What a Working Weekend!

First Bass Julian McEvoy reports...

On a fine late September weekend, Surrey Hills Chamber Choir gathered for a 2 day workshop at the Manor House, Norton Park Hotel near Winchester. The aim was to experience sessions to improve our familiarity with choral technique (Ghislaine Morgan was our leader for this), Gospel singing (Liz Swain) and to work on a specific piece of Palestrina (with The Gesualdo Six) - more of which below.

The venue, accommodation and surroundings were sublime - the whole choir joined in providing food for the weekend, and there are definitely some talented cooks in the choir!

We began the weekend on Saturday morning with our own version of ‘Strictly does Singing’, with the choir divided into sextets and quintets, each performing a choral favourite, and then judged ‘Strictly Style’, scoring paddles and all, to much laughter and amusement – a perfect  ‘10’  for the start of the weekend.

Saturday afternoon found us having our choral technique masterclass with Ghislaine, honing old skills and learning new ones. There were fascinating insights into how vocal technique and theory have evolved over the last few decades, and everyone derived benefit from the fresh techniques presented to us.

The second masterclass was led by Liz, showcasing Gospel singing.  Liz’s depth of knowledge and personal experience in this genre was first-rate.  She quickly pinpointed ways in which we could collectively and individually improve and enhance our grasp of Gospel and we came away infused with her enthusiasm and joie de vivre.

Sunday morning was free time, then on Sunday afternoon we were joined by renowned vocal ensemble The Gesualdo Six.  We were not sure what to expect from this illustrious and pioneering ensemble, but WOW!  They produced an incomparable masterclass, pitched exactly to the right level, taking us through preparation, warming-up and then production of a piece of Palestrina that we will perform in competition next year. The improvement within the choir was obvious, and the organic way in which The Gesualdo Six took us through the piece made sure that the hints, tips and technical points were memorable, both short term and long term.

A fantastic weekend, enjoyed by all, and a great way to bond and to improve our choral skills.  Thanks to all who organised it, and particular thanks to Ghislaine, Liz and The Gesualdo Six.