Sixteen sparkling singers from Vermont (USA),led by Larry Gordon, form the unique music vocal ensemble Northern Harmony; the highest level performing group under the umbrella of the world music organisation Village Harmony. Since 1993, Northern Harmony have toured and performed widely throughout America and Europe to great critical acclaim. Now on their 16th European tour, these outstanding performers visit Dorset for two special concerts with Artsreach this spring, as part of a large scale national tour which sees them visit such venues as The Sage, Gateshead and the American Museum in Bath.
Transcending the traditional definition of choral music, the group is particularly renowned for its command of varied world ethnic singing styles; from the hearty and ultra bright Bulgarian “hard voice” to the equally powerful, but darker and more sonorous Georgian timbre; from the rich, mellifluous South African style or the wild and unrestrained American shape-note sound and quartet gospel to a delicate, pure, early music timbre. The singers include some of the most talented veterans of other Village Harmony performing ensembles. Many of the younger members have sung with Village Harmony since the age of 12, and most have studied traditional singing styles first hand with native teachers in South Africa, Bulgaria, Corsica and Caucasus Georgia. These concerts will feature the thrilling mix of world harmony traditions that has earnt Northern Harmony their wide reputation for a remarkable command of different singing styles.
“Sheer agility, vitality and colour”
Mike Joyce, Washington Post
“a great concert – it was certainly the most moving one of the entire festival”
Kate Bolton, Artistic Director, London Lufthansa Festival of Music
Tue 7th Oct, 7:30pm. St Christopher’s Church, Winfrith. Tel: 01305 852117
Sat 11th Oct, 7:30pm. Wootton Fitzpaine Village Hall. Tel: 01297 560948
‘Exploring World Music Styles’ Workshop with Northern Harmony
Monday 6th Oct, 7pm – 9pm. St Christopher’s Church, Winfrith (DT2 8HB)
Whilst touring Dorset with Artsreach, Northern Harmony is also hosting an open singing workshop where attendees will be taught a selection of songs from the wide variety of genres that the group specialises in. Singers from Northern Harmony will help to support each vocal part, making the teaching particularly effective and rewarding. No previous experience is required, just a love of singing.
Suitable for teenagers and adults, the workshop costs just £5. Tel: 01305 852117 to book
