GIVING VOICE, in April each year,
is now an established event in the performance training calendar
and also belongs in the diary of anyone for whom the voice is
a source of inspiration and enjoyment. This year's theme: 'An
Archaeology of the Voice', is celebrated in a festival of
international performances and workshops, and is explored in
depth at 'The Dig' - a gathering where lively demonstrations,
talks and discussions are interwoven with outstanding performances
rarely seen and heard in the UK. Within the ten days of extraordinary
events there is something for everyone. GIVING VOICE is as much
a gathering for anyone who takes pleasure in listening to the
voice in performance or expressing their own creativity through
song or speech, as it is for those with a professional interest,
or research commitment.
Whether you manage to be with us for
the whole ten day GIVING VOICE Festival, or only participate in
a single workshop or attend a performance, we hope that you will
enjoy being part of an event which is founded on the belief that
the human voice is a vital means of creative expression and communication,
as diverse and subtle as all the peoples of the earth, and each
individual on it. The voice has the ability to communicate beyond
language and cultural difference, so in times when diversity may
seem to produce only strife and separation, let us explore those
qualities within the sounds of the voice which can allow people,
from wherever they come, to enjoy the riches of difference and
the recognition and celebration of a common humanity.
This year, our fifth exploration of
the human voice, we dig deep into vocal histories, uncover layers
of lost voices, discover reconstructions of ancient sacred songs
and sift through fragments for the sounds of our ancestors. Join
us on our exciting and passionate archaeological expedition to
uncover the echoes of past voices which can inspire the present
and future. Joan Mills : Project Director, GIVING VOICE |