It may seem like an unlikely claim, but London's "Harmonic Concordance" are billed as the UK's only pagan choir.
The recent burgeoning popularity of paganism in the UK (45,000 adherents at the last count in the census) has led to a demand for choral music associated with earth-based spirituality. "A lot of our members previously sang with choral societies and choirs whose repetoire consisted mainly of Christian music," says choir chairperson, Ben Collier. "As pagans they wanted to sing pieces that spoke to their own understanding of religion."
The choir began in October of last year and has grown steadily. It now boasts over 25 active members and is due to appear for the first time at the Beltane Bash, at Conway Hall, London, on the 30th of May. "The response from the pagan community has been fabulous," says music director Kevin Hollands. "People have been extremely enthusiastic and keen to help." The choir has been given numerous compositions, including an ancient pre-Christian carol, reconstituted and arranged by a modern hand.
In fact, the choir sings a range of material, from folk tunes and songs to modern compositions. "We are always open to suggestions for music," says Collier, but for the time being, their schedule is full. "During the summer months we've a number of performances, a picnic, and a trip to Stonehenge. It should be an interesting year."
The choir's website is at:
http://www.harmonic-concordance.com
The choir began in October of last year and has grown steadily. It now boasts over 25 active members and is due to appear for the first time at the Beltane Bash, at Conway Hall, London, on the 30th of May. "The response from the pagan community has been fabulous," says music director Kevin Hollands. "People have been extremely enthusiastic and keen to help." The choir has been given numerous compositions, including an ancient pre-Christian carol, reconstituted and arranged by a modern hand.
In fact, the choir sings a range of material, from folk tunes and songs to modern compositions. "We are always open to suggestions for music," says Collier, but for the time being, their schedule is full. "During the summer months we've a number of performances, a picnic, and a trip to Stonehenge. It should be an interesting year."
The choir's website is at:
http://www.harmonic-concordance.com
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