This is where we showcase choirs and other singing groups from the Calder Valley. Harmony Open Mic organise open mic evenings in Hebden Bridge. This is an opportunity for small groups - so far, from two to eight people - to try out something different. The first two evenings are featured on their web page. The repertoire ranged from traditional choral, folk or blues songs, through 'Lullaby for Lucy' by Peter Maxwell Davies to self-penned songs. The intent is to feature mostly a cappella singing. Next gig is 14 March at Stubbings Wharf, 7:30 pm.
Corista are singers who are also in the larger community choir Calder Valley Voices. They're a small group with lots to sing about - from Chartist songs to green issues. Here's Corista's website. Calder Valley Women Singers are not so much a choir as a group of women who enjoy singing together. We have no Musical Director but draw on several singing teachers and choir directors to lead our sessions. We meet during school term-time, usually for 8 weeks each term, on Wednesday evenings, in the Little Theatre, Hebden Bridge. All women who want to sing with us are welcome to join the group. No auditions. No need to be able to read music. No previous experience needed. Teaching is by ear, though some teachers provide printed music too. For more information, please contact: gwyneth.morgan@3-c.coop |
The Hepton Singers is a small chamber choir based in Hebden Bridge. They regularly perform varied programmes of mainly a capella music from the 16th Century to the present day. The choir also tours nationally and internationally, usually through exchanges with similar ensembles. The Hepton Singers has a strong local following and performs about six times a year, including regular concerts in Heptonstall Parish Church in late June or early July and November. Here's their web page. Men folk waits, a septet of men from the Calder Valley (and beyond..) made their public performance debut at Raise Your Banners in Bradford Cathedral in Nov 2009, having only formed in September. The captive audience were entertained with the "Cutty Wren" an impassioned call to arms from the peasant's revolt of 1381 and 'Rain Today' a new soaring accapella arrangement by Alan McDonald of a Randy Newman tale of urban social alienation and deprivation from the 1960's. Click here for an action picture. Watch this space for details about more local choirs and singing groups. |
