Biggest project for Norwich community choir

Mary HamiltonA community choir is gearing up for its biggest performance ever at Norwich Cathedral today.The Voice Project has almost 130 members this year - the largest number of voices ever assembled for a concert by the Norwich-based charity.Mary Hamilton

A community choir is gearing up for its biggest performance ever at Norwich Cathedral today.

The Voice Project has almost 130 members this year - the largest number of voices ever assembled for a concert by the Norwich-based charity.

They will be performing the world premiere of Recording Angel, written specially for them by renowned Norwegian musicians and composers Arve Henriksen, a jazz trumpeter, and Jan Bang, a DJ and sampler.

The pair have been working in collaboration with the Voice Project's Jonathan Baker and Sian Croose over the last three months to create a spooky and spellbinding performance, sung by people who in some cases have never sung publicly before.

Since 2003 the organisers have worked each year to bring together Norfolk singers, from first-timers who cannot read music to keen regulars with long histories of singing together.

Teaching the choir together and in split groups, Mr Baker and Ms Croose use repetition and learning by rote to help their choir to learn the often complex pieces, aiming to take people on a journey from singing occasionally or not at all through to a professional performance.

Mr Baker said: 'We're community musicians who believe in the idea that music is not exclusive and that it should be shared around.

'The voice is something that nearly everybody can use and everyone has something to say.

'It's wonderful to take someone on that journey and help them to be part of the process and part of their community in a positive way.'

The choir will be joined on stage by Mr Henriksen, whose trumpet playing has appeared on more than 100 records, and Mr Bang, who has worked with top electronic musicians including Brian Eno and is a world-famous record producer and performer.

They will appear alongside Neutrinos guitarist Mark Howe, percussionist Pip Cotterill and guest solo singers Rebecca Askew, Jeremy Avis, Sianed Jones and Jonathan Baker.

After today's Festival performance, there are plans for Recording Angel to tour other venues and festivals in the UK and Europe, including performances in Norway.

The Voice Project Choir will perform Recording Angel this evening at Norwich Cathedral at 8pm. Tickets cost between �5 and �19.

For more information and to book tickets call 01603 766400 or visit www.nnf10.org.uk.