14 Jul 2013

Voices Together is an inclusive community choir drawing together members of different ages and backgrounds in Northern Ireland. Some of the members have been singing together since 1997 when a group went to an Inter–faith gathering in Graz, Austria. This original group was made up of three existing choirs at that time: Jubilate!, Corrymeela Singers and Solas.

In 2011 we decided it was time to grow! We held two open workshops which attracted many new interested folk, many of whom have gone on to become committed Voices Together members. Now with over 60 on our books, we have been singing in this new expanded form since 2012. Performances in the last two years have included a number of fundraising concerts for developing world charities – H2o Orphanage in Bali, Christian Aid, Trocaire – a tour to Limerick City (where we sang for Bishop Trevor Williams) and a Peace–building event with Tommy Sands and Willie Drennan. Corrymeela has always played a part in the life of Voices Together and many of its members are also connected with the community in different ways. We sang at the rededication of the Croi in 2009 and have led worship at the Community’s annual dedication service for many years. Most recently Voices Together featured in John Anderson’s Sing Out programme on BBC Radio Ulster – a great opportunity to raise our profile and to be heard by a much wider audience!

The diverse membership of Voices Together finds expression in a love of music from many different times and cultures: folk songs from Africa, Spirituals, songs from the Celtic traditions, classical music and arrangements by group members. Voices Together is directed by Dave Stewart, a member of the Corrymeela Community. Dave’s passion is for maximising people’s enthusiasm and skill for singing. As a result we aim for ‘contextual excellence’ in all we do in Voices Together – but we make sure we have a lot of fun in the process!

Why not check us out on www.facebook.com/VoicesTogether

We are always keen to hear from anyone who would like to join us. If you are interested in becoming a member please contact Janet Uprichard on janetuprichard@googlemail.com.

Voices Together: Promoting the Music in Diversity and the Diversity in Music!