Choir raises its voice in celebration

English Dance and Song Autumn 2018

This article was published in English Dance and Song, the magazine of the English Folk Dance and Song Society. The world’s oldest magazine for folk music and dance, EDS was first published in 1936 and is essential reading for anyone with a passion for folk arts. 

Rachel Elliott, EFDSS’ Education Director, sings the praises of Cecil Sharp House Choir as it marks its first decade.

Cecil Sharp House Choir is one of a small number of choirs around the country that has folk song at the heart of its repertoire. It concentrates on singing unaccompanied folk and traditional songs from Britain and beyond. Though members aren’t required to audition, they need to be confident singers who are able to hold a tune and are keen to perform. Songs are taught by ear and there’s no need to read music

The choir, which meets weekly, was set up and is run by EFDSS as part of its adult learning programme. Its inspirational leader is Sally Davies who creates most of the choir’s distinctive arrangements, which are described by folk artist and fellow choir leader Carolyn Robson as ‘sometimes challenging and always exciting’

It was Carolyn who established the choir during her time as EFDSS’ Education Consultant. A taster session took place in October 2007 and proved a success; the choir was launched, starting with two sessions per month.

It was also Carolyn who spotted Sally and asked her to lead this new venture. Although familiar with traditional polyphonic songs from all over the world, Sally was less experienced with the British folk tradition. She explained: “I was delighted and intrigued to be in the bosom of the folk world. On discovering that British folk song arrangements for choirs were thin on the ground, I was galvanised into composing new arrangements. Fortunately, Cecil Sharp House is just the right place to access a wealth of raw material. As the choir grew, writing for it and leading it became a fertile, musically creative venture for me. I enjoy trying out new ways of arranging traditional songs with an amazing group of willing singers, and meeting other choir leaders interested in getting British folk song into the choir repertoire.”

From September 2008, Cecil Sharp House Choir started meeting for weekly sessions and, from then, singers, repertoire and reputation have all steadily grown. All 70 places are currently filled and there is a substantial waiting list. Over the years, the choir has performed regularly at Cecil Sharp House, including at the annual Festive Gathering, and at a host of other venues and events such as the British Library, the Southbank Centre (Chorus Festival, Tapping the Source), Voices Now festival at the Roundhouse, the National Maritime Museum, Union Chapel, St Thomas’ Hospital, Kings Place, Sidmouth Folk Week, Moseley Folk Festival and the House of Commons.

Not only composed of many fine and committed singers, the choir has evolved a strong sense of community. Jo Swinhoe, a member of the choir for the past four years, said: “What I like best is singing with new and old friends and being so much part of the choir community. I enjoy the singarounds in the bar after rehearsals and concerts. I have made true friends and I have learnt so much about folk music.”

In 2015, the choir made its first CD, Twice Good Morning, and in 2017 Sally created Lovers, Legends and Laments, a book containing 21 of her folk song arrangements for choirs. Both are available from the EFDSS Folkshop.

We’d like to thank everyone who has been involved with the choir over the past decade and contributed to its success