Fifty-five singers gathered from across the UK and several parts of the US for Sing the Cambridge Colleges from Thursday 30 March to Sunday 2 April 2017. We were based at Corpus Christi College, in the heart of Cambridge, singing in the Chapel, and visiting four other colleges to sing during the weekend: Emmanuel, Queens’, Clare and St John’s. The singing was led by guest tutors, John Harrison, a dynamic choral director and composer from Vermont, US, and Helen Chadwick, accomplished composer, singer and choir leader from London. We were grateful to Helen for stepping in at short notice to cover for Jane Harris, Director of Songways, who was unable to lead the group due to unforeseen circumstances.
Between them John and Helen taught a wide range of songs including the wonderful gospel classic, The storm is passing over, a traditional Cajun folk song, 17th century English canons, and their own original compositions. Singers enjoyed the different acoustics and settings of each of the colleges. All the songs and harmonies were taught by ear. The final evening culminated in a delicious private feasting dinner at Fitzbillies restaurant, with entertainment provided by members of the group.
Many thanks to all the singers, to John Harrison and Helen Chadwick for joining us as guest tutors, to Julia Williams for co-ordinating the event, and to all the colleges for a warm welcome.
Comments from some singers:
Fantastic! – a real privilege
Absolutely superb
A wonderful weekend
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