Following on from their joyous – and packed – vocal weekends in 2018, 2019 and 2021, we’re delighted to welcome Narthen back to Halsway for a fourth sensational weekend of polyphonic unaccompanied singing in four part harmony, with a tutor to lead each section of the choir.
Following the sad and sudden loss of Barry Coope last year, it’s a new era for Narthen. Continuing with sisters Jo Freya & Fi Fraser at it’s heart from 2022 they are joined by Sarah Matthews and Doug Eunson to complete the foursome.
The weekend will explore some of those beautiful Yorkshire and Derbyshire carols and other festive fair, for which Narthen are so well known. Whilst this will set you up with some fantastic singing material for the festive season it won’t all be about Christmas; there will be other songs too!
Whether you like to sing bass, alto, tenor or soprano or move around between those you’re welcome. You don’t need to read music but music will be provided. The sound of massed voices together is, dare we say it, ‘heavenly.’
Who’s 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.
The Team
Narthen are Jo Freya (Blowzabella/Moirai), Fi Fraser (The Old Fashioned/ Polka Works), Sarah Matthews (Moirai, Intarsia, Cupola) and Doug Eunson (Cupola).
The term ‘Narthen’ is akin to ‘Now then’, ‘what gives’ , ‘what’s happening now?’. 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 and the instruments include, Soprano sax, clarinet, whistles, fiddles, viola, hammer dulcimer, tenor guitar, diatonic accordeon and hurdy gurdy. Expect the unexpected!!!
