Words and photos by Tim Lutton.

This weekend our members enjoyed a weekend workshop full of singing, learning and socialising 🎼

As well as rehearsing Dvořák’s Stabat Mater with our Musical Director Murray Hipkin and accompanist Catherine Borner ahead of our concert at St James Muswell Hill on Saturday 21 March, we had the pleasure of welcoming conductor, composer and expert in Eastern European choral music Irina Walters. Her knowledge on the history surrounding the music and the text, as well as the musical devices used throughout, helped us see the piece in a new light. She also introduced us to the Russian folk song My Maple, and guided us through Rachmaninov’s Bogoroditse Devo. Thank you Irina!

Later that evening in Stephens House we enjoyed a delicious meal together and a cabaret performed by some of our members.

On Sunday morning we gathered at Muswell Hill United Reformed Church for more rehearsals and a Singing and Wellbeing Workshop delivered by soprano, vocal coach, researcher Nicola Wydenbach, Musical Director of the Mind and Soul Choir. Nicola talked with us about the mental and physical benefits of group singing and its therapeutic and clinical applications that can benefit individuals and communities. She also introduced us to her techniques for leading group singing without sheet music and encouraging improvisation.

Throughout the weekend we were also grateful for coaching and troubleshooting from singers Trevor Eliot Bowes and Yvette Bonner.

Thank you again to everyone who joined us!