Our first workshop of the year was a joint venture with the University of Liverpool and took place at The Tung Auditorium, one of the Liverpool’s premier concert venues. Our workshop leaders were Lisa Colton, Head of Music at Liverpool University, and Louise Ellinson, Choral Director. On the day, 37 students from the University Chamber Choirs were joined by 43 NWEMF members – a remarkable turnout, and one which made the day very special indeed. There were about 50 singers in total, and 30 instrumentalists, and at various points throughout the day, several NWEMF members offered short and informative demonstrations of their instruments, in terms of their history, construction and playing technique.
We covered the following music throughout the day (the links will take you to YouTube videos taken on the day):
Il bianco et dolce cygno (Arcadelt)
Fair Phyllis (Farmer)
Weep, weep, mine eyes (Wilbye)
O Jesu mea vita / Si ch’io vorrei morire (Monteverdi/Coppini)
Stabat virgo Maria / Era l’anima mea (Monteverdi/Coppini)
Magnificat for 12 voices (Giovanni Gabrieli)
Draw on Sweet Night (Wilbye)
Many thanks to Lisa and Louise for their expert tutoring, and to the Tung Auditorium for letting us spend the day there. And thanks to everyone who came along and made it such a wonderful day – all those who helped move the furniture, who kept the kitchen well organised, those who brought home-baking, and those who gave talks about their instruments. And it was a delight to see so many students there who are keen to find out more about this wonderful repertoire.
Some feedback from the day:
“We all seemed to have the most marvellous time last Saturday. Thank you so much for all the trouble you took with it. It was brim full of great ideas too. In addition to the glorious singing, I very much enjoyed the talks on the instruments… it seemed as if it could go on all weekend (or weeks!) there was such enthusiasm and good-will. It made it particularly special and encouraging seeing the mix of ages of the participants. It was such a privilege to work with Lisa and Louise who had worked so hard to enable us in the intrepid venture. The venue was so spectacular too, the sights and sounds were dazzling.” Colleen B
“I just wanted to say thank you for my first NWEMF workshop. Everyone was very friendly and the workshop leaders bubbled with infectious enthusiasm focusing on what we got right. I found the music and sight reading challenging but not impossible. Some of the participants were very experienced and helped those of us who weren’t quite as good without judgement. In the end it was wonderful to be part of creating a beautiful sound. The people of NWEMF appear to have a lovely, welcoming community.” Janice A
“I particularly enjoyed working in a multi-generational way and within the University of Liverpool’s impressive music department in the inspiring Tung Auditorium. I thought the students were impressive not only for their talent but also for their enthusiasm. It was great to work with Lisa Colton and Louise Ellinson, not only inspiring and informative for us all, but doing it with a mixture of humour, highgrade musicianship, and informed encouragement. Please let’s have more like this.” Helen J
More information about the day
This workshop is for singers in all vocal ranges and players of viols, cornetts, sackbuts, recorders (alto and lower), curtals, and other similar instruments, playing pitch at A=440. Modern strings, bassoons and trombones are also welcome.
Our first workshop of the year is a joint venture with the University of Liverpool, and is designed to bring together experienced early music performers with accomplished singers from the University of Liverpool Chamber Choir, and some instrumentalists. This is a wonderful opportunity to share the love for early music across generations, make new connections, and perform in a special venue.
We particularly encourage all our instrumentalists to join us, as this is a great chance to introduce younger musicians to early music instruments, and hopefully encourage them to explore this wonderful repertoire further.
All full-time students aged 18 or older are welcome and can attend the workshop for free – please join as a member beforehand (student membership is also free).
The Tutors
Lisa Colton is Head of Department at the University of Liverpool, and is a musicologist who specialises in early music. Lisa is a singer, plays viols and other instruments, and has experience in directing choirs in university settings.
Louise Ellinson is the Choral Director at the University of Liverpool. She is also a conducting tutor for Sing for Pleasure, leads workplace choirs for The Hallé, is a regular guest tutor for Liverpool Philharmonic Youth Choir, Liverpool Philharmonic Children’s Choir, and Sale Youth Choirs, and is in demand as a workshop leader.
