and coaching that has been requested. The amount of time you spend on the project during those four weeks depends on the level of participation you’ve requested.

When and where does the journey end?

We don't know yet when classical concerts will resume, and even when they do, it may be quite some time until they've returned to ‘normal’. It may also be some time until choral groups feel safe to meet in the numbers they used to. Until that time, the Brandenburg Camino will be here to give you the best online choral experience possible.

Do I have to sign up for the whole Camino?

As we don't know yet how many steps in the Camino there will be, your sign-up is valid for one step only. That gives you the opportunity to be totally flexible as well. Maybe you've got a busy patch and want to give one a miss - no problem. Enjoyed it so much you want to upgrade to a premium pilgrim next time - definitely no problem! 

And what’s this wine bar I’ve heard about?

The El Camino Wine Bar is an online, virtual social meeting place and is available exclusively for Premium and Associate Members on the current step of the Brandenburg Camino. It is an intimate and welcoming space for discussion between fellow music lovers, numbers will be limited to eight plus a host and free tickets for a stool at the bar can be booked by Premium and Associate Camino Members.

Who are Bob and Matt?

Bob Porter started his musical career as a bassoon player, studying at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama - a place still close to his heart, where he is now heading up the Junior Guildhall Wind and Percussion department. He also founded the Brandenburg Sinfonia in the early 1980s, and the Brandenburg Choral Festival of London in 2009.

From a humble beginning of only six concerts over a few weeks in the summer, Bob has built the Brandenburg Choral Festival into a thriving musical organisation which presents over 100 concerts a year in unique London venues. Alongside his role as Artistic Director, he also conducts the Brandenburg Singers, the Brandenburg Festival Chorus, and leads multiple Come and Sing days throughout the Festival.

He was made a Freeman of the City of London for his services to music in 1991 - although hasn't had the chance to drive a flock of sheep over London Bridge just yet.

Operatic Bass-Baritone Matt Buswell trained at the Royal College of Music and is highly sought after in the UK and abroad. In recent years he has worked with Opera de Lyon, Garsington Opera, Longborough Festival Opera, Grange Park Opera, Mid Wales Opera and the Verbier Festival. He has sung under the direction of eminent conductors such as Valery Gergiev, Lothar Koenigs, Michael Lloyd and Daniele Rustioni. Alongside his operatic performances Matt is often found on the concert platform performing recently at the Auditorium (Lyon), Birmingham Symphony Hall & Theatre des Champs-Elysees (Paris). He is also a frequent soloist and vocal consultant for the Brandenburg Choral Festival.

When not performing Matt directs a staff choir for a well known pharmaceutical company. Matt is also passionate about education and is often engaged for masterclasses, adjudication and vocal coaching.

After living in Chiswick for 10 years Matt moved to rural Warwickshire in 2019. In his spare time he can be found in his kayak on the Avon or baking in his kitchen.