Early bird dealine for this weekend ends on Friday 22 April, £20 per person extra after that date.
Friday 22 July 2016 5pm to Sunday 24 July 2016 2pm
Brathay Hall
Ambleside LA22 0HP
Cumbria, Lake District
Cost: £185 (superior twin/ double)/ £170 (small shared twin)/ £195 (single occupancy of twin) PER PERSON
if booked before 22 April 2016 £20 per person extra after that date
Go to Chris's website to download a booking form.
A fun-filled weekend of singing in the beautiful English Lake District. Learn songs from ancient Eastern European cultures: crunchy harmonies, songs of passion, haunting chants, joyous celebration — for anyone who loves to sing, no experience necessary.
Ambleside is in the very heart of the Lake District. Brathay Hall, a beautiful Georgian mansion, is set in 360 acres of mature woodland and rolling pasture at the head of Lake Windermere. The price includes all meals, tuition and tea/ coffee breaks.
The weekend will draw on songs from a wide range of sources from across Eastern Europe: Bulgaria, Russia, the Balkans, Georgia and many more. The workshop will consist of warm-ups, simple songs that bring instant rewards and also more complex songs in several parts that offer the rewarding challenges. There will also be opportunities to explore the local area and relax.
The folk songs of Eastern Europe are sung as part of everyday life by everyday people, not professional performers. The songs are characterised by unusual rhythms (which are usually danced), by delicious harmonies and by vocal styles and ornamentations which carry far across the mountains. All songs have been chosen carefully and arranged especially for voices only — not an instrument or backing track in sight.
You will learn songs from a variety of different countries and singing traditions, most often in three-part harmony: mountain hollers, lullabies, love songs, songs of passion and joy. Although the lyrics will be in the language of the country of origin, they are easily broken down into simple and singable syllables. You are not expected to know the languages!
Everything will be taught by ear in a fun, friendly and informal way. No previous experience needed — just bring yourself and have a go. You'll be amazed at the wonderful sound we create together whether you sing regularly in a choir or just in the privacy of your own bathroom. A a recording of the workshop will be made available free afterwards to remind you of the weekend.
Feedback from 2015's African weekend at Brathay:
"Thank you for the weekend. I had a great sense of achievement, and met some friendly and interesting people. We worked hard, but you made it fun."
"Thank you for a truly excellent, thoroughly enjoyable weekend and absolutely magnificent venue. Just listened to the recording. Amazing! How on earth did you get a group of strangers to sound so good in a weekend! Wow."
"Just a quick note to say how much I enjoyed the weekend both singing and social. 36 voices in various harmonies makes for a great sound though keeping control of us cannot have been easy! I thought Brathay did us proud with comfortable rooms, magnificent views and excellent food."
Chris Rowbury has 30 years’ experience as a patient, charismatic teacher with a relaxed style laced with plenty of humour. He will get you singing in wonderful harmony in a matter of minutes.
