Fifty singers had a richly rewarding three days in Cambridge led by Jane Harris, Director of Songways and Liam Kantor, guest tutor, vocalist, instrumentalist and workshop leader from Chicago. Jane and Liam were excited to collaborate for the first time, combining their complementary experience and styles to create a unique experience for singers. The event brought together singers from London, Sussex, Bristol, Gloucestershire, Hereford, Shrewsbury, Wiltshire, Malvern, Dublin, Dunkeld, Somerset, Devon and Cornwall.

The repertoire include original compositions by both Jane and Liam, sacred songs, choral arrangements of contemporary folk songs, an African-American spiritual and South African choral music, all in the beautiful setting and acoustics of Corpus Christi College and Clare College chapels. Andrea Cheston helped to ensure everything ran smoothly.

Comments from singers:

“An exceptional experience”
“Superb songs, tuition and company, and beautiful surroundings”
“Particularly enjoyed the contrasting teaching styles”
“Excellent leaders – skilful, responsive and infectious energy”
“Brilliant organisation and support from Andrea”
“Sublime, cathartic, challenging, supportive and so much fun”
“An amazing few days”
“Really enjoyed the range of different songs, styles and traditions”
“Amazing how much we learned in a short time”
“Jane and Liam’s teaching is inspirational”

Please join our mailing list to ensure you receive details of future singing events.

Jane Harris is an experienced choir leader and Director of Songways, based in Bath, and an Old Member of Corpus Christi College. Jane loves to explore songs in different ways to enrich and deepen the singing experience. She has a clear, inclusive and enabling teaching style, uncovers the best in singers’ voices and draws people together with heartfelt, resonant singing. Jane has a rich, vibrant voice and has released an album of her own songs, inspired by the natural world – One touch of nature. Jane performs with her own vocal ensemble, Rolling Harmony.

“An exceptional teacher with a wonderful choice of songs”

Liam Kantor is a vocalist, traditional musician, teacher and researcher based in Evanston, Illinois, with specialities in community singing styles from around the world and Irish fiddle music. Built on years of intensive study and research, Liam strives to create spaces for genuine engagement with folk music and its particularities, whether it be in private lessons, small group experiences, or large workshops. Liam works with Village Harmony leading traditional music study-performance programs in the US and beyond.

Liam writes:

“In my view, the most satisfying way to engage with any music is as deeply as possible. Even with limited time, I try to create programs that get to the heart of what makes traditional music interesting.”