A choral workshop directed by ALEXANDER DOUGLAS featuring the gospel ensemble AINE, finalists in the BBC Songs of Praise Gospel Choir of the Year 2014 Sunday, 17th May 2015 Afternoon and evening (2pm–7pm) at Huddersfield Methodist Mission.

Price: £10 per person includes drinks (tea or coffee) in the intervals— bring a sandwich if you want something to eat! Offline booking instructions at the foot of this page

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The Huddersfield Singers are excited to welcome AINE as their guests in a very special Come and Sing event based on the African–American spirituals tradition.

Choral singers in Yorkshire don’t often have the chance to work in a substantive way in non-classical music forms, so this is a great opportunity to be led through exciting new repertoire by Alexander Douglas, Conductor of The Huddersfield Singers—who also happens to be one of the UK’s outstanding gospel choral directors! We are also privileged to be joined by AINE, the gospel choir directed by Alexander that reached the final of the BBC Songs of Praise Gospel Choir of the Year 2014.

The day will consist of unusual gospel-based warm-ups, singing rounds and choruses by ear and also some score-based work on a few arrangements (including a South African spiritual). All necessary musical scores will be provided on the day.

The members of AINE will be on hand to work with the different sections throughout the afternoon, and the workshop will conclude with an informal performance of the various pieces of music that the participants have explored—which friends and family are welcome to attend for free. AINE will also sing a few numbers as part of the performance.

The event is open to all singers, whether experienced choir members or amateurs, who are keen to try something new and interesting.

Programme

2:00 WELCOME: Warm-ups (with a difference) 2:15 2:30 “One More Time” “Spirituals Medley” 3:00 BREAK for a drink 3:15 4:00 “Praise the Lord” (South African) “Welcome Table” 4:25 BREAK for sandwiches 5:00 5:45 “Steal Away” Review and performance brief 6:15 PERFORMANCE with numbers from AINE 7:00 CLOSE

Who’s who

The Huddersfield Singers The Huddersfield Singers was founded in 1875 as the Huddersfield Glee & Madrigal Society and operated under that name for over a century. As both the leading and longest-established chamber choir in the area, the choir is well-known for exploring adventurous musical repertoire, and has a constitutional commitment to educate the public in musical appreciation—hence this innovative workshop! The choir’s repertoire is primarily classical, though highly varied, and the group is always very keen to welcome new members. Please explore this website for further information.

AINE AINE (pronounced “An-yeh”) was formed in 2007 initially as an all-female ensemble but later added male voices. The group performs almost exclusively the compositions and arrangements of Alexander Douglas, whose unique approach to contemporary gospel music adopts elements from both jazz and classical music. As noted, the group reached the final of the prestigious BBC Songs of Praise Gospel Choir of the Year 2014 competition.

Alexander Douglas Alex is Conductor of The Huddersfield Singers, Music Director of AINE and director of various other ensembles. Beyond his gospel interests he is a great proponent of the music of Bach, and has wide-ranging interests in classical music and jazz. He has achieved success as a composer and arranger, including having written a film score that was performed by Hugh Laurie! He holds three Masters degrees in music.

Booking

The price is £10 per person for the five-hour event, including refreshments in the two intervals. To buy tickets online, please use the PayPal Buy Now button near the top of this page.

Although it will be possible to just turn up and pay on the door, booking in advance is strongly encouraged because the number of places is limited.

To obtain tickets directly (without using PayPal), please contact The Huddersfield Singers’ Secretary, Ruth Wilson:

Telephone: 01422 822342

Email: secretary@huddersfieldsingers.com

Or simply send a cheque for £10 per person, payable to The Huddersfield Singers, to: