We’re delighted to welcome Narthen back to Halsway for a joyous sixth weekend of polyphonic unaccompanied singing in four part harmony, with a tutor to lead each section of the choir. Narthen are Jo Freya, Fi Fraser, Sarah Matthews, and Doug Eunson.
The weekend will explore some of the beautiful Yorkshire and Derbyshire carols and other festive fair, for which Narthen are so well known. We have a fantastic array of songs for you as always and we are particularly excited about it being a more ‘festive celebration’, being that little bit nearer to Christmas. Mince pies will be welcome, but be warned, the puritans who banned Christmas once termed them “Relics of the whores of Babylon”!
Who is it for?
Singers of all levels of experience who want to have fun singing in harmony! You do not need to be able to read music; it may be provided for some songs but you will have time to learn the parts by ear and use the scores as a guide. The songs are meant to be sung with men’s and women’s voices on all parts. You may come thinking you’re a bass singer and end up doubling the soprano line. You may be a soprano on one song and a tenor on another. There are no rules! Whether you like to sing bass, alto, tenor or soprano or move around between those you’re welcome.
The Team
The term ‘Narthen’ is akin to ‘Now then’, ‘what gives’ , ‘what’s happening now?’, especially in the more northerly climes from which its members originate. Narthen sing and play the songs and tunes that reflect their individual personalities and tastes. From the tradition through to modern times, anything goes, and that material is expressed through vocal harmony and a large variety of instruments. All sing, all play, expect the unexpected!