Audience sing-along for the concert encore. Oscar Peterson's Hymn to Freedom From spring 2026 in Saskatoon, SK https://northskyChorale.ca

Go Forth on your journey, Movement 8 of Requiem aeternam by UK Composer Tim Knight

Performing Vukani Mawethu African piece at GACMA 2016

Adaptation by Sian Croose of a traditional joik called Nieida ('Girl'). A joik is a unique form of cultural expression for the Sámi people (or Lapps - region stretches over four countries: Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Russia). This type of song can be ...  moreAdaptation by Sian Croose of a traditional joik called Nieida ('Girl'). A joik is a unique form of cultural expression for the Sámi people (or Lapps - region stretches over four countries: Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Russia). This type of song can be deeply personal or spiritual in nature, often dedicated to a human being, an animal, or a landscape as a personal signature. According to music researchers, joik is one of the longest living music traditions in Europe, and is the folk music of the Sámi people. Its sound is comparable to the traditional chanting of some Native American cultures. This is from The OK Chorale's second public concert in March 2013 at St. Mary's Church, Woodbridge, Suffolk, UK.  less

[A version of this article first appeared as a post on my blog From the Front of the Choir] [NB this post is about UK copyright laws. Although the situation will be similar in other countries, the various copyright and performing rights agencies a...

[this is a version of a post which first appeared on my blog From the Front of the Choir]   I used to lead a women’s singing group. We tried a Bob Marley song once. One of the singers used to say: “If it sounds like the Women’s In...

The Gesualdo Six are a vocal sextet specialising in the performance of renaissance polyphony, directed by Owain Park. The ensemble is made up of undergraduates and graduates of Cambridge University, and currently the choirs of King’s, St John’s and Trinit...  moreThe Gesualdo Six are a vocal sextet specialising in the performance of renaissance polyphony, directed by Owain Park. The ensemble is made up of undergraduates and graduates of Cambridge University, and currently the choirs of King’s, St John’s and Trinity colleges are represented. Recent concerts have included performances of Gesualdo’s Tenebrae Responsories for Maundy Thursday (Feria Quinta), Monteverdi madrigals and anthems by Byrd. The ensemble has also performed music by Ligeti, Rheinberger and arrangements by Philip Lawson. Future engagements include a lunchtime concert in the Cambridge St John’s Music Festival, as well as concerts at Jesus and Caius colleges.  less

[The views expressed in this blog are from my personal experiences from 25 years of leading non-auditioned community choirs in the UK, as well as adult singing workshops. My focus is on teaching by ear using a repertoire of songs from traditions across th...