“Rebellion in Medieval Music"
A workshop for voices and instruments directed by
Belinda Sykes and members of Joglaresa
Saturday 23rd May 2015 – 10:00am – 3.00pm
The Guildhall, Beverley
Register Square, Beverley, East Riding of Yorkshire, HU17 9XX
Rebellion in Medieval Music
Medieval music has been enjoying a resurgence of interest over the last few decades
partly because it can be so creative. Belinda will lead sessions that transform the most
minimal of manuscript material into a performance practice accessible to audiences
today. She will cover, through these informal, practical sessions:
• Improvisation – various kinds
• Minimal performance versus luxurious arrangements
• Instrumentation/orchestration – ‘authentic’ medieval instruments not necessary
For classically trained musicians, nervous of improvisation, but who would like to try in a
safe environment, then Belinda's approach to improvisation is very accessible. To leave
behind the written note and play by ear is an excellent way of starting; being creative
within melodic and rhythmic modes, without worrying about functional harmony, is
liberating. Belinda also encourages everybody to sing – at least in choruses, if not
necessarily solos.
All voices and instruments welcome (medieval instruments not essential)
Pitch A=440. Music will be provided on the day.
Project leader Belinda Sykes’ career ranges from singing solo in the Carnegie Hall and
The Royal Albert Hall (with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra), to Professor of Medieval
Music at London’s Trinity College of Music, to oboe soloist in Sir Harrison Birtwistle’s
setting of Bacchai for the National Theatre.
She has delivered exciting children’s and amateur adults’ workshops for Spitalfields
Festival, Cheltenham Festival, Brighton Festival of Early Music, Beverley Festival and
many individual schools. She has taught at the Guildhall School of Music, Royal College
of Music, Royal Academy of Music, Newcastle University, Exeter University and many
others. Belinda enthusiastically teaches all ages and abilities.
"Belinda Sykes is an infectious communicator gifted with a flexible and powerful vocal
technique." Early Music Today
“These exquisite manuscripts indicated no rhythms, harmonies or instrumentation — so
informed guesswork is the order of the day. And Sykes is more informed than most. Her study
of voice and improvisation in North Africa, Spain and the Middle East is thrillingly evident in the
vocalism of ‘A new star has appeared’, with its melismas and its spooky, tritone-inflected
melody.” The Times
Fees for the day – including music, morning and afternoon refreshments:
£15: £10 concessions and students (over 18) Booking and payment can be made by
post or online at www.ncem.co.uk/joglaresa There will be a lunch break to allow time
to attend the lunchtime recital at St Mary’s Church.
The Venue:
The Guildhall has been the home of civic
governance in Beverley for over 500
years. The building itself was
substantially re-modelled in the 18th
and 19th centuries, and features a
stunning courtroom (pictured left) with
ornate plaster ceiling by Giuseppe
Cortese, a Magistrate's room with
original 17th century furniture and an
elegant Parlour with a silver collection
dating back over several centuries.
Directions
The Guildhall is located at the end of Register Square in Beverley, adjacent to
the main post office.
By Rail and Bus: The Guildhall is only a few minutes’ walk from both the
railway station and the bus station in Beverley.
If you would like to join us for this workshop please complete the
application form (online or by post) and return it to National Centre for Early
Music, St Margaret’s Church, Walmgate, YORK YO1 9TL no later than Friday
May 15th to allow for preparation of the music.
BEMF: Application Form: Workshop 1 – with Belinda Sykes
“Rebellion in Medieval Music” – 23rd May 2015
Name/s: …………………………………………………………………………………………………………
□ A□ T □ B□ (please tick)
Voice: S
Instrument: ………………………………………………………………………………………………….
Address: ………………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………….. Post code ……………………
Telephone: …………………………………………………………………………………………………..
*Email address: ……………………………………………………………………………………………
*Please supply an email address if you can for acknowledgement of your
application. This will be used only in regard to workshop information and not
passed to third parties.
I enclose a cheque to cover my workshop fee for £ ………….. made payable to
The National Centre for Early Music
If you require a postal acknowledgement please enclose an SAE.
Please return this application by May 15th 2015 to:
National Centre for Early Music,
St Margaret’s Church,
Walmgate,
YORK YO1 9TL