A gala concert, showcasing both our young and our established singers, plus the world premiere of True Thomas. This is the final event of Berwick Singfest!
Part I
En Miniature: An exciting and varied programme, in styles to suit all tastes, of small groups and soloists including a Young Children’s Choir for ages 4—10, run by Young Singing Leaders aged 13 –18 from across Berwick and the Borders, and a Young People’s Choir of top young singers aged 11-18, taken from 6 schools in Berwick and the Borders. Also showcasing other local talent from across Berwick and the Borders: the Border Tarts with their a capella charms, and soloists Rachel Dyson, Tamsin Davison, Cameron Robertson, and Cyril Young.
Part II
En Masse: True Thomas is a new, large-scale piece, specially commissioned for Berwick Singfest! from local composer and talented musician, Chris Achenbach; it is for a Massed Community Choir, drawn from the rich heritage of community choirs and singers across Berwick and the Borders and further
afield, with soloists Paul Castledine as Thomas the Rhymer, and Holly Beckmyer as the Queen of
the Fairies, accompanied by the Earl Grey Saxes and percussionist Finlay McDermid.
It is scored for adult and youth choirs, soloists and instrumental ensemble. Based around the ancient
Borders ballad of Thomas the Rhymer, it features Borders songs such as Ca’ the Yowes and The Broom of the Cowdenknowes, as well as a fresh treatment of the relationship between Thomas and the Queen of the Fairies.
Thomas the Rhymer (1220 – 1298) hailed from Earlston. You can read more about him here and you can listen to Steeleye Span’s song about Thomas the Rhymer.
Singfest Finale is on Saturday, May 20th at Berwick Parish Church. You can book tickets here .