And I was filled with such delight
As prisoned birds must find in freedom.
(Siegfried Sassoon, from ‘Everyone Sang’)
Singing. Can there be a better way to spend a summer’s day? The popularity of ‘The Choir’ TV series and the success of an NHS choir, which held the UK’s Christmas number one spot in 2015 (thanks, Justin Bieber), are evidence of the recent explosion of interest in amateur singing.
On Saturday 25 June 2016 the Festival will be holding a choral workshop, hosted by Ashbourne’s Chameleon Choir. Information on how to book a place can be found on the Festival website.
Sue Tansey, the Chameleon Choir’s Choral Director, kindly gave a few minutes to answer some questions about the choir and workshop.
Robin: Where did the Chameleon Choir get its name?
Sue: The name was first thought of by Ray Taylor who set up the choir. The concept was that as a chameleon has the ability to change its colour, the choir would sing a great variety of music from many genres.
Robin: How long has the choir existed?
Sue: The choir started in January 2011, with Ray as the Musical Director, but when two years ago Ray relocated to the north, I moved from singing soprano to the role of M.D. We have given numerous concerts in and around the Ashbourne area to raise money for local churches and charities.
Robin: Have you held choral workshops at Ashbourne Festival before?
Sue: Chameleon performed in the Ashbourne Festival in 2013 but has not held a workshop before. This new venture for the choir is an opportunity to experience a "big sing", welcome representatives from over 25 different choirs from the Midlands and demonstrate another musical colour of Chameleon.
Robin: The choral workshop at the Festival will be conducted by Jonathon Willcocks who has conducted concerts all over the world, including The Carnegie Hall in New York, the Perth Concert Hall in Australia and Birmingham Symphony Hall. What do you expect people to learn from his wealth of experience?
Sue: It will be exciting to perform a piece of music written by the composer who will be standing in front of us at the workshop. To receive first hand teaching of Jonathan's interpretation of the music is invaluable and will bring the piece alive. Choirs seldom have the opportunity to sing a musical work with the composer and Chameleon and the Ashbourne Festival are truly fortunate to be able to host this opportunity for local singers to gain from his experience as not only an internationally known conductor and composer, but also an educationalist with knowledge and understanding of amateur choirs.
Robin: Participants will be rehearsing Willcocks’ own work ‘Sing Africa”. Western classical music has tended to neatly sidestep African influences in the past. Why is it important for singers to have an understanding and appreciation of different musical traditions?
Sue: The cultural characteristic of 'Sing Africa' is an exciting contrast to the 'Magnificat' takes us into a different rhythmical form and accompaniment that we may not be used to. The vocal lines are lively and certainly long lasting in the memory. The accompaniment is vibrant with the piano almost performing its own rhythms and melodies whilst accompanying the voices, as well as working in partnership with the djembe accompaniment. The whole experience will transport us into a different musical genre and provide an exciting challenge to the conventional styles we are used to.
Robin: Singers will also be studying excerpts from Rutter’s Magnificat. Rutter stated that his intention was to write a Magnificat redolent of Mediterranean sunshine and celebration. If the participants sing it well on the day do you think it could help to bring some sunshine to Ashbourne?
Sue: The 'Magnificat' written by Rutter is a very joyous work with memorable melodies: they are infectious and I hope that all singing on the day will become consumed with those melodies. We also have a young soloist from the girls' choir 'Cantamus' taking the solo sections which will enhance the piece and provide an excellent opportunity for a young voice who is hoping to become a professional singer.
Robin: Why is singing so enjoyable?
Sue: Singing is in our genes and for thousands of years in all cultures; in all parts of the world people have been singing. There are physical, psychological and spiritual benefits from singing and singing within a group promotes equality, improves personal confidence and develops harmonious relationships. The visit to the Pub for a coffee or a glass of refreshment after rehearsal is also a welcome conclusion to the evening.
Robin: Do you have to be an experienced singer to benefit from this workshop?
Sue: We hope singers of all abilities will be attending the workshop and although the ability to sight read will be an advantage, all participants are given access to rehearsal tracks on the John Fletcher Music Website. Singers will then be able to practice at home prior to the workshop in order to maximise the experience on the day.
Robin: Is the Chameleon Choir excited about the musical possibilities and potential of the Festival workshop?
Sue: Absolutely. We are anticipating a challenging and rewarding day working with the immensely talented Jonathan Willcocks and creating musical memories of a lifetime. We also look forward to welcoming many participants from other local choirs and hopefully creating long lasting friendships and a spirit of musical co-operation between the choirs. Hopefully we may even recruit some additional singers to join Chameleon who meet every Thursday evening at Osmaston village Hall.
Robin: Which bit are you personally looking forwards to the most?
Sue: I am looking forward to the entire day coming together successfully and sharing this event with so many. I am hoping the day will create a buzz and would very much like to see an audience come and listen to our efforts of the day. Chameleon would like to invite an audience to a free performance at 4.30 in the Ashbourne Methodist church. The appreciation of an audience will have made it all worthwhile.
