Lute Songs in a Renaissance Refectory

The first Timeline Songs pilot project was held in July 2012. Singers in York were invited to spend an afternoon learning Stef’s three-part arrangement of ‘Flow my Tears’ by John Dowland at Bedern Hall (York city centre), with soprano Anna Edgington and tenor Jon Hughes. Participants were drawn from various local choirs and had a mixture of different abilities – some very experienced sight-readers and others had never sung before. We performed the piece to singers’ family and friends in an informal ‘twilight concert’. The participants gave some very helpful feedback on their experience of learning renaissance music by ear, and thanks to them, the Timeline Songs teaching method was born!

Testimonials:

Lesley Booth, York: “To have arranged that piece in the first place and then get a group of amateurs to perform it after just a few hours was nothing short of miraculous. It was a privilege to be part of it.”

Pat Chinn, York: “A very special afternoon. You had the mix just right – challenging but very beautiful music; a lovely venue and wonderful soloists.”