Performing Vukani Mawethu African piece at GACMA 2016

Adaptation by Sian Croose of a traditional joik called Nieida ('Girl'). A joik is a unique form of cultural expression for the Sámi people (or Lapps - region stretches over four countries: Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Russia). This type of song can be ...  moreAdaptation by Sian Croose of a traditional joik called Nieida ('Girl'). A joik is a unique form of cultural expression for the Sámi people (or Lapps - region stretches over four countries: Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Russia). This type of song can be deeply personal or spiritual in nature, often dedicated to a human being, an animal, or a landscape as a personal signature. According to music researchers, joik is one of the longest living music traditions in Europe, and is the folk music of the Sámi people. Its sound is comparable to the traditional chanting of some Native American cultures. This is from The OK Chorale's second public concert in March 2013 at St. Mary's Church, Woodbridge, Suffolk, UK.  less

Greetings to all Choir Lovers! I am so excited to be a part of the growing world choir phenomenon. So many possibilities exist for singers, composers, and lovers of vocal music to connect and collaborate not only musically, but socially as well. Having be...

The Maestro Casanovas Chorale was founded in 1986 and is named in recognition of the Maestro Francisco Casanovas. He has given concerts in different Spanish cities and internationally. He has appeared as guest choir at the International Contest of Haban...  moreThe Maestro Casanovas Chorale was founded in 1986 and is named in recognition of the Maestro Francisco Casanovas. He has given concerts in different Spanish cities and internationally. He has appeared as guest choir at the International Contest of Habanera and Polyphony of Torrevieja. He has also performed concerts of polyphonic works of great composers from the Renaissance to the twentieth-century works. Most components of this choir are professional musicians or young students of instrumental or vocal music. The choir has performed concert tours in Switzerland, Italy and Cuba. Receive the following awards to date: 2 nd prize in Portugalete, 2nd prize and special prize in the contest of carols in Molina de Segura (Murcia), 2nd prize and prize for the best Nana in the contest of lullabies and carols in Rojales (Alicante ). In 2006 he won first prize in the National Contest of Habanera XXVI of Totana (Murcia). In December 2007 he won the first prize in the thirteenth edition Carols Contest Rojales. This last ...    less

Live performance in December 2023 at Shekinah Retreat Centre, Waldheim, SK

[A version of this article first appeared as a post on my blog From the Front of the Choir] Many of us are in choirs where a particular section needs bolstering. In my case it’s a lack of altos, for others it might be too few tenors.  ...

[The views expressed in this blog are from my personal experiences from 25 years of leading non-auditioned community choirs in the UK, as well as adult singing workshops. My focus is on teaching by ear using a repertoire of songs from traditions across th...

[The views expressed in this blog are from my personal experiences from 25 years of leading non-auditioned community choirs in the UK, as well as adult singing workshops. My focus is on teaching by ear using a repertoire of songs from traditions across th...