Our fourth online singing workshop series took place on six Sundays in November and December, 7:30pm UK time via Zoom.
Led by Jane Harris, Director of Songways
A wonderful group of singers took part in the series from across the UK, Netherlands, US and Canada, culminating in an online festive Big Sing on Sunday 13 December, including specially chosen readings and poems from several singers. We were also joined by singers from Jane’s nonet, Rolling Harmony and from Bath Songways choirs. Warmest thanks to everyone.
The highlight of my Christmas season… via Zoom!
Brilliant workshops… a real joy
Lovely, lovely sessions
A beautiful few weeks singing together… it has been glorious
What a joyous way to end this year
We learned eight songs in the course of the series in a variety of styles:
- O Come O Come Emmanuel – Jane’s setting of the traditional Advent words, starting with a simple line sung in unison and expanding from there in heterophony, creating a wonderful atmosphere and depth of sound
- Come & follow the light of the star – Jane’s song and arrangement based on a traditional Scottish melody. We sang with a new recording featuring the wonderful Beth Porter on cello
- Plovi barka – an exquisite Croatian love song
- Somewhere along the road – the classic folk song by Rick Kemp, Steeleye Span, with gorgeous close harmonies
- I will go with my father a-ploughing – Jane’s arrangement of an Irish poem set to the traditional melody The Maids of Mourne Shore – singing with Jennifer Crook’s beautiful harp from Jane’s album One touch of nature
- Non nobis Domine – a soaring line sung in canon giving us glorious polyphony and a cathedral sound
- After the star in the sky – Jane’s new Christmas song, beginning with a simple line over a drone and building to four part harmony and an expansive ending
- Wassail the Silver Apple – a rousing Cornish Wassail by Mike O’Connor, arranged by the late Sarah Morgan. We enjoyed making a joyful noise at the end with drums, and pots and pans, as is the tradition.
Our fifth online singing workshop series begins Sunday 7 February 7:30pm UK time.
Join us wherever you are…