SWEMF Workshop for voices and strings with Clare Griffel
28th June 2025 – St Monica’s Chapel, Cote Lane, Bristol
The beautiful chapel of St Monica’s, Cote Lane, Bristol was the venue for today’s Gibbons workshop. We (singers and instrumentalists) were wonderfully guided through the day by Clare Griffel, with snippets of historical information on the Orlando Gibbons plus hints on vocal technique and interpretation of the chosen pieces. This year is the 400th anniversary of Gibbons’ death. We were left in no doubt as to the gargantuan and continuing effect his works have had on the development of music, and it is no wonder his works are still popular and much in use today.
I would personally like to say as a relatively infrequent attender to SWEMF, that the welcome is always warm and encouragement plentiful. I would attend more often only my choir engagements often clash!
Many thanks are due to the tireless organisers, the running of these workshops is so much appreciated, and that should never be undervalued or taken for granted.
The workshop completed with a sing through of 2 Verse Anthems, The Magnificat from his Short Service setting of Evening Canticles and finally the sublime and well loved madrigal, The Silver Swan.
Some of the residents of St Monica’s retirement village were kind enough to come and listen and warmly applauded.
A vote of thanks was given to Clare for conducting and to Jenny Tribe for organising the day. The final vote of thanks was a heartfelt thanks to Mr Gibbons for providing us with such wonderful material.
Sally Walker