A special participatory singing event led by Jane Harris, Director of Songways, in the open space of the Cathedral and Chapter House.

Sixty singers gathered for the first Soul Soundings in Wells Cathedral since the Covid lockdown. We began with singers at both ends of the nave, singing to each other and enjoying the reverberations of the space. Jane then led the group in a timeless New Year greeting from the Shaker tradition and her own song How sweet the sound, composed especially for the event. After a break, we gathered in silence at the foot of the ancient Chapter House steps. Led by Jane, singers gradually entered the Chapter House, holding hummed notes as they arrived, gradually filling the amazing space with a shifting soundscape. There were opportunities to sing freely and improvise, held in the group sound and the exceptional acoustics, and Jane led the group in her song In the beauty of the world find rest and be free. We ended the evening gathered once more in the nave around a pool of candlelight singing the New Year greeting.

Comments from singers:

A beautiful evening, both in setting and sound
Greatly enjoyed as ever
A joy…

A donation was made from the proceeds of the event to FareShare South West.


FUTURE SOUL SOUNDINGS 

SJE Arts Oxford
Saturday 12 February 2022 7:30 – 9:30pm

Bath Abbey
Saturday 24 September 2022 7:30 – 9:30pm

Wells Cathedral and Chapter House
Saturday 28 January 2023 7:30 – 9:30pm

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