The Gathering Wave

The Gathering Wave is back!

This exciting project brings together adult singing groups and children from all round the county to work towards a final performance in Hereford Cathedral on Saturday 28th July 2012, as part of the prestigious Three Choirs Festival. In 2003, 2006 and 2009 over 250 people took part and sang three inspirational concerts to huge and appreciative audiences.
This is a unique opportunity for amateur singers young and old to come together, share their passion for singing with like-minded people, and play their part in the most important event in Hereford’s musical calendar.

Plans for the 2012 Gathering Wave are well under way and will feature the first visit to Hereford of Njabulo Madlala an African baritone, winner of the 2010 Kathleen Ferrier prize, and a rising star on the opera and concert scene. There will also be the world premiere of a new work 'All Around This Jumbl'd Earth' by composer Bernard Hughes, which takes Hereford's own treasure the Mappa Mundi as its inspiration.

TO BOOK TICKETS TO THE GATHERING WAVE PERFORMANCE ON SATURDAY 28TH JULY
2012 (7:45pm) AT HEREFORD CATHEDRAL, CALL 0845 652 1823 OR, FOR ONLINE
BOOKINGS, CLICK HERE

The programme will include songs from around the world, both new and well-known.

Singers who have taken part before endorse what an inspiration the project can be.

“I had a great time – it was so good to sing with lots of different people of all ages from all over the county. Everyone was so enthusiastic. It was a unique experience.”

“What a lovely experience to sing with so many people in such a wonderful space.”

“It was a really memorable experience to work with so many top-class musicians and to all be together just to enjoy the singing. Everyone loved it.”

..and as one boy from a local primary school said as he came off the stage “I can’t believe I just did that!”

As always, a big part of the enjoyment is in the learning of the songs, and the sharing of skills and fun at the series of day workshops that take place during the year before the concert.

To date, the 2012 project is involving...
Hilary Smallwood - conductor
Jon Watson - conductor, piano
Bernard Hughes - composer, conductor
Njabulo Madlala - baritone
Rhiannon Davies - piano
Caitriona Turnbull - soprano
Peter Dyke - organ
Dennis Schiavon - bass guitar
Very Rev'd Michael Tavinor, Dean of Hereford - compere

...and the voices of Herefordshire people, including....
The Fire Choir
The Singing Tree
Village Voices
Golden Valley Singers
Mansel Singers
Rose Garden Choir
Ledbury Community Choir
Ledbury Choral Society
The Dolau Mixtures
Ross-on-Wye U3A Group
St Martin's Primary School, Hereford
Lugwardine Primary School
Garway Primary School
Bishop of Hereford's Bluecoat School

Bernard Hughes' website
Njabulo Madlala's website
Three Choirs Festival's website